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 🎥

[@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

[@RaitisRides]

That is a very good point about reliability!

[@burningknuckle26]

Agreed

[@skincareaddicted]

well said!

[@rizzystaydizzy]

New Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is a game changer!!

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right about that.

[@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.

[@Big_time_123]

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 !

[@RaitisRides]

That is so wonderful of you to say. I am glad that I can help

[@mrgurulittle7000]

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.

[@jamisonz3365]

Evs should be cheaper. The only purpose of BEVs in my eyes are solely for city commute as a second car. Thus range is not important cause you wouldn't drive it in long trips anyway. The price of all BEV should be under 30k.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

@@jamisonz3365 Agree. I could see more people adopting EVs as a second car if they were cheaper.

[@RKO859]

@@jamisonz3365 stfu, you try to produce an EV 30k or less. Just raw materials itself is well over 40K

[@Polymathes]

The bz4x XLE is our second car but it's the car we drive the most. We got it a thousands below MSRP. The dealer even threw in a level 2 charger so we charge at home once about every two weeks. For me, Toyota build quality over rode concerns about range and charging speed. The RAV 4 Prime was a contender but they still have a catalytic converter which we had ours stolen twice in our ICE car. Besides the Rav 4 Prime is really hard to find and is very expensive. Because the bZ4X is under rated I think you can get a pretty good deal on it.

[@Xpr74]

Nissan ariya is better

[@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.

[@RaitisRides]

That is the way that I would go!

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

Amazing review Joe.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so awesome of you to say!

[@andreygareev1394]

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.

[@logikgr]

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

[@kpsher367]

Raiti's Rides are the coolest.

[@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

[@phillyspitta8147]

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

[@tonyn3227]

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

[@JCTiggs1]

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

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video real true 👍 👏 💯

[@RaitisRides]

You are the best my friend!

[@pinkipipe]

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

[@davidp2888]

I love Toyota but I can't take this vehicle seriously.

[@RaitisRides]

Especially the poor range.

[@davidp2888]

@@RaitisRides I get the feeling you didn't enjoy this one, Joe. lol

[@naveenthemachine]

I don’t think anyone with a brain can take this car seriously 🤣

[@prateekinator4679]

I love Toyota as well but they should honestly just continue making hybrids. I’ve heard very good things about their HEVs but haven’t heard much about their EVs being so great which is why I’d be far more inclined to buy their hybrids rather than their EVs

[@nascartalksandopinionnewsw8589]

@@RaitisRidesJoe I’m just waiting for the Camry cheaper than this car and it’s a hybrid

[@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!!!

[@Rampage1979]

Agree I'm really enjoying the Bz4x XLE AWD I get around 380 kms on a charge I charge overnight when needed no issues at all

[@Gruntled2001]

Great review. I get 250 mile range without climate control. I can probably do more, but I don't need to go that far on a single charge. All in all, I love my bZ4x. Toyota has a great lease deal this month. Not sure if they will extend it though.

[@RaitisRides]

Oh wow! Thanks for sharing that great ownership info.

[@sandylee5835]

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.

[@RaitisRides]

Those are some very good things to point out Sandylee.

[@mrnarason]

Wish it had at least 300 range. Really feels like a compliant car

[@jothomas1494]

Under the hood looks like a chemistry lab

[@1lovesgreatness]

All of Toyota's two tone paint jobs looks silly. They knew how to do two tone paint jobs in the 1950s. No need to reinvent the wheel.

[@RaitisRides]

I am not sure that they were going for a traditional 2-tone.

[@mystictk4149]

The Bz4x is a name I like a lot haha

[@3783965]

Hella ccooll , hella funy dude

[@persistence4752]

Get a hitch because rear end collision repair is going to be very expensive since the trunk is flushed with the rear bumper

[@omendarklight1526]

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. 😅🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you for being so awesome! It means the world!

[@mrgurulittle7000]

What the fck? Naveenthemachine trolling this channel too?! Damn!

[@2025hondacivic]

In my opinion, this is fine for short distances and city commuting, but might not be as usable for road trips or frequent periods of long driving

[@717jonpaul]

SUBURU Solterra is identical model...wich one is better?

[@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.

[@PeterGreter]

Wow! You’re about a year late to the KZbinr 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.

[@RaitisRides]

HUH?

[@mrgurulittle7000]

The BZ4X is a great car for those who want to try out an EV as a second car. The range isn’t that bad either, especially for city driving. Once Toyota comes out with better battery technology they can slap that into the BZ4X and make it better.

[@l3LiTz]

Did they off-center the front facing cam🕵️🤯 *I like the metallic black

[@sputnickers]

I don't go long distances. I'd happily trade my Rav4 Prime (under 8k miles) for a Toyota BZ4x. Any takers near Boston?

[@rachaelbratsch]

I do like the black.

[@vulpixelful]

Almost all reviewers review the AWD version and complain about the range. The FWD version charges at up to 150kW, has more range, and is cheaper. Gee, wonder which one is better 🤔😂

[@yeoshuabenzaken7736]

Yes I think it’s better painted

[@mattmekhaeil]

Not a fan of the 2 tone paint job would look better without it. Im going rav4 prime. Looks better and quicker and its not an electric either another plus

[@Raider19582]

Hybrid is the best

[@RaitisRides]

I like the way that you think.

[@cammovieshd]

BZ4X spacs china - Long Rang 615km

[@Vian_Cheung]

Oh no... That black fender 🫣

[@RaitisRides]

It's baaaacccck!

[@lamontdavis7437]

I need my twinkies up front 😂

[@RaitisRides]

I know right!

[@JoeDirt7799]

U must be use to Publix getting the fancy produce!

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

Yes of course Joe and I'm going to buy one.

[@disterben]

This is technically not toyota's first ev. They released a Rav4 EV in 2012 that was made in collaboration with tesla

[@toddlmac]

Front quarter panels would look better painted.

[@janthonyht93]

Refrigerator on wheels 🛞

[@RaitisRides]

If only you could keep your drinks cold in it. LOL

[@kcvlog1242]

😂😂😂

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share the laughs with you!@@kcvlog1242

[@naveenthemachine]

A refrigerator where the wheels can fall right off😆

[@crushbaseball4270]

Moral if you want a full BEV for around the same price buy a Tesla Model Y, but if you are fine with a PHEV get a RAV4 Prime or a Prius Prime both from what I have seen are great but the Prius is just such a great looking vehicle now so I would go with that if you don’t need an SUV

[@henrybrandt1057]

But depending on where you live, you might have to wait a year for either PHEV - demand way outstrips capacity so far.

[@RaitisRides]

I guess it all depends really what people are looking for.

[@RaitisRides]

Good call on that one.

[@sputnickers]

I don't go long distances. I'd happily trade my Rav4 Prime (under 8k miles) for a Toyota BZ4x. Any takers near Boston? @@henrybrandt1057

[@beautepley8352]

Plenty of room to haul around your disc golf bag. I saw the course in the background. You hittin' the links after you're done filming Joe or what?!

[@RaitisRides]

You crack me up! Maybe LOL

[@beautepley8352]

​@@RaitisRidesyou know you want to.

[@kickstand801]

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

[@RaitisRides]

That is very true!

[@RyansTechReviews29]

I just got a model y last week. I would’ve gotten the Toyota if it had more range for the price they’re charging, identically to tesla model y. Performance is better on model y also.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your input from your experience Ryan.

[@Mankindcorruption]

the toyota will last decades,the tesla will fall appart in 10 years and will need battery replacement.Thats the big difference lol.

[@RyansTechReviews29]

@@Mankindcorruption maybe a gas Toyota or hybrid but not the bz4x. Range is way too low performance is way too low also

[@Mankindcorruption]

Any toyota will outlast any tesla mate lol.Even the worst toyota ever built will. @@RyansTechReviews29

[@ryanturnerboles]

@@MankindcorruptionI’d usually say that, but this car literally got recalled because the wheels were falling off 😂

[@wardellward]

Damn, the color is sexy

[@yeahhoo86]

I bought a certified pre-owned 2021 RAV4 hybrid in May of 2023, The MSRP for that vehicle was actually 38k, and it but he had gone 50,000 miles, just goes to how dealers mark up the price of these types of vehicles, they wouldn't come down from that place I had to put 2,000 as a down payment and they gave me an above average price for my trade in. The range is just too low for the BZ4X for my liking, and with issues surrounding charging such as charging speeds, charger availability and reliability, not worth it. I would have gone for a RAV4 Prime, but it was out of my price range.

[@sputnickers]

I don't go long distances. I'd happily trade my Rav4 Prime (under 8k miles) for a Toyota BZ4x. Any takers near Boston?

[@sharonbraselton3135]

🎉eltric beterr then. Hybred

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Sharon for your vote!

[@CrissPons]

Front facing camera is not in the middle………. I would like to have a word with the design team…. 🤦‍♂️

[@JoeSmith-ig3pr]

Consumers are rejecting these vehicles so what's the point? These cars are like 1% of revenue for manufactures hence why they are subsidized.

[@theneck5157]

Resembles the Prius just a miniSUV style …

[@RaitisRides]

I guess I see it some.

[@mikeharris7261]

I love the look of this thing but the numbers are just not gonna work.

[@Rampage1979]

I get over 380kms on a charge that's using the heating system and it's the AWD model with 18" rims the range is more then enough

[@Coxrmz]

I am in a waiting mode until Toyota increase the range to 300 mile per one charge

[@jimmydeneus7109]

💯💯🙏🙏

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Jimmy as usual.

[@merrichoang6858]

For 60k and it can't even have a glovebox. Max charge rate is only 100kw for this model. Too noisy in the cabin. The instrument panel is not moving with the steering wheel so for my setting, the steering wheel block half of the instrument display. This model was partner with Subaru as an adventurous model. Power passenger seat adjust Too slow when you have a good time with your girls. Manual passenger seat is the right choice

[@ff11dream]

❤

[@maggiroberts4749]

The black wheel wells in front make this sporty vehicle look like a jeep or truck. I vote for all one color on the sides. Love the auto open hatch and interior spaciousness. Could do without the Fair comparisons and non relatable candy apple comments. This car is not for a family with kids. Where is a family to store registration papers, maps, or touring brochures? Relate to something we can identify with! Don’t like the small steering wheel, need you to demonstrate the gear shift! love the lower infotainment center. But does the glare allow for reliable viewing? We hate that the one we have isn’t readable 3/4 of the time! We are ready to go BEV , BUT Don’t THINK THIS CAR IS FOR US. We are seniors and can afford something better, with longer range for traveling.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

It is crazy to see how fast the bZ4x depreciates versus the Rav4. You can see 20k off list price on a 6 month old model

[@AFLive]

I like everything . . except that Interior 😞

[@chrisgelo1425]

I have a feeling they will make an electric variant of the Rav4 for 2026 and cancel the BZ4x all together and just sell it in Japan.

[@RaitisRides]

It seems like it will be coming eventually.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

This thing literally is an EV RAV4. So I don’t think they’ll continue it in Japan when a better one comes out. I only saw one BZ4X in Japan and EVs themselves aren’t popular there.

[@chrisgelo1425]

@mrgurulittle7000 I was just saying if it's built in America we can get a tax credit. The BZ4x isn't so it doesn't apply.

[@ICON-11-]

They should've just called it the Toyota Calculus

[@RaitisRides]

I see what you did there!

[@supermoop]

Looks like there's no interior cargo space for a family with small children. Tesla may have lots of issues, but cargo space will win over a lot of prospective EV buyers.

[@abdulhamza172]

222mile range and about 1he to get to 80% And 50k I love toyota but come on 35k should of been the correct price in my opinion 🤷

[@Billy-USA]

Keep it

[@RaitisRides]

I don't want it. LOL

[@GK-vp6ro]

Would prefer Subaru Solterra Limited inc. more specs and even Touring inc. much more specs.

[@RaitisRides]

Plus it is standard dual motor

[@kpsher367]

I wouldn't let you eat food in my car....lol

[@murrynathan]

When they’re done painting it, I’ll think about it.

[@RaitisRides]

You crack me up!

[@spartanshadow13]

Too much Piano black. It just scratches by looking at it.

[@dialecticalmonist3405]

"Of course the seats can fold down..." But instead of showing us, you spend time talking about candy apples.

[@tomdrummy4984]

Yes, it would look better painted same color as rest of car. Please do that Toyota…….you may sell some of these. 🤣

[@RaitisRides]

You are awesome Tom! Thank you for being so supportive.

[@Bowhunters6go8xz6x]

Joe - I totally agree with you that the low range is a big ZONK, I prefer a hybrid over a full electric vehicle (I like the options a Hybrid creates) over being stuck to electric only. Some people like Tesla owners may be fine with full electric but this bZ4x is not for me. The narrow waist of this car used to be called a (Wasp Waist) as it was used on fighter jets to lower drag. Bad location for that cell phone recharge pad. I agree with you on a Toyota Rav4 Hybrid or even a Honda CRV Hybrid for the range and lower price.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that great info!

[@wardellward]

That should’ve been painted

[@digitaldoc100]

Quirky styled EV. Wonder why the sales are not strong on this one...

[@RaitisRides]

I think I have the answer

[@digitaldoc100]

@@RaitisRides Toyota products tend to be fairly generic, and this EV is about as exciting as store brand paper towels.

[@CraigNelson-gw6jw]

Makes no sense to not have a rear wiper

[@lilalagomasino3042]

$50,000 no power passenger seat, no digital mirror, no glove box, I would like 300 miles range,

[@RaitisRides]

I see where you are going with this.

[@bhavin2002patel]

They should remove that black mettalic near tires. It looks like patches. Looks ugly.

[@RaitisRides]

That seems the one thing everyone says!

[@AdamJakowenko]

Absolutely no one, I repeat no one, should buy the "busy forks"

[@RaitisRides]

Very fascinating!

[@oliver.79]

The range is even worse in cold weather. The charging time is also bad. No glove compartment is for you to keep the documents of the car under the visor…just like any other “modern“ car.

[@michaeljosephs6439]

But I wanted to hear the engine and see how many Twinkies can fit in the exhaust :( shame on you Toyota!!!

[@RaitisRides]

LOL You are hilarious!

[@xiongbeezo1983]

Don't watch if you're hungry

[@burningknuckle26]

I love this car. Toyota quality 👌

[@RaitisRides]

That is so awesome to hear!

[@johnshepherd2666]

No glove box.......where am i going to put my gloves ??????😅

[@RaitisRides]

You are going to have to wear all of them!

[@KarmenD-ce5re]

Black paint is not doing anything for it it looks like it needs to be painted it looks stupid

[@claytonanderson1025]

I think Toyota missed the mark with this vehicle and with the Crown

[@naveenthemachine]

That’s generous. Toyotas missed the mark w almost every new model

[@burningknuckle26]

The crown platinum is awesome

[@CMCNestT]

Mickey Ds has Coke not Pepsi.

[@RaitisRides]

That's right! Thanks man!

[@ronlaskiewicz7134]

Another reviewer that refuses to recognize the Nissan Ariya

[@NovemberMan69]

Put a Toyota badge on it and they will be all over it 😊

[@RaitisRides]

I have reviewed them.

[@RaitisRides]

Not too sure about that.

[@ronlaskiewicz7134]

Should have had mention in this video.

[@ajoykumardas6398]

This is a toy car. I am very sad to buy this car because its only problem is charging. First of all it takes long time to charge if 50% charged with level 3 it will take 2 hours 30 minutes. Then you have to keep the car at full stop which you have to suffer in extreme cold, heat. After that if you start the car and turn on the heat and AC then you can run the car for 100 hundred miles. So don't waste your time and money buying this car. thank you😅😅😂

[@carlosjnunez1322]

I'm toyota guy but kia ev6 looks much better

[@RaitisRides]

It is smaller

[@JogBird]

rav4 prime or gtfo

[@henrybrandt1057]

Appearance: bZ4x is unattractive - ugly nose, jarring two-tone paint job (especially on the fenders/quarter panels), and hideous rear roof flaps. Practicality: no good - lousy range, no frunk; Interior looks okay except for the crappy instrument panel. For equal money go for the RAV4 instead. Odds are the dealers will be jacking up the sticker price with similar ADMs and dealer-installed options on both cars.

[@RaitisRides]

Great wait listing your thoughts henry!

[@mhks68]

The thing about whiners….nobody likes them. “””it’s my opinion!!””” It’s not what you say. It’s how you say it. 🫵sir are a whiner.

[@Ethan_Alexandur]

I hate where the auto industry is going.

[@RaitisRides]

You are not alone there Ethan. I promise you that!

[@baohoaily]

big oof on this one.

[@mikevee6992]

Price too high and range sucks

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you for your honest opinion Mike!

[@armandsant1143]

Any two tone car like that is absolutely ugly!

[@kyleashdown518]

Nope the Honda Prologue is going to take this to the cleaners

[@naveenthemachine]

No. Avoid the bz4x like the plague. Don’t look at it. Don’t touch it. Don’t sit in it. Don’t drive it. Just run away as fast as you can from this ev and get something else Heck even the new vf8 is way better than this.

[@omendarklight1526]

How much do you hate Toyota? Naveen: yes

[@RaitisRides]

I wouldn't go that far.

[@RaitisRides]

LOL You crack me up!@@omendarklight1526

[@naveenthemachine]

@@omendarklight1526 😂🤣 If this were a review of the lc500 my comment would be completely different

[@normanli7085]

If u could even drive the vf8 home without any issues 😂