The electric SUV market has become increasingly competitive, with established manufacturers finally catching up to early pioneers like Tesla. Two notable models from Japanese manufacturers are the Nissan Ariya and Toyota bZ4X, both representing significant steps forward for their respective brands in the electric vehicle space. The Ariya marks Nissan's bold attempt to create a premium electric SUV that can compete with European rivals, whilst the bZ4X represents Toyota's first serious foray into the battery-electric market after years of focusing on hybrid technology.
Both vehicles target families seeking a practical, mid-sized electric SUV with decent range and modern technology. The Ariya positions itself as the more style-conscious option with its coupe-like silhouette and premium interior, whilst the bZ4X takes a more conventional approach with its focus on reliability and practicality. With similar pricing and target audiences, choosing between these two Japanese electric SUVs requires careful consideration of their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Nissan Ariya vs Toyota bZ4X
Practicality
When it comes to boot space, the Nissan Ariya offers a slight advantage over the Toyota bZ4X, though both provide adequate storage for family needs. The Ariya's boot capacity varies depending on drivetrain choice, with front-wheel-drive variants offering 466 litres compared to 408 litres in all-wheel-drive models. The Toyota bZ4X provides a consistent 452 litres regardless of drivetrain configuration. Both boots are deep enough to accommodate large dogs or chunky buggies, with the Ariya's rear seats folding in a 60/40 split configuration, whilst the bZ4X offers the same folding arrangement with a smooth, albeit slightly sloped, extended load bay.
The Toyota bZ4X excels in rear passenger accommodation, offering what can genuinely be described as limousine-like space for leg and headroom. The Ariya also provides masses of rear legroom and headroom with a flat floor that ensures even middle passengers have plenty of foot space. However, the bZ4X's floor sits slightly higher, which may cause longer-legged passengers to feel their knees are bent upwards. Both vehicles offer comfortable front seating positions suitable for tall occupants, though the Ariya's cabin feels notably more premium with its minimalist design and wood finishes, whilst the bZ4X's cockpit-like interior with its pronounced instrument binnacle offers a more functional, if darker, environment.
For families prioritising maximum boot space, the Ariya just about has the edge, particularly in front-wheel-drive form. However, those seeking the most spacious rear passenger accommodation will find the bZ4X marginally superior.
Driving Impressions
The driving characteristics of these two electric SUVs reveal distinct differences. The Nissan Ariya offers multiple powertrain options, with the entry-level 63kWh front-wheel-drive model producing 214bhp and achieving 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds, whilst the e-4orce all-wheel-drive variant with the 87kWh battery delivers 302bhp and reduces this sprint time to 5.7 seconds. The Toyota bZ4X provides 201bhp in front-wheel-drive form with a 7.5-second 0-62mph time, or 215bhp in all-wheel-drive configuration, achieving the sprint in 6.9 seconds. Both vehicles deliver the smooth, continuous power delivery characteristic of electric powertrains, making them predictable and refined in everyday driving.
Where these vehicles diverge is in their ride and handling balance. The Toyota bZ4X demonstrates superior ride comfort with its pleasing blend of smooth suspension and confident handling on standard 18-inch wheels. The steering, whilst lacking connection, responds predictably and feels appropriately weighted across different driving scenarios. In contrast, the Ariya suffers from a rather firm ride quality that can feel harsh over potholes, though it remains more comfortable than some rivals like the Tesla Model Y. The Ariya's steering is light but can feel unpredictable during spirited cornering, and although it handles with easy-going confidence, it lacks the engagement offered by alternatives like the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
The Toyota bZ4X emerges as the more comfortable and cohesive driving experience, particularly for those prioritising ride quality and everyday usability. The Ariya offers more performance potential, especially in e-4orce form, but its firmer suspension and less predictable steering make it less appealing for relaxed family motoring.
Technology and Equipment
Both vehicles feature dual 12.3-inch screens as standard, though the Toyota bZ4X's entry-level Pure trim makes do with a smaller 8.0-inch touchscreen whilst higher trims receive the full 12.3-inch display. The Ariya's infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, satellite navigation, and over-the-air software updates, complemented by Amazon Alexa voice control. The Toyota bZ4X matches this with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and over-the-air updates. However, the Ariya's graphics aren't quite as polished as some premium rivals, whilst the bZ4X finally brings Toyota a modern, responsive touchscreen system with clear graphics and logical menus after years of subpar infotainment.
Standard equipment levels are generous across both ranges, though they take different approaches to trim structures. The Ariya's entry-level Engage trim includes fabric upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, leather steering wheel, heat pump, alloy wheels, and adaptive cruise control. The bZ4X Pure model provides LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous driving mode, autonomous emergency braking, and a heat pump. Moving up the trim levels, the Ariya Advance adds ProPilot semi-autonomous driving, part-leather upholstery, privacy glass, powered tailgate, heated windscreen and seats, whilst the range-topping Evolve includes leather upholstery, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, head-up display, and Bose audio.
The Toyota bZ4X's equipment progression is similarly comprehensive, with Motion trim adding heated seats, upgraded upholstery, wireless charging, and 360-degree cameras, whilst Vision trim provides a powered bootlid, heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, panoramic roof, and semi-autonomous parking. Both vehicles offer well-equipped entry-level models, though the Ariya's touch-sensitive controls and premium interior materials give it a slight edge in perceived quality.
Running Costs
Both vehicles occupy similar price brackets within the electric SUV market, though neither represents the most affordable option available. The Nissan Ariya starts from around £40,000 for the entry-level 63kWh Engage model, stretching to approximately £60,000 for the high-performance 87kWh e-4orce variant. The Toyota bZ4X's pricing structure is similarly positioned, though it's notably more expensive than alternatives like the Skoda Enyaq iV and Volkswagen ID.4. Both vehicles offer competitive pricing compared to premium alternatives, with the Ariya being similarly priced to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6.
Charging costs vary depending on battery capacity and efficiency. The Ariya's smaller 63kWh battery costs approximately £18 to fully charge on a standard domestic tariff at 28p per kWh, whilst the larger 87kWh battery requires around £24. The bZ4X's 71.4kWh battery sits between these figures. However, the Toyota suffers from disappointing cold-weather efficiency, achieving only 2.6 miles per kWh in winter conditions, resulting in higher running costs of around 15p per mile when charging at 40p per kWh. Both vehicles can benefit significantly from cheap overnight tariffs, potentially reducing charging costs by up to 75%. The Ariya's superior cold-weather performance and range options of 247-330 miles (compared to the bZ4X's 286-318 miles) make it more cost-effective for high-mileage users.
The Ariya offers better value for money considering its superior efficiency and range flexibility, whilst the bZ4X's market-leading warranty provides excellent peace of mind but cannot fully offset its higher running costs due to reduced winter efficiency.
Verdict
The choice between the Nissan Ariya and Toyota bZ4X ultimately depends on your priorities as a family SUV buyer. The Ariya emerges as the more stylish and versatile option, offering superior boot space (particularly in front-wheel-drive form), better cold-weather efficiency, and a more premium interior experience. Its range of battery options from 63kWh to 87kWh provides flexibility for different usage patterns, whilst the available e-4orce all-wheel-drive system delivers impressive performance. However, the firmer ride quality and less predictable steering may disappoint those seeking maximum comfort.
The Toyota bZ4X excels as a comfortable, spacious family car with superior ride quality and more predictable handling characteristics. Its rear passenger space is genuinely class-leading, and the improved infotainment system marks a significant step forward for Toyota. The market-leading warranty provides excellent peace of mind, and the overall driving experience feels more cohesive and relaxed. However, the disappointing cold-weather efficiency, smaller boot, and higher running costs in winter conditions are notable drawbacks.
For buyers prioritising style, efficiency, and boot space, the Nissan Ariya represents the better choice, particularly if you can live with its firmer ride. Those seeking maximum comfort, rear passenger space, and Toyota's renowned reliability should consider the bZ4X, provided the reduced winter efficiency isn't a concern for your usage patterns.