Toyota bZ4X prices hiked as EV sells out in weeks, buyers face 2027 wait

Toyota New Zealand has quietly increased the price of its entire bZ4X electric SUV range by $2000, as strong demand has left the brand sold out of current stock, pushing delivery wait times into next year.

The price rise affects every variant in the updated bZ4X lineup, which only arrived in local dealerships last month, with the entry-level bZ4x Pure now starting from $58,990 drive away, while the flagship and soon-to-arrive bZ4x Touring rises to $71,990.

Despite the increase, the range remains substantially cheaper than the original bZ4X launched in New Zealand in 2024, when comparable models were priced from $72,990 for the entry-level variant and $82,990 for the all-wheel drive model.

Toyota says the unexpected response from buyers has exhausted its initial allocation, with new orders for the standard bZ4X now not expected to be fulfilled until early 2027, although the bZ4X Touring remains on track to arrive in New Zealand during September or October this year.

Toyota New Zealand told CarExpert in a statement, the first shipment of bZ4x EVs sold far quicker than anticipated.

"With the rapid increase in petrol prices due to global events, as many brands found, interest and sales of EVs increased. We found this with the new bZ4X stock as orders and sales exceeded our expectations, selling out four months of stock in a few weeks."

The company added the updated model's improvements have also contributed to its popularity.

"The new generation bZ4X has improved performance and range and have been selling well leading to unanticipated wait times."

Toyota New Zealand says it is working to secure additional production, though increased global demand means extra allocation isn't guaranteed.

"We are always assessing our supply and looking to secure more for vehicles that customers are wanting. Many distributors are in the same position therefore Toyota Motor Corporation needs to allocate stock accordingly."

The sales success could also strengthen the case for additional battery-electric Toyotas in New Zealand, although the company says it remains committed to offering multiple powertrain options.

"We are always assessing our future lineup based on customer demand and needs. With a multi-pathway approach (offering diesel, hybrid, PHEV and full electric), we aim to have a good selection across all powertrains, including fully electric."

Toyota also offer models that are powered exclusively by petrol, however they are reserved for high-performance GR models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and GR86.

The current-generation bZ4X arrived in New Zealand with a larger 74.7kWh battery, more powerful electric motors and substantially improved WLTP driving range.

The front-wheel drive Pure produces 167kW and 269Nm with a claimed WLTP range of up to 591km, while the all-wheel drive Motion develops 255kW and 438Nm with a 517km range.

The new bZ4X Touring tops the lineup with 280kW and 438Nm, while offering a larger body and a 600-litre boot. Its claimed WLTP range is 488km.

All variants support up to 22kW AC charging and 150kW DC fast charging, while the AWD Motion and Touring models also double braked towing capacity to 1500kg.

The updated model also introduced refreshed 'hammerhead' styling, a larger 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and expanded safety equipment, helping transform Toyota's only battery-electric passenger vehicle into one of the brand's fastest-selling new models in New Zealand.

The bZ4x range mirrors the sucsess of the new-generation RAV4, with the brand earlier confirming to CarExpert that some versions of the best-selling SUV have also sold out until 2027.

Updated 2026 Toyota bZ4X pricing