Toyota BZ4X vs Peugeot E-2008

What's the difference?

Toyota finds itself in a very unusual position - playing catch-up.

Usually the Japanese brand dominates any market segment it is in - or at least has one of the more popular offerings. But when it comes to mid-size electric SUVs, Toyota finds its bZ4X trailing well behind several rivals including the BYD Sealion 7, Geely EX5, Kia EV5, Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X. 

There’s a very clear reason for this, too. Toyota was late to the party. The brand has taken a very slow approach to the electric vehicle (EV) market, launching its first battery-powered model, the bZ4X SUV, in early 2024.

Up until the start of 2026 and a price drop that coincided with surging petrol prices and a spike in EV demand, the bZ4X was something of a bit-player in the EV market. But with sales up more than 300 per cent in 2026 the time seems perfect to expand, with the bZ4X Touring reaching dealerships.

So is this the right SUV at the right time? Or is it too little too late?

The 2024 Peugeot e-2008 is the French brand's first electric car in Australia. It sits somewhat awkwardly in the semi-premium end of the scale for a small SUV and has some strong competition from the EV side, too, with the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV being its direct competitors.

With more affordable options out there, does this little SUV have the goods to back up its sweet looks? I've been driving it for the last week with my family of three to find out for you!