Toyota bZ4X Review Australia 2026: Has Toyota Finally Made a Proper EV?
- Tim Bond
- 21 hours ago
- 4 min read
Key Facts Panel
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Toyota took its time getting serious about electric.
For years the bZ4X felt like a toe dipped in the water while the RAV4 hybrid did the heavy lifting. That's changed. A $10,000 price cut, more power, more range and a proper Touring flagship have turned the bZ4X from an also-ran into a genuine shortlist contender. We put it under the workshop light to see if the badge on the bonnet is finally worth the upgrade from hybrid.
The Toyota bZ4X Australia Price Cut That Changed Everything
The story of the 2026 bZ4X is the price.
Toyota slashed $10,010 off the entry 2WD, bringing it to $55,990 before on-roads, and cut a further $6,910 off the AWD, down to $67,990.
That's not a token gesture, it's a deliberate move to undercut the cheapest Tesla Model Y ($58,900), the Kia EV5 ($56,770) and the Zeekr 7X ($57,900). For the first time, Toyota's badge isn't costing you a premium over the rest of the segment, it's actually winning on price.
Alongside the price cut came real mechanical upgrades, not just a discount on the same old car. The 2WD now makes 15kW more power and offers 155km more range than before. The AWD gained 92kW, 101Nm and 106km of extra range.
Three Variants, Three Different Buyers
The entry 2WD at $55,990 is the value play: a single front motor, the longest relative range-per-dollar in the range, and no shortage of standard kit including a 14-inch touchscreen and JBL audio. It's the pick for anyone whose priority is simply "good EV, fair price."
The AWD at $67,990 adds a second motor for genuine all-weather grip and stronger acceleration, useful if you're regularly dealing with wet roads, gravel driveways or just want the reassurance of dual-motor traction.
The Touring at $69,990 is the flagship: 280kW combined, a 4.4-second 0-100km/h sprint, 212mm of ground clearance (among the highest of any EV on sale), and a stretched body with 550 litres of boot space. It trades a touch of range (488km versus the AWD's longer claim) for genuine extra capability. Worth the $2,000 premium over the AWD if you need the space and clearance; not worth it if you don't.
Where It Falls Short
It's not all upside. There's no spare tyre, no frunk (the front motor occupies that space), and no traditional glovebox, with a heater unit taking up the room instead. The driving position has drawn criticism too, with the steering wheel rim sitting awkwardly close to a small, far-set instrument cluster, an issue compounded for shorter drivers who sit low.
None of these are dealbreakers, but they're the kind of quirks worth test-driving around before you commit, particularly the driving position if you're under average height.
bZ4X vs the Competition
Model | Price (approx) | WLTP Range | Drive |
Toyota bZ4X 2WD | $55,990 | 517km | FWD |
Toyota bZ4X AWD | $67,990 | Up to 591km | AWD |
Toyota bZ4X Touring | $69,990 | 488km | AWD |
Tesla Model Y (base) | $58,900 | Competitive | RWD |
Kia EV5 | $56,770 | Competitive | FWD |
BYD Sealion 7 | $54,990 | Competitive | AWD |
Buy or Avoid Verdict
Buy if you're a Toyota loyalist looking to make the jump to electric without paying a brand premium, or if you simply want a well-equipped, well-warrantied mid-size electric SUV at a genuinely sharp price. The 2026 price cut has made this a legitimate cross-shop against the Model Y for the first time.
Avoid if a frunk, a conventional glovebox, or a low, sporty driving position are non-negotiables for you. Test drive before you buy, specifically to check the seating position suits your height.
FAQs
How much does the Toyota bZ4X cost in Australia? From $55,990 before on-road costs for the 2WD, up to $69,990 for the flagship Touring.
What is the range of the Toyota bZ4X? Up to 591km WLTP depending on variant, with the Touring sitting slightly lower at 488km due to its larger body.
Is the Toyota bZ4X better value than the Tesla Model Y? On price, yes, the bZ4X 2WD now undercuts the cheapest Model Y. Whether it's "better" depends on priorities: Toyota offers a longer warranty and dealer network reach, while Tesla offers a more established charging ecosystem and software experience.
Does the Toyota bZ4X have a frunk? No. The front motor occupies that space, and there's no traditional glovebox either, with a heater unit located there instead.
