The Toyota bZ4X is Toyota’s new flagship electric SUV. It will lead Toyota into the electric future. The bZ4X is practical and affordable, but its design and speed aren’t very exciting. Many automakers are offering performance versions of their electric SUVs. Is a Toyota bZ4X performance model coming?

Is Toyota making a bZ4X performance model?

The Toyota bZ4X is finally here. The bZ4X was long-awaited by fans of the Japanese automaker because of how impactful Toyota SUVs have been in recent years. Toyota SUVs are known for being reliable and providing great value for their prices.

Toyota has a rare opportunity with the bZ4X. Since the automaker currently produces the most popular compact SUV, it has the potential to produce the most popular compact electric SUV as well. Thus far, bZ4X reviews have been mixed but overall positive.

Toyota has predictably delivered a practical electric SUV that isn’t as quick as its rivals. It doesn’t have as much driving range as many of its competitors either. The bZ4X is the people’s electric SUV (once the country’s charging infrastructure is in better shape).

According to Motor1, Toyota is considering developing a GR bZ4X. A GR bZ4X would be much quicker than the bZ4X and more stylish as well. It could add the flair that the nameplate is missing. So, a GR bZ4X performance model hasn’t been confirmed, but the bZ4X’s Chief Engineer claims that it isn’t outside the realm of possibility.

Does the industry need a GR bZ4X?

A performance bZ4X would certainly make the nameplate more appealing to consumers. Critics and experts are already alluding to the electric SUV being boring. A GR bZ4X would certainly shake things up.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is available in a GT performance trim. The Mach-E GT makes a whopping 480 horsepower. The Kia EV6 is available in a GT-Line trim. It has 320 max horsepower.

If Toyota isn’t strongly considering developing a GR bZ4X, it should to compete with other automakers. If the bZ4X doesn’t get a performance option it could easily be eclipsed by quicker, more stylish rivals.

Should you buy a 2023 Toyota bZ4X?

The 2023 Toyota bZ4X starts at $42,000. It has 222 miles of driving range. The electric SUV makes 201 horsepower. That’s only two horses shy of the Toyota RAV4’s hp output.

The bZ4X comes in two different trim levels: the XLE and the Limited. The bZ4X Limited starts at $46,700. Car and Driver praises its acceleration and interior. The automotive publication finds that its driving range isn’t enough for many drivers. Car and Driver also criticizes the bZ4X’s all-wheel drive upcharge.

Ultimarely, the bZ4X is a decent electric SUV while it’s eligible for the $7,500 federal electric vehicle tax credit. Once it loses its eligibility it may not provide enough value to justify its cost for many drivers.

Read more about the bZ4X in the next article below.

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