The 2026 Toyota bZ marks a naming shift for Toyota’s electric compact SUV, moving away from the bZ4X name. Beyond the rebrand, the model earns a substantial powertrain and charging system refresh, along with a redesigned interior. The SUV remains available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with the AWD version receiving a notable horsepower boost.

What’s new for 2026

Toyota elevates the bZ’s appeal with a larger battery lineup on most trims, upgraded propulsion, and a new front-end and dashboard design. A key change is the switch to a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, enabling charging at Tesla Superchargers. The front-wheel-drive XLE drops its battery size from 63.4 kWh to 57.7 kWh, while all other models adopt a larger 74.7-kWh pack. The bZ can charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes on a DC fast charger, and AC charging is faster thanks to an 11-kW on-board charger. A preconditioning system primes the battery for optimal charging temperature before plug-in.

Power, range and charging

Power increases accompany the updates: AWD models deliver 338 hp (up from 215 hp), while FWD models top out at 221 hp. Range estimates rise with the larger pack, with AWD models claimed to reach up to 314 miles. The XLE FWD’s smaller 57.7-kWh battery reduces its range to about 236 miles, according to Toyota. Other trims with the 74.7-kWh pack are estimated at 278 miles (AWD Limited), 288 miles (AWD XLE), 299 miles (FWD Limited), and 314 miles (FWD XLE).

0–60 mph times are expected to improve with the power increase, with AWD models around 4.8 seconds and FWD versions slower, over 7 seconds; full performance testing will come later.

Interior, tech and practicality

The bZ’s interior gains a refreshed dashboard and a 14.0-inch central touchscreen supported by a digital instrument display. A wide center console houses two wireless charging pads and additional storage, while there is no glovebox. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a standard six-speaker system or an optional nine-speaker setup. The cabin emphasizes a lighter, more open layout and improved visibility versus the previous model.

Cargo capacity remains around 26–28 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with no frunk. The overall interior packing includes a mix of physical and touchscreen controls designed to simplify operation.

Safety, warranty and features

Essential driver-assistance features include standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control is standard as well. The Limited trim adds optional lane-change assist and Traffic Jam Assist for more hands-off capability under certain conditions. Toyota’s warranty remains competitive, including a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, an eight-year/100,000-mile electrical components warranty, and two years/25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

Pricing and which to buy

The XLE trims position the bZ as the entry point, with pricing starting in the low-to-mid-$40,000s. The XLE Plus variants extend range, while the XLE AWD offers the most power with the dual-motor setup. The Limited trim sits at the higher end of the spectrum. Standard features across the lineup include 18-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, an 8-way power driver’s seat, 60/40-split rear seats, and heated front seats.

Specs at a glance

Base configuration: XLE, $42,000; Limited, $46,000. Powertrains: FWD with either 168 hp (earlier XLE) or 221 hp (XLE Plus and Limited); AWD with a combined 338 hp. Battery packs: 57.7 kWh (XLE FWD) or 74.7 kWh (others). Onboard charger: 11.0 kW; DC fast-charge peak: 150 kW. Dimensions: wheelbase 112.2 in, length 184.6 in, width 73.2 in, height 65.0 in. Passenger volume 54/40 ft³; cargo 26–28 ft³. Curb weight roughly 4,100–4,500 lb.

EPA ratings are not finalized by the agency yet; Car and Driver estimates a combined 93–115 MPGe, with real-world range broadly aligned to the figures above depending on configuration.

Overall, the 2026 bZ represents a more capable and better-integrated electric SUV from Toyota, with a clearer naming, improved power, faster charging, and a more user-friendly interior.