2026 Toyota bZ

Addressing many of the original bZ4X shortcomings, Toyota also rechristened it the Toyota bZ for the 2026 model year. In doing so, it has transformed this all-electric compact SUV into a more formidable competitor. Boasting an estimated maximum range of 314 miles — more than a 25% improvement — and faster charging times, the bZ can now go toe to toe with the segment’s leaders, giving informed shoppers a reason to buy the bZ for reasons beyond Toyota’s reputation for reliability and better-than-average resale values. In short, 2026 represents a giant leap forward for Toyota’s only electric vehicle (EV).

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of electric SUVs, including the Toyota bZ.

Although Toyota isn’t billing it as a major midcycle refresh, we certainly understand anyone’s misconception that it is just that. The improvements are significant and, we argue, game-changing. Highlighting the upgrades are new motors and a new battery, resulting in more horsepower and greater maximum range. Furthermore, recharging performance is improved when home charging because of a higher capacity (11-kW vs. 7-kW) onboard AC charger, and when on the road, thanks to now being equipped with a North American Charging System (NACS) port, which allows it to access thousands of Tesla fast charging stations nationwide.

Toyota has toned down the exterior styling a bit. A wraparound light bar now ties together the thin LED headlights. Although you can still get the rather jarring black overfenders accenting the exterior of 2025 versions, Toyota also offers them color matched to the rest of the exterior paint. Inside, a larger 14-inch touchscreen highlights a new instrument panel design.

2026 Toyota bZ On-Sale Date

Look for the bZ to arrive in showrooms by late summer or fall 2025.

We think the all-wheel drive XLE will be the trim-level sweet spot in terms of price and content. The competitive pool among compact electric SUVs is deep indeed. We think the revitalized bZ will still be in the pricing ballpark with heavyweights, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Nissan Ariya, Tesla Model Y, and Volkswagen ID.4. The Chevrolet Equinox EV will remain one of the bargains in this class.

Before buying the Toyota bZ, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Toyota has a history of its models retaining value better than most other brands. In fact, the bZ4X retained value better than the segment average, despite its shortcomings. We suspect the 2026 bZ will perform even better. Remember, recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

To date, we haven’t spent enough time in the refreshed bZ to wax on at length about its driving characteristics. However, one of our editors did spend a couple of hours in a 2026 bZ, tooling around the streets and roads surrounding the Toyota headquarters in Texas. Her reaction was predictable. The extra power was immediately noticeable, as it should be.

That 50% boost in the pony count from 214 horsepower to 338 hp for the all-wheel-drive, dual-motor configuration is a major gain. Although the single-motor, front-wheel-drive versions aren’t up as much, they still jump from 201 hp to 221 hp. By the way, that’s about average for the base setup in this segment.

Because the steering and suspension are unchanged from the bZ4X to the bZ, we assume that handling is roughly the same. That is, placing the battery pack under the floor contributes to a stable, low center of gravity, enhancing the feeling of agility and increasing confidence. However, that’s pretty much the same layout as every other electric vehicle, so the bZ doesn’t gain any real advantage over its rivals in that regard. As with its competitors, we found the bZ’s predecessor rode smoothly, if a bit stiffly, and handled corners with competence. When we can spend days rather than hours with the bZ, we’ll let you know here if it lives up to expectations.

One unexpected feature is X-Mode on all all-wheel-drive models. Borrowed from Subaru — the bZ is closely related to the Subaru Solterra — this feature provides a more aggressive off-road setting.

Range And Charging

Estimated ranges depend on the trim level, motor count, and battery size. Only the base, front-wheel-drive XLE uses the smallish 57.7-kWh battery. Every other bZ configuration gets the bigger 74.7-kWh battery.

The increases in range certainly make the bZ competitive within the segment. The Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are in the same maximum-range league.

The big news on the charging front is that the bZ now comes with a North American Charging System (NACS) charging port, allowing access to the vast network of Tesla DC fast chargers. When using one, Toyota says you can top off the battery charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Also new for 2026 is Plug & Charge capability, which eliminates the need to initiate a charging session using your phone. Another new feature is a battery pre-conditioning function, which shortens winter charging times by bringing the battery to its optimal charging temperature prior to charging.

Although Toyota doesn’t provide estimated charge times for AC charging at home, it has upped the onboard AC charger capacity from 7 kW to 11 kW. This should shorten charging times when using Level 1 or Level 2 charging schemes.

The bZ 5-passenger SUV packs plenty of interior space within its small footprint. Up front, the updated, slimmer dashboard is covered with fabric, a pleasant change from the usual plastic. Toyota added driver-customizable 64-color front/rear ambient lighting. An ample 3-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters controlling the degree of the regenerative braking is heated.

A 7-inch LCD information display is directly in front of the driver. To its right, in the center of the dashboard, is a 14-inch infotainment display. It features hard controls for volume and climate control.

Rear legroom measures 35.3 inches, perhaps just enough for adults of average size. If a full complement of passengers is going to be a regular occurrence, though, keep in mind that the Ioniq 5 has 41.7 inches of rear legroom. The bZ’s luggage area tops out at a generous 27.7 cubic feet (the same as the Kia EV6 and a little more than the Hyundai Ioniq 5).

Toyota toned things down a bit on the outside of the bZ. We like the squinty headlights tied together by a wrap-around light bar. The tail has undergone some minor revamping, as well.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Standard in both trims, the ability to integrate phones into the infotainment system without using a cable is wonderfully convenient.

Toyota Safety Sense
This set of advanced safety features is standard in every bZ4X electric SUV. It includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, plus the ability to detect not only pedestrians but also cyclists (in low-light conditions), motorcyclists (in daylight), and guardrails. Blind-spot monitoring is also standard.

Heat pump
Granted, this is not the most exciting aspect of EV ownership, but every bZ4X has a heat pump as standard. It scavenges thermal energy created by the drivetrain, sending it into the cabin as required. It means the battery can devote more energy to range.

Hey, Toyota
German luxury cars have had this kind of thing for years, but the bZ comes with a digital assistant summoned by saying, “Hey, Toyota.” Then a command given in natural speech — like “lower the cabin temperature by five degrees” — is obeyed.

Digital Key
This comes with the top Limited trim. It allows owners to share their bZ with up to seven others, each able to access and start the car with their phones.

Dual Wireless Charging Pads
Front passengers will be thrilled to find the side-by-side wireless charging pads located on the center console. This allows the driver and the passenger to wirelessly charge their phones at the same time. What will they think of next?

Toyota arms the bZ with one of two batteries. Only available in the entry-level XLE FWD trim is a 57.7-kWh battery with a single motor powering the front wheels. All the other versions from the single motor XLE FWD Plus and up use a 74.7-kWh battery. The government has yet to release any estimated MPGe numbers.

3-year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Toyota’s new vehicle warranty lasts three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. These are typical among mainstream manufacturers, but not as good as Hyundai and Kia. The lithium-ion battery has an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty. Toyota also provides free scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 25,000 miles, plus two years of roadside assistance (unlimited mileage).

Safety Ratings

Despite its significant upgrades for 2026, we think it will retain the 2025 bZ4X safety ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the bZ4X a maximum 5-Star overall score, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a 2025 Top Safety Pick+.