Juniper
Toyota bZ4X Review by Dr Long SP
The 2026 Toyota bZ4X is an updated version to the original bZ4X which debuted in early 2022. Coming to ASEAN in 2025 and then to Malaysia in 2026, the latest version addresses many of the earlier model shortcomings with improved performance, greater efficiency, improved range and a more refined driving experience. From the outside, the bZ4X retains its Toyota RAV-4ish (rear) and Lexus RX450e-like styling. Sharp chiseled lines, hammerhead shark nose with slim LED daytime running lights and full LED-light bar at the rear. Contrasting glossy-black wheel arch claddings give it a distinctive appearance (Malayan Tapir anyone?) that separates it from the rest of SUVs pack. While its styling can be polarizing, there’s no denying it looks modern yet instantly recognisable as a Toyota.
Inside, the cabin feels spacious and airy, despite the deep and chunky dashboard. Seats are well shaped, firm and supportive. Toyota has improved the infotainment system with a quicker interface and more
responsive/intuitive e.g. A/C dials, along with plenty of physical controls/switches/buttons, making familiarising with all the functions less frustrating and easy muscle memory. Materials quality is largely good and trims felt solidly put together, though some hard plastics remain in less noticeable areas.
Plenty of space for luggage, etc.’
Open the bonnet
The interior
Rear-seat passengers enjoy good legroom, thanks to the flat floor. The boot is practical enough for family outings, with about 450L of storage space with rear seats up. On the road, the bZ4X prioritizes comfort over outright sporty demeanour. The suspension absorbs bumps well – with a firm yet supple character, making it an excellent long-distance cruiser. Steering is weightier than what most Chinese makes offer. It has that rather strong heavy centering instinct that serves up confidence at highway speed. So much so it feels like an old school hydraulic rack. The same feeling applies to its brake and throttle response feedback to the driver. Much like an ICE vehicle.
Acceleration is just alright at 7.6 seconds to the century for this FWD single motor pushing out a maximum power of 227ps and 269Nm of maximum torque. Its claimed top speed of 160 km/h is actually falling short of the expected 180km/h for any other BEV or PHEV SUV out there. Yet looking at the bigger picture, the bZ4X is stable and planted even as speed climbs, with good body control over various unforgiving road surfaces.
Efficiency is one of the bZ4X’s strengths, helping maximize real world power consumption never exceeding 18.0 kWh/100km, no matter how much you jab the electric throttle. Claimed WLTP range is 525km. Charging performance has also improved, offering an intake of AC 22kW which is up-to-date & up-to-mark for home wall-box charging. DC charging is meanwhile at 150 kW maximum enabling 10% to 80% top-up of its 73.1 kWh Li-Ion LFP battery in 28 – 30 minutes.
With Toyota’s reputation for reliability and after-sales support, the bZ4X inspires confidence as a long-term ownership proposition. However, the competition has move quickly ahead in this class of quasi-premium BEV/PHEV SUVs. Rivals often provide more powerful performance, and heavily tech-laden interiors at similar or even lower prices. As a result, the 2026 bZ4X do feel like it’s a few years late to the game.
Conclusion:
I reckon that the 2026 bZ4X is a rather complete electric SUV for those wanting to switch from their trusty Toyota Harriers, grey imports Lexus RX or Lexus NX of the last generations. Or even as a viable alternative to the almost similar-priced Lexus LBX? The bZ4X offers a solid ride, dependable engineering and is “fuel” efficient. While it may not be the most tarmac-scorching or tech-laden BEV available, it delivers a well-rounded package that will satisfy buyers seeking that familiar ICE-vehicle or that quickly relatable analog experience in an all-electric SUV (EV/BEV).
Once again wishful thinking, if only its sticker price hovers around the RM180k +/- mark…then we would have the bZ4X flying off the shelves into the arms of Toyota or even some Lexus SUV/Crossover prosumers. A CKD Toyota bZ4X soon, perhaps?
Kuala Lumpur-based Dr. Long See Pin is a certified car enthusiast who has previously spent some two decades testing and writing about new cars. He is currently motoring correspondent at Junipers Journal, MotoAuto.com and can be found online @drlongspcars on Insta, FB and TikTok.
He was also a former member of the Malaysia Car of the Year (COTY) judging panel. As a medical doctor, he specialises in skin & aesthetics @drlongskinclinic.com
