We’ve heard some of the big-named automakers pledge to switch to all-electric by the end of 2030. This year quite a few EVs are due to come off production lines in time for 2023. So, it looks like some companies will make good on those EV promises. Later in 2022, two new EVs are due to arrive: the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra. Along with them is a redesigned Kia Niro EV. What will they offer and which one is the best to buy?
2023 Toyota BZ4X | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
What you can expect with the 2023 Kia Niro EV
While we don’t know much about the EV version of the Kia Niro, there are a few bits we can speculate about it. We don’t know exactly what trims will be offered, but there’s a good chance Kia will continue with the previous models, which came with EX and EX Premium levels.
According to Car and Driver, you can expect to see a stylish two-spoke steering wheel, new controls, and seats made from recycled materials, especially pieces of eucalyptus leaves and other natural fibers.
2023 @Kia Niro hybrid specs revealed, plug-in and EV models confirmed: https://t.co/vOkn9odbTJ pic.twitter.com/hUEpd32J5P
— Car and Driver (@CARandDRIVER) January 25, 2022
Interior storage for smaller items will likely be impressive, with more oversized door pockets and cubbies in the center console perfect for phones, keys, and more.
As for cargo space, it won’t disappoint with the reported 18.5 cubic feet of area to store your groceries or other shopping items. We can only guess what amount of horsepower it will offer, but we’re expecting approximately 201 hp with a single motor feeding the front wheels. Paired with it will be a 1-speed automatic transmission.
The price is also not known yet. Based on the 2022 models, it could run you around $42,000 for the base EX model. The EX Premium could run a little over $46,000, but we’ll need to wait for the official word from Kia.
How impressive will the 2023 Subaru Solterra EV be?
2023 @Subaru_usa Solterra EV arrives in the US with standard AWD and 220 miles of range https://t.co/4W1WolwLYm pic.twitter.com/ONgHt4wtHu
— Roadshow (@roadshow) November 17, 2021
Subaru will roll out its first EV, the Solterra soon, and it sounds pretty exciting so far. The automaker paired up with Toyota to design it, which alone piques the interest of critics alike. Because it’s a Subaru model it will come standard with an all-wheel drivetrain.
It will also come with a two-electric motor setup producing 215 hp combined. Subaru offers four different drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Power, and X-Mode. The X-mode works perfectly in slippery driving conditions.
Subaru reports the Solterra will be compatible with AC and DC fast chargers, which will get approximately 80 percent charged in under an hour. Once filled with an electrical charge, the battery should get a 220 or more of driving range in normal driving conditions.
The interior reportedly will get a high-mounted digital display for your standard gauges, an elevated center console, and up to 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The infotainment system has a 12.3-inch display screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
Safety features include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The price is still unknown, but it’s expected to run about $37,000.
What will the 2023 Toyota bZ4X offer?
Out of the three models, the Toyota bZ4X is the one we know the most about. This EV will come in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel drivetrain.
Powering it will be a 150 kW motor for the front-wheel-drive system, producing 201 hp. The AWD will have two 80 kW motor and generate 215 hp. According to Car and Driver, we could see the two-motor system going from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. The 64 kW battery will reportedly get up to 250 miles of driving range.
Two trim levels will roll out for 2023: the XLE and the Limited. We could see a lower-priced model, the LE, join the lineup down the road.
Toyota reports you’ll get a digital gauge display and a wide center console that sits between the two front seats for the interior. The bZ4X include lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking, and pedestrian and cyclist detection systems.
Prices for this model aren’t released yet, but Car and Driver speculate it could go from $37,000 to approximately $42,000.
If you compare the three EVs, you’ll notice the Kia Niro will probably be the most expensive of the bunch. However, it comes with a Hybrid powertrain and a PHEV model, which are cheaper.
In the end, the Niro has been around for a bit, while the Solterra and bZ4X are rolling out the first-generation model. If you want reliability, you might stick with the Niro for now and wait to see how well the other two fare.
Keyword: 2023 Kia Niro EV vs. 2023 Subaru Solterra vs. 2023 Toyota bZ4X: A 3-Way Showdown of New Electric SUVs