What is the range of a bZ4X on the highway?
The highway range of a bZ4X is typically around 210–225 miles for the front-wheel-drive version and about 180–195 miles for the all-wheel-drive version on a full charge, depending on conditions.
The Toyota bZ4X is an all-electric compact SUV. Official EPA estimates for recent model years place the front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant around 252 miles of range, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant sits around the low 220s miles. Real-world highway performance, however, can be lower than these numbers due to higher sustained speeds, wind resistance, outside temperature, tire choice, and climate-control usage. The exact figure also varies with wheel size and trim.
Highway driving uses more energy per mile than city driving for most electric vehicles, so the actual distance you can cover on a highway trip will often be less than the EPA combined rating. Planning for contingencies and using efficiency tips can help you stretch that distance on long highway stretches.
Official EPA ranges by drivetrain
The official numbers come from EPA testing and are used by manufacturers to set consumer expectations. They can vary slightly by wheel size and model year.
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): about 252 miles of EPA-estimated range.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): about 223 miles of EPA-estimated range.
These figures establish a baseline for planning trips, but real-world highway range will typically be lower than the EPA combined rating due to speed and weather factors.
Highway-specific, real-world expectations
When traveling on highways at steady speeds (roughly 65–75 mph), energy use rises with wind resistance. Here are typical practical estimates to expect on long highway journeys.
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): roughly 210–225 miles on a full charge at typical highway speeds.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): roughly 180–195 miles on a full charge at typical highway speeds.
Note: These ranges are approximate and depend on factors such as outside temperature, wind, road grade, tire pressure, and whether climate-control or preconditioning is active.
Summary
Official EPA ranges for the bZ4X place FWD around the mid-200s and AWD a bit lower, with highway driving generally yielding 10–20% less range than the combined EPA figure. For planning long trips, expect roughly 210–225 miles (FWD) or 180–195 miles (AWD) on a full charge under typical highway conditions, with real-world results varying by conditions and driving style.
Why is the Toyota bZ4X not selling?
The Toyota bZ4X has struggled to sell due to early and widespread recalls (including a "wheels falling off" issue), poor charging speeds and range compared to rivals, a confusing name, and a design that some find unappealing. While the company has lowered the price and claims to have fixed the software issues, initial negative press has damaged the vehicle's reputation and hurt its sales performance.
Major issues with the bZ4X
- Recalls and reliability concerns: The vehicle launched with a dangerous recall where wheels could detach, which deeply damaged its reputation before sales could even begin. More recent recalls have addressed HVAC and defroster software glitches.
- Poor performance metrics: The bZ4X has a lower driving range and slower charging speeds than many competitors, making it less practical for potential EV buyers.
- Lack of exciting features: Critics have noted that the vehicle's design is either confusing or unappealing, and it lacks the "excitement" or "shock value" of some rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
- High price point: The initial price was seen as high for the vehicle's range and charging capabilities, though Toyota has since implemented a significant price reduction.
- Brand perception: For a brand known for reliability, the issues and recalls with its first mass-market EV have undermined public trust, a significant hurdle for a new-to-market electric vehicle.
Toyota's response
- Toyota has significantly cut the price of the bZ4X to improve its value proposition and make it more competitive.
- They are continuing to sell it as part of their broader electrified strategy, but it seems to be taking a backseat to their more popular hybrid models.
What is the real range of the Toyota bZ4X?
Real Range Estimation between 155 - 320 mi.
How many miles can a bZ4X go on a full charge?
*EPA-estimated 252-mile total driving range rating for 2024 bZ4X XLE FWD; 236-mile total driving range rating for 2024 bZ4X Limited FWD; 228-mile total driving range rating for 2024bZ4X XLE AWD; and 222-mile total driving range rating for 2024 bZ4X Limited AWD total driving range for when vehicle is fully charged and ...
How does highway driving affect bZ4X range?
Driving range may decrease significantly depending on speed, outside temperature, HVAC/accessory use, how/where you drive, charging habits and other factors. Battery capacity also decreases over the life of the vehicle, which will reduce range.
