Verdict
At RM220,000, the Toyota bZ4X costs RM28,888 less than the Volvo EC40 and gives a Malaysian buyer a larger 73.1-kWh battery, 525 km range, 22-kW AC charging and a 452-litre boot. The EC40 counters with 420 Nm against 269 Nm, all-wheel drive and 200-kW DC charging, although its 488-km range and 413-litre boot are smaller. Acceleration is effectively tied at 7.3 versus 7.4 seconds to 100 km/h. For longer intercity trips and family luggage, the Toyota makes the clearer case; choose the Volvo for its stronger driveline and faster DC peak rate.
Pick the Toyota bZ4X if you want 525 km of range, 22-kW AC charging and a 452-litre boot for less money.
Pick the Volvo EC40 if all-wheel drive, 420 Nm and 200-kW DC charging matter more than range and boot capacity.
Key differences
- Price: Toyota bZ4X RM220,000; Volvo EC40 RM248,888.
- Range and battery: Toyota bZ4X 525 km and 73.1 kWh; Volvo EC40 488 km and 70 kWh.
- Motor output: Toyota bZ4X 224 hp and 269 Nm; Volvo EC40 235 hp and 420 Nm.
- Charging: Toyota bZ4X 22 kW AC and 150 kW DC; Volvo EC40 11 kW AC and 200 kW DC.
- Driveline and acceleration: Toyota bZ4X front-wheel drive and 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds; Volvo EC40 all-wheel drive and 7.3 seconds.
- Boot space: Toyota bZ4X 452 litres; Volvo EC40 413 litres.
bZ4X
- RM28,888 cheaper.
- 525-km range from a 73.1-kWh battery.
- 22-kW AC charging and a 452-litre boot.
- Front-wheel drive versus the EC40's all-wheel drive.
- 269 Nm trails the EC40's 420 Nm.
- 150-kW DC charging peak is lower than 200 kW.
EC40
- All-wheel drive with 420 Nm.
- 200-kW DC charging peak.
- Slightly quicker 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
- RM28,888 more expensive.
- 488-km range trails the bZ4X's 525 km.
- 11-kW AC charging and a 413-litre boot are lower than the Toyota's figures.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM220,000✓ | RM248,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM200✓ | RM220 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 400V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 224 hp | 235 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 269 Nm | 420 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 73.1 kWh✓ | 70 kWh |
| EV Range | 525 km✓ | 488 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW✓ | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 150 kW | 200 kW✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Volvo |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.4 seconds | 7.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h | 180 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,690 mm | 4,440 mm |
| Width | 1,860 mm | 1,873 mm |
| Height | 1,650 mm | 1,582 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | 2,020 kg | 2,185 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 452 litres✓ | 413 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R20 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R20 | 255/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060 | Continental EcoContact 6 VOL |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloys | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Alloys | 19" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Sports Chassis |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front Centre, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Pre-collision Braking | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Ventilation & Driver's Side Memory | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest | 60:40 Split Fold |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof | Fixed Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Wireless Chargers, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1x 12V in front, 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Powered Panoramic Roof Shade | — |
| Audio | 14" Display Audio with Touch Screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, 6-speaker Sound System | 9" Portrait Android Automotive OS Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | — | No |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-Year/Unlimited Mileage Warranty for Battery, Inverter and PCU | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used bZ4X & EC40 for sale
bZ4X vs EC40 FAQ
Is the Toyota bZ4X or Volvo EC40 better?
The Toyota bZ4X is the stronger practical buy, with 525 km range, 22-kW AC charging and 452 litres of boot space. The Volvo EC40 is better if you prioritise all-wheel drive, 420 Nm and a 200-kW DC charging rate.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo EC40 costs RM28,888 more than the Toyota bZ4X. That extra outlay brings all-wheel drive, 151 Nm more torque and a 50-kW higher DC charging peak, but less range, slower AC charging and a smaller boot.
Which one is better for home and public charging?
The bZ4X has the higher 22-kW AC charging rate against the EC40's 11 kW, useful where compatible AC charging is available. The EC40 has the higher DC peak rate of 200 kW versus 150 kW for the Toyota.