2026 Toyota bZ Road Test and Review

2026 Toyota bZ ・ Photo by Toyota

The 2026 Toyota bZ is Toyota’s revamped all-electric compact crossover. It was formerly known as the bZ4X, but they dropped the 4X since everyone just called it the bZ anyway. It now has greater range, more power, and a redesigned interior that are greatly improved. There’s also a built-in North American Charging Standard (NACS) port and a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive with the bZ expected to arrive late this year.

The bZ aims to blend brand reliability with modern electric capability. We had the chance to give the new bZ a quick spin at Toyota’s headquarters in Plano, Texas, to see if the improvements make it an EV worth your time.

Refined and Intuitive Cabin Design

The 2026 Toyota bZ’s interior is far better with a streamlined dashboard and a new instrument cluster setup. The old layout made the cluster hard to see, but the new one takes care of that issue entirely. The layout feels more driver-centric, with SofTex-trimmed seats, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and 64-color ambient lighting to set the mood.

There’s also a center console with dual Qi wireless chargers and four USB-C ports for connectivity. The interior is roomy and comfortable with a more premium look and feel. While the bZ4X felt more basic, the bZ has a more elevated sense of style. It’s not a Lexus, but it is a more comfortable and welcoming space.

2026 Toyota bZ ・ Photo by Toyota

Streamlined and Stylish Exterior

The 2026 Toyota bZ features a refreshed exterior with a “hammerhead” front fascia that includes slim LED daytime running lights and a sculpted bumper for better aerodynamics. Compact LED headlights and 20-inch alloy wheels on Limited trims enhance its sleek SUV profile and improve its visual appeal. The exterior blends bold lines while maintaining a compact footprint that makes it ideal for city driving.

The changes outside aren’t as dramatic as what you’ll find inside, but it is different. Think more a slight tweak here and there to make it more modern without straying too far from this EV’s roots.

2026 Toyota bZ ・ Photo by Toyota

Modern and Connected Infotainment System

Standard infotainment in the new bZ includes a 14-inch touchscreen, upgraded from the bZ4X’s 12.3-inch display. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates, with a six-speaker audio system and the option for a nine-speaker JBL system in select trims. Despite the larger screen, it looks less cluttered with better integration into the dashboard.

There’s a 7-inch LCD instrument cluster with better positioning than before so it’s no longer a challenge to view depending on your height. This was challenging on the bZ4X but not a problem at all on the bZ and makes what was a somewhat frustrating drive experience far less stressful.

2026 Toyota bZ ・ Photo by Toyota

Responsive EV Drive

The bZ has more power this year with front-wheel drive models delivering up to 221 horsepower (up from 201) and all-wheel drive models delivering 338 horsepower (up from 214). The extra power makes a difference with more robust acceleration and a more engaging drive. It’s not a sports car, but the lackluster performance of old is gone.

All-wheel-drive models hit 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds while front-wheel-drive models take 8 seconds, according to Toyota. There’s also adjustable regenerative braking so you can tailor the brake system to what feels right to you. The bZ narrows the performance gap with the competition and raises its overall appeal.

2026 Toyota bZ ・ Photo by Toyota

Smooth Ride Quality

Building on the bZ4X’s balanced ride, the bZ features a low battery placement, ensuring stability and confident handling. Mash the pedal and the steering stays controlled, making highway merges easy. The bZ delivers a smooth ride with the signature quiet that only an EV can deliver.

Over seamed pavement, the suspension system did a good job of hiding the transition, so passengers won’t be disturbed. On a longer drive, especially with snoozing kids in the back seats, rough road surfaces won’t jar them awake. The bZ delivers a relaxing and enjoyable ride for everyone.

2026 Toyota bZ ・ Photo by Toyota

Extended Range and Efficient Charging

The range of the bZ is one of its big upgrades, making it far more competitive in the segment. Models equipped with the 74.7-kWh and front-wheel drive get an estimated 314 miles per charge. That’s a 25% increase over the bZ4X’s 252 miles. The base XLE FWD with a 57.7-kWh battery offers 236 miles, while AWD models provide 278-288 miles per charge.

The new NACS port lets you charge up at a Tesla Supercharger, with DC fast charging taking the bZ from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. There’s an 11-kW onboard charger for Level 2 charging along with a heat pump and battery preconditioning to enhance efficiency. These advancements make the bZ a stronger road trip contender.

2026 Toyota bZ ・ Photo by Toyota

Comprehensive Safety Suite

The 2026 Toyota bZ includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as a standard feature to set your mind at ease. It includes forward collision warning, pedestrian and bicyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, road-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. There is also standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts to enhance awareness.

The Limited trim adds front cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, traffic-jam assist, automated parking, and a 360-degree camera. The bulk of the safety offerings on the bZ are standard, so there’s no pressure to move up a trim and stretch your budget just to get key safety features. You’ve got a solid suite of features even in the base trim.

2026 Toyota bZ ・ Photo by Toyota

Rugged bZ Woodland

A bZ Woodland will be launching in early 2026 as a slightly longer, rugged variant with 375 horsepower from dual all-wheel-drive motors. It offers 260 miles of range with a 74.7-kWh battery, 8.3 inches of ground clearance, roof rails, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The interior keeps the same 14-inch touchscreen and heated seats but adds 30 cubic feet of cargo space.

It’s also equipped with X-Mode that offers a choice of Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes along with hill descent control. The Woodland targets adventure seekers who want a little more capability along with the versatility to take along everything you need for a weekend adventure.

2026 Toyota bZ Woodland ・ Photo by Toyota

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Toyota bZ refines Toyota’s electric offering and overcomes the bZ4X’s limitations with enhanced range, more power, and a sleeker design. The revised instrument cluster makes it easier to drive, while the new larger infotainment screen ups its premium appeal. Its 314-mile range and NACS charging make the idea of switching to an EV for the first time a little less nerve-wracking while the Woodland offers something for the adventure set.

With robust safety, connectivity, and efficiency, it appeals to both loyalists and new buyers with the right combination of comfort and practicality. The bZ reflects Toyota’s electrification commitment, blending reliability with modern demands, making it a noteworthy option in the electric SUV market.

2026 Toyota bZ ・ Photo by Toyota