New Toyota bZ4X vs Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Kia EV6: verdict

Toyota has long been at the vanguard of hybrid technology, but the bZ4X is its first modern electric car. How does it compare with two of the most exciting alternatives?...

New Toyota bZ4X vs Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Kia EV6 triple

Our verdict

There aren’t many EVs we’d actively try to talk you out of buying, but the Mach-E, sadly, is one of them. Few cars ride in such a disjointed and irritating manner, and the poorly resolved suspension saps the fun out of driving the car on any twisty road that isn’t perfectly smooth. Factor in a comparatively slow charging speed and eye-watering PCP and leasing costs and it’s simply impossible to recommend.

Thankfully, the other two cars in this test are much better. The bZ4X is an excellent effort from Toyota that’s well priced and well equipped. Divisive driving position aside, it has no major weaknesses.

The EV6 shines a bit brighter in the important areas, though, with a longer range, faster charging and a superior infotainment system. The fact that it’s a bit better to drive only seals the deal. The EV6 is still our favourite electric SUV and a fantastic buy.

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1st – Kia EV6

Kia EV6 front cornering

For Longest range; fastest charging capability; sharpest handling; quietest cruiser; limo-like rear leg room
Against Rear head room could be better; heat pump costs extra
Recommended options Heat pump (£900)

What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5

Read our full Kia EV6 review >>

Find Kia EV6 deals >>


 2nd – Toyota bZ4X

New Toyota bZ4x front cornering

For Cheapest to buy and run; good to drive; exceptionally well equipped; most practical main boot
Against Driving position won’t suit everyone; no storage under bonnet; rear head room isn’t brilliant
Recommended options None

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Read our full Toyota bZ4X review >>

Find Toyota bZ4X deals >>


3rd – Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford Mustang Mach-E front cornering

For Impressive efficiency; fastest acceleration; best rear head room
Against Awful ride; grabby, poorly tuned brakes; can’t charge up all that quickly
Recommended options None

What Car? rating 2 stars out of 5

Read our full Ford Mustang Mach-E review >>

Find Ford Mustang Mach-E deals >>


Specifications: Ford Mustang Mach-E Standard Range RWD

Ford Mustang Mach-E badge

Engine Electric motor
Peak power 265bhp
Peak torque 317lb ft
Gearbox Single-speed automatic, RWD
0-60mph 6.6sec
30-70mph 5.4sec
Top speed 111mph
30-0mph 8.6m
70-0mph 46.6m
Noise @ 30mph 61.8dB
Noise @ 70mph 66.2dB
Kerb weight 2085kg
Wheels and tyres (std) 225/60 R18
Real-world range 259 miles
Official range 273 miles
Efficiency on test 3.7 miles/kWh
Maximum charging rate 115kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 11hr 15min
Rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 40min
CO2 emissions 0g/km


Specifications: Kia EV6 RWD GT-Line

Kia EV6 badge

Engine Electric motor
Peak power 226bhp
Peak torque 257lb ft
Gearbox Single-speed automatic, RWD
0-60mph 7.2sec
30-70mph 6.1sec
Top speed 114mph
30-0mph 8.6m
70-0mph 48.9m
Noise @ 30mph 60.1dB
Noise @ 70mph 65.7dB
Kerb weight 1985kg
Wheels and tyres (std) 235/55 R19
Real-world range 279 miles
Official range 328 miles
Efficiency on test 3.6 miles/kWh
Maximum charging rate 239kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 11hr 45min
Rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 18min
CO2 emissions 0g/km


Specifications: Toyota bZ4X FWD Motion

New Toyota bZ4X badge

Engine Electric motor
Peak power 201bhp
Peak torque 196lb ft
Gearbox Single-speed automatic, FWD
0-60mph 7.1sec
30-70mph 6.5sec
Top speed 99mph
30-0mph 9.1m
70-0mph 48.9m
Noise @ 30mph 61.4dB
Noise @ 70mph 67.5dB
Kerb weight 1970kg
Wheels and tyres (std) 235/60 R18
Real-world range 250 miles
Official range 271 miles
Efficiency on test 3.5 miles/kWh
Maximum charging rate 150kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 12hr 45min
Rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 32min
CO2 emissions 0g/km

Test weather conditions Dry, hot


Cars pictured

Ford Mustang Mach-E Standard Range RWD with Absolute Black paint

Kia EV6 RWD GT-Line with Yacht Blue metallic paint (£675)

Toyota bZ4X FWD Motion with Precious Metal pearlescent paint (£965)

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