Steve
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The Toyota bZ4X and Volkswagen ID.4 are prominent contenders in the electric SUV market, each offering distinct features and capabilities. Below is a detailed comparison to assist potential buyers in making an informed decision.
1. Performance and Powertrain
Engine Type and Horsepower:
Toyota bZ4X: Equipped with an electric motor producing approximately 215 horsepower in its all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration.
Volkswagen ID.4: Features an electric motor delivering around 201 horsepower in the standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model, with AWD variants offering up to 295 horsepower.
Torque:
Toyota bZ4X: Delivers 248 lb-ft of torque.
Volkswagen ID.4: Provides 229 lb-ft of torque in RWD and up to 339 lb-ft in AWD models.
2. Battery and Range
Battery Size:
Toyota bZ4X: Equipped with a 71.4 kWh battery pack.
Volkswagen ID.4: Comes with an 82 kWh battery pack.
Range:
Toyota bZ4X: Offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 252 miles for FWD and slightly less for AWD models.
Volkswagen ID.4: Provides an EPA-estimated range of up to 275 miles for RWD and around 245 miles for AWD versions.
3. Charging and Efficiency
Charging Speed:
Toyota bZ4X: Supports DC fast charging up to 150 kW, allowing a significant charge in approximately 30 minutes.
Volkswagen ID.4: Supports DC fast charging up to 125 kW, achieving an 80% charge in about 38 minutes.
Fuel Consumption (MPGe):
Toyota bZ4X: Approximately 114 MPGe city / 94 MPGe highway.
Volkswagen ID.4: Approximately 115 MPGe city / 98 MPGe highway.
4. Dimensions and Capacity
Seating Capacity:
Both models accommodate up to five passengers.
Cargo Space:
Toyota bZ4X: Offers around 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Volkswagen ID.4: Provides approximately 30.3 cubic feet, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with rear seats folded.
Towing Capacity:
Toyota bZ4X: Not rated for towing in the U.S. market.
Volkswagen ID.4: Capable of towing up to 2,700 pounds when properly equipped.
5. Pricing and Warranty
Base Price:
Toyota bZ4X: Starts around $42,000.
Volkswagen ID.4: Begins at approximately $39,995.
Warranty:
Both vehicles offer competitive warranties, including 8-year/100,000-mile coverage for the battery.
6. Features and Equipment
Infotainment:
Toyota bZ4X: Features a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Volkswagen ID.4: Equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to 12 inches, also supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety:
Both models come with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking.
7. Pros and Cons
Toyota bZ4X:
Pros: Smooth ride quality, user-friendly infotainment, and Toyota's reputation for reliability.
Cons: Limited towing capacity and slightly lower range compared to competitors.
Volkswagen ID.4:
Pros: Spacious interior, higher towing capacity, and competitive pricing.
Cons: Slower charging speed and recent recalls affecting production.
8. Recent Developments
In September 2024, Volkswagen temporarily halted ID.4 production in the U.S. due to an issue where driver-side doors could unexpectedly open while driving. This led to a recall of nearly 100,000 vehicles and a stop-sale order. Volkswagen is addressing the problem by replacing door handles and issuing a software update.
Conclusion
Both the Toyota bZ4X and Volkswagen ID.4 offer compelling features for electric SUV buyers. The bZ4X is noted for its smooth ride and Toyota's reliability, while the ID.4 provides a spacious interior and higher towing capacity. Prospective buyers should consider their specific needs, such as range, towing requirements, and brand preferences, when making a decision.
For a visual comparison, you might find this video helpful:
Youtube
1. Performance and Powertrain
Engine Type and Horsepower:
Toyota bZ4X: Equipped with an electric motor producing approximately 215 horsepower in its all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration.
Volkswagen ID.4: Features an electric motor delivering around 201 horsepower in the standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model, with AWD variants offering up to 295 horsepower.
Torque:
Toyota bZ4X: Delivers 248 lb-ft of torque.
Volkswagen ID.4: Provides 229 lb-ft of torque in RWD and up to 339 lb-ft in AWD models.
2. Battery and Range
Battery Size:
Toyota bZ4X: Equipped with a 71.4 kWh battery pack.
Volkswagen ID.4: Comes with an 82 kWh battery pack.
Range:
Toyota bZ4X: Offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 252 miles for FWD and slightly less for AWD models.
Volkswagen ID.4: Provides an EPA-estimated range of up to 275 miles for RWD and around 245 miles for AWD versions.
3. Charging and Efficiency
Charging Speed:
Toyota bZ4X: Supports DC fast charging up to 150 kW, allowing a significant charge in approximately 30 minutes.
Volkswagen ID.4: Supports DC fast charging up to 125 kW, achieving an 80% charge in about 38 minutes.
Fuel Consumption (MPGe):
Toyota bZ4X: Approximately 114 MPGe city / 94 MPGe highway.
Volkswagen ID.4: Approximately 115 MPGe city / 98 MPGe highway.
4. Dimensions and Capacity
Seating Capacity:
Both models accommodate up to five passengers.
Cargo Space:
Toyota bZ4X: Offers around 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Volkswagen ID.4: Provides approximately 30.3 cubic feet, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with rear seats folded.
Towing Capacity:
Toyota bZ4X: Not rated for towing in the U.S. market.
Volkswagen ID.4: Capable of towing up to 2,700 pounds when properly equipped.
5. Pricing and Warranty
Base Price:
Toyota bZ4X: Starts around $42,000.
Volkswagen ID.4: Begins at approximately $39,995.
Warranty:
Both vehicles offer competitive warranties, including 8-year/100,000-mile coverage for the battery.
6. Features and Equipment
Infotainment:
Toyota bZ4X: Features a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Volkswagen ID.4: Equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to 12 inches, also supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety:
Both models come with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking.
7. Pros and Cons
Toyota bZ4X:
Pros: Smooth ride quality, user-friendly infotainment, and Toyota's reputation for reliability.
Cons: Limited towing capacity and slightly lower range compared to competitors.
Volkswagen ID.4:
Pros: Spacious interior, higher towing capacity, and competitive pricing.
Cons: Slower charging speed and recent recalls affecting production.
8. Recent Developments
In September 2024, Volkswagen temporarily halted ID.4 production in the U.S. due to an issue where driver-side doors could unexpectedly open while driving. This led to a recall of nearly 100,000 vehicles and a stop-sale order. Volkswagen is addressing the problem by replacing door handles and issuing a software update.
Conclusion
Both the Toyota bZ4X and Volkswagen ID.4 offer compelling features for electric SUV buyers. The bZ4X is noted for its smooth ride and Toyota's reliability, while the ID.4 provides a spacious interior and higher towing capacity. Prospective buyers should consider their specific needs, such as range, towing requirements, and brand preferences, when making a decision.
For a visual comparison, you might find this video helpful:
Youtube