With the seemingly unstoppable rise in gas prices, the EV market is hotter than ever–and now there’s a new electric SUV option on the market. We’re talking about the in-demand 2022 Kia EV6.

Another popular electric SUV is the new Toyota bZ4X. So, how do these two EVs stack up in the competition for consumer interest? We’ve made the comparison, and here is why we recommend the 2022 Kia EV6 over the 2023 Toyota bZ4X.

1. The 2022 Kia EV6 boasts a lower starting price

Price tops almost any consumer’s list of considerations when purchasing a new vehicle. So, it’s hard to overlook the price differential between the 2022 Kia EV6 and the 2023 Toyota bZ4X. The Kia starts at $40,900, which can come down to $33,400 after the federal EV tax credit. 

The Toyota bZ4X, meanwhile, starts at $42,000 for the XLE trim or $46,700 for the Limited. So, right off the bat, you can save at least $1,000 by opting for the Kia, and potentially much more thanks to the tax credit. 

2. The EV6 also offers a better standard warranty

Another advantage of the Kia EV6 is that it has a better standard warranty than Toyota’s bZ4X. In fact, it’s not even particularly close. Per Consumer Reports, the Kia comes with a standard warranty of five years or 60,000 miles. 

If you’re considering purchasing the Toyota, however, Consumer Reports notes that its warranty coverage only extends for three years or 36,000 miles. An additional two years of warranty can make a world of difference when trouble arrives, so Kia’s offer is not one to take lightly when comparing options for electric SUVs.

3. The 2023 Toyota bZ4X lacks variety and customization

Here’s yet another reason why many favor the Kia EV6 over the Toyota bZ4X: the former offers many more options regarding power and range. 

Autotrader has provided a helpful rundown on the differences in power and range that you’ll find in the various Kia EV6 trims. Of the trims currently available, the GT-Line comes in at the high end in terms of price. It offers 320 horsepower and a range of 274 miles. The EV6 Wind includes similar capabilities for around $4,000 less. If you’re looking to save even more money, however, the EV6 Light will give you a single rear motor with 167 horsepower and a range of 232 miles.

These different options for power and range are not available on the Toyota bZ4X, which maintains one standard offering across both trim levels in this area. Per Car and Driver, the XLE and Limited trim levels each offer a front-wheel drive, single-motor option capable of 201 horsepower, or an all-wheel drive, two-motor 215-hp version. The front-wheel-drive vehicles will get you a range of around 242 miles, while you can expect to go approximately 222 miles with the all-wheel drive versions.

4. The Kia EV6 is much lighter than the Toyota bZ4X

Finally, anyone who has invested in an EV is likely concerned about driving dynamics and fuel economy. Thanks to the EV6’s lighter weight, you’ll also find that it wins out over the Toyota bZ4X in this area. Edmunds reports that the Kia weighs in at 5,004 lbs, while the Toyota is more cumbersome at 5,435 lbs. 

All in all, it’s plain to see why, when given a choice between these two electric SUVs, consumers are frequently opting for the Kia EV6. When it comes right down to it, whether we’re talking weight, warranty, or MSRP, the Kia is easier on the wallet than the Toyota bZ4X.