Toyota bZ5: Budget EV with Big Ambitions
The 2025 Toyota bZ5 enters the electric sedan ring with something most EVs don’t: a price tag that won’t vaporize your savings. Developed in China through the FAW-Toyota and BYD alliance, the bZ5 slips into the market as a front-wheel-drive sedan with the kind of long-legged range and futuristic tech that folks used to paying double would envy. Wrapped in sleek fastback styling, this one punches above its weight in almost every category worth talking about.
- Manufactured in China via FAW-Toyota with BYD support
- Unveiled officially in 2025 following bZ3C concept
- Pricing starts at $18,000 (approx. £14,200/€16,750)
- Targeted as an affordable competitor to Tesla Model Y
Toyota bZ5 Specs: What You Get Under the Hood
Battery and Charging
Powering the Toyota bZ5 is a 74 kWh Blade LFP battery sourced from BYD, capable of up to 630 kilometers (391 miles) on the CLTC cycle. In realistic WLTP terms, you're likely looking at 280–310 miles (450–500 km). Charging is snappy too, hitting 30–80% in just 27 minutes using a 150 kW DC charger. It uses a 400V platform—not bleeding-edge, but good enough for the segment.
- Battery capacity: 74 kWh LFP Blade
- Range: 630 km (391 mi) CLTC / approx. 280–310 mi (450–500 km) WLTP
- Charging: 30–80% in 27 minutes (150 kW DC)
- Platform: 400V e-TNGA architecture
Performance and Handling
The Toyota bZ5 isn't trying to win drag races, but it isn't sluggish either. The 268 hp (200 kW) front-mounted motor delivers 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in around 7 seconds, and torque is a healthy 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft). Top speed caps out at 160 km/h (99 mph), which is plenty for most real-world scenarios. FWD keeps it simple and efficient, especially for urban and suburban drivers.
- Power: 268 hp (200 kW)
- Torque: 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft)
- 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): 7 seconds
- Top speed: 160 km/h (99 mph)
- Drive: FWD
Variants of the bZ5 are expected to include a lower-range 65.28 kWh option as well, with slightly reduced performance and cost.
Exterior and Interior of the Toyota bZ5
Exterior
The exterior plays a slick game of sedan meets crossover. It sports a sloped roofline, hammerhead nose, and full-width rear light bar. The car measures 188.2 in (4,781 mm) long, 73.5 in (1,867 mm) wide, and 59.4 in (1,509 mm) tall, sitting on a 113.4 in (2,880 mm) wheelbase. Add to that 21-inch alloys, aerodynamic flush handles, and subtle black cladding, and you get a ride that looks pricier than it is.
Interior
Step inside, and it’s clear Toyota took a sharp left from its conservative interior design roots. The 15.6-inch center screen dominates the dashboard, paired with a smaller driver display pushed toward the windshield. JBL speakers, a panoramic sunroof, nap-mode front seats, and even a fragrance dispenser add unexpected flair. The cabin’s flat floor design opens up generous rear legroom and 580 liters (20.5 cu ft) of trunk space.
Pros and Cons of the Toyota bZ5
Pros
- Impressive 630 km (391 mi) range with LFP battery
- Budget-friendly pricing under $20K
- Fast-charging at 150 kW in 27 minutes
- Spacious, futuristic interior design
Cons
- Lacks 800V ultra-fast charge architecture
- No AWD version at launch
- No front trunk (frunk)
- Some may miss physical buttons in cabin
Conclusion: Why the Toyota bZ5 Deserves a Look
The Toyota bZ5 brings long-range electric driving to the masses without the usual sticker shock. It’s a thoughtfully engineered, tech-savvy sedan that delivers real value where it counts—range, comfort, and price. Not perfect, but far from ordinary.
* Toyota bZ5 coupe SUV started deliveries in China with BYD battery
Exterior and Interior photos of Toyota bZ5
Click to enlarge the photos
Watch the Video Overview
Click to watch the video
Comparison:
For those eyeing a low-cost EV sedan that doesn’t feel cheap, the Toyota bZ5 throws its hat into the ring alongside contenders like the BYD Qin Plus EV, Changan Deepal SL03, Nissan Sylphy EV, and Leapmotor C01. All of them promise wallet-friendly electrification—but not all deliver equal value.
Range
The Toyota bZ5 tops the list with an impressive 630 km (391 mi) of CLTC range, matching the Leapmotor C01 and outpacing the Qin Plus EV at 610 km (379 mi). The SL03 follows with 515 km (320 mi), and the Sylphy EV brings up the rear at just 350 km (217 mi).
Acceleration
Clocking in at 7 seconds flat to 100 km/h (62 mph), the bZ5 holds its ground against the SL03 at 6.9 seconds and the C01 at 7.2 seconds. Meanwhile, the Qin Plus EV and Sylphy EV are closer to 8+ seconds, which may not cut it for speed junkies.
Power
The Toyota bZ5 and Leapmotor C01 are both rated at 268 hp (200 kW), leading the pack. The SL03 trails slightly at 218 hp (160 kW), while the Qin Plus EV and Sylphy EV lag far behind at 184 hp (137 kW) and 134 hp (100 kW) respectively.
Charging Time
The bZ5 supports 150 kW DC fast charging, recovering 30% to 80% in just 27 minutes—on par with the SL03 and C01. The Sylphy EV and Qin Plus EV require longer stops, especially under real-world conditions.
Price
Here’s where the Toyota bZ5 really shines: $18,000 (approx. £14,200 / €16,750). That’s several thousand dollars cheaper than the SL03 ($21,000), C01 ($22,800), Qin Plus EV ($20,000), and Sylphy EV ($19,300), making it the value king of the group.
FAQ:
What is the range on a single charge?
The Toyota bZ5 can travel up to 630 km (391 miles) on the CLTC cycle or about 280–310 miles (450–500 km) under WLTP conditions.
What is the top speed?
The top speed is 160 km/h, which converts to approximately 99 mph—plenty for highway and city driving alike.
How powerful is the motor?
Under the hood, the Toyota bZ5 cranks out 268 horsepower (200 kW) and 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft) of torque from its front-mounted electric motor.
What is the battery capacity?
The bZ5 is equipped with a 74 kWh Blade LFP battery made by BYD, optimized for durability and thermal stability.
How long does it take to charge the battery?
Charging from 30% to 80% takes about 27 minutes when using a 150 kW DC fast charger, ideal for quick top-ups.
How fast does it accelerate?
From zero to 100 km/h (0–62 mph), the Toyota bZ5 completes the sprint in roughly 7 seconds—quick enough for daily driving needs.
Is the drivetrain front-wheel or all-wheel?
The bZ5 currently comes with front-wheel drive; there’s no all-wheel-drive option available at launch.
How much cargo space does it offer?
It delivers 580 liters (20.5 cubic feet) of cargo room in the rear but doesn’t include a front trunk like some rivals.
What is the price of the vehicle?
The Toyota bZ5 starts at just $18,000, which is around £14,200 or €16,750—significantly cheaper than many EV competitors.
What platform is it built on?
It uses Toyota’s e-TNGA 400V platform, a joint development with BYD tailored for affordability and efficiency.
