Head-to-head
Tesla Model Y vs Toyota bZ4X
Just $2,000 separates the Tesla Model Y and Toyota bZ4X on starting price, but the Toyota bZ4X goes 125 km further on a charge. Here's where the rest of the spec sheets pull apart.
Option A · SUV
Tesla Model Y
Australia's best-selling EV by a wide margin, the Model Y combines crossover practicality with the Tesla software and Supercharger ecosystem. The 'Juniper' refresh addresses many of the original's ride and cabin gripes.
- From
- $71,990
- Range
- 466 km
- Battery
- 62.5 kWh
Option B · SUV
Toyota bZ4X
Toyota's first dedicated electric SUV, co-developed with Subaru (which sells it as the Solterra). Long battery warranty and Toyota's service network are the standout features — performance is mid-pack.
- From
- $69,990
- Range
- 591 km
- Battery
- 74.7 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Tesla Model Y and Toyota bZ4X, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage Toyota bZ4X
The Toyota bZ4X goes 125 km further on a charge (591 vs 466 km WLTP).
- 2
Boot · advantage Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y swallows 402 L more cargo with the rear seats up (854 vs 452 L).
- 3
Battery · advantage Toyota bZ4X
The Toyota bZ4X carries a 12.2 kWh larger battery (74.7 vs 62.5 kWh).
- 4
Power · advantage Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y puts down 55 kW more (220 vs 165 kW).
- 5
DC charging · advantage Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y accepts 20 kW more DC peak charging (170 vs 150 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Tesla Model Y wins
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (5.9s vs 7.5s)
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (170 kW vs 150 kW)
Where the Toyota bZ4X wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $2,000
- ▸ 125 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Longer warranty (5 years)
Tesla Model Y
What we like
- ✓ Huge boot and frunk for family use
- ✓ Supercharger network access
- ✓ Strong residual values
What we don't
- ✕ Firm ride on 19-inch wheels
- ✕ Minimalist cabin polarises buyers
- ✕ No Android Auto / Apple CarPlay
Toyota bZ4X
What we like
- ✓ Industry-leading 10-year battery warranty
- ✓ Toyota's huge service network across Australia
- ✓ Strong 591 km WLTP range from the FWD variant
What we don't
- ✕ AC charging limited to 7.6 kW (single-phase only)
- ✕ Toyota was late to BEV — interior feels less modern than rivals
- ✕ Modest motor power for the kerb weight
Frequently asked: Tesla Model Y vs Toyota bZ4X
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Tesla Model Y or the Toyota bZ4X?
- The Toyota bZ4X is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $69,990 versus $71,990 for the Tesla Model Y, a $2,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Toyota bZ4X has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 591 km, 125 km further than the Tesla Model Y's 466 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Tesla Model Y accepts a peak DC charging rate of 170 kW versus 150 kW for the Toyota bZ4X. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The Tesla Model Y does 0–100 km/h in 5.9 seconds — 1.6 s quicker than the Toyota bZ4X's 7.5 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Which has the longer warranty?
- The Toyota bZ4X is covered by a 5-year vehicle warranty, versus 4 years for the Tesla Model Y. Both also carry separate high-voltage battery warranties — check the manufacturer's site for the latest kilometre and condition limits.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Tesla Model Y
if…
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
- ✓ you regularly load it up (402 L more boot)
- ✓ you match the profile: families
Choose the
Toyota bZ4X
if…
- ✓ you want to save $2,000 on the sticker
- ✓ maximum range matters (125 km further per charge)
- ✓ you match the profile: toyota loyalists
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.