Comparison:  The Vehicles Vying For 'EV of Texas'

We're counting down the days until the winners of the Texas Auto Writers Association's (TAWA) Texas Auto Roundup are announced. 

The annual springtime event was held this year at the Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas in March. It brings participating TAWA members together to evaluate vehicles either on a track, public streets or both. (I'm a current TAWA member who attended the event and former TAWA board member. )

There are a number of categories with segment winners. Contenders in each one are determined by which automakers opt to send vehicles to the event to be considered for the honor.

EV of Texas Contenders

This year, there are four electric vehicles vying for the title of 'Electric Vehicle of Texas.' They are, in alphabetical order, the electrified Genesis G80, Lexus RZ, Nissan Ariya and the Toyota bZ4x.  (Last year, the EV award went to the Hyundai IONIQ 5.) 

Here's a quick look at the electric vehicles in contention for the trophy, with some comparison stats. Three are SUVs, one is a luxury sedan. Price-wise the bZ4X is the least expensive, with the electrified G80 the most expensive.

Electrified Genesis G80

MSRP: $81,495

The Electrified Genesis G80 in a few words: A luxury sedan with a fantastic dual-motor AWD 365-horsepower powertrain that delivers quick acceleration. It's impeccably crafted  interior and excellent technology impress as well.

• Grades: Electrified (standard AWD)

• Starting MSRP: $79,825 

• Horsepower: 365

• Battery Capacity. 87.2 kWh 

• Range: 282 miles

• Charging Times:

  • AC Standard 110V / 10A AC Level 1 - 80 hours

  • Standard 240V Level 2 (from 10% 100% charge) -7 hours, 22 minutes

  • 350-kW, 800V DC Fast Charge  (10% to 80%) - 22 minutes

• 0 to 60 mph : 4.9 seconds

• Advanced Driver Assist Safety:  Includes Collision Avoidance. Remote Start Assist and Advanced Rear Occupant Alert.

• Multimedia: 14.5-inch HD touchscreen

• Other: Vehicle-to-Load Charging, Active Noise Control-Road, Remote Smart Parking Assist

  
  

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Lexus RZ 450e

MSRP: $60,150

The Lexus RZ is a few words: Amazing EV acceleration and incredibly smooth driving dynamics with the quality, luxurious interior you expect from Lexus.  New shift-by-wire tech includes dial-type shift knob.

• Grades: Premium, Luxury (standard AWD)

• Starting MSRP: $59,560 with destination

• Horsepower:  308

• Range: 196-220

  • w/18-inch wheels up to 220 miles 

  • w/20" wheels up to 196 miles. 

• Battery Capacity 71.4 kWh

• Onboard Charger: 6.6. kWh

• Charging Capability:

  • DC Fast Charging Time 0-80% - Approx 30 minutes

  • AC Level 2 (240v) 0-100% -  Approx 9.5 Hours

  • AC Level 1: (110V – 120V) - Approx 50 hours

• 0-60 mph: 5.0 seconds

• Advanced Driver Assist Safety: Lexus Safety System+ 3.0

• Multimedia: Lexus Interface with 14-inch touchscreen

• Other: New shift-by-wire tech
  
  

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Nissan ARIYA

Empower+ FWD MSRP $57,885

The Nissan Ariya in a few words:  A terrific all-electric SUV with a premium feel and unique features including a power sliding center console. 

• Grades: Engage, Venture+,  Evolve+, Empower+, Premiere

• Starting MSRP:  $43,190 excluding destination

• Horsepower:

  • E-FORCE AWD: 335-389

  • w/o E-FORCE:  214-238

• Battery Capacity: 63 kWh or 87 kWh  
  

• Range: 216- 304 miles depending on trim and drivetrain.

• Onboard Charger: 7.2 kW

• Charging Times: 

  • Quick Charge (20-80%), 130 kW - 35- 40 minutes

  • Quick Charge (20-80%), 50 kW - 65- 90 minutes

  • Level 2 (0-100%) - 10.5 hours - 14 hours.

• 0 to 60 mph : 4.8 seconds

• Advanced Driver Assist Safety: ProPILOT Assist 2.0

• Multimedia: 12.3-inch center display 

• Other: Power sliding center console

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Toyota bZ4X

2023 BZ4X Limited.  MSRP: $48,7800.

The bZ4X in a few words:  A solid addition to the EV segment with fantastic acceleration, Toyota's terrific new multimedia system, all at an affordable price point.

• Grades: XLE, Limited (FWD/AWD with X-MODE)

• Starting MSRP: $42,000 excluding delivery 

• Horsepower: 201 (FWD)/ 214 (AWD)

• Battery Capacity: 71.4 kWh

• Range: 222-252 depending on trim and drivetrain.

• Charging Times :

  • AC Level 2 (240V at 32A, from Low Battery Light to 100%)  - 9.5 HOURS 

  • DC Fast Charging (from Low Battery Light to 80%, in ideal conditions)- 30 MIN (WITH 150 KW OR ABOVE DCFC)

  • AC Level 1  (120V at 12A, from Low Battery Light to 100%) - 50 hours  

• Advanced Driver Assist Safety: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0

• Multimedia:  12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia

• Other: " Room Mode" allows you to use it to power things while charging

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