Toyota BZ4X vs Skoda Enyaq: What's the best family electric SUV?

The Skoda Enyaq has remained our benchmark family electric SUV since it was launched in 2021. Could the Toyota BZ4X be about to change that?
On paper these two family SUVs are evenly matched. The Skoda offers a range of between 246 and 338 miles depending on specification, and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. The Toyota meanwhile has an official range of between 257 and 317 miles, and is also available with front- or all-wheel drive. They are also similarly roomy, similarly priced, and they even both look quite similar, particularly when finished in grey paintwork.
So, to find out which one is the better buy means really getting to know the cars, which is precisely what Vicky Parrott has done. As she explains in this CarGurus UK video, it's a very close content, but there is still a winner...
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▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
00:00 - Introducing the Skoda Enyaq and Toyota BZ4X
01:27 - Practicality
03:32 - Up front
06:30 - Charging
07:11 - What are they like to drive
14:08 - Final Thoughts
14:39 - Let us know what you think
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#cargurusuk #skodaenyaq #bz4x

[@andrewmontague2636]

Very fair review. I’ve owned an Enyaq iV60 for 6 months now and really like it. I concur with all of your comments really although I’d like to add a few points. It’s well worth speccing the height adjustable boot floor if you use the boot for heavier items or if you regularly fold the rear seat, as it gives you a nice flat and solid load space. I specced the opening panoramic glass roof in mine which makes in interior very light and airy. It’s particularly nice for rear seat passengers. Mine has heated seats front and rear- part of a winter pack which includes a heated windscreen, well worth the cost. I’ve found the infotainment system very easy to use and reliable. The short cut button for the aircon makes adjustments to the climate control a doddle on the move- one of the benefits of the screen being so large. And finally, I find the regen in the ‘B’ setting pretty powerful and most of the time can drive the car pretty much on one pedal. Great review 👌🏼😊

[@4TheExec]

Can't you adjust the regen with the paddles on the steering wheel?

[@andrewmontague2636]

@@4TheExec Yes you can, although it works like changing down through a gearbox, you have to use them each time you slow down. So I tend to just use the ‘B’ mode which gives max regen the whole time and means you can drive it without using the brakes much. You get used to it very quickly

[@4TheExec]

@@andrewmontague2636 tnx much! I understand.

[@michalklucz6907]

@@andrewmontague2636 just a small correction "you have to use them each time you slow down." is not entirely true. if you change the driving mode to sport or comfort the system will remember your last settings and apply regen braking. Driving in D more is much more efficient for outside-the-city trips.

[@andrewmontague2636]

@@michalklucz6907 that’s interesting, I didn’t know that. What makes you say that ‘D’ mode is more efficient than ‘B’ outside of the city?

[@TerjeL]

Skoda Enyaq is a good car. The Toyota bz4x is... You know what, just go for the Skoda 👍

[@itechtalk03]

Skoda Enyaq all the way 💯 Even has a nicer interior than VW’s I.D models.

[@anttikalpio4577]

No heated seats? There hasn’t been a car model sold in Finland without heated seats since the 14th century. Always standard up here 😉

[@jonathantaylor1998]

Having had a Gen 1 Leaf with no seat heaters, to now having a BMW i3 WITH seat heaters, it absolutely boggles my tiny mind how manufacturers can miss these pretty essential items off the standard spec of their cars - unless, of course as the cynic in me would say, they hope you will add them from the options list / upgrade to a higher cost model with them included...???? To be able to keep snug in your heated seat, but have the HVAC system set low to preserve range, is just brilliant...! 🤗

[@madlucio70]

Great review. If I were shopping for one of these, then it would come down to the manufacturer and how they treat their customers. I would pick Toyota over the Volkswagon group every time.

[@johnm7251]

Why can't motoring reviewers just use metric units instead of mixing miles, kg's hp, kW etc ??

[@tony4235]

I've had a BZ4X on order for over 6 months now, I cant wait to get it !! excellent and well informed review.

[@Thecardetailingnut]

Still waiting for my BZ4 Tony and I was second person to order the BZ4

[@carlarrowsmith]

@@Thecardetailingnut when did you order?

[@Thecardetailingnut]

@@carlarrowsmith ordered in June and just spoke to Toyota for update and stated hasn’t been made to date and expected delivery will be April sometime

[@carlarrowsmith]

@@Thecardetailingnut People ordered in January 22 and already have their cars. You may have been the second at your dealership but certainly there were many pre orders before yours.

[@Thecardetailingnut]

@@carlarrowsmith only one person in front of my but there’s will arrive after ours , just hope they have changed batteries for better long distance

[@daviddavies3637]

It's weird because a couple of weeks ago, we decided to have a look at both. We thought that the Enyaq had more leg room because you can't actually stretch your feet under the front seats in the Toyota. These were the two we'd shortlisted for our next Motability car, but after the experience we had with the Toyota dealership staff, we're likely going for the Enyaq (we already have a Karoq) ... assuming we're allowed to fit a charger to our property.

[@anthonystevens8683]

Many thanks Vicky for one of the better EV comparisons with close to like for like cars from different manufacturers. As far as Toyota's foray into full EV's with the BZ4X (that almost sounds like a number plate or type of spray on oil) I think that they did a great job. But this is comparing it to a couple of years old albeit a very good proven EV from Skoda. That's possibly only a year or so away from a facelift so in theory 'should' make it a little better. Given the lead times on the Enyaq (over a year the last time I enquired) the model range and spec may well be different by the time it appears as manufacturers are always tweaking the spec subject to the competition and component supply chain. While I like the Toyota I think right now I'd go for the Enyaq as it's been available long enough to get some real world data points. The 10 year warranty on the BZ4X could be extremely tempting depending on the lead times. Just a side note while like you I have a dislike for touch controls for climate control the Skoda looks to have a lower quick access stripe to give a quick temp change. Not great but there are far worse 'solutions' out there.

[@andrewmontague2636]

No you have a shortcut physical button to the touchscreen for climate and then adjust from there. It’s such a big screen it’s very easy to use on the move 👍🏼

[@antonioragosta5727]

Can I suggest to mention about charging efficiency as well? I know is tricky but can affect significantly the running cost. When you charge 10kWh you are actually charged 11 or more, worse when DC fast and is cold..

[@laurienicholas]

These reviews always quote £40k plus for the Enyaq IV but I just picked up a well specced used 60 which is under a year old with a bunch of motorway miles for £26k. I think its unbeatable for the space, newness, range, price and ride quality. Closest I could find for the price was a much older, smaller Jaguar iPace or the smaller less nice MG4.

[@chrishart8548]

How does the enyaq not have any charge sockets in the back. I've had 32 year old cars have a socket in the back.

[@niptodstan]

In the rear armrest there is a hole, that you can buy a tablet/phone holder from Skoda to fit into it for watching films etc.

[@alexis1959]

Love the Enyaq

[@Kelveron]

As always, such a nicely presented comparison review by Vicky, covering all the essentials facts, features and stats that are useful to potential buyers. Not a fan of SUVs in general, but out of these two I'd opt for the Skoda. The Toyota's excellent warranty and infotainment (with some buttons - hooray) are appealing, but in addition to the strong points of the Skoda that Vicky mentioned, I really don't like that baffling amount of space between the Toyota's steering wheel and the instrument binnacle behind it! It's a personal preference thing though.

[@robertdemeny251]

I went for the Toyota. I like the looks and the warrenty is outstanding. Perfectly happy with it. Here in Norway the Executive comes in two wheelsizes. 18 and 20. I chose 18 inch and AWD. That a good combo. More comfortable and gives a better range. What to buy? Buy the car you like. Simple as that.

[@Dreador.]

Just a quick one as normal Europe v Japan is all those missing things Vicky mentioned in Enyaq can be had with options sheet.

[@marcbungener1877]

I have to say it’s the first time my favorite reviewer disappoints me : visibly you have not tested road trip in these car - it would have given a huge advantage to the Skoda because the Toyota is a big let down on real range (real capacity is NOT 71.8 as it is the gross capacity, real usable capacity is closer to 65 but even then there is catch as when the indicator says zero there is still about 8% in the battery but few driver would take chance to drive much past zero resulting in a real range that is not competitive - furthermore after 80% state of charge it become so slow that one needs another hour to go to 100%.

[@bakavoice]

Toyota is rolling out an updated where they will show charging % and a buffer, so it should get better. As for the charging beyond 80%, that's the case with all EVs. The electricity intake drops significantly after 80% when using DC charging to protect the battery. All cars, including Mach-E, Ioniq, EV6 do the same thing

[@marcbungener1877]

@@bakavoice thank you for the info on the update ! I know all EV charging rate slows down significantly after 80% but in the case of Toyota it is more extreme, in the sense that in many case it take 30 min or so from 10-80% and another 30 min for the last 20% - except with Toyota this last 20% takes a full hour so about twice as long as most competitors. I pains me as I was eyeing the Lexus RZ450e and currently own a RX450h from 2011 which has been super reliable - so I’m actually a big fan of Toyota. (and love their new Prius 5 design as much as I hated generation 4)

[@mr.wizeguy8995]

Also winter test below 0'C has given Bz4x consumption over 30 kWh/100km when Enyaq does same around 24 kWh/100km.

[@bill_heywood]

@@bakavoice other EVs do slow down after 80ish percent, but it is not true that they are as slow as the bZ4x. You mention the EV6, 0-100% is just 48 minutes, in the bZ4X it is 114 minutes. In other words, in an EV6 you would be 26 miles down the road before the bZ4X had finished charging. It’s worse than that in reality, because the EV6 would have better range with the same level of charge, so a Toyota driver would have to stop earlier to start slowly charging again

[@bilgyno1]

If you've done your midsize family SUV in '21, you're missing out on the Tesla Model Y RWD which has become available in Europe since then. In terms of space, efficiency/range, standard trim (gets Premium interior), tech, performance it has a pretty unbeatable value for money. It is also available with reasonable order times. Besides this, a family SUV with just 450 litres of luggage space, no frunk etc really doesn't work for a family with young kids and all the stuff that you need to lug around.

[@daviddavies3637]

Personally, I think they're ugly AF. Saw one a couple of days ago. And I don't like the interior and some of their design choices. But each to his own.

[@mr.wizeguy8995]

13:10 weird you didn't mention Enayq has those flaps on steering wheel to adjust regen 3 different level.

[@andrewmontague2636]

They are an option. In reality, I rarely use mine, I just drive in the ‘B’ (maximum regen) mode mostly

[@carlarrowsmith]

Most of them don't have them. It's on one of the expensive packs.

[@mr.wizeguy8995]

Wasn't option here. Seems that standard equipment list varies by country.

[@michalklucz6907]

@@mr.wizeguy8995 if the test car got it it's worth mentioning. I am using mine all the time

[@bilgyno1]

They were an option when I considered the Enyaq. Just like DC fast charge, heat pump, advanced ADAS and other essentials. Price quickly ramped up when ticking just a few boxes...

[@Hallo-Hallo]

@CarGurus UK: Can you please ad kilometers in the screen, so the rest of Europe also understands it… 😅

[@elektrischverhaal5166]

Bespoke E-platform is not quite the case. Toyota designed the e-TNGA platform so that EVs could be produced on the same assembly line with petrol cars and hybrids. Rumours are now (because they are lagging behind) Toyota now already wants to retire e-TNGA more quickly and opt for an REAL EV-dedicated platform engineered from the ground up.

[@oliverstemp9132]

You know the Enyaq shares a production line with Octavia

[@scoopermg8226]

Looks and enormous warranty means Toyota.

[@ISuperTed]

Nicely done and agree with the conclusion. I would say the Skoda has a lot more real world range for comparable versions as the Toyota has been road tested by other reviewers and only does a little over 200 miles on a charge, due to it’s actual usable capacity being 64Kw. I do like the exterior looks as they are very RAV4 like but I think it’s well beaten by the Skoda and most others in it’s class at this price.

[@carlarrowsmith]

Toyota in the last week has said the useable capacity of the BZ4X is 63kwh. 71.4 is the gross capacity, it is also having issues with winter range. The iv 60 version of the Skoda is the best comparison and therefore cheaper. Problem with the Skoda is the confusing packs especially in the second hand market. Basic Skoda spec misses out on adaptive cruise and even a rear view camera.

[@Dmaelstrom]

Depends which markets, because for us rear view camera is standard.

[@carlarrowsmith]

​@@DmaelstromYou may have missed the name of the channel "CarGurus UK" so I'm referring to the home market.

[@Dmaelstrom]

@@carlarrowsmith indeed I did!

[@Dmaelstrom]

@@carlarrowsmith Indeed I did; thanks for pointing it out - I’ll unsubscribe.

[@nealy2815]

Joint venture between Subaru & Toyota but isn't it really a BYD?

[@devonbikefilms]

Shush Penfield, don't give it away. And don't forget your wheel brace...🤣

[@benjaminsmith2287]

No. Not one bit of this car is a BYD.

[@carlarrowsmith]

No that's the Chinese market BZ3

[@marcbungener1877]

now that many people have test the BZ4x it is apparent that you cannot road trip with this car. So it has a huge flaw. Too bad you didn’t that you didn’t test that as it is quite important.

[@TalismanPHX]

Tesla Model Y in blue with white interior please 😊

[@Telcontarnz]

Rather have my model Y. More space, more standard features, more efficient. 1600kg towing capacity.

[@mr.wizeguy8995]

Actually Model Y is smaller than Enyaq if you look silhouette not just pure numbers but rest seem to be correct.

[@valleysofneptune]

I’ve had a karoq for 3 years…so many problems , VAG group cars are just very average for build and reliability, this is backed up by the Warrenty index . I won’t be returning to VAG cars again….

[@Notagain640]

Doesn't seem close to me. I think the Enyaq is a much better car.

[@jameshamilton3484]

To put the Toyota in any discussion for best EV is beyond ridiculous. Aside from Toyota falling apart in their home country, where product quality has crashed, they’re also being deliberately deceitful. Product quality - they’ve got such outrageous debts that they’re trying to cut costs on every material it they’ve taken it too far. They’re now selling budget quality cars for mid-level prices. Be prepared for it to literally rattle the whole time you’re driving it, which is the problem I had with mine last year and it subsequently went back to the dealer more than 10 times in 6 months before I sold it. And wheels that fall off, great. Then you get to enjoy the range issues… where Toyota say one thing, and independent tests say something rather different. Seems Toyota have been dishonest about the performance of their battery. Bottom line is that Toyota are far from being able to make a decent EV. And the extended warranty is worthless, because the small print excludes so many things, including all the rattling noises that’ll make driving unbearable.

[@bobsingeton2719]

Surely EVs not being very good at towing is a GOOD thing? Fewer bl**dy caravans on the roads for a start!

[@mrmawson2438]

Afternoon Vicky

[@tesla_models]

Well the enyaq , it's the all rounder for me . Rented one absolutely European and it describes the old continent

[@victorcocut528]

Skoda👍👍👍👍

[@mrmawson2438]

Toyota will get better I believe

[@mr.wizeguy8995]

But it still will be Toyota meaning it always feels like "rice bowl" even parts is more likely are reliable.

[@wayneheyes904]

There will be so many people in debt to get these cars and manufacturers will blame US for not getting the cars

[@belizarius_997]

Hopefully, Toyota has fixed the wheels coming off on bz4x

[@benjaminsmith2287]

This again? They announced the fix way back on October 6, 2022. And the wheels didn't come off. They had the potential to come off so there was a recall.

[@mopage3979]

I have owned a BZ4X for nearly 3 months now, 2500 miles, exactly same car as here, but white! Averaging around 3.1kWh taking into account the very cold weather we have had recently, seems normal. Have managed 3.8 more regularly and just over 4.0 occasionally. You can put the hand book in the central cubby hole, under the raised tray if it really worries you that much! I think Toyota probably realise that average UK weekly mileage is around 150, so one charge a week is all 90% of people will need. Bit like the self parking gismos in cars, you use once, the 0-60mph is meaningless and your passengers will not appreciate the chiropractor bills if you drive like Hamilton every time you go to Tesco's. Buy a Lucid if you really want to waste your money and snap your mates necks. BZ4X is fit for purpose, no more, no less.

[@roconnor01]

£40k + for a family lug-about,no thanks.

[@chrishart8548]

This is the cost of having a car now and in the future. Peasants won't be driving for much longer

[@MustafaAshah-el9nc]

@@chrishart8548 i’m not sure what you’re talking about considering that you can get a car from 2005 to 2011 with 50,000 miles for about £2000 and something like a 2019 Volvo V 90 cross country for about £21,000 the secondhand car market especially for 3 to 5 year year-old cars under 50k Miles is affordable for most people

[@ozcanzengin2473]

These are out of date cars after introduction of Nissan e-power to the market.

[@mr.wizeguy8995]

Nothing that has combustion engine doesn't make EV obsolete.

[@robbiestruys9127]

Enyaq looks great. Top half of the car looks like Ford Mondeo estate - which is a good thing. But that teeny-weeny dashboard/instrument cluster ! Really ? It's like a toy car. Ridiculous !

[@mr.wizeguy8995]

It's not designed for watch Hollywood block buster movie it's for most crucial thing like speed etc and with cruise control you barely even need that.

[@chrishart8548]

The enyaq is a budget car really for what it is.

[@theta2170]

The Toyota is longer and taller than the Skoda, and yet it has such a small boot? Anything below 500l on an SUV is unacceptable really.

[@carlarrowsmith]

Yes because it has more space in the rear seats.

[@Notagain640]

@Carl Arrowsmith probably too much space for the rear seats. Would be more useful as boot space.

[@carlarrowsmith]

@@Notagain640 Certainly not for me, give me more rear seat space every time.

[@theta2170]

@@Notagain640 Agree. As I said above, an SUV with anything less than 500L boot space is not as practical as it should be.

[@johnminshall242]

There’s not really any comparison there - Toyota can’t get near the Skoda!

[@cokyrobes]

Due to the terrible 'self-charging hybrid' adverts Toyota has been doing, I will never buy and never support anyone to buy their products until they officially admit the blatant attempt to fool customers. Aweful example of corporate greed.

[@bilgyno1]

That and the funding of climate change denial lobbyist in the US, sueing California to get less stringent emissions, and last but not least, the constant dogmatic anti-EV, pro-hydrogen bs of their CEO.

[@cokyrobes]

@@bilgyno1 yeah that too! Overall I think they need to see that their actions have consequences

[@aslkycccc]

Toyotas are never best in class. They are just adequate. In general, they don’t produce bad cars. Let us be honest, Toyotas would last for more than 10yrs. Toyotas would not even sweat after 10yrs.

[@samguest8165]

Toyota is overpriced, underperformed to stated range and has had major issues related the wheels falling off

[@wayneheyes904]

Range is still not good enough

[@mr.wizeguy8995]

300 mile isn't enough and you drive more daily?

[@wayneheyes904]

£40 K for a car sorry I would rather spend £40 k on a house and actually have somewhere to live

[@konsen6149]

Will buy the Skoda Enyad anytime Toyota is still a EV laggard , nothing spectacular will come out anytime soon sane goes for BZX4.,not that good.

[@andreyvoynov635]

You are comparing one of the best EVs to one of the worst EVs and you say they are pretty equal? Toyota will be one of the failed auto producers in 5-6 years.

[@mr.wizeguy8995]

They don't get invitation to press conference if they bash some brand.

[@oliverstemp9132]

Because they both have good features

[@anttikalpio4577]

I don’t understand why car companies don’t charge extra for having the steering wheel on the right. Only a few tribal island people don’t know how to drive a car on the right side of the street.

[@oliverstemp9132]

They do charge more, just we don’t notice because we don’t have a choice.

[@toyotaprius79]

The Toyota BZ4X is a cynical attempt and disgrace of an EV. Toyota (its executives) doesn't want to build them. And nobody wants to buy overly expensive crossovers either. It's the only option being offered to western markets because they make the most profit. Hence the AygoX, absolute joke Eventually the upmarket arms race will leave a vacuum for affordable (electric) cars which Chinese brands will take full advantage.

[@alfamonk]

Where does the new Prius fit into your theory 🙂