What Is the Best Value EV?
It’s fair to say that the Toyota bZ4X hasn’t exactly set our hearts on fire here at GreenCars. It’s a good electric vehicle, with decent range, a high level of standard equipment, and distinctive looks, but hasn’t been a standout in its class in the same way Toyota’s hybrids like the RAV4 and Highlander usually are. Plus, until now, the bZ4X’s starting MSRP looked high compared to longer-range, faster-charging, better-equipped vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. That all changes for 2025, because Toyota’s just cut the price of the bZ4X by $6,000 making it a much better value and a much more competitive proposition.
2025 bZ4X Performance and Charging
From a technical standpoint, there hasn’t been much change to the bZ4X. Front-wheel drive models continue with a single motor, 201 hp, and an EPA range estimate of up to 252 miles, or up to 228 miles for 214-hp all-wheel drive models, depending on trim and wheel selection. Pick the biggest wheels and all-wheel drive and maximum range could be as low as 222 miles.
Charging speed isn’t class-leading either, with Toyota claiming that a full charge will take over nine hours on a Level 2 home charger, and on a Level 3 DC fast charger, you’ll max out at a middling 150 kW. An Ioniq 5 can charge almost twice as fast. Kudos to Toyota, however, for making customers’ lives easier by offering a year of complimentary charging on the EVgo network, as well as offering a ChargePoint HomeFlex home charger and Qmerit installation at the point of purchase.
A New EV for Under $40,000
The big news for 2025 is the price. The well-equipped XLE front-wheel drive model now starts at an MSRP of $37,070, a 14-percent reduction compared to 2024, with all of the same standard features. Adding all-wheel drive bumps the MSRP to $39,150, still under the magic $40,000 mark, while the loaded Limited models are now over $5,000 cheaper. These are huge price reductions and make the bZ4X accessible to a new group of buyers. Lease them and you can, for now, access an additional $7,500 federal tax incentive.
For those interested in both style and substance, there is a new Nightshade trim level for the bZ4X as well. Available in “wind chill pearl” or “heavy metal” colors with a contrasting black roof (a full-black treatment is also available), the Nightshade features black wheels and special badging, black door handles, a black rear spoiler, and black synthetic leather trimmed with red stitching.
2025 bZ4X Interior and Safety
The bZ4X’s interior remains largely unchanged, as well, which is just fine with us. It’s spacious, attractive, and well-made, and the tech is mostly very easy to use. Standard equipment for all bZ4X models now includes a heat pump, which means you lose far less range in winter weather. There’s a crystal-clear driver’s display, a large central touchscreen, wireless charging, and ample space for five with rear seats that fold flat to expand the already-spacious rear cargo area, measuring 27.7 cubic feet. A large panoramic glass roof is also standard on all models.
No matter which bZ4X you choose, you get a full suite of driver assistance systems as standard. There’s a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; full-speed active cruise control; lane departure alert with steering assist; lane tracing assist; automatic high beams; road sign assist; blind spot monitor; rear cross-traffic alert; and much more.
bZ4X: From Competitive to Compelling
While the 2025 bZ4X isn’t that much different from the 2024 model, other than the distinctive Nightshade trim, Toyota’s new, more aggressive pricing has suddenly made a pretty good EV at a decent value. In fact, we think the bZ is a vehicle you may want to consider if you’re making the switch to electric. Other than the new Chevrolet Equinox EV, there’s nothing that can really touch the bZ4X on price.
Combine competitive, if not class-leading features, Toyota build quality, and an MSRP thousands lower than most of its competitors, and you now have a very compelling package.
