[24][25] The bZ4X is similar in size to the RAV4, but stood lower with sharper styling and a longer wheelbase that matches the larger Highlander's.

[30] The steer-by-wire system was developed for the Chinese market and will be available with a yoke in lieu of a conventional steering wheel.

[29] Combined with the low instrument panel, Toyota stated the yoke provides a more open interior.

[32] Front-wheel drive models have an estimated range of 510 km (317 mi) and a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of 7.5 seconds, while all-wheel drive models have an estimated range of 460 km (286 mi) and 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time in 6.9 seconds.

[29] Front-wheel drive models have a 71.4 kWh battery[30] built by Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES), a joint venture between Toyota and Panasonic.

[33] All-wheel drive models for the North American market have a 72.8 kWh battery built by CATL.

[35] Using a fast charger can charge the PPES pack up to 80% capacity in 30 minutes, and an optional rooftop solar panel system may generate electricity to drive the vehicle for at least 1,800 km (1,100 mi) per year.

The model is only available for lease through the company's Kinto service to "eliminate customer concerns" regarding battery electric vehicles while "taking the environment into consideration".

[39] The North American market-spec bZ4X was unveiled at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, with its specifications also detailed by that time, including its on-sale date set in mid-2022, for the 2023 model year.

[45] The bZ4X is not eligible for electric vehicle incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act because it is made in Japan, not the US, Canada, or Mexico.

Imports from Japan are scheduled to begin in 2024 to Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia, with orders to be taken from late 2023.

[56][57] After a series of price cuts due to slow sales,[58] Toyota released an update for the bZ4X in November 2023.

[67]On 23 June 2022, Toyota and Subaru recalled 2,700 bZ4Xs and 2,600 Solterras due to the possibility that wheels could come loose.

[68][69] On 6 October 2022, Toyota reported it has found a fix to the loose wheel recall and has resumed production of the bZ4X and Solterra.