Toyota is preparing to launch a facelifted version of the bZ4X electric StUV in Australia, with a facelift also ushering in superior range and charging speeds and a new 280kW all-wheel drive Touring wagon model.
The launch of the updated bZ4X in Australia will also give Toyota the opportunity to consider the price and positioning of the model which has sold in very moderate numbers.
In the first nine months of 2025, Toyota has delivered 676 bZ4X units in Australia, outselling the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (535 cars), the Leapmotor C10 (452), and the Toyota’s twin-under-the-skin Subaru Solterra (139).
But bZ4X sales are dwarfed in Australia by the Tesla Model Y (17,237), BYD Sealion 7 (8483), and Kia EV5 (3901), all of which have a lower starting price, while the Model Y and Sealion 7 are also more lavishly equipped than the Toyota—even in their entry-level formats.
Since launch the bZ4X has been available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants priced at $66,000 and $74,900 respectively, both before on-road costs.
The AWD model also adds additional kit including a panoramic sunroof, cooled front seats and JBL audio.
Refreshed bZ4X “has to be competitive” says Hanley
Asked whether Toyota will use the facelift to reposition the bZ4X closer to rivals price-wise, a key executive acknowledged that it was a possibility.
“It’s got to be competitive,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley.
However, there are concerns at Toyota head office around damaging the resale value of the existing bZ4X if a big price cut is pushed through for the facelift.
In Australia, many Toyota models enjoy strong resale value but residual value for electric vehicles is typically mixed, and has been influenced by shifting new car prices, the pace of technological development, and anxieties around battery and charging issues.
Residual value concerns may rule out bigger price cut
“The thing about BEVs right now that people don’t talk about is their poor resale value. When you’re talking about fleet leasing, business and even private leasing, these are real considerations,” Hanley said.
“Whatever we do with the positioning of this new vehicle, we will look at protecting the resale value to the extent that we can, and the customer experience of those who buy the new one, and those who bought the [pre-facelift version].”
Despite the residual value concerns, Toyota acknowledges that full EVs will continue to get cheaper.
“As scale and volume [increase], as the product offering expands, BEVs will come down in price. It is no different to the way hybrids started in 2001. They are a lot cheaper today than they were then, comparatively,” said Hanley.
Facelift adds range, power and stretched Touring wagon model
The forthcoming bZ4X facelift ushers in gently refreshed styling featuring Toyota’s new hammer-head lighting signature, reduced plastic cladding and a larger infotainment screen.
Battery size has been increased to 74.7kWh, increasing maximum range to 573km WLTP (for the front-wheel drive) model while power will increase to 252kW in all-wheel drive form.
Major changes are expected for the thermal management system of the battery, leading to considerable improvements in charging speeds and reduction in 10-80 percent charging times.
Pictured: Upcoming Toyota BZ4X Touring
A stretched version of the bZ4X known as the Touring model will be introduced at the same time with standard-fit AWD and 280kW of power.