The electric vehicle market is evolving at a dizzying pace, with new models emerging from both startup brands and established automakers. Two of the most intriguing recent entries in the popular SUV segment are the Toyota bZ4X and Tesla Model Y.
Toyota, long a leader in hybrid powertrains, has finally introduced its first clean-sheet electric vehicle in the bZ4X. Jointly developed with Subaru, the bZ4X brings Toyota‘s reputation for reliability, practicality and value to the EV space.
Meanwhile, the Tesla Model Y builds on the massive success of the Model 3 sedan with a roomier crossover design. Tesla‘s industry-leading battery tech, software innovation and high-tech user experience have made the Model Y a hit, becoming the best-selling EV in the US market.
So which of these capable electric utilities has the upper hand? As an expert in automotive and EV technology, I‘ll compare the bZ4X and Model Y head-to-head in crucial areas like range, performance, charging speed, software, safety, and overall value to help you decide.
Range and Efficiency
When it comes to electric vehicles, driving range is often top of mind. The Toyota bZ4X offers competitive range figures, with the single-motor front-wheel drive model rated at 252 miles by the EPA. The dual-motor all-wheel drive version sees range drop slightly to 228 miles. Here‘s a breakdown by trim level:
| Toyota bZ4X Trim | Range (mi) | Battery (kWh) | MPGe |
|---|---|---|---|
| XLE FWD | 252 | 71.4 | 131 city / 107 hwy |
| XLE AWD | 228 | 72.8 | 114 city / 94 hwy |
| Limited FWD | 242 | 71.4 | 125 city / 103 hwy |
| Limited AWD | 222 | 72.8 | 112 city / 92 hwy |
The Tesla Model Y offers longer range estimates across the board. The Long Range trim can travel up to 330 miles on a single charge, while the Performance model is rated for 303 miles. Tesla achieves these impressive figures through a combination of industry-leading battery energy density, efficient motors and advanced thermal management. The Model Y‘s larger battery packs also contribute to its range advantage.
| Tesla Model Y Trim | Range (mi) | Battery (kWh) | MPGe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Range | 330 | 82 | 127 city / 117 hwy |
| Performance | 303 | 82 | 115 city / 106 hwy |
The Model Y‘s superior range will likely sway buyers who frequently take longer trips or suffer from range anxiety. However, the bZ4X‘s 252 miles of max range is still plenty for the average driver‘s daily needs. The bZ4X also achieves slightly better efficiency in MPGe, meaning it requires less energy to travel the same distance. This not only reduces charging costs, but also means the bZ4X‘s battery will experience less degradation over time.
Charging Speed and Infrastructure
Charging speed is another critical factor for EV buyers, both for daily home charging and occasional road trips. The Toyota bZ4X offers respectable if not class-leading charging speeds. When plugged into a 240V Level 2 charger, the bZ4X can replenish its battery from 0-80% in just over an hour. At a DC fast charger, Toyota says the bZ4X can recoup about 80% of its range in 30 minutes. However, its peak charging rate of 150kW trails some competitors.
The Tesla Model Y offers some of the quickest charging speeds in the industry, thanks to its 250kW peak rate and advanced battery thermal management. When connected to a 240V outlet, the Model Y can add about 30-40 miles of range per hour. More importantly, it can take advantage of Tesla‘s vaunted Supercharger network, adding up to 162 miles in just 15 minutes at a V3 Supercharger. This advantage can‘t be overstated for buyers looking to use their EVs for longer trips.
| Charging Spec | Toyota bZ4X | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 Home Charging | 0-80% in ~60 min | ~30 mi/hr |
| Peak DC Fast Charging | 150 kW | 250 kW |
| DC Fast Charge Speed | 80% in 30 min | 162 mi in 15 min |
While the bZ4X‘s charging speeds are competitive, Tesla simply operates in a different league. The expansive Supercharger network, consisting of over 35,000 fast chargers globally, provides Tesla drivers with unrivaled convenience and fast charging speeds. Toyota bZ4X drivers can utilize public fast chargers from Electrify America, EVgo and others, but the user experience and charging speeds fall short of Tesla‘s seamless network. Toyota does provide a year of complimentary EVgo charging with the bZ4X to incentivize buyers.
Performance
Electric powertrains are known for their instant torque delivery and smooth power. The Toyota bZ4X‘s front-wheel single-motor setup puts out 201 hp and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in the mid-7 second range. The dual-motor AWD version ups the ante slightly to 214 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, dropping the 0-60 sprint to around 6.5 seconds. While not face-meltingly quick, both bZ4X models offer more than adequate acceleration for daily driving duties.
In typical Tesla fashion, the Model Y dials up the performance factor significantly. The Long Range dual-motor model churns out 384 hp and 376 lb-ft, rocketing from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. The Performance variant takes it to the extreme with 456 hp and 497 lb-ft, slashing the 0-60 dash to a supercar-like 3.5 seconds. It also adds 21-inch wheels, larger brakes, lowered suspension and a track mode.
| Performance Spec | Toyota bZ4X FWD | Toyota bZ4X AWD | Tesla Model Y Long Range | Tesla Model Y Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 214 hp | 384 hp | 456 hp |
| Torque | 196 lb-ft | 248 lb-ft | 376 lb-ft | 497 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | ~7.5 seconds | ~6.5 seconds | 4.8 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 100 mph | 135 mph | 155 mph |
While the bZ4X‘s performance is perfectly adequate, the Model Y operates on another level entirely. Even the Long Range is quicker than some sports sedans, while the Performance is in a league of its own. The instant response and neck-snapping acceleration can be addictive and make the Model Y tremendously fun to drive.
Battery Tech and Thermal Management
Battery technology is the heart of any electric vehicle, impacting everything from range and performance to safety and longevity. Toyota has taken a conservative approach with the bZ4X, using proven and cost-effective lithium-ion pouch cells. The pack is liquid cooled, but not to the extent of Tesla‘s more advanced cooling system. Toyota also employs a battery preconditioning feature that can slightly extend range in cold weather.
Tesla is widely regarded as having the most advanced battery and thermal management tech in the EV industry. The Model Y uses Tesla‘s latest 2170 cylindrical cells, which boast high energy density. Tesla‘s batteries also utilize a sophisticated liquid cooling system with active heating and cooling loops. This not only enables the Model Y‘s impressive performance, but also allows for reliable DC fast charging and less battery degradation over time.
One key difference is the bZ4X‘s battery warranty, which covers 70% capacity for 10 years/150,000 miles, whereas Tesla only guarantees the Model Y battery for 8 years/120,000 miles. Toyota‘s longer warranty could provide additional peace of mind for buyers. Both vehicles utilize an energy-dense lithium-ion chemistry with liquid cooling, but Tesla‘s battery technology and thermal management is generally considered to be industry-leading.
Software and Over-the-Air Updates
In-car software and technology has taken center stage in the age of the connected car, and EVs are on the cutting edge. Toyota has made significant strides with the bZ4X‘s new infotainment system, which features a large 12.3-inch touchscreen with clear, modern graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are voice commands, cloud-based navigation and over-the-air updates for certain vehicle functions.
However, Tesla remains the gold standard for in-car tech. The Model Y‘s 15-inch center touchscreen controls nearly every vehicle function and boasts lightning-quick responses. But it‘s the depth of features that really sets Tesla apart. Streaming music, video games, an internet browser, dashcam viewer, karaoke and more are all included, turning the Model Y into a tech powerhouse.
Tesla‘s over-the-air update capability is also far more robust than Toyota‘s. The Model Y can receive regular software updates that improve performance, add new features and refine existing ones. This allows the vehicle to actually improve over time, whereas the bZ4X‘s core functionality is more locked in from the factory.
Driver Assistance and Safety Features
Advanced driver assistance systems and active safety tech have become increasingly important to consumers. The Toyota bZ4X comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, which includes features like forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keep assist. Optional features include a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors and blind spot monitoring.
The Tesla Model Y also offers a robust suite of standard active safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, side collision warning and blind spot monitoring. However, Tesla takes it a step further with standard Autopilot, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane centering for semi-autonomous driving on highways. For an additional $12,000, buyers can add the Full Self-Driving package with auto lane change, autopark, smart summon and traffic light recognition.
While Toyota‘s system is very capable, Tesla‘s more advanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features provide a glimpse into an autonomous driving future. Tesla‘s recent removal of radar sensors in favor of a camera-only system has been controversial, but the company is banking on achieving full self-driving through AI and machine learning. Toyota has taken a more conservative approach, but both vehicles offer some of the most advanced driver assists on the market.
Pricing and Incentives
The Toyota bZ4X starts at $42,000 for the front-wheel drive XLE model and tops out around $52,000 for a loaded Limited AWD. The Tesla Model Y has a higher starting price of $53,490 for the Long Range, while the Performance begins at $56,990. Here‘s a more detailed breakdown:
| Toyota bZ4X Trim | Price |
|---|---|
| XLE FWD | $42,000 |
| XLE AWD | $44,080 |
| Limited FWD | $46,700 |
| Limited AWD | $48,780 |
| Tesla Model Y Trim | Price |
|---|---|
| Long Range | $53,490 |
| Performance | $56,990 |
However, the Toyota bZ4X is still eligible for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit, while the Tesla Model Y is not. This levels the playing field somewhat, bringing the effective base price of the bZ4X closer to $35,000 and negating much of the Model Y‘s performance and range advantages. Buyers should also check state and local incentives, which can further reduce the cost of going electric.
Additionally, Toyota‘s recent announcement of reduced prices for the 2023 bZ4X makes it an even more compelling value. The base model now starts at $3,000 less than the 2022 version. Toyota has also cut the mandatory destination fee by $200. Combined with the federal tax credit, a base bZ4X now costs around $34,000, a relative bargain for a well-equipped electric SUV.
Verdict
Choosing between the Toyota bZ4X and Tesla Model Y largely comes down to the buyer‘s priorities and budget. The Tesla Model Y offers clear advantages in range, performance, charging infrastructure and in-car technology. It‘s a cutting-edge EV with industry-leading software and a devoted fan base. For buyers who prioritize the driving experience, the latest tech and the convenience of the Supercharger network, the Model Y is hard to beat.
However, the Toyota bZ4X makes a compelling case for itself as a value-oriented, no-nonsense EV from a trusted brand. With a sub-$35,000 effective cost (including incentives), the bZ4X significantly undercuts the Model Y while still offering competitive range, a spacious interior and Toyota‘s reputation for reliability. For buyers who don‘t need the Model Y‘s extreme performance or bells and whistles, the bZ4X is a very capable choice.
Ultimately, both the Toyota bZ4X and Tesla Model Y are highly competent electric SUVs that showcase the strengths of their respective brands. The bZ4X brings Toyota‘s manufacturing prowess and hybrid experience to the EV space, while the Model Y represents the cutting edge of EV performance and software innovation. As the electric vehicle market continues to heat up, car buyers have never had more compelling options to choose from.
