Toyota BZ4X: They'd Rather Make Hybrids!

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19 Apr 202411:28

Summary

TLDRThe video script discusses Toyota's fully electric vehicle, the bz4X, which, despite its appealing design and solid build quality, suffers from a significant flaw: a limited electric range of approximately 220 miles. The reviewer compares it to the Prius and other electric vehicles in its class, noting that while the bz4X has a good interior and storage space, its range and charging speed are not competitive, making it a less attractive option. The reviewer also touches on Toyota's strategy, which seems to favor hybrids over fully electric vehicles, and questions whether this approach is the best in the current market. The script also includes a sponsored segment on a versatile tire inflator and power bank by Denix.

Takeaways

🚗 Toyota is manufacturing a fully electric vehicle called the bZ4X, which is a crossover SUV with a hatchback style and higher ground clearance.
🔋 The bZ4X has a limited fully electric range of approximately 220 miles, which reduces to 199 miles in winter, making it less competitive compared to other EVs in its class.
⚡ Despite its range, the bZ4X is not the fastest charging vehicle, which is a significant drawback for potential buyers looking for convenience.
💰 Priced between $40,000 and $50,000, the bZ4X offers a solid interior and good space, but its range issue might be a deal breaker for some consumers.
🌟 The bZ4X has a unique and appealing look with angular headlights and a significant amount of black contrast, giving it a stylish appearance.
🚀 The vehicle comes with a good amount of standard features, including a JBL sound system, heated seats, and physical air vents, which add to its appeal.
🤔 The term 'compliance vehicle' is mentioned, suggesting that the bZ4X might have been produced to meet emissions regulations rather than to excel as an EV.
🚙 Toyota's strategy seems to be focused on hybrids, with the bZ4X being their only fully electric vehicle in a lineup that includes popular hybrids like the Prius.
📱 The bZ4X has a wide center console with multiple storage spaces for phones and USB ports, but the design might make the car feel more cramped than it should for its size.
🛣️ The driving experience is smooth with soft dampers, and the car has good visibility and a comfortable driver's position, similar to the Prius.
🔄 The bZ4X lacks a one-pedal driving option, which might be a disappointment for drivers who prefer that feature in an electric vehicle.

Q & A

What is the name of Toyota's fully electric vehicle mentioned in the transcript?
-The fully electric vehicle mentioned is called the bz4X.
What is the estimated range of the Toyota bz4X on a full charge during winter conditions?
-The estimated range of the Toyota bz4X during winter conditions is about 199 miles.
What is the main flaw mentioned about the Toyota bz4X that prevents the reviewer from recommending it over others in its class?
-The main flaw is the bz4X's limited fully electric range and not being the fastest charging vehicle.
What is the price range of the Toyota bz4X?
-The price range of the Toyota bz4X is from $40,000 to $50,000.
What term did the reviewer use to describe a vehicle that is made to comply with emissions regulations, often resulting in a less desirable car?
-The term used is 'compliance vehicle'.
How does the Toyota bz4X compare to the Prius in terms of design and features?
-The bz4X has a Prius-like steering wheel, a similar display in the front, and shares some design elements with the Prius, but is a taller, higher off the ground hatchback.
What is the reviewer's opinion on the Toyota bz4X's interior and space?
-The reviewer finds the interior to be good, with a good amount of space, and appreciates the physical buttons despite them being capacitive.
What feature of the Toyota bz4X does the reviewer wish was available?
-The reviewer wishes the bz4X had full one-pedal driving as an option.
What is the reviewer's final thought on Toyota's strategy with the bz4X and their focus on hybrid vehicles?
-The reviewer thinks that Toyota's strategy is fascinating, as they are heavily invested in hybrids, and wonders if this is the right approach given the current state of EV technology and costs.
What is the role of the Denix tire inflator and power bank mentioned in the transcript?
-The Denix tire inflator doubles as a massive USB battery bank, which the reviewer finds useful for keeping in the car at all times for various charging needs and as an emergency tool.
What does the reviewer like about the Toyota bz4X's driving experience?
-The reviewer likes the smooth ride, the visibility, and the JBL sound system in the bz4X.

Outlines

00:00

🚗 Introduction to the Toyota bZ4X Electric Vehicle

The video introduces the Toyota bZ4X, an all-electric vehicle that is part of Toyota's lineup alongside their well-known hybrids. The host has been living with the bZ4X for a week and shares their initial impressions. While the vehicle has a lot of positives such as a good interior, space, and unique styling, there's one major flaw - its limited electric range of about 220 miles, which is a deal breaker for the host when compared to other EVs in its class. The bZ4X is priced between $40,000 and $50,000, similar to competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The host also discusses the concept of a 'compliance vehicle' made to meet emissions regulations and wonders if the bZ4X fits that bill for Toyota, as the company seems to be focusing more on hybrids than fully electric vehicles.

05:01

🔌 Charging and Features of the bZ4X

The video dives deeper into the bZ4X's features, comparing it to the popular Toyota Prius. The bZ4X has a similar driver's seat position and display layout to the Prius. The host appreciates the physical buttons for controls, despite them being capacitive rather than actual buttons. The vehicle has a wide center console which provides ample storage but makes the cabin feel slightly cramped. The infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and has a clear top-down camera view. The bZ4X also has an 'X mode' for off-roading and the host discusses the driving experience, noting the smooth ride and good visibility. However, the host misses the option for true one-pedal driving. The video also features a sponsored segment on a versatile tire inflator and power bank from Denix.

10:03

🔋 Toyota's Strategy with Hybrids vs Electric Vehicles

The host reflects on Toyota's current strategy, which heavily favors hybrids over fully electric vehicles. While other manufacturers are pushing EVs, Toyota seems to be taking a more cautious approach. The bZ4X, despite being a decent EV, suffers from a limited range of about 230 miles, which is less than what a Prius hybrid can achieve with a full tank of gas. The host questions if Toyota's hybrid-focused strategy is the right move, considering the current state of EV technology and their high costs relative to the range they offer. The video concludes by asking viewers for their thoughts on whether Toyota should lean more into EVs or continue prioritizing hybrids.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Toyota bz 4X

The Toyota bz 4X is a fully electric vehicle (EV) produced by Toyota, known for its hybrid models. In the video, it is discussed as a crossover vehicle with a hatchback style, higher ground clearance, and good storage space. The bz 4X is compared to other EVs in its class, highlighting its design, performance, and range as key features.

💡Electric Vehicle Range

Electric vehicle range refers to the distance an EV can travel on a single charge. The video points out that the bz 4X has a range of approximately 220 miles, which is considered a significant drawback when compared to other EVs or even traditional hybrids like the Prius, which can travel much further on a tank of gas.

💡Charging Speed

Charging speed is a critical factor for EVs, indicating how quickly the vehicle's battery can be recharged. The script mentions that the bz 4X is not the fastest charging vehicle, which can be a major inconvenience for drivers who need to recharge frequently or quickly.

💡Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid vehicles combine a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system. Toyota is well-known for its hybrid models, such as the Prius. The video discusses Toyota's strategy of focusing on hybrids and questions whether this approach is still relevant in the current EV market.

💡Compliance Vehicle

A compliance vehicle is a term used to describe a car produced by a manufacturer to meet emissions regulations, often at the expense of performance or appeal. The video suggests that while the bz 4X may not be a compliance vehicle per se, it feels like Toyota made the EV out of necessity rather than a commitment to the technology.

💡Interior Quality

Interior quality refers to the materials, design, and comfort of a car's interior. The video praises the bz 4X's interior, noting good space, a good interior, and a JBL sound system, which contribute to a solid driving experience despite the vehicle's shortcomings.

💡One Pedal Driving

One pedal driving is a feature in some EVs that allows the driver to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal, thanks to regenerative braking. The video expresses a desire for the bz 4X to have this feature, which is currently not available as an option in the vehicle.

💡Prius

The Prius is a popular hybrid vehicle produced by Toyota. The video uses the Prius as a point of comparison for the bz 4X, noting similarities in design and driving experience. The Prius is highlighted for its long range and efficiency, contrasting with the bz 4X's limited electric range.

💡Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking is a system in EVs that converts the vehicle's kinetic energy back into stored electricity during braking. The video mentions a button in the bz 4X that increases the level of regenerative braking when lifted off the accelerator, contributing to the vehicle's efficiency.

💡Crossover Vehicle

A crossover vehicle is a type of car that combines elements of sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs, offering higher ground clearance and often all-wheel drive. The bz 4X is described as a crossover, with a hatchback style and good storage, positioning it between a traditional car and an SUV.

💡Price Range

The price range of a vehicle indicates the cost at which it is sold to consumers. The video states that the bz 4X is priced between $40,000 and $50,000, which is a significant investment for a vehicle with limited range compared to other options in the market.

Highlights

Toyota is producing a fully electric vehicle, the bz4X, in addition to their well-known hybrid models.

The bz4X is a crossover with a hatchback style, higher ground clearance, and good storage capacity.

Despite being a reputable manufacturer, Toyota's bz4X has a limited fully electric range of approximately 220 miles.

The bz4X is not the fastest charging vehicle, which is a significant drawback for a crossover in its price range.

The vehicle offers a solid interior, good space, and starts at a price point of $43,000, going up to the $50,000 range.

The bz4X has a unique look with angular headlights and a black contrast design element.

The car is compared to the Prius in terms of design and functionality, with a similar driver's position and display.

The bz4X is considered by some as a 'compliance vehicle', made to meet emissions regulations rather than for consumer demand.

Toyota's strategy appears to be focused on hybrids rather than fully committing to electric vehicles.

The review suggests that Toyota may have missed an opportunity to showcase a great EV drivetrain with the bz4X.

The car has heated seats in the back, USB-C ports, physical air vents, and a fixed sunroof.

The bz4X features a JBL sound system with good sound quality and loud volume.

The vehicle's infotainment software includes wireless Android Auto and a clear top-down camera view.

The car does not offer full one-pedal driving, which is a feature the reviewer wishes was included.

Visibility in the bz4X is praised, and the ride is smooth with soft dampers.

The review ends with a discussion on whether Toyota's focus on hybrids is the right strategy, considering the limited range of the bz4X compared to other EVs and hybrids.

The reviewer questions if Toyota's approach to EVs is错失 (missed the mark) compared to other manufacturers that are more aggressive with their EV lineups.