Compare the2023 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In HybridVS 2023 Toyota bZ4X

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid. But it costs extra on the bZ4X.

Both the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and the bZ4X have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 106 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The bZ4X has not been tested, yet.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The bZ4X’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Hyundai’s powertrain warranty covers the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Toyota covers the bZ4X. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the bZ4X ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the bZ4X’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Hyundai pays for scheduled maintenance on the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid for 1 year and 11000 miles longer than Toyota pays for maintenance for the bZ4X (3/36,000 vs. 2/25000).

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Hyundai vehicles are more reliable than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Hyundai third in reliability, above the industry average. With 10 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is ranked fifth.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 60 more horsepower (261 vs. 201) and 62 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 196) than the bZ4X’s standard electric motor. The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 47 more horsepower (261 vs. 214) and 10 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 248) than the bZ4X’s optional electric motors.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 422 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The bZ4X’s range is only 222 to 252 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 30 minutes for only an 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge using a conventional 110-volt outlet can take up to 50 hours.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the bZ4X XLE’s standard 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the bZ4X XLE.

For better maneuverability, the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than the bZ4X’s (38.6 feet vs. 40 feet).

The front grille of the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The bZ4X doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has 11.5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the bZ4X (105.9 vs. 94.4).

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has 1.5 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front hip room, 2.4 inches more rear headroom, 4.2 inches more rear legroom and 9.1 inches more rear hip room than the bZ4X.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the bZ4X with its rear seat up (31.9 vs. 27.7 cubic feet). The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the bZ4X with its rear seat folded (66.3 vs. 56.9 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The bZ4X doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a 2000 lbs. towing capacity. The bZ4X has no towing capacity.

When two different drivers share the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Limited, the memory seats make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position. The bZ4X doesn’t offer memory seats.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Limited’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The bZ4X doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The bZ4X’s power window (except driver window) and power lock switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a standard rear wiper. The bZ4X doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Limited’s Remote Smart Parking Assist can parallel park by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Smart Park Assist will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The bZ4X doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, based on reliability, safety and performance.