# Toyota bZ4X — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Toyota bZ4X on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/toyota-bz4x

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2022
- **Ideal trim**: Motion
- **Target mileage**: 30,000–45,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £20,689

## Why this model

The Toyota bZ4X is a solid choice if you're looking for a reliable, practical electric SUV. Toyota's reputation for dependability translates well to their EVs, and the bZ4X offers a comfortable ride and decent real-world range (around 250 miles) for most daily driving. It's a good family car with a spacious interior and a strong focus on safety. The 71.4kWh liquid-cooled battery offers a good balance of range and charging speed, and Toyota's excellent 8yr/100k mile battery warranty provides excellent peace of mind, protecting against significant battery degradation (expected to be only ~1.8% per year).

## What you should pay

The used EV market has seen significant price adjustments recently, making cars like the bZ4X much more accessible. Our target price of around £20,689 for a 2022 Motion trim reflects the current market softening. While new prices were much higher, depreciation has made these nearly new models a great second-hand buy. This price point is competitive with other established EV rivals, especially considering Toyota's strong brand appeal and reliability.

## Which trim to buy

The Motion trim hits a sweet spot, offering a good balance of desirable features without the premium price tag of the top-spec Vision. You'll typically get larger 20-inch alloy wheels, a more advanced 12.3-inch multimedia display, heated front seats, and a powered tailgate compared to the entry-level Pure. This makes it feel more premium and comfortable for daily use, but still offers excellent value on the used market.

## What to check before you buy

- Early 2022 models had a recall for wheel bolts that could loosen – ensure this has been addressed by checking service history or with a Toyota dealer.
- Check for software updates, as early models had some charging speed inconsistencies that were later improved.
- As with any EV, check battery health (SoH) if possible, though Toyota's 8yr/100k mile battery warranty is very reassuring.

## Running costs

Running an electric car like the bZ4X can be very cheap, especially if you charge at home. Based on its real-world efficiency of around 3.5 mi/kWh: Standard home rate (Ofgem cap 24.5p/kWh): Expect to pay about 7p/mile, which is roughly £700 per year for 10,000 miles. Smart EV tariff (e.g., Octopus Go/Intelligent Octopus at 9p/kWh overnight): This drops to around 2.6p/mile, costing only about £257 per year for 10,000 miles. That's a saving of £443 annually! (Requires a smart meter and compatible charger). Charging at public rapid chargers (70-85p/kWh) costs significantly more, around 20–24.3p/mile, so avoid relying on these for daily use. Road Tax (VED): EVs are currently exempt until April 2025. From April 2025, they will pay £195 per year. Insurance: Expect insurance costs to be moderate for an EV SUV, typically in the £600-£1000 range depending on your personal circumstances and no-claims bonus. Maintenance: Generally lower than petrol/diesel cars, with fewer moving parts. The liquid-cooled battery helps maintain its health over time, with an expected degradation of only ~1.8% per year.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Electric
- **Horsepower**: 201 hp (FWD) / 215 hp (AWD)
- **Mpg**: 3.5 mi/kWh
- **Reliability Score**: Excellent (Toyota's reputation)
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Pure | £42,000 | £19,000 | 18-inch alloy wheels; 8-inch multimedia display; Reversing camera |
| Motion | £45,000 | £20,689 | 20-inch alloy wheels; 12.3-inch multimedia display; Heated front seats |
| Vision | £48,000 | £22,500 | 20-inch alloy wheels; 12.3-inch multimedia display; Heated and ventilated front seats |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £20,689 | 100% |
| 2027 | £18,620 | 90% |
| 2028 | £16,944 | 82% |
| 2029 | £15,588 | 75% |
| 2030 | £14,497 | 70% |

The bZ4X has already taken a significant hit in depreciation from its new price, making a 2022 model a smart buy now. The steepest part of the depreciation curve is behind it. While EVs will continue to depreciate, buying a 3-4 year old model means you're getting it at a much more stable point, reducing your future losses compared to buying new or nearly new.

Total value lost since new: 30%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Hyundai IONIQ 5](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/hyundai-ioniq-5.md)
- [Kia EV6](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/kia-ev6.md)
- Skoda Enyaq iV

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.
