The new Toyota bZ is a heck of a lot better than the old bZ4x. It’s got better range, a more modern charging port and on-board charger, more power, and an updated interior. Really, it’s the EV that the brand should’ve made in the first dang place. It’s still not quite as good as some of the competition, but because it’s a good-sized SUV with an efficient drivetrain and a trunk, it is at least a good choice for those with pets.
As ever, our tester is my 85-pound dog, Beorn. He’s happy to do it, and he works for cheap.
East Of Access: Tall, But Not Too Much So
Chase Bierenkoven
Chase Bierenkoven
Beorn didn’t have much trouble getting into the bZ. That’s mostly down to two things: a wide door opening and the bZ’s relatively low ride height. When I do these tests, sometimes I can see him twist his body mid-jump to get through a gap, but not here. The path in and out is clear, but your smaller dog likely won’t be making the three-foot hop up to the seat. Getting out is similarly easy, and the wide opening and shorter doors mean you can get your pet out even in a crowded parking lot with cars on either side of you.
Interior Space: It’s An SUV
Due to its steeply raked roofline, you probably won’t be fitting most dogs in the trunk. That’s not where the airbags are anyway. The rear passenger compartment, just as it does for people, offers plenty of space for pets. The bench seat is wide and spacious enough that even large dogs will fit, and there’s plenty of space for them to sit upright, lean out the window, or hang out. The seats also tilt and fold separately, giving you some options for carrying pets and long cargo simultaneously.
Materials: Rugged Enough
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The bZ’s materials quality feels pretty sturdy. The seat inserts are cloth, with some pleather accents. Both should be pretty easy to keep clean. I clean all of these cars once the dog has been in them, so I ought to know. The armrest might stand up to some, well, standing, too. Though trim and upholstery shift somewhat as you move up or down the SUV’s trim ladder, they all seem to be pretty durable. Regardless, it’s probably worth investing in a seat cover anyways. Those, unlike whole seats, are at least washable.
Verdict: Plenty Of Room For A Dog Or Two
Chase Bierenkoven
The Toyota bZ doesn’t do much to set itself apart at a human level. It’s an electrified box that has made some big changes to become a much better one, but its capability and practicality remain largely unchanged. The SUV has plenty of room for people and pets alike, its slightly smaller cargo area notwithstanding. Though that loses about 10 cubic feet over an equivalent RAV4, it’s still more than enough car to transport your pets in, even if there are better electrified options on the market.
About the author
Chase Bierenkoven
Senior Editor, Autoblog