Cadillac LYRIQ vs Toyota bZ

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of the classic Seville, featuring a long hood and low ground clearance that gave it the appearance of a sleek sedan rather than a traditional SUV. The vertical light bars and LED headlights added a modern touch, while the grille and lighting effects enhanced its unique style. Inside, the LYRIQ boasted luxurious details, such as leather-wrapped seats and polished controls, creating an upscale atmosphere. However, the floating center console was a design misstep, offering little functionality despite its aesthetic appeal.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota bZ presented a more practical and modern design. Available in XLE and Limited trims, it offered a choice between single-motor FWD and dual-motor AWD configurations. The bZ's exterior was improved with body-color trim, giving it a more cohesive look. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner appearance, with a focus on quality and organization. The fabric seats featured an upscale pattern, and the larger 14-inch touchscreen integrated climate controls, although the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and readability.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was equipped with a dual-motor powertrain producing 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, offering continuous AWD. Despite its impressive power, the LYRIQ prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride and dialed-back acceleration. The 102-kilowatt-hour battery provided a range of 314 miles with RWD and 307 miles with AWD, though real-world testing showed a slightly lower range. Charging was efficient, with the ability to reach 80% in about 30 to 35 minutes using a DC fast charger. However, the LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its weight, leading to understeer and uninspiring steering feel.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of powertrain options, with the XLE FWD model featuring a single motor and a 57.7-kWh battery, delivering 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models produced 338 hp and offered a range of up to 288 miles. Charging was convenient, with compatibility with Tesla Superchargers and a 30-minute charge time to 80% using a DC fast charger. The bZ's performance was suitable for city driving, though it struggled with traction and handling on winding roads.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ offered generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat typical of EVs. However, its cargo space was limited, with only 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded. The interior had some functionality issues, such as a difficult-to-access glovebox and a small center cubby. The floating console was more of a hindrance than a help, and some controls were awkwardly placed, detracting from the overall luxury experience.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style platform, provided easy access and comfortable seating. Both front seats featured standard height adjustment, with power adjustments available in higher trims. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and a tray beneath the console. Rear passengers enjoyed plenty of legroom, though foot space was limited. Cargo space was slightly less than the LYRIQ, with 27.7 cubic feet behind the seats and 56.9 cubic feet when folded.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen divided into three sections, offering touch-enabled controls and a large, legible instrument cluster. The infotainment system ran on Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Super Cruise system provided excellent hands-free driving capabilities, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the driver display was criticized for its placement and readability, the infotainment system was generally user-friendly. However, it lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display and had low-contrast colors in daytime mode. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with several connected service plans available. The Intelligent Assistant voice command system worked well, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. It came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and rear emergency braking.

The 2026 Toyota bZ was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist provided additional safety, and the Limited trim offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. The bZ received mixed ratings from IIHS, with high marks for front-crash avoidance but lower ratings for headlights and frontal-impact crash tests.