2023 Toyota bZ4X Preview

The estimated EV range matched pretty much what I actually got (with super light foot). It did degrade that badly. Did several measurements to double-check and usually was within 1-2 mile of the estimate. I was able to get 30 mile at beginning, after 5 years only about 24-25. And that's in CA weather so not too much cold temps.

Unfortunately I think bad design since when I checked that Sonata shutoff behavior online, I noticed other people experiencing the same issue. Perhaps fixed since then, this was their first PHEV model I believe.

I remember Wayne mentioning that the Hyundai Sonata is using diff tech where they are able to use more of the battery capacity than other manufacturs (less reserved capacity). But can't remember details, I think they can do a deep charge.

I did have better experience with Honda Accord PHEV. Also I expect Toyota to be much better experience.

 

“In other words, you will be better off with the tried-and-true RAV4 Prime PHEV vs the all-new, all-electric bZ4X BEV.“

I’m so disappointed. I really wanted to like the 2023 bZ4X. I don’t want a really large vehicle, but I like a higher driving position. Also more road clearance would be helpful with some of the crappy roads and parking areas around here. The good news is that I don’t need a new car right now.

Janice

 

I feel the same way. My car is NOT fun to drive , but it runs ( almost ) as good as new.

And I totally agree with Wayne about the RAV4 Prime, For those who "must" sit up so high m it's a really good vehicle.
I'd prefer a Golf-sized BEV with maybe 150 miles of range. I would even appreciate whatever kind of EV ( not sold here )
that MINI is offering/teasing.

If I REALLY needed a car now , my Toyota dealer has a CPO 2022 Prius Prime XLE with less than 2K miles.
I saw it on their lot when I had my car in for service yesterday. They don't show prices on those cars , of course.
I can easily find the non-negotiable price from the dealer website , but I don't want to get angry this early in the day.
Maybe supply will catch up with demand/greed in a couple of years. I'm more likely to buy a small motorcycle this year.

 

Okay. I steeled myself to the sticker shock and looked at their price. A bargain at $41,488. They actually have two other CPO Primes , on for $39K and one at
( gasp ) $45K. Instead of quoting you a price , I can imagine the salesperson asking you ( with a straight face ) "How much you got?"

Maybe I should have kept the excellent 2014 Civic 5MT I bought in June 2020 and sold in July 2021.

 

2022 low mileage CPO? I wonder if they took the federal tax incentive and are still selling above new list price? Crooks! I hope no one falls for these scams.

edit: I hope Toyota will ramp up production of these Prime vehicles. They're likely to sell every single one.

 

I drove a GMC Sonoma (17/23 mpg YIKES) followed by a Pontiac Vibe, so I’m used to sitting a little higher off the road than my current Corolla. I’ve injured my knees which makes it harder to get in and out of a small car. A CUV or small SUV would make my life easier. But even with the current insane trade in value of my car, I’m having a hard time justifying spending an even more insane amount on something new.

I first read about the bZ4X/Solterra after a car accident where I thought my car might be totaled. The Corolla is whole again and after my research, I know my next vehicle will be either a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or full electric. Not sure when that will happen.

 

Let us know what you buy , Janice. I'm always interested in cars I don't have to pay for ,lol.

 

Yikes. I didn't even think of that.
I imagine someone took the incentive , it's been titled ( pre-owned).
Either way , supply/demand for these cars needs to change drastically before I write a check.

 

With emission warranties to worry about, PHEVs tend to be more cautious in protecting the battery than a BEV.
Doesn't make them immune to design and manufacturing defects though. The range/capacity loss here sounds like an early symptom of that.

 

The Lexus RZ version offers a yoke to have better visibility. But they are just solving a problem that never existed before, and taking a step back in maneuverability (and likely just copying Tesla as only reason). I also don't understand the trend of super large non-integrated screens which are more distracting (at night especially). Not too bad here at least.

The EV range is even worse as expected.

 

I remember when I had my Civic Si. The wheel would give perfect visibility of all the instruments , even in the low position I preferred.
Then I installed an aftermarket steering wheel that was maybe 2" smaller in diameter. Obstruction.
I think maybe some of these cars were designed for Hiroshi , not Wayne. Good thing that Hiroshi and I are about the same size.

 

That's the only way a yoke makes sense. Did Tesla do theirs differently?

 

How does steer-by-wire work when it FAILS ?

 

Easy. You just have to reboot the steering computer. Simply press and hold the RESET button in the back of the glove box for three seconds and you will see the "restarting your steering control" message in the "driver information center". The control module should be fully rebooted within thirty seconds. Note: Any vehicle damage caused by driving into a cluster of trees or bridge pier during the Steering Controller Module reboot sequence is not covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

 

I can always count on you for a smart(ass) answer. Seriously. You should be an auto journalist.

 

To be a journalist, I would need a catchy on-air name like Walter Crankpin. And I'd need to dial up the opinion silliness when writing, including describing the ride of a vehicle as "flinty", or moaning about steering being "dead on center". The last time I drove a car - a few hours ago - I appreciated the fact that the steering is indeed dead when on center. I don't want the front wheels changing direction unless I move the steering wheel. And while on the auto mag topic, I don't need some engineer to "dial in the firmness of my bushings". Leave it alone. The car gets great gas mileage, the radio works, and it doesn't need any service other than oil changes twice a year. One cherished feature the car has - a strong steel bar that transfers torque from the steering wheel to a gear which meshes with a long toothed bar that can be pushed left or right to steer the front wheels. I think it's called Iraq Opinion steering and it is a delight for its simplicity, compact packaging, and the fact that the damn thing just works so I don't keep crashing.