Skip advert
Advertisement

Toyota iQ EV

We get behind the wheel of the electric Toyota iQ ahead of its launch next year

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Toyota iQ
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Toyota realises that small electric vehicles have limited appeal and are expensive to produce, so it’s capping the iQ EV to 1,000 examples. This is a shame, as it’s a competent effort that would be an ideal urban runaround. Next year’s Renault Clio-based Zoe EV may change that, bringing these cars into the public eye and encouraging infrastructure. If it does, Toyota is well placed to expand iQ EV production.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The idea of an electric Toyota iQ has been around for a while, but the company has only recently confirmed that 1,000 will be produced, with 140 going on test in Europe next year.

The car was actually designed to take battery power from the outset. The flat li-ion battery pack fits under the floor where the fuel tank normally sits, and there’s space under the bonnet for the inverter, electronics and gearbox.

Like most electric cars, the iQ EV leaps away from a standstill, but progress is painfully slow above 45mph. This makes it a great town car, but it’s not suited to motorways. The ride is a little harsh, yet it’s fun to drive, while the brakes, which feed power back into the batteries, have a consistent, linear feel.

The advanced battery allows a range of 53 miles. The motor produces 63bhp and 163Nm of torque – enough to take the 1,070kg iQ from 0-62mph in 14.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 78mph.

Outside, little sets the electric iQ apart from the petrol version except blue-edged badging, slightly altered front and rear grilles and a front hatch for the charging socket.

Inside, there’s a clever dash display that can either show the remaining range or the battery charge and power usage.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,935 off RRP*Used from £13,090
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,541 off RRP*Used from £12,599
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,795 off RRP*Used from £11,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
18 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025