2024 Toyota BZ4x: Updated SUV revealed and confirmed for Australian launch

December: 2024 Toyota BZ4x initial features confirmed ahead of February launch

October: 2024 Toyota BZ4x update revealed

A minor update for the Toyota BZ4x electric SUV has debuted at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.

The changes are limited to reduced charging time in low-temperature environments, reduced power consumption, and new badges.

Toyota claims the charging time from when the low-battery warning appears to 80 per cent is reduced by up to 30 per cent "under low outside temperatures" due to improved battery heating.

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In Japan, this new 'BEV' badge replaces the old 'electric' insignia

It also has an optimised air-conditioner with a power-saving eco mode to warm occupants through more efficient methods, such as the heated seats and steering wheel, and a humidity sensor that "detects cloudiness in the windshield and controls the timing of outdoor air capture more precisely".

Like other electric vehicles, the instrument cluster will now display key charging information, including time to 80 per cent and the difference in range between having the air-conditioner switched on or off.

Toyota Australia vice president sales, marketing, and franchise operations Sean Hanley also revealed that Aussies will jump straight to the updates BZ4x without passing go.

Pricing, features, and sales targets will be announced closer to the BZ4x's local release in February 2024.

"We know BEVs like the bZ4X will play an increasingly important role in cutting carbon. But we also know it will take many years before we have enough battery material and renewable energy to support mass adoption of BEVs", said Mr Hanley.

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It's clear that the BZ4x won't make up a large chunk of Toyota's sales in Australia initially, despite global production for the RAV4-sized electric SUV jumping massively from its first full year of 5000 deliveries.

"We will therefore maintain our global strategy of deploying as many technologies as possible, blending BEVs with hybrids and other technologies, including fuel cells, hydrogen injection and carbon-neutral fuels. This diversity of technologies is Toyota’s strength", added Hanley.

There are no revisions to the BZ4x's powertrain, with a 150kW/337Nm powertrain for front-drive variants, rising to 160kW for AWD models.

Twinned with the Subaru Solterra, the electric SUVs have a 71.4kWh battery allowing for a driving range of up to 516 kilometres, a 10-80 per cent charge in 30 minutes at 150kW, and an 8.4-second or 7.7s 0-100km/h sprint time.

The BZ4x competes in the growing electric medium SUV marketplace currently dominated by the Tesla Model Y. Additional rivals, such as the just-arrived Ford Mustang Mach-E and soon-to-launch Volkswagen ID.4 will only make this a tougher market segment.

Toyota is yet to detail BZ4x pricing but we expect the Japan-built SUV (and its Subaru Solterra sibling) to start beyond $70,000 for single-motor versions and climb above $80,000 for twin-motor AWD variants.