The Toyota bZ4X and Nissan Ariya are two brand-new electric SUVs aiming to convince EV skeptics to make the switch. As more automakers jump into the EV marketplace, competition is heating up. So which one of these electric crossovers is the better buy?
I‘ve thoroughly analyzed both vehicles across critical categories to crown a winner. Read on for the full comparo.
Performance and Range
Performance specs reveal an electric vehicle‘s true capabilities. In this arena, the Ariya clearly outruns the bZ4X.
Horsepower and Torque
The Ariya offers up to 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft torque in its most powerful configuration, the Platinum+ e-4ORCE AWD trim. The dual-motor setup provides serious punch off the line.
Comparatively, the bZ4X tops out at just 214 horsepower and 248 lb-ft torque in its AWD trim. The single rear motor lacks the Ariya‘s robust power.
Acceleration
Thanks to its higher output, the Ariya zips to 60 mph nearly 2 seconds quicker than the bZ4X – 4.8 seconds versus 6.5 seconds. Few compact SUVs can match the Ariya‘s brisk acceleration.
Top Speed
With a top speed of 124 mph, the range-topping Ariya leaves the 99 mph bZ4X in the dust. While top speed isn‘t critical for most drivers, the Ariya‘s extra headroom reflects its performance capabilities.
Range
The Ariya also drives farther on a full battery. Its 87 kWh battery pack manages up to 304 miles per charge. The bZ4X‘s smaller 71.4 kWh battery only travels 252 miles at most. With over 50 extra usable miles, the Ariya alleviates range anxiety.
Charging
Both SUVs offer decent rapid charging that juice the battery from 10-80% in around 30-40 minutes. But when it comes to sheer charging speed, the Ariya once again dominates, reaching a full charge nearly 15 minutes faster.
Winner: Nissan Ariya
With a substantial power advantage, quicker acceleration, higher top speed, and longer driving range, the Ariya easily outperforms the bZ4X. It‘s one of the quickest and most capable electric SUVs on the market.
Interior Space and Cargo Capacity
As family crossovers, interior roominess and cargo space are important factors. Here‘s how the Ariya and bZ4X compare:
Passenger Room
The bZ4X offers slightly more front headroom and legroom than the Ariya for a roomier front row. But it‘s nearly a dead heat in backseat space. Both provide ample room for adults to stretch out.
Cargo Capacity
Behind the rear seats, the bZ4X provides a healthy 28 cubic feet of storage versus 23 cubic feet in the Ariya. Fold the seats down, and the bZ4X opens up 69 cu-ft, again topping the Ariya‘s 57 cu-ft max cargo space. Better cargo numbers give Toyota a win for gear-hauling utility.
Seating
In standard form, both SUVs seat 5 passengers. But the Ariya can be outfitted with a second-row bench bumping capacity to 7 in certain versions — something not available in the bZ4X. The option of 7 seats further boosts the Ariya‘s family flexibility.
Winner: Tie
The Ariya offers greater passenger space and optional 7-seat capability. But the bZ4X counters with noticeably more cargo capacity behind its rear seats or with them folded. For overall interior room and utility, it‘s too close to call a definitive winner.
Technology and Connectivity
Modern vehicles are rife with cutting-edge tech and connected services. Here‘s how the Ariya and bZ4X infotainment systems compare:
Interface
Both SUVs feature clean, intuitive touchscreen interfaces measuring over 12 inches diagonally. Crisp graphics, logical menus, standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and built-in navigation make them easy to use on the move.
Connected Services
Through their respective apps, Toyota offers Safety Connect emergency and roadside assistance plus remote vehicle controls. Nissan provides similar remote features via NissanConnect along with integration of Google Assistant voice controls. Both offer 3-year free trial periods for paid subscription plans thereafter.
Audio
Upgraded audio is available in both electric SUVs – a 9-speaker JBL system in the bZ4X and a premium 10-speaker Bose setup in the Ariya. Expect excellent sound quality from either.
Advanced Driver Aids
Toyota Safety Sense and Nissan Safety Shield 360 suites bundle the latest accident avoidance tech like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alerts, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. However, the Ariya also offers available ProPilot Assist 2.0 hands-free highway driving assistance.
Winner: Nissan Ariya
Very close tech fight with both rated highly for infotainment and connectivity. But the Ariya‘s ProPilot 2.0 tips the scales for having the most advanced driver assistance features.
Trims and Pricing
Toyota streamlines the bZ4X lineup into just two trim choices – mid-grade XLE and top-spec Limited. Nissan offers Ariya shoppers more variation with four trim levels. Here‘s how their pricing shakes out:
Toyota bZ4X Pricing
XLE FWD – $42,000
XLE AWD – $45,000
Limited FWD – $47,700
Limited AWD – $50,700
Nissan Ariya Pricing
Venture+ FWD – $43,190
Evolve+ e-4ORCE AWD – $48,950
Platinum+ FWD – $50,950
Platinum+ e-4ORCE AWD – $58,950
Value Comparison
The bZ4X XLE undercuts the cheapest Ariya Venture+ by about $1,200. Factoring available federal tax credits ranging from $7,500-10,000 shrinks real-world prices further. Value-minded shoppers give Toyota the value win. But the Ariya Platinum+ packs performance and features the bZ4X can‘t touch at its capped $51k ask. Nissan takes the cake for luxury cutting-edge tech.
Winner: Tie
For affordable electric mobility, the bZ4X XLE is America‘s best EV deal. But buyers wanting next-level performance and innovation will pay more for the Ariya Platinum+. Depends on budget and priorities.
Verdict: Which Electric Crossover is Better?
The Ariya clearly wins key performance metrics and advanced technology adoption. But the bZ4X counters with more cargo flexibility and a lower cost of entry.
If you desire sports car-like acceleration and handling with the latest high-tech amenities, the Nissan Ariya is easily worth its premium. Range-topping versions leave little to be desired.
Seeking max practicality and value from your electric investment? The Toyota bZ4X delivers with roomy, clever packaging at a bargain price point. Losing some performance stings less when you save money upfront.
Both are strong efforts as Japanese automakers play catch up in EV production. For most needs, you can‘t go wrong picking the Ariya or bZ4X. And their rival emergence nudges the industry closer towards an all-electric future.
