2024 Toyota BZ Compact SUV gives a glimpse into Toyota’s electric future

Toyota has unveiled the BZ Compact SUV prototype at the 2022 LA International Auto Show this week as a teaser of what’s to come from the brand.

The BZ Compact SUV was first teased at Toyota’s EV strategy briefing in December 2021, when the Japanese carmaker announced it would introduce 30 new EVs by 2030.

The concept here is likely to be the second electric Toyota following the BZ4X, a RAV4-sized SUV expected to hit Australian shores mid-next year.

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The BZ Compact SUV – potentially to be called the BZ2X, as BZ3 is already a Chinese-market sedan – adopts a lower, more coupe-like roofline akin to the brand’s C-HR small SUV.

There are design touches linking the Compact SUV concept to the BZ4X – including the wraparound front LED lighting signature, and familiar tail-light design. Strong body lines run down the flanks, emphasising the BZ Compact SUV’s muscular shape.

“We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of the Beyond Zero moniker,” said Toyota group vice president and general manager David Christ.

“With an aerodynamic design coupled with intuitive tech features never before seen in a Toyota model, the BZ Concept showcases another possible vision of the very near future with our battery-electric vehicles.”

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Inside the BZ Compact SUV

If the BZ4X is a departure from Toyota’s traditional cabin design language, then the BZ Compact SUV goes a step further.

There are almost no buttons to be seen, with a broad horizontal-orientation infotainment touchscreen with a subtly curved bottom portion. The shifter is nestled below with soft storage cubbies either side.

The BZ Compact SUV also pushes forward with the controversial yoke steering wheel available on the BZ4X – and Tesla products – but this time with a fourth side across the top.

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There’s a digital driver’s display curved at the bottom, and Toyota says there’s a built-in assist called ‘Yui’ that can help with interior functionality.

Materials in the BZ Compact SUVs are sustainable made and sourced, with no leather in the cabin. Instead, the upholstery is made of plant-based or recycled materials.

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Powertrain and platform

Further details about the BZ Compact SUV are not confirmed, however it is likely to spawn a production version. In September, Toyota filed patent drawings in Australia suggesting a possible arrival here.

Information on powertrains are not confirmed, but Toyota says the BZ Compact SUV will be exhilarating and fun-to-drive, suggesting more grunt than the 160kW twin-motor BZ4X that gets to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds.

Given it wears the BZ moniker – and is one of five slated to do so, along with a teased sports car – it’s likely a production version of the BZ Compact SUV would ride on a version of the brand’s bespoke e-TNGA electric car platform.