Is the 2023 Toyota bZ4x a better SUV to buy than a RAV4 Prime?

The bZ4x is Toyota's first full electric vehicle. On the outside you will discover upgraded wheels, fule lED lighting and glass panoramic roof. On the inside you will be greeted by soft-tex seating, 12.3in digital gauge cluster and a ton of passenger room. Powering the bZ4X are (2) electric motors providing AWD. Is the 2023 Toyota bZ4x a better SUV to buy than a RAV4 Prime?
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videography: Steven Flood 🎥

[patrickechers]

I don't know if anyone else has mentioned it, but I have to correct you regarding the mention of no one-pedal drive.
The bZ4X does indeed have their version of one-pedal drive. It's activated by clicked the button with a foot/pedal and arrow up/down next to the gear shifter (just above hold brake).
It does not have "true" one-pedal drive as it does not stop to 0, but it does creep at only 5km/h which is about 3.1mph.

[mrgurulittle]

Unfairly underrated car. For city driving or as a second car, this think is the best. It even has more trunk space than competitors like the Ionic 5, Model 3, etc.

[rizzystaydizzy]

New Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is a game changer!!

[Irishmanbikes]

The BZ4X is a great car but I put my money with the RAV4 Prime. My sister, Missy, just bought a Prime SE and LOVES it.

[JandCDoodles]

I traded a 2022 Rav4 hybrid for our 2023 bZ4X Limited AWD. We love our Bab Z. It is bigger, it fits between the Rad and the Venza. We are 6 foot and 6 foot 3 and have plenty of head room. It rides great, a very nice ride. This is a great car to break into the EV scene.

We are city drivers, in the spring, summer and fall, we average 4.2-4.8 mi/kwh. This will be our first winter. 8000 miles.

The piano black SUCKS, but can be wrapped if needed.

Everything you dinged totally grows on you. I thought I would miss a glove box....nope, I prefer the radiant heater in that spot. The cloth on the dash, it's actually a nice touch. The placement of the dash does take some time to get used to but it works.

I do think Toyota needs to step it up with the passenger side seat! For the price point, there is no reason that seat isn't a power seat. The seats are VERY comfortable.

You do have a modified one pedal. The button is next to the R. It just doesn't come to a complete stop. It slows to about 3mph. And it won't come on til under a certain battery percentage, because it is used for regenerative braking.

Thanks for the review!!!

[kickstand]

You can't go wrong with the Toyota, no matter what model it is!

[JohnWickkkkkkkkk]

Reliability is something that give you peace of mind and that can only expect from Toyota. I don’t care about range and we do not drive 200 miles everyday

[Big_time_]

I want to congratulate you! Great video quality, attention to detail, and all the information plus wonderful explanations of every single part of this car.
I was talking to my wife about buying a full ev and thank to the way you review this car, today I’ll go to the dealer by my house to take a closer look.
Great Work !

[HiiImChris]

The black colored part would looks so much better if they simply used a better color. If it was a different variant of grey it would probably look pretty cool

[tonyn]

It looks ok, to me, it just needs 300 mile range, and a bit faster charging. And it would be more popular.

[oilerlord]

Joe, first off...thank you for all the amazing reviews you've done on EV's. In the 100's of hours of research I've done in buying my next EV, your insight, analysis, (and humor!) has been a great help in making an informed decision. Thank you! Today, I just bought my 2nd EV - the same trim level Toyota BZ4X Limited. Honestly, buy a RAV4 Hybrid, or an EV. The RAV4 Prime makes little sense. It's much more spendy, heavier, and why you'd want to use electrons to lug around a 4 cyl engine is beyond me.

I think the bigger question many reviewers miss is why anyone would pay full MSRP for an EV when the biggest depreciation happens in the first year. My BZ4X had an MSRP above $50K, but I picked up a 2023 Limited / full option loaded BZ4Xwith only 9, 000 miles for only $29K. Honestly, this is the game changer that most reviewers miss. There is no way you will be able to buy a similarly equipped 2023 RAV4 Prime with 9K miles for $29K. Ever.

Shrewd EV buyers know that Toyota's latest BZ4X software update increased the car's range and charging rate - which were two of the biggest things testers bitched about. Now solved.

Coming from a Lexus hybrid, the Limited trim BZ4X we bought wasn't lacking luxury. I think people chase the ideal of the "Perfect EV". Guess what...there isn't one. It's all about waiting for the best deal, the features important to you, and what your ass in the seat is telling you.

Joe, thanks again and what you do for the community.

[sandylee]

I chose bz4x because of the style, panoramic moonroof, color combo & price.

1 year free unlimited charging & 2 year free maintenance.
Warranty is impressive.

Needs rear wipers and better driving range.
(I get 150 miles of driving range, and searching for the nearest EVgo charge station.

Cheaper with 36 month lease.

[andreygareev]

we got my wife a new Rav4 hybrid SE, 2022 year model, in spring of 2022. almost 2 years in, 0 regrets. especially with her work commute distance, saved us decent chunk of money on gas refill.
if you have access to a charging dock either in your house or apartment garage, then Prime is the way to go. commute on electricity, and use gas for longer weekend adventure trips.

[skincareaddicted]

As a 2013 Camry Hybrid driver, I cannot make myself buy another hybrid as I feel like I am ready for something more forward. So I just put a deposit down for a BZ4X. I am looking forward to going fully electric. I am tired of oil changes and gas prices.

[pinkipipe]

Nice experience and different, but never ever over rav4 Prime.
( i have driven both :)

[logikgr]

Ha, ha! I love how he played out the 'questioning buyer' bit very smoothly.

[omendarklight]

Joe your a mensch!! Love your energy and your channel. Definitely inspiring to say the least. 💪🏾 Keep up the GREAT content. The battery 🔋 tech Toyota has cooking is gonna do great things for their lineup.






Excuse Naveen, he got out of his cage again. 😅🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

[JCTiggs]

These are very popular in my region (along with the Subaru equivalent). I think it looks great except for the black wheel arches.

[PeterGreter]

Wow! You’re about a year late to the YouTuber car reviewers trashing the bZ4x gang. Do you all get together to write the exact script? At least you make your funny jokes and gave its road manners a positive. I drive one and have never had glare from the gloss black. I use it for city driving and it’s great. When comparing pricing, you need to be honest as to what dealers really charge for a RAV4 for instance with its dealer markup, that’s if you can find one, which I couldn’t so gave the bZ a try. It is a fine car and not a Tesla appliance.

[phillyspitta]

I bet it’s small range is accurate as can be and the build will hold up over time and the carpet like dash can be cleaned easily too . As a city dweller it’s great choice overall I think but it won’t sell cause of price and limited range tho but it’ll make a good used by down the line like the awd Lexus es