Unlike a lot of other automakers, Toyota has been late to join the most recent EV revolution. But Toyota is finally releasing some EVs. The company’s first EV in the modern era is the 2023 bZ4X, and many customers are wondering how this Toyota EV compares with the competition. One of the 2023 Toyota bZ4X’s biggest competitors is the Kia Niro EV, and here are three reasons why customers should choose the Toyota over the Kia.

1. The 2023 Toyota bZ4X has more standard driving range than the Kia Niro EV

Driving range is one of the most important aspects of EVs right now. Folks are suffering from range anxiety and want the most range they can get from their car. According to Edmunds, this is an area where the Toyota surpasses the Kia. Currently, the standard bZ4X has a 71.4-kWh battery, and this allows the car to get 252 miles on a single charge.

In comparison, the Niro EV has a 64-kWh battery, which only allows it to go 239 miles on a single charge. That’s a difference of 13 miles. On top of that, the bZ4X has a better range despite being a slightly bigger car because the Niro EV is a subcompact crossover SUV, while the bZ4X is a compact crossover SUV. This is because the bZ4X is actually more efficient overall. Plus, neither car offers another battery option, so the Toyota simply has more range than the Kia does. 

2. The Toyota has more maximum cargo capacity as well

Another important thing customers consider when they’re shopping for an SUV is cargo capacity, as SUVs are probably going to be used on some errands. In terms of cargo capacity, the bZ4X is once again a superior car compared to the Niro EV. This is mostly thanks to the fact that the Toyota is several inches bigger in all areas.

The bZ4X has a max cargo capacity of about 56.1 cu-ft, according to Edmunds. In comparison, the Niro EV has a max cargo capacity of about 53 cu-ft That’s a difference of about 3.1 cu-ft, however that’s not the full picture.

A lot of families will have kids in the back seats when they’re on an errand, so an SUV should have a lot of cargo capacity even without folding down the back seats. Once again, the bZ4X wins, but it wins even more. Edmunds wrote that the bZ4X has 27.7 cu-ft of cargo space without folding any seats down. In comparison, the Niro EV only has 18.5 cu-ft. That’s a difference of 9.2 cu-ft, which is a lot of space.

3. The 2023 Toyota bZ4X has more ground clearance than the Kia Niro EV

Lastly, ground clearance can be an important spec for folks looking to go off-roading, but it can also important for EVs, too. This is because a lot of EVs have their batteries placed under the body, and this may expose the battery to some damage from the road. The Niro EV has a ground clearance of about 6.1 inches, which is about average for a car.

In comparison, the bZ4X has a ground clearance of 8.1 inches, according to Edmunds. That’s a difference of 2 inches, and while 2 inches isn’t usually a big deal in most cases, 2 inches of extra ground clearance is rather significant.