Toyota bZ4X vs smart #1
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Toyota bZ4X
From $55,990
SUV
Electric
Electric
165kW
—
5★ ANCAP
452L
smart #1
From $54,900
SUV
Electric
Electric
200kW
—
5★ ANCAP
323L
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Price Breakdown
The Toyota bZ4X starts from $55,990 before on-road costs, while the smart #1 opens at $54,900. That makes the smart #1 the more affordable entry point by $1,090.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $61,589 and $60,390 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota bZ4X and smart #1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Toyota bZ4X and 96% for the smart #1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Toyota bZ4X.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Toyota bZ4X and 7 in the smart #1. The smart #1 adds a 360-degree camera that the Toyota bZ4X misses.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
71.4kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
62kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota bZ4X features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the smart #1 gets a 12.8-inch display and 9.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #1 counters with wireless charging, heated front seats, Beats audio and ambient lighting that the Toyota bZ4X does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Toyota bZ4X gets synthetic leather upholstery while the smart #1 offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Toyota bZ4X uses a Electric producing 165kW and 266Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.4 seconds.
The smart #1 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 165kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 74.7kWh (Toyota bZ4X) vs 66kWh (smart #1), giving WLTP ranges of 516km and 420km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Toyota bZ4X) vs 150kW (smart #1).
Space & Comfort
The Toyota bZ4X measures 4,690mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 420mm longer than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota bZ4X generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 452L in the Toyota bZ4X and 323L in the smart #1, giving the Toyota bZ4X a 129L advantage.
For towing, the smart #1 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 850kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota bZ4X) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota bZ4X if: You need more boot space, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #1 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The smart #1 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Toyota bZ4X has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Toyota bZ4X and smart #1?
The smart #1 is the cheapest at $54,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota bZ4X by $1,090.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Toyota bZ4X has the most range at 591km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Toyota bZ4X accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota bZ4X and smart #1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota bZ4X has the largest boot at 452L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #1 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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