Toyota bZ4X Touring first drive review (UK)

Toyota’s bZ4X Touring is a larger, more practical take on the brand’s electric SUV, aimed at buyers who want extra space without moving into a much bigger vehicle class. In this UK first drive review, we look at whether the added length and versatility come at the cost of refinement or driving composure, with prices starting from £45,995.

Early impressions suggest something slightly unexpected: it doesn’t feel like a stretched SUV on the road, and retains more balance than its size suggests.

2026 Toyota bZ4X

Prices and UK specifications

The bZ4X Touring is offered in two trims for the UK market:

Design (FWD) – £45,995
Excel (AWD) – £51,695

Standard equipment includes a 14-inch Toyota Smart Connect+ infotainment system, heated front seats, power tailgate and roof rails. The Excel adds all-wheel drive, upgraded interior materials, panoramic roof and an expanded driver assistance package, along with additional comfort and convenience features. Orders open in June, with first UK deliveries expected in July.

Design and practicality

The Touring version is visibly longer than the standard bZ4X, with the extra length focused on improving rear space and load capacity rather than altering the overall design language. It retains the same Toyota SUV identity but leans more towards estate-like practicality, making it better suited to family buyers or those carrying larger loads regularly. Boot space and rear passenger room are noticeably improved, and roof rails come as standard, reinforcing its lifestyle-focused positioning.

Interior and technology

Inside, the layout remains familiar to the bZ4X, with a focus on simplicity and usability rather than visual complexity. The 14-inch infotainment system dominates the dashboard and supports connected services, while physical ergonomics remain straightforward. Higher-spec Excel models bring a more premium feel with upgraded upholstery, ventilated seats and additional digital features, lifting perceived quality without overcomplicating the cabin.

bZ4X-Dash

Driving impressions

On the road, the bZ4X Touring is the biggest surprise of the package.

Despite the additional length and increased practicality, it does not feel unwieldy or overly softened. Instead, it retains a level of composure that feels closer to the standard bZ4X than expected.

bZ4X-Boot

Ride quality is well controlled and body movement is kept in check, while steering remains predictable and easy to place in urban and motorway driving. Crucially, it avoids the typical “stretched SUV” feeling that often comes with estate-style EV derivatives, making it more cohesive than its proportions suggest.

Performance and range (UK context)

Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions are available, offering buyers flexibility depending on use case. The AWD Excel brings additional traction and a more confident feel in poor conditions, while the FWD Design prioritises efficiency and simplicity. Toyota’s focus here is clearly on usability rather than outright performance, with smooth, consistent delivery suited to everyday driving.

Who is it for?

The bZ4X Touring is aimed at buyers who like the idea of an electric SUV but need more practicality than the standard bZ4X provides.

Families needing extra boot space
EV SUV buyers considering Skoda Enyaq or Hyundai Ioniq 5
Drivers wanting SUV height with estate-like usability

It’s less about performance or innovation, and more about making Toyota’s EV formula more usable in daily life.

Verdict

The Toyota bZ4X Touring succeeds in its core brief: adding space and practicality without noticeably compromising how it drives. The biggest takeaway from this first drive is how unforced it feels on the road. Despite its increased size, it avoids feeling stretched or heavy, and retains a reassuring level of composure.It may not radically change the electric SUV segment, but it does make Toyota’s offering more practical without the usual dynamic trade-offs.