About this episode
The discussion centers around the newly updated Toyota bZ, previously known as the bZ4X, highlighting its improved horsepower, range, and user-friendly features like a conventional charge port. The hosts share their driving experiences, noting the car's pleasant powertrain and smooth performance. They also critique the confusing naming conventions and some design flaws, particularly the intrusive center console. Overall, the bZ is seen as a reliable option for those seeking an electric vehicle, though it may not lead the segment in innovation.
We share our first impressions of the all-new Toyota bZ. Formerly known as the bZ4X, it shares much of its DNA with the Subaru Solterra. Our experts share the best and worst parts of the bZ and discuss how the name, powertrain, and new NACS charging port increase its appeal. We also debate how much center console is too much, and whether dual wireless phone chargers are actually an asset. Plus, we answer an audience question about the Hyundai Ioniq 9's reliability.
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SHOW NOTES:
0:00 - Intro
0:17 - 2026 Toyota bZ Overview
0:55 - What we like about the Toyota bZ
8:13 - What we dislike about the Toyota bZ
18:35 - What EV would we buy?
23:19 - Audience Question: How does Consumer Reports score and weight vehicle reliability year-to-year?
LINKS:
Model Overview; Toyota bZ : https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/bz/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Test Results: Toyota bZ4X: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/bz4x/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Tesla Superchargers vs. Non-Tesla TVs: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ev-chargers/how-well-do-tesla-superchargers-work-for-non-tesla-evs-a4713673565/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
2026 Nissan Leaf: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/leaf/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Model Overview; Hyundai Ionia 5: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/ioniq-5/?EXTKEY=SOCIAL_YT
Test Results: Hyundai Ionia 9: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/ioniq-9/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=SOCIAL_YT
Test Results: Cadillac Vistiq: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cadillac/vistiq/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Toyota BZ
"...we are talking about the Toyota BZ. You know, this is a new, slightly updated, slightly renamed version of the car that used to be known as the BZ4X."
The Toyota BZ is a new electric car from Toyota. It's an updated version of a previous model called the BZ4X, and it has better power and longer driving range.
The Toyota BZ is a new electric vehicle model from Toyota, which is an update of the previous BZ4X. It features improvements in horsepower and range, making it a more appealing option for consumers.
Toyota bZ4X
"...d version of the car that used to be known as the BZ4X. They dropped the 4X. It has more horsepower. It..."
The Toyota bZ4X is an electric SUV that doesn't need gas to run. It's designed to be efficient and is a good choice for people looking for an environmentally friendly car.
The Toyota bZ4X is an all-electric SUV that marks Toyota's entry into the electric vehicle market. With a focus on efficiency and practicality, it aims to provide a reliable and eco-friendly option for drivers.
horsepower
"...It has more horsepower. It has a bigger range. It has a Tesla style charge port."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster and accelerate better.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. In electric vehicles, it indicates how much power the electric motor can deliver, affecting acceleration and overall performance.
Beyond Zero
"...I mean, do you know what the BZ actually stands for? Beyond zero. That's correct..."
'Beyond Zero' is a phrase used by Toyota to show that their cars aim to be environmentally friendly and help reduce pollution. It means they want to go beyond just being zero-emission.
'Beyond Zero' is a branding concept used by Toyota to signify its commitment to producing vehicles that have a positive environmental impact. It emphasizes sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
Subaru BRZ
"But, you know, Subaru has a car called the BRZ, right? The sports car. So now you've got this Toyota BZ and a Subaru BRZ."
The Subaru BRZ is a sporty car made by Subaru. It's designed for fun driving, with a focus on handling and performance.
The Subaru BRZ is a compact sports car known for its rear-wheel-drive layout and engaging driving dynamics. It is designed for performance and is often praised for its handling.
Subaru Trailseeker
"...the same as the Subaru Trailseeker. Correct. And then there's another Toyota EV called the CHR..."
The Subaru Trailseeker is a type of electric car made by Subaru. It's designed for people who enjoy outdoor activities and need a reliable vehicle.
The Subaru Trailseeker is an electric vehicle (EV) model from Subaru, known for its practicality and features tailored for outdoor enthusiasts.
Toyota Chr
"...ct. And then there's another Toyota EV called the CHR, which is kind of similar to the Subaru Uncharte..."
The Toyota C-HR is a small SUV that looks trendy and is easy to drive around the city. It's a good choice for people who want a compact car that still has some space inside.
The Toyota C-HR is a subcompact crossover SUV known for its stylish design and efficient performance. It appeals to urban drivers looking for a compact vehicle that offers versatility and good fuel economy.
Subaru Uncharted
"... the CHR, which is kind of similar to the Subaru Uncharted. So there are like six cars with similar names th..."
The Subaru Uncharted is a cool idea for a car that Subaru is thinking about making. It's designed for people who love going on adventures and exploring off-road.
The Subaru Uncharted is a concept vehicle that showcases Subaru's vision for future adventure-ready vehicles. It emphasizes off-road capability and rugged design, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.
all-wheel drive
"...it had 214 before for the all-wheel drive models. And it just felt very weak before..."
All-wheel drive means that power goes to all four wheels of the car, which helps it grip the road better, especially in bad weather.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle, enhancing traction and stability, especially in adverse conditions.
regen levels
"...it's nice. There's nice things like the fact that you can, they've made it very easy to adjust the regen levels. I love that it has the pedals..."
Regen levels are settings in electric cars that let you control how much energy you get back when you slow down. If you set it higher, you can recharge the battery more while braking.
Regen levels refer to regenerative braking settings in electric vehicles, which allow drivers to adjust how much energy is recaptured during braking. Higher regen levels can increase the amount of energy returned to the battery, enhancing efficiency.
North American charging standard
"...the next charge port, you know, North American charging standard, I think you mentioned that that now comes standard with..."
The North American charging standard is the type of plug used for charging electric cars in the U.S. and Canada. It makes it simpler to charge your car at different stations without needing special adapters.
The North American charging standard refers to the standardized plug and charging protocol used for electric vehicles in North America, making it easier for EV owners to find compatible charging stations. This standardization helps reduce the need for adapters when charging at public stations.
range
"And I think probably with the extra range and this increase in charging speed, you could get away with road tripping this car..."
Range is how far an electric car can go before it needs to be charged again. A longer range means you can drive further without stopping to recharge.
Range refers to the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge. A longer range is desirable as it allows for more flexibility in driving without needing to recharge frequently.
Subaru Solterra
"...ld get away with road tripping this car where the Solterra or the, whatever the old BZ was called, you woul..."
The Subaru Solterra is Subaru's first electric SUV. It can handle different types of roads and is made for people who love outdoor adventures while being good for the environment.
The Subaru Solterra is an all-electric SUV that represents Subaru's first foray into electric vehicles. It combines Subaru's signature all-wheel drive capability with eco-friendly technology, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and environmentally conscious drivers.
electric vehicle
"...and put it into a new, into, you know, an all-new electric vehicle. Now, I would say some of the issues with the car have to do with Toyota's..."
An electric vehicle is a type of car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. This makes them cleaner for the environment and can save money on fuel.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that is powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of internal combustion engines. They are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.
EV
"...to find that in an EV is so rare these days. And so refreshing that you, there's nothing wonky about having to..."
An EV, or Electric Vehicle, runs on electricity instead of gas. This makes them better for the environment and usually cheaper to drive.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. They are known for being environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
Volkswagen Tiguan
"...the Volkswagen what is it that Tiguan has that with the vertical and it's awesome..."
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a small SUV that offers useful features like a place to charge your phone without wires. It's designed to be convenient and user-friendly.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV known for its practicality and modern features, including options for wireless charging and smart storage solutions.
Toyota Prius
"...I even think the Prius had a slot for your phone. So I mean, Toyota's done it before."
The Toyota Prius is a car that uses both gas and electricity to save fuel. It has been popular for its ability to go a long distance on a small amount of gas.
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid vehicle known for its fuel efficiency and eco-friendly design. It has been a pioneer in hybrid technology and often includes innovative features.
regen braking
"...while it's nice that you can adjust the regen braking with the paddles, it doesn't have any kind of a true one pedal drive..."
Regenerative braking is a system in electric cars that helps recharge the battery when you slow down. Instead of wasting energy, it captures some of it and sends it back to the battery, making the car more efficient.
Regenerative braking, or regen braking, is a technology used in electric vehicles (EVs) that allows the vehicle to recover energy during braking and store it in the battery. This process helps improve the overall efficiency and range of the vehicle.
one pedal drive
"...But that basically means you can control both the acceleration and the braking with the throttle pedal, including coming to a full stop..."
One pedal drive means you can speed up and slow down your electric car using just the gas pedal. When you take your foot off the pedal, the car slows down, which can make driving easier and smoother.
One pedal driving is a feature in some electric vehicles that allows the driver to control both acceleration and deceleration using only the throttle pedal. When the driver lifts off the throttle, the vehicle slows down, often to a complete stop, without needing to use the brake pedal.
one pedal driving
"...you could have been used to, you know, as close to one, if you had to turn up all the way, it gets pretty close to one pedal driving..."
One pedal driving means you can control the car's speed using just the gas pedal. When you let go of the pedal, the car slows down on its own, which can make driving easier.
One pedal driving refers to a driving mode in electric vehicles where the driver can accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal. When the driver lifts off the accelerator, the vehicle slows down due to regenerative braking, often allowing for a more intuitive driving experience.
E-Step
"...the Leaf has the E-Step, which gets close, but it's not true one pedal..."
E-Step is a setting in some electric cars that makes the car slow down more when you take your foot off the gas. It helps with braking and can make driving feel smoother.
E-Step is a feature found in some electric vehicles, such as the Nissan Leaf, that enhances regenerative braking. It allows the driver to increase the level of regenerative braking by engaging a specific mode, providing a more pronounced slowing effect when lifting off the accelerator.
Japanese law
"...And do you guys know why there's no actual one pedal? Yeah, Japanese law..."
Japanese law says that cars must be able to stop using the brake pedal. This rule means that electric cars in Japan can't fully rely on just the gas pedal to stop.
In Japan, there are regulations that require vehicles to have a traditional brake pedal that must be used to bring the car to a complete stop. This law affects the design and functionality of electric vehicles sold in Japan, preventing them from achieving true one pedal driving capabilities.
EVs
"...with tax incentives gone and automakers having fewer incentives to build them, it's a weird moment. That's all just put it that way. It's a strange moment, but there are more EVs than ever..."
EVs stand for electric vehicles. These cars run on electricity instead of gas, which can be better for the environment and save money on fuel.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that are powered entirely by electricity rather than traditional gasoline or diesel engines. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their lower emissions and potential cost savings on fuel.
tax incentives
"...they're still being sold here, but with tax incentives gone and automakers having fewer incentives to build them, it's a weird moment..."
Tax incentives are benefits that help lower the price of electric cars. They can save you money when you buy an EV, making them more affordable.
Tax incentives for electric vehicles are financial benefits provided by the government to encourage the purchase of EVs. These can include tax credits or deductions that reduce the overall cost of buying an electric vehicle.
Nissan Leaf
"I think I would get the new Leaf over this. They're similar in size, similar in price. The Leaf might be a few dollars less depending on how you option it, similar in range, similar in sort of everything, but..."
The Nissan Leaf is a popular electric car that is easy to drive and great for everyday use. It has a good amount of space inside and is known for being affordable compared to other electric vehicles.
The Nissan Leaf is a compact electric vehicle (EV) known for its practicality and efficiency. It has been one of the best-selling electric cars globally, offering a comfortable ride and decent range for daily commuting.
Hyundai Ioniq
"...I'd probably go with a Hyundai Ioniq 5. Now, the downside there is that the reliability hasn't been stellar..."
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a new electric car that looks cool and has a lot of tech features. It's designed to be efficient and fun to drive.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an electric crossover SUV known for its modern design and advanced technology features. It's part of Hyundai's Ioniq lineup, which focuses on electric vehicles.
Lexus Nx
"...the same screen as in modern Lexuses. They basically took the exact screen out of like the Lexus NX..."
The Lexus NX is a small luxury SUV that looks nice and has a lot of technology inside, including a big screen for navigation and entertainment.
The Lexus NX is a compact luxury crossover SUV that combines style and technology, offering a range of features and a comfortable ride. It's known for its modern design and advanced tech, including a large infotainment screen.
Ford Mustang
"...I would choose the Mustang Mach-E in this range. And I might get one that's a couple of years old..."
The Mustang Mach-E is an electric SUV from Ford that carries the Mustang name. It's designed to be stylish and fun to drive, while also being environmentally friendly since it runs on electricity instead of gasoline.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric SUV that combines the iconic Mustang name with modern electric vehicle technology. It offers a blend of performance, style, and practicality, making it a popular choice among EV buyers.
depreciation curve
"...I might get one that's a couple of years old and get that hit that depreciation curve..."
The depreciation curve shows how much value a car loses over time. Cars lose a lot of value quickly in the first few years, so buying a used car can save you money.
The depreciation curve refers to the rate at which a vehicle loses its value over time. Most cars experience the steepest depreciation in the first few years, making used cars a more financially attractive option after this initial drop.
certified pre-owned
"...like a certified pre-owned is a good idea..."
Certified pre-owned cars are used cars that have been checked and approved by the manufacturer. They usually come with a warranty, which means you have some protection if something goes wrong.
Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles are used cars that have been inspected, refurbished, and certified by the manufacturer or a dealer. They typically come with a limited warranty, making them a safer choice for buyers looking for used cars.
resale value
"...they've all taken a hit in the resale value, right? So you spend, however much you spend on new EV..."
Resale value is how much money you can get if you sell your car after using it for a while. Some cars hold their value better than others.
Resale value is the amount of money a vehicle can be sold for after it has been used for a certain period. Factors affecting resale value include the car's condition, mileage, and market demand.
Toyota Land Cruiser
"...We have that and the Land Cruiser and the Forerunner are the same color. You're right. Well, that's problems that we have here with our big fleet of test cars..."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a large SUV that can handle rough terrains and is known for being very reliable. It's a popular choice for people who need a tough vehicle for outdoor activities.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities and durability. It has a long history of being a reliable vehicle for both on-road and off-road adventures.
Toyota 4Runner
"...We have that and the Land Cruiser and the Forerunner are the same color. You're right. Well, that's problems that we have here with our big fleet of test cars..."
The Toyota 4Runner is a smaller SUV compared to the Land Cruiser, designed for off-road driving and outdoor adventures. It's known for being tough and reliable.
The Toyota 4Runner is a mid-size SUV that is built for off-road performance and ruggedness. It shares some characteristics with the Land Cruiser but is generally more affordable and compact.
Kia EV9
"...ectric SUV for my next car, specifically the Kia EV9 Wind. Your 2026 buying guide has the EV9 is the t..."
The Kia EV9 is a new electric SUV that will have lots of room and cool technology. It's made for families and people who want a modern, eco-friendly car.
The Kia EV9 is an upcoming electric SUV that aims to offer a spacious and tech-savvy driving experience. It is part of Kia's expanding electric vehicle lineup and is designed to meet the needs of families and tech enthusiasts alike.
Tesla Model
"...reliability rating other than, of all things, the Tesla Model X. Which I guess if you think about it, it's not..."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV that doesn't use gas. It's known for being high-tech, having a lot of space inside, and being good for the environment.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact SUV that shares many components with the Model 3 sedan. It has gained attention for its impressive range, advanced technology, and spacious interior, making it a popular choice in the growing electric vehicle market.
Tesla Model X
"...ility rating other than, of all things, the Tesla Model X. Which I guess if you think about it, it's not t..."
The Tesla Model X is a fancy electric SUV that has unique doors that open up like wings. It's roomy inside and has a lot of high-tech features, making it popular among electric car fans.
The Tesla Model X is a luxury electric SUV known for its distinctive falcon-wing doors and impressive performance. It offers a spacious interior, cutting-edge technology, and a long electric range, making it a standout in the electric vehicle segment.
Volvo EX90
"...don't know where it stands, but if you say Volvo EX90, you're going to explode his head. Absolutely not..."
The Volvo EX90 is a new electric SUV from Volvo that focuses on being safe and good for the planet. It's designed to be roomy and packed with modern features.
The Volvo EX90 is an upcoming electric SUV that represents Volvo's commitment to sustainability and safety. It is expected to feature advanced technology and a spacious interior, appealing to families and eco-conscious consumers.
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