The 2026 Toyota bZ receives more than just a name change (formerly the bZ4X). It now features faster charging, a bigger battery, more driving range, and a big jump in horsepower. Will it be enough to launch Toyota's EV offering from afterthought to segment leader?
2026 Toyota bZ Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Toyota bZ
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Toyota bZ
When Toyota debuted the bZ4X back in 2023 as its first all-electric vehicle for the masses, it didn't exactly make a big impression. With ho-hum driving dynamics and disappointing real-world range, it found limited appeal amongst other more capable EVs. For 2026, it seems as though a lot of those drawbacks have been addressed, plus it receives a shorter name.
The 2026 Toyota bZ is at last capable of challenging other EVs, with increased range, stronger performance, a styling refresh, and a new outdoorsy Woodland model.
Design
The preceding bZ4X wasn't lacking in the looks department, as it was already suitably modern and unique, even though it's a dead-ringer for its Subaru Solterra twin. Up front, the 2026 refresh gives the headlights Toyota's "Hammerhead" design treatment that will define the company's styling direction forward. It essentially comes down to the top accent lights being split by a body-colored element, while echoes of Toyota's oversized grille remains in the trapezoidal section that spans the distance between the top accent "grille" and the lower air intake. From the side, the faceted body sculpting remains an attractive and distinguishing characteristic, as does the sloping rear roofline and distinctive taillights.
The biggest change can be found in the new Woodland trim that is intended for off-road adventures. It gets a more rugged appearance thanks to 18-inch wheels with removable covers and available all-terrain tires. The Woodland is also six inches longer than the standard Bz, increasing cargo capacity to over 30 cubic feet in the process. If that's not enough, it also comes with raised roof rails that can accept a wide array of storage and adventure solutions.
Powertrain
More important than the bZ's style changes is its upgraded substance. A larger 74.7-kWh battery back is offered on the front-wheel-drive (FWD) XLE model, the all-wheel-drive (AWD) XLE, and all Limited trims. At its peak with the XLE FWD, the bZ is estimated to return up to 314 miles on a single charge. On the low-end, the AWD Limited model is estimated at 278 miles. For more budget-conscious shoppers with lower mileage demands, there's a smaller 57.7-kWh battery for the front-wheel-drive XLE that is rated at 235 miles.
All-wheel-drive models have a power output of 338 horsepower, which is a big jump from the previous bZ4X's 214 hp. That should be potent enough to accelerate the bZ to 60 mph in only 4.9 seconds. Meanwhile, the front-drive models are good for 221 hp, representing an increase of 20 hp. In our short drive, the more powerful all-wheel-drive powertrain gets the compact SUV up to speed effortlessly and should be more than enough for most drivers. The new Woodland trim comes standard with all-wheel-drive and increases power output to 375 hp. Projected range drops to 260 miles as a result.
Paddles mounted to the steering wheel adjust how much brake regeneration you get when lifting your foot off the accelerator, but one-pedal driving is still not available. There's also a dedicated off-road mode for when you're looking to get away.
When you need to charge, the Toyota bZ is equipped with the new NACS port. It's the same standard that Tesla developed, which means you'll be able to take advantage of the Tesla Supercharger network. It's capable of DC fast charging, which should replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes. Battery preconditioning that is paired with the navigation ensures that you'll be able to get quicker charge speeds from plug-in, and with Plug & Charge capability, you won't have to deal with multiple charging apps when using different networks.
Interior
To go along with the subtle exterior changes, the bZ's interior also receives a little nip-and-tuck, with a restyled dashboard that accentuates the cockpit's horizontal space. It's also been restyled to look simpler and more modern, which pairs well with the revised digital gauges and slimmer center console.
Rear-seat space remains adequate for slightly taller adult passengers, with a good amount of headroom and legroom. An available panoramic sunroof further enhances the sense of space, yet doesn't sacrifice much in terms of headroom. Behind those seats, the cargo area can accommodate up to 27.7 cubic feet. The larger Woodland model expands that volume past 30 cubic feet.
Technology
The centerpiece of the bZ's cockpit is the large 14-inch infotainment touchscreen. The previous 12.3-inch display was plenty, so this larger screen only improves things. The revamped touchscreen features physical temperature and volume knobs for quick, no-look adjustments and the on-screen graphics are crisp with quick responses.
Below the screen are twin wireless phone chargers that match well with the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard audio system is a six-speaker unit, but a nine-speaker JBL premium system is available. As with many EVs, the bZ includes remote monitoring and control, which could help simplify scheduled charging. A Wi-Fi hotspot is also included, along with streaming audio services and a digital key feature that allows your smartphone to replacer your key fob.
Safety
The 2026 bZ comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of advanced safety features, These include frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, safe passenger exit warnings, a traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. Toyota's Proactive Driving Assist is also included, but we typically disable that function because its predictive braking and steering are a bit too intrusive for our tastes.
Stepping up to the Limited trim adds Limited adds 20-in wheels lane-change assist and Traffic Jam Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist to reduce some of the driving burden in heavy traffic. Also included is frontal cross-traffic warnings and a semi-automated parking system.
Pricing and Release Date
Pricing has not yet been announced for the refreshed and improved 2026 Toyota bZ, but we should have that information closer to the on-sale date in early 2026. For now, we know that the XLE trim will come with feature highlights that include 18-inch wheels, fabric and SofTex synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and the dual wireless phone chargers. The Limited trim upgrades to 20-inch wheels, improved headlights, SofTex seats, ventilated front seats, and the aforementioned safety items.
With all of this in mind, the 2026 bZ represents a big improvement over the bZ4X. That means if you were hesitant because of its predecessor's limited range and dull performance, you might want to revisit the bZ which is better in every way.