Toyota’s bZ4X leads Japan’s EV market, outselling Honda. Discover why the upgraded SUV is booming and what’s next for electric cars. Read more now!
Tokyo – In a landmark quarter for Japan’s electric‑vehicle (EV) market, Toyota has overtaken its domestic rival Honda to become the top seller of EVs in the country for the first time. The company’s compact SUV, the bZ4X, recorded a staggering 3,448 units sold in Q3 2025, a 22‑fold jump from the same period a year earlier.
Why the bZ4X Is Winning
The refreshed 2025 bZ4X arrives with a suite of upgrades that have resonated with Japanese buyers:
- Extended range: Up to 746 km (464 mi) on a single charge – the longest range offered by any locally‑produced EV.
- Faster charging: New high‑speed DC capability cuts top‑up times dramatically.
- Refined design: Updated interior trims, sharper exterior styling and added tech features.
- Competitive pricing: Starting at ¥4.8 million (≈ US$30,600), the bZ4X is cheaper than its predecessor.
- Customer incentives: A free one‑year membership to Toyota’s nationwide charging network for every new buyer.
These factors helped Toyota break Nissan’s 15‑year reign at the top of Japan’s EV leaderboard. Nissan’s small‑size model, the Sakura, fell to third place with 1,895 units, while Honda’s N‑One e held on to second place with 2,732 units.
From a Slow Start to International Success
The bZ4X debuted in May 2022 but struggled to gain traction at home. It wasn’t until the 2025 mid‑cycle refresh that sales took off, echoing the model’s stronger performance abroad. In the United States, Toyota sold more than 18,000 bZ4X units in 2024, though that figure slipped to 15,609 in 2025 as competition intensified. Priced from US$34,900, the bZ4X remains one of the most affordable electric SUVs on the American market.
What’s Next for Toyota’s EV Line‑up?
Looking ahead, Toyota plans to broaden its affordable EV portfolio. By the end of 2025 the company will launch the 2026 C‑HR electric SUV, projected to start under US$35,000. This move underscores Toyota’s commitment to delivering low‑cost, high‑range electric cars both domestically and overseas.
With the bZ4X’s resurgence, Toyota appears set to reshape Japan’s EV landscape, challenging long‑standing rivals and accelerating the nation’s shift toward cleaner mobility.