Toyota BZ

Toyota’s first modern all-electric SUV gets a new name and a host of updates for 2026. Ditching its fax-machine-like bZ4X nameplate, the small EV is now named the 2026 Toyota bZ.

This change accompanies a host of others that add style and daily functionality to the model’s value proposition. Although the Toyota bZ and Subaru Solterra entered the market as mechanically identical competitors, their respective automakers have continued to make changes to differentiate the two models.

Rivals to the 2026 Toyota bZ include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Toyota’s own C-HR Electric.

What’s New

Addressing criticisms of the bZ4X’s poor driving range and charging rates, Toyota has introduced the renamed bZ for 2026 with a major refresh.

Basics

Standard 57.7-kWh battery with 236-mile range; 74.7-kWh battery available with up to 314-mile range

Overhauled range of FWD and AWD powertrains

Battery pre-conditioning with manual or automatic functionality

Onboard 11-kW AC charger

Plug & Charge capability

Standard NACS charging port; J1772 and CCS adapter included

Exterior

Freshened exterior design with new front fascia and lighting elements

Available color-matching over fenders

Keyless entry on all doors and rear hatch

Interior

Redesigned console and dashboard with configurable ambient lighting

Larger 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen

Steering wheel paddles to control battery regeneration

Dual front-row wireless chargers

The Limited trim also gets new standard features including an eight-way power passenger seat, driver seat memory, a digital rearview mirror, and memory side mirrors with reverse-tilt-down functionality.

What We Think

When the Toyota bZ4X first arrived, it was kneecapped by lackluster range and charge speed figures. After three years of playing at a disadvantage, Toyota attempts to level the field with a major update for 2026.

Now called the 2026 Toyota bZ, a name that’s easier for shoppers to remember, the electric SUV also sees overhauled battery and powertrain offerings. There's a new short-range entry-level model with a low-output motor, and the rest of the lineup receives a larger battery pack and more powerful electric motors. All-wheel-drive models charge faster, too.

In our First Drive review of a 2026 Toyota bZ Limited AWD, we remarked that the updated SUV feels more eager with its new motor. Refinement was also improved; the bZ glides over poor surfaces and handling feels tight. Body control is settled and poised.

Toyota also attempts to address some of the bZ4X's cabin quirks, but the bZ's reworked interior remains strangely arranged. A new 14.0-inch infotainment display, a fresh dashboard scheme, and dual wireless chargers improve quality of life with the new bZ, although the awkward positioning of the speedometer over the steering wheel remains a weakness.

Toyota did get a few things right for the pre-2026 bZ. Toyota lowered pricing for the 2025 bZ4X, so we hope the automaker will keep the bZ’s cost down to remain competitive. Additionally, we enjoy the ride and handling of the bZ4x, so it would behoove Toyota to not mess with the SUV’s drivability.

Toyota hasn’t started from a blank slate, but the automaker has gone to great lengths to make the fixes we’ve felt are necessary since this SUV first arrived in its lineup. Still, the bZ remains an odd, compromised choice among its competitive set.