Used Toyota bZ4X (Mk1, 2021-date) buyer’s guide: EV is a second-hand bargain
A full used buyer's guide on the Toyota bZ4X that has been on sale in the UK since 2021
Verdict
The Toyota bZ4X is one of those cars that’s quite impressive in isolation, but when you compare it with rivals, you’ll see that some of them have more to offer, or that they are more complete packages. That’s why we’d suggest that you check out a few of the alternatives that we’ve listed. But in the end, if you do decide that the Toyota is the right choice for you, we quite understand because there’s a lot to like about it. This is a car that’s as reliable as you’d expect and it’s very easy to live with, while as a used buy the purchase costs are sensible thanks to significant depreciation; but buy a fairly new bZ4X and that loss of value could hit you in the wallet more than you think.
Toyota was one of the first brands to embrace electrification. The original Prius was shown in concept form in 1995 and went on sale in Japan in production form at the end of 1997.
Since then millions of mild-hybrids and plug-in hybrids have been sold under the Toyota and Lexus brands, yet the company wasn’t at the forefront of electric cars, because it said this wasn’t the best way forward. But regulations and market trends forced the company to develop a range of EVs, starting with the bZ4X (beyond Zero 4X), which was unveiled five years ago.
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When we drove one of the initial examples in the UK, we declared: “Toyota’s first electric car is a good one. It’s super-comfortable and has plenty of space inside, it’s well made and comes with plenty of tech. This is one of the most appealing new EVs you can buy.”
History
The bZ4X was unveiled in October 2021 and the first UK deliveries took place in June 2022. Three versions were offered: the front-wheel-drive Pure, while the Motion and Vision were available in front or all-wheel-drive forms. While front-wheel-drive models were rated at 201bhp and 265Nm of torque, all-wheel-drive editions had 214bhp and 336Nm; all cars were fitted with a 71.4kWh battery.
A facelifted bZ4X went on sale in November 2025 with the first examples delivered in January 2026. There was a new trim structure (Icon, Design, Excel) and the entry-level model was now equipped with a 57.7kWh battery, while the other models had a 73.1kWh item. A bigger (14-inch) touchscreen, recalibrated suspension, a redesigned nose and a longer range (up to 352 miles) were the other useful improvements.
The bZ4X Touring has just gone on sale; it’s a bigger car that’s 140mm longer and 20mm taller, but it still seats only five people.
Which one should I buy?
Facelifted cars are better to drive, they have a longer range and come with improved infotainment, but they’re priced from £30k for a 3,000-mile Design on a 75-plate. If you can afford one of these, we’d recommend going for it, although you’ll lose more in depreciation over the next couple of years.
Pure editions are relatively basic, but they do have a rear camera, an eight-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Motion adds a 12.3-inch touchscreen, front and rear parking sensors with auto braking, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree camera, heated front seats, a powered tailgate, synthetic leather trim and privacy glass. Finally, the Vision brings a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats and parking assist.
On the road
You're unlikely to buy an electric SUV for driving thrills, so you won’t be disappointed by the so-so dynamics of the bZ4X. However, facelifted cars are noticeably more enjoyable to drive thanks to their retuned suspension.
Whether you buy this updated model or an earlier example, you’ll find that range-topping models have 20-inch wheels; cheaper versions sit on 18-inch alloys, so they ride more comfortably, but no bZ4X is uncomfortably firm. Refinement is good rather than exceptional, but throttle response is excellent, and the handling is pretty good for a two-tonne SUV.
Alternatives to the Toyota bZ4X
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and its cousin, the Kia EV6, are great all-rounders with long ranges and ready availability, as is the Nissan Ariya. The Skoda Enyaq does everything you could ask for in a family EV, while the VW ID.4 and ID.5 are good value as a used buy, if no class leaders. They’re related to the Ford Explorer, which might appeal, and the Tesla Model Y is one of the most talented electric cars that you can currently buy.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E isn’t quite as good, but it isn’t far behind with its enjoyable dynamics, long range and generous equipment levels. We’d also shortlist the BYD Sealion 7, BMW iX1, Mercedes EQA and Audi Q4 e-tron.
Prices
The market isn’t overloaded with used bZ4Xs, but we found a couple of hundred, with Motion the most popular trim, followed by Vision then Design; the latter is the facelifted car from early this year.
You can buy a used Toyota bZ4X for just over £15,000 through our Buy a Car service.
Check the price of a used Toyota bZ4X with our free car valuation tool...
What to look for
Pump it up
All bZ4Xs are fitted with a heat pump, to boost battery efficiency in cold weather. Toyota claimed up to 318 miles of range for pre-facelift front-wheel-drive cars; expect 220-260 miles in the real world.
Peace of mind
The regular warranty runs for three years or 60,000 miles, but is extendable up to 10 years or 100,000 miles with each annual service at an official dealer. The battery guarantee is eight years or 100,000 miles.
On the range
The biggest gripe that owners have is how quickly their car’s range drops in cold weather, especially on the motorway. What doesn’t help matters is that charging speeds can be slower than the claimed 150kW.
On the pull
If you’re buying a bZ4X to use as a towcar, you’re in luck because the Toyota can do this. Most versions are limited to just 750kg if the trailer is braked, but all-wheel-drive editions can pull up to 1,500kg.
Interior
The build quality is good, but the cabin is overwhelmingly black on most models and the design is uninspiring. For better infotainment, go for a later car, while all bZ4Xs have lots of rear legroom but could do with more headroom. The rear wheelarches intrude into the boot but the capacity of 545 litres – 1,710 litres with the seats down – is good.
Running costs
All bZ4Xs need to be serviced every 12 months or 10,000 miles, with services alternating between Minor and Major. These are priced at £190 and £310 respectively, with the latter including fresh brake fluid every two years. If done on its own, this is a £105 job. Service plans are available for approved used cars, from £21 per month for three years.
Most bZ4Xs are priced below £50,000, but range-topping editions or costly options can push prices above this threshold, which means they’re subject to the £440 annual expensive road tax supplement until their sixth birthday, on top of the standard £200 annual road tax fee.
Expect insurance to be a little costly because even the bZ4X Pure sits in group 35; the bulk of bZ4Xs are in groups 36-38, but the top-spec models are in group 41.
Recalls
There have been eight recalls, the first two in 2022. Loose hubs resulting in wheels falling off led to the first campaign, in June 2022, then faulty curtain airbags led to recall two, in November 2022.
There were two more recalls in 2024; e-Call glitches meant some owners were contacted in October, while in December a software update was needed to fix a warning light fault that could stop critical safety systems working.
There were two recalls in August 2024, because of software issues with the Forward Recognition Camera, and because water could leak into the camera. In 2025 there were two more recalls. The first (in November) was because of inoperative heaters, the second (in December) was due to faults with the Panoramic View Monitor.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The bZ4X has never appeared in a Driver Power survey, but there are a few Toyotas included each year. The individual models rarely do spectacularly well; there are five Toyotas in the 2026 table, for example, and only one is in the top half. That’s the C-HR in 22nd place; following behind it are the Yaris Cross (31st), Aygo X (33rd), Corolla (36th) and Yaris (40th). Toyota fares a little better in our Brands survey, however, notching up a 14th place in 2025 after being rated eighth the previous year.
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Used Toyota bZ4X models for sale
2024 Toyota
bZ4X
29,375 milesAutomaticElectric
Cash £19,773
2024 Toyota
bZ4X
14,656 milesAutomaticElectric
Cash £21,476
2022 Toyota
bZ4X
3,239 milesAutomaticElectric
Cash £24,940
2022 Toyota
bZ4X
6,236 milesAutomaticElectric
Cash £27,495
2026 Toyota
bZ4X
2,312 milesAutomaticElectric
Cash £28,990
2022 Toyota
bZ4X
3,311 milesAutomaticElectric
Cash £26,990
2024 Toyota
bZ4X
13,295 milesAutomaticElectric
Cash £17,999
2022 Toyota
bZ4X
7,396 milesAutomaticElectric
Cash £24,500
2026 Toyota
bZ4X
5,262 milesAutomaticElectric
Cash £29,999
