After testing both electric SUVs I decided to buy the Tesla Model Y instead of Toyota’s newest EV.

[TAG0][TAG7]

• I drove Toyota’s first mass-market, electric vehicle, a bZ4X SUV.
• The Model Y's slow charging speed and limited range can't compare with its popular Tesla Model Y.
• If you do not plan to take long trips, then the bZ4X could be an excellent choice.

Tesla was the only electric car you could buy for a long time. This is changing quickly.

Toyota, the largest automaker in the world by sales, has recently launched its first mass market electric vehicle, the bZ4X.

Does it have the ability to lure buyers away from Tesla’s utterly dominating Model Y? Is the once-pioneer of hybrid cars now lagging behind its competitors?

After driving both models I am convinced that it is the latter.

The prices are pretty equal

[TAG1][TAG8]

Let's begin with the basics. Model Y and bZ4X prices are very similar.

The Toyota starts at 42,000 dollars, while the Tesla is priced at 46,990. After subtracting the $7,500 Tesla tax credit that qualifies you for, your remaining amount is less than $40,000. Both SUVs are available in more expensive and more capable versions. Model Ys come standard with all-wheel drive. The bZ4X requires an extra $2,000 to get it.

Toyota loaned me a bZ4X Limited AWD (the more expensive trim option), which would normally retail at $52,000. The Model Y Long Range I tested costs $49,990.

The Tesla has a better range

[TAG2][TAG9]

Tesla beats Toyota when it comes to the range per dollar.

The Toyota is rated at up to 252 miles by the EPA. Not bad. The all-wheel drive version I tested returned a meager 222. A second motor that drives the front wheels increases weight and energy consumption.

Model Y Long Range gets a rating of 330, while the base version is rated at 279. The EPA rating is not everything, and it doesn't always translate to the real world. But they give you a good idea of what you can expect.

The Toyota Charges Slowly

[TAG3][TAG10]

It wouldn't matter if the bZ4X was able to charge extremely quickly. It can't.

The bZ4X can only accept 100 kilowatts of fast charging, while front-wheel drive models can receive 150 kilowatts. Model Y is capable of charging at more than 200 kilowatts. , and users can benefit from Tesla's Supercharger Network. The faster a battery can be charged, the more kilowatts it can handle.

Toyota has slowed down charging rates to prolong the life of its battery packs. Repeated fast-charging will wear down a battery faster. On a recent roadtrip with the bZ4X I found that this engineering decision could lead to painfully long stops, which can prolong a long journey.

The Tesla is the winner in terms of cargo space

[TAG4][TAG11]

The Model Y has a lot of interior space. Tesla has found a way to use electrification in order to maximize the passenger and cargo space.

Model Y has 76.2 cubic feet, while bZ4X only offers 56.9. The Tesla's large front trunk, which you won't find in the bZ4X, could be a factor.

You may still like the bZ4X

[TAG5][TAG12]

Tesla's calling cards have always been a large touchscreen with many interesting features. Fun fact: Elon Musk debuted his Model S with a large touchscreen before Apple's iPad.

Tesla is a great choice for those who are always upgrading to the latest iPhone as soon as it's released. If you are put off by using a touchscreen for everything, instead of switches, then the bZ4X may be a better option. The Toyota may seem like a spaceship, but it is not designed to scare anyone who wants to switch from a combustion engine vehicle.

[TAG6][TAG13]

Model Y's quickness makes it more fun to drive. However, its stiff suspension can make for a bumpy trip. The Toyota is more comfortable for everyday driving.

The bZ4X is a good option if you do not plan to drive a lot or depend on public transportation.

—————————————————————————————————————————————
By: tlevin@insider.com (Tim Levin)
Title: Why I’d buy the Tesla Model Y over Toyota’s newest EV after driving both electric SUVs
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/tesla-model-y-vs-toyota-bz4x-electric-suvs-compared-2023-4
Published Date: Sat, 29 Apr 2023 09:45:00 +0000

Related posts:

Driving electric SUVs by Hyundai, Kia, Tesla and Kia showed me why Korean brands are outpacing Elon Musk Hyundai’s futuristic electric car, the new Hyundai Elantra, offers Tesla-beating performance in a sleek package Tesla’s most affordable model costs now less than $40.000 Consumer EVs, such as the Toyota hybrids or Tesla Model 3, dominate.