2023 Nissan Ariya vs. 2023 Toyota bZ4X: Which Electric SUV Should You Buy?

2023 Nissan Ariya vs. 2023 Toyota bZ4X: Which Electric SUV Should You Buy?

If you are looking for a mid-size electric SUV that offers style, performance, and range, you might be interested in two of the newest models on the market: the 2023 Nissan Ariya and the 2023 Toyota bZ4X. Both of these vehicles are designed to appeal to mainstream buyers who want a practical and affordable electric vehicle with all-wheel drive capability. But which one is better for you? Here are some key differences and similarities between the Ariya and the bZ4X that you should consider before making your decision.

Design and Dimensions

The Ariya and the bZ4X have distinct design languages that reflect their respective brands. The Ariya has a sleek and futuristic look, with a V-shaped grille, thin LED headlights, and a coupe-like roofline. The bZ4X has a more rugged and conventional appearance, with a large hexagonal grille, angular LED headlights, and black cladding around the wheel arches. Both vehicles have aerodynamic features such as flush door handles and rear spoilers to improve efficiency.

The Ariya is slightly larger than the bZ4X in most dimensions, except for wheelbase and ground clearance. The Ariya measures 182.9 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, and 65.4 inches tall, with a 109.3-inch wheelbase and an unspecified ground clearance. The bZ4X measures 184.6 inches long, 73.2 inches wide, and 65 inches tall, with a 112.2-inch wheelbase and an 8.1-inch ground clearance. The longer wheelbase of the bZ4X gives it more interior space, especially for rear-seat passengers.

Interior and Features

The Ariya and the bZ4X have modern and minimalist interiors, with digital instrument clusters, touchscreens, wireless charging pads, and ambient lighting. The Ariya has a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen that are integrated into a single curved display on the dashboard. The bZ4X has a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen that are separated by a large hood on the dashboard.

Both vehicles offer plenty of features to enhance comfort, convenience, safety, and connectivity. Some of the standard or available features include heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, head-up display, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, surround-view camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, wireless smartphone integration, Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation system, premium sound system, and more.

The Ariya has more cargo space than the bZ4X, with 22.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The bZ4X has 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and an unspecified amount with the rear seats folded down.

Performance and Range

The Ariya and the bZ4X both offer single-motor front-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive configurations. The Ariya has two battery options: a 66-kWh battery for the base model (Engage) or an 87-kWh battery for all other models (Venture+, Advance+, Platinum+, Platinum+ e-4orce). The bZ4X has only one battery option: a 71.4-kWh battery for all models (XLE or Limited).

The Ariya has more power and range than the bZ4X in most cases. The single-motor Ariya produces 214 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor Ariya produces either 335 or 389 horsepower (depending on the model) and either 413 or 443 lb-ft of torque (depending on the model). The single-motor bZ4X produces 201 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor bZ4X produces only slightly more at 214 horsepower.

The EPA-estimated range for the single-motor Ariya is between 216 miles (Engage) and 304 miles (Venture+), while the range for the dual-motor Ariya is between 238 miles (Advance+) and 267 miles (Platinum+). The EPA-estimated range for the single-motor bZ4X is 252 miles (XLE or Limited), while the range for the dual-motor bZ4X is only slightly less at 222 miles (XLE or Limited).

The Ariya also has faster acceleration than the bZ4X in most cases. The single-motor Ariya can go from zero to 60 mph in either 7.1 seconds (Engage) or 7 seconds (Venture+), while the dual-motor Ariya can do it in either 5 seconds (Advance+) or 5 seconds (Platinum+). The single-motor bZ4X can go from zero to 60 mph in either 8 seconds (XLE) or 8 seconds (Limited), while the dual-motor bZ4X can do it in either

6 seconds (XLE) or 6 seconds (Limited).

Both vehicles support fast charging via DC chargers up to either

130 kW (Ariya) or

150 kW (bZ4X). The Ariya can charge from

10% to

80% in

30 minutes with

a

130-kW charger,

while

the

bZ4X can charge from

10% to

80% in

28 minutes with

a

150-kW charger.

Price and Value

The Ariya has a higher starting price than the bZ4X but also offers more power,

range,

and features.

The base model Engage FWD starts at $43,

190,

while

the top model Platinum+ e-4orce AWD starts at $57,

559.

The base model XLE FWD starts at $42,

000,

while

the top model Limited AWD starts at $50,

115.

Both vehicles qualify for

a $7,

500 federal tax credit,

as well as state

and local incentives depending on where you live.

Conclusion

The Ariya and the bZ4X are both attractive options for electric SUV buyers who want a balance of style,

performance,

and practicality.

The Ariya offers more power,

range,

and cargo space,

but also costs more

and weighs more.

The bZ4X offers more interior space,

ground clearance,

and simplicity,

but also has less power,

range,

and features.

Ultimately,

the choice depends on your personal preferences

and budget.

You should test drive both vehicles before making your final decision.