Toyota has finally entered the EV arena in earnest with their first mass production battery-powered model – the bZ4X. This futuristic-styled compact SUV aims to bring Toyota build quality, reliability and safety credentials to a hotly competitive segment increasingly dominated by newcomers.
The bZ4X squares off most directly against the Volvo XC40 Recharge, an all-electric variant of Volvo’s popular small luxury SUV. The Swedish automaker has ushered in some upgrades for 2023, keeping the Recharge fresh while Toyota launches its first salvo.
Prospective owners have an interesting choice to make between heritage and innovation. Let’s take an in-depth look at how these two electric crossovers compare on the key factors consumers care about.
Powertrains and Range
The bZ4X employs either a 201 hp single motor front-wheel drive system or adds a second 80 hp motor at the rear for 215 hp all-wheel drive. Range estimates stand at 252 miles for FWD or 228 miles with AWD based on the EPA cycle. Real world tests have seen over 300 miles possible with careful driving.
Power comes from a 71.4 kWh Lithium Ion battery pack that can charge from 10 to 80 percent capacity in just 30 minutes on a 150 kW DC fast charger. Charging times are competitive for the segment, while projected range lands around mid-pack.
Volvo fits the XC40 Recharge with dual electric motors, one at each axle for AWD as standard. Total output reaches 408 hp and 486 lb-ft torque, far exceeding the bZ4X. The 69 kWh battery enables an EPA estimated 223 miles between charges.
Using a 150 kW fast charger, Volvo estimates that the battery can recharge to 80 percent in about 40 minutes. So while the Volvo allows quicker acceleration, the Toyota can drive somewhat further on a charge and replenishes its battery power faster.
Advantage: Toyota
The bZ4X’s greater maximum range and faster charging capabilities give it an edge for road trip duty. The Volvo brings much livelier performance however.
Interior Space and Practicality
Inside, the Toyota and Volvo take different approaches but end up with very similar measurements. At 185 inches long, the bZ4X holds a two inch advantage versus the XC40 Recharge. Surprisingly cargo room is nearly identical at 28 and 27 cubic feet behind the rear seats respectively.
Both vehicles employ flat floors that make loading large or heavy items easier. The bZ4X offers generous head and legroom for all occupants, while the swooping roofline of the Volvo does cut into rear seat headroom just a bit. Those regular cargo hauling or rideshare duties may lean towards Toyota here.
In terms of storage nooks and charging options, the XC40 does hold an edge with more bins, cupholders and USB ports throughout the cabin. Volvo also smartly stores the charging cable in the front trunk to avoid eating up cargo space.
Advantage: Draw
Similar dimensions and clever designs result in adequate room for passengers and gear in either compact SUV. The Volvo offers more small item storage while Toyota takes a slight lead for those needing to maximize cargo flexibility.
Ride and Handling Dynamics
The bZ4X rides smoothly and absorbs road impacts thanks to its dedicated EV platform. Body roll is nicely controlled and steering feeds consistent weighting through turns. Performance tires available on the Limited trim supply added grip while cornering assertively.
In FWD form, Torque Vectoring technology subtly brakes the inside wheel to sharpen turn-in response. Opting for AWD gives a bit more balance and traction, but either configuration handles well for an electric crossover at this price point.
Volvo has always managed to inject a more athletic dynamic into their Cross Country models. The XC40 Recharge maintains that tradition with a well-controlled ride and eagerness when pushed. The low center of gravity inherent in EVs combines with a sophisticated AWD system for enhanced cornering agility.
Body motions stay composed over dips and expansions in the pavement. Volvo tunes the steering quick and direct to support energetic driving. Performance in ordinary driving conditions basically mirrors the Toyota, but aggressive mountain road or autocross sessions give the edge to the agile Swede.
Advantage: Volvo
Superior traction and a lively chassis help the XC40 Recharge deliver a more engaging driving experience overall.
Off-Road Ability
While few owners will subject their electric vehicle to serious remote terrain, all-weather capability remains important for this crossover type. And the bZ4X surprises with its off-road talents.
Employing 8.3 inches of ground clearance and short front/rear overhangs allow climbing over rocks or rutted trails normally off-limits to small crossovers. The tested XLE version easily scaled a steep, rocky hill that would challenge many similar EVs.
Add to that an advanced AWD system permitting torque vectoring. Locking differentials optimize traction whether traversing mud, sand or snow. This degree of prowess venturing away from pavement far exceeds what most competitors can achieve.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge also brandishes some Cross Country pedigree of its own. Ample ground clearance (8.3 inches like Toyota) and standard AWD give confidence on loose surfaces. However all-terrain ability falls noticeably behind the rugged bZ4X. Deep ruts or slick inclines seriously challenge the lower-slung Volvo.
Advantage: Toyota
Ample ride height and advanced AWD give the bZ4X shockingly good traction and control when grades get steep, surfaces uneven or conditions slippery.
Features and Amenities
The base XLE trim bZ4X starts at $42,000 offering nice standard equipment like synthetic leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, dual zone automatic climate control, a panoramic glass roof and Toyota’s Safety Sense system.
Infotainment boasts a 12.3 inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, WiFi hotspot, six speaker audio and multiple USB ports. Upgrading to the $46,700 Limited adds a power liftgate, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and a digital key among other niceties.
Volvo fits even the entry level $48,195 Core trim XC40 Recharge with leather, heated front seats, hands-free liftgate, wireless charging, Harman Kardon audio and Android-powered infotainment via Google. Stepping up to the well-equipped $52,500 Plus model brings extras such as adaptive cruise, Pilot Assist driver support, front parking sensors and integrated navigation.
Compare side by side, and the value edge goes to Toyota. You can access luxury amenities like leather and a panoramic roof without approaching $50,000 as required with the Volvo. And the bZ4X Limited costs less than even the most basic Recharge model. Plus Toyotas reputation for dependability eclipses Volvo in consumer surveys.
Advantage: Toyota
More features for the money and excellent projected reliability let the bZ4X claim a win for everyday livability.
Safety Technology
Toyota builds their Safety Sense system standard across the bZ4X model range. That means every trim gets adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and assist, traffic sign recognition and auto high beams. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert comes standard as well.
Volvo counters with their Pilot Assist system offering similar capabilities to Toyota’s comparable packages. This includes lane centering, adaptive cruise and collision mitigation braking. Blind spot monitoring is also included on every XC40 Recharge variant.
When comparing warranties, Toyota pulls ahead. They provide 5 years/60,000 miles of coverage for the powertrain components compared to 4 years/50,000 miles from Volvo. Toyota also grants an industry-leading 10 year/150,000 mile battery warranty versus 8 years/100,000 miles for the Volvo’s battery pack.
And with Toyota’s renowned reliability ratings, projected maintenance and repair costs down the line should run lower compared to other luxury brands like Volvo. Overall value, component coverage and lower ownership costs favor the bZ4X.
Advantage: Toyota
Leading driver assistance tech along with an unmatched battery warranty and enviable long-term durability make the bZ4X the sensible choice.
Verdict: Toyota bZ4X Tips the Scales
This comparison reveals advantages trading back and forth, but the bZ4X builds a solid overall case. Superior projected range and charging speed coupled with unexpected off-road talents distinguish Toyota’s first dedicated EV effort. A reasonable price walks hand in hand with good standard features to cement the value advantage.
What tips the outcome in the bZ4X’s favor comes down to total cost of ownership. Toyota’s sterling reputation for reliability and unmatched battery warranty dramatically reduce risks from lengthy, expensive repairs down the line. Combine that peace of mind with energetic performance, a nicely finished modern interior and appealing tech, and Volvo loses by a nose.
Drivers seeking sheer performance may still prefer the XC40 Recharge. But young families, outdoor enthusiasts and bargain seekers should place the bZ4X at the top of their shopping lists. Toyota finally has a compelling EV, and the Volvo faces steep competition holding onto leadership.
