Hey, Let Me Give You 7 Convincing Reasons to Seriously Consider Buying Toyota’s New bZ4X Electric SUV

As your resident EV expert and data junkie, I couldn’t help but notice you’ve had your eye on Toyota’s first purpose-built electric SUV, the bZ4X. Makes total sense why you’d be intrigued – with gas prices still brutally high and the EV options list expanding monthly, now seems like the perfect time to make the plug-in switch if you haven’t already.

And I get why the latest release out of Toyota City stands out as an early contender. You’ve owned other Toyotas, so the brand familiarity is comforting. Your kids are getting older and need more space, which its family-friendly dimensions deliver. Plus all the geeky high-tech gear makes you feel like Tony Stark. I totally get the appeal.

But before you pull the trigger and embrace battery-powered driving for the first time, I wanted to give you my full, candid impressions of the bZ4X. I’ve obsessively test driven and analyzed just about every new EV that’s hit the market, and I believe this one deserves to be on your short list if you’re willing to ditch gas.

Let me walk you through all of the compelling reasons why – as well as a few alternatives if the bZ4X doesn’t totally win you over by the end. Buckle up, let’s dig in!

Here‘s a Quick Recap of What Exactly the Toyota bZ4X Brings to the Table

Before I get into the details on why Toyota’s first ground-up EV merits strong consideration, let me quickly summarize what you’re getting with the bZ4X:

• Toyota’s inaugural battery electric SUV model
• The launch vehicle for Toyota’s new e-TNGA modular EV platform
• Available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations
• Powered by either a 201 hp single motor or 215 hp dual motor layout depending on drivetrain
• Offers between 228-252 miles of driving range per charge
• Five passenger midsize SUV with ample rear cargo room
• Standard DC fast charging capability
• Features 12.3” media display with wireless smartphone connectivity
• Comes loaded with the latest high-tech safety gear
• Impressively priced from $42,000 – $50,000 to start

Now that you’ve got the basic specs down, allow me walk you through the 7 biggest reasons that convince me the bZ4X deserves to rank at or near the top of your EV shopping list…

Reason 1: Toyota Got the Pricing Equation Right By Keeping Things Shockingly Affordable

If I had to identify the single most appealing aspect that should grab your attention, it’s almost certainly the pricing. In the SUV arena especially, most automakers are still brazenly charging massive early adopter rates on top of MSRPs and destination fees. We’re talking $60,000 minimums for some, even when cutting out available performance upgrades packages.

That’s why when Toyota shocked the industry by announcing sub-$50,000 asking prices for top trims – and sub-$45k to start – my jaw nearly hit the floor. This undercuts the luxury brand competition by a staggering margin for similarly spec’d rides.

And that killer value holds up when drilling into details. Want AWD? It’s baked into the price from the start unlike BMW’s $3,400 upcharge for the iX. Other key elements like heated seats, Softex leatherette, safety systems? All standard. By consolidating features into simplified pricing tiers, you avoid frustrating games finding the actual drive-home price.

If saving money matters for your next family vehicle (and why wouldn’t it?), the bZ4X delivers big time.

Toyota bZ4X vs. Luxury Electric SUV Competition Pricing

Reason 2: Leveraging Toyota’s Legendary Reputation for Reliability Bakes In Peace of Mind

Let’s be blunt – as a first timer navigating the still early days of mainstream EVs, having absolute faith in mechanical dependability rates critical. Range anxiety has nothing on breakdown anxiety for new adopters.

And arguably no automaker in history can match Toyota’s fanatical emphasis on durability testing and bulletproof component design. Over decades they’ve refined manufacturing processes down to a science focused on minimizing malfunctions to earn a pristine reputation.

While skeptics wonder if that gas-powered reliability translates into the high voltage arena, know that Toyota meticulously built the underpinning e-TNGA platform solely for EVs. By not repurposing existing infrastructure, engineers optimized layouts, battery packaging and electric motor positioning specifically for minimal maintenance over hundreds of thousands of miles.

Toyota also always errs on the side of caution spec’ing components. Thicker metal, overspecced cooling capacity and strict defect detection absolutely sacrifice some efficiency. But it also pays off exponentially more via minimized repair headaches down the road.

And to make doubly sure their first EV effort backs up the talk, Toyota provides an industry-leading 8 year, 100,000 warranty across EV architecture components. Few companies exude such supreme confidence in mechanical longevity. Between the stringent testing and exceptional coverage, reliability anxiety evaporates.

Reason 3: Strong Everyday Performance Makes it a Legit Alternative to Gas-Powered Family SUVs

Transitioning to an EV drivetrain understandably makes some nervous about living with performance compromises. And I’ll admit, among early electric vehicles, wonky throttle mapping and video-game brake regeneration took some acclimation.

Luckily as the components and software algorithms mature, the latest crop of mainstream EVs exhibit impressively refined road manners – including the Toyota bZ4X. Reviews applaud how naturally it accelerates, handles and brakes akin to a traditional crossover.

Credit clever tuning of the electric motor’s power delivery, which avoids any surging. 0-60 mph comes in at a brisk 7.0 seconds, which matches up favorably against gas contemporaries. There’s a perkiness that belies the modest 201 max horsepower output.

The AWD model steps things up further performance-wise thanks to a second rear-axle motor punching out a combined 215 hp. But regardless of configuration, the bZ4X exudes smooth, predictable drivability perfect for family hauling. You’ll never mistake it for a sports car, but that’s missing the point. This Toyota simply drives…normally.

And very far thanks to the ample battery capacity. Depending on FWD or AWD, expect between 228-252 miles range – right in line with the hottest sellers like Hyundai’s Ioniq 5. Getting 250 miles daily makes relying solely on your home charger a reality for many commuters. Road trip refueling is less convenient than gas, but improving fast as more DC fast charging stations come online.

Reason 4: Packed With Cutting Edge Tech and Connectivity That Rivals Luxury Brands

As much as you dig Toyota’s proven reputation, I know you also appreciate modern tech. All those smartphone-enabled toys that make driving less boring resonate in the face of old school automaker thinking.

No worries there – Toyota clearly took notes from Tesla’s infotainment success stories when designing the bZ4X’s high-powered digital brains. The core is a huge 12.3-inch touchscreen sporting crisp graphics, mimicking tablet responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enable your device’s apps to screen share without plugging in.

Further minimizing cord chaos, Qi wireless charging keeps phones buzzing near seamlessly. And recognizing road trip reality, the bZ4X comes standard with onboard WiFi allowing up to 10 devices to tap into the signal. With this much connectivity, there’s no need to spring for a technology package – it‘s all bundled in one reasonably-priced package.

Toyota also clearly catered to the reality of living with an EV by prioritizing power flow visualizations and charging station data access through the menus. While not triple-screen videogame bonkers like a Mercedes MBUX, it focuses on user-friendly fundamentals over flash. If keeping your tech skills sharp rates high on your must-have list, the bZ4X delivers.

Reason 5: Next Generation Safety Tech Keeps Your Family Protected

As much as performance and infotainment dazzle in the showroom, advanced safety support tech deserves equal billing when evaluating modern rides. And the bZ4X leaves little to chance by loading up the latest automated protections.

You’re getting the full spectrum here – automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign assist, rear cross traffic alerts…it goes on. The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite bundles what used to be expensive options into one reassuring standard package.

And if that’s not enough, available extras include a 360 degree exterior camera system for tight parking spots and further semi-autonomous driving aids. Park itself and drive semi-autonomously? Yes please.

While crash testing continues, engineers designed the underlying structure and airbag placements to account for collisions from all angles. Toyota didn’t earn its sterling safety reputation by accident (no pun intended) – protecting families sits among its highest engineering priorities. Consider the bZ4X a showcase of the latest engineering protections.

Toyota bZ4X Standard Safety Technology Features

Reason 6: Surprisingly Spacious Cabin Design Makes This Ideal for Growing Families

Squeezing child seats and gangly teens into a cramped ride sparks road trip misery. But generously proportioned interior dimensions help the bZ4X rate attractively if your family priorities now lean towards max space efficiency.

Having crawled around inside most new EVs, Toyota’s packaging savvy shines through here. Clever storage solutions like a deep center console bin, tray tables behind the front seats and a flat load floor check practical boxes. Outward visibility gets a boost by raising the driver’s hip point slightly compared to standard crossovers.

But the rear seats and cargo space impress most. Nearly 43 inches of rear legroom slide the bZ4X closer to Highlander territory vs RAV4, while supporting car seats and gangly legs with ease. And behind that spacious bench lies a segment-leading 28 cubic feet of cargo room. Remember, that’s before folding the versatile 60/40 rear to enable truck-sized 65 cubic-foot hauling capabilities.

If your priorities now lean towards comfortably schlepping families over solo commuter range, this EV delivers better than some larger three row SUVs. Charge the kids’ tablets, cue up Taylor Swift and relax through the miles surrounded by ample breathing room for all.

Reason 7: Strong Expected Resale Value Will Pay Off When Upgrading Down the Road

Given their cutting-edge tech and still maturing used inventory pools, buying new EVs often requires accepting big depreciation hits down the road. Thankfully, industry analysts predict the bZ4X has the right stuff to buck that cycle longer term.

Multiple factors support stronger residual values over 5+ years of ownership. First, as a newly launched model with pent up demand outweighing early production constraints, near term used pricing should remain elevated. Toyota’s brand equity and customer loyalty further buoy values.

Long term, while still early, EVs retaining battery capacity avoid the stark depreciation gas models suffer from age/mileage factors. Well maintained EVs past the 100k mile mark sell for markedly higher rates assuming the battery packs avoid degradation.

For further peace of mind, Toyota‘s generous battery warranty coverage spanning 10 years, 150,000 miles demonstrates strong faith in longevity as well. Considering the similar RAV4 Hybrid holds value extraordinarily well, expectations remain high the all-electric bZ4X evades hefty depreciation, paying off nicely for original owners once the upgrade itch bites again.

Weighing bZ4X Alternatives – 3 More Compelling Electric SUVs Also Worth Considering

Obviously I’ve painted a pretty glowing review showing why Toyota’s first mass market EV warrants your purchase consideration. But having obsessed over specs, test drives and reviews across the latest electrified SUV drops, there are a few similarly compelling alternatives that cater to different priorities.

Here are 3 runners up also topping my charts that give the bZ4X a run if range, performance or high-tech take greater precedence in your buying criteria:

Tesla Model Y

• Class-dominating up to 326 mile max range
• Supercar-like 3.5 second 0-60 mph acceleration
• High-tech tour de force with huge touchscreen
• Seamless charging via Supercharger network
• $65,000+ pricing

Ford Mustang Mach E

• 309 max mile range option matches Teslas
• Appealing muscle car inspired styling
• 22 speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system available
• Hands-free BlueCruise highway autonomous mode

Volvo C40 Recharge

• Typical Volvo understated Swedish styling
• Google Android OS embedded for native apps control
• Mobileye driver awareness camera system
• Up to 226 mile range
• $55,000+ pricing target luxury audiences

As you’re eyeing the crossover/SUV segment, these alternatives similarly emphasize the modern tech, off-the-line zip and extended driving distances setting EV’s apart from gas burners. Test driving all as you finalize shopping lists makes perfect sense.

Closing Perspective – Toyota Skillfully Blends Daily-Driving Practicality, Strong Value in Winning Electrified Debut

Stepping back from all the specs, reviews and comparisons, the bZ4X wins my endorsement by UCLA nothing back delivering straightforward electric mobility to the masses.

Rather than chasing flash or trying to mimic Tesla’s envelope pushing, Toyota built the quintessential family-friendly EV crossovers shoppers now demand. No wonky controls, no range anxiety inducing limitations – just intuitive tech, set-it-and-forget-it safety systems, and plenty of passenger/cargo flexibility.

While not the fastest, furthest option out there, true to Toyota form they nailed the basics in impressively pragmatic package. And by leveraging manufacturing economies of scale, they shock rivals with a killer value prop to boot.

So if you‘re willing to ditch gas but want to minimize compromises transitioning to EV-land, the bZ4X convinces as a savvy electric gateway drug. Considering demand is already outstripping early production, Toyota clearly hit the bullseye showcasing what’s soon to come.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m happy to offer my $0.02 anytime.