2026 Toyota bZ Unveiled: Revamped EV Boasts 314-Mile Range and 338 HP

Toyota has given its compact electric SUV a major overhaul, rebranding the bZ4X as the 2026 Toyota bZ with significant upgrades in range, power, and design. Set to arrive at dealerships in the second half of 2025, this mid-cycle refresh aims to reposition Toyota’s EV in a competitive market, addressing past criticisms of its range and styling, according to a detailed report from Motor1.

Enhanced Battery and Range for Long-Distance Drives

The 2026 Toyota bZ offers a substantial range boost across its trims. The top-tier XLE FWD Plus achieves an impressive 314 miles on a single charge—a 25% improvement over the previous 252-mile maximum of the bZ4X. Other trims also see gains: the base XLE FWD delivers 236 miles, the XLE AWD reaches 288 miles, the Limited FWD hits 299 miles, and the Limited AWD offers 278 miles. These figures stem from upgraded battery packs, with the base model using a 57.7-kilowatt-hour battery and higher trims equipped with a 74.4-kilowatt-hour pack, replacing the older 63.4- and 65.5-kilowatt-hour units.

Charging compatibility also gets a boost, as all trims now feature the North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug, allowing access to Tesla Superchargers with a maximum charging speed of 150 kilowatts. This upgrade aligns with industry trends toward standardized charging infrastructure, making the bZ more practical for EV owners seeking fast, widespread charging options.

Powertrain Upgrades Deliver Thrilling Performance

The 2026 bZ brings notable power improvements. Front-wheel-drive models now produce 228 horsepower, up from 201 horsepower in the previous model, while all-wheel-drive versions leap to 338 horsepower—a 124-horsepower increase. The base XLE FWD, however, outputs 168 horsepower with its smaller battery. This enhanced power translates to quicker acceleration, with AWD trims reaching 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds and FWD models in 8.0 seconds, catering to enthusiasts looking for a more dynamic driving experience.

2026 Toyota bZ Specifications

• bZ XLE FWD: 57.7 kWh battery, 168 horsepower, 236 miles range
• bZ XLE FWD Plus: 74.4 kWh battery, 228 horsepower, 314 miles range
• bZ XLE AWD: 74.4 kWh battery, 338 horsepower, 288 miles range
• bZ Limited FWD: 74.4 kWh battery, 228 horsepower, 299 miles range
• bZ Limited AWD: 74.4 kWh battery, 338 horsepower, 278 miles range

Modern Design and Tech for a Premium Experience

Toyota has refined the bZ’s exterior, introducing a sleeker front fascia with upturned lights inspired by the Camry and Prius, and replacing the chunky black wheel-well cladding with a color-matched option for a cleaner look. Buyers can still opt for the rugged plastic cladding if preferred. The base XLE rolls on 18-inch wheels, while the Limited upgrades to 20-inch wheels, with eight color options available, including six premium paints.

Inside, the cabin features a redesigned center console with Qi wireless charging and a standard 14.0-inch touchscreen. A six-speaker audio system is standard, with a nine-speaker JBL Premium Audio system as an option. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 comes standard, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The bZ provides 42.1 inches of front legroom, 35.3 inches in the rear, and 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row—slightly more than the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s 26.3 cubic feet.

Pricing and Market Outlook

Pricing for the 2026 Toyota bZ remains undisclosed, but with the 2025 bZ4X starting at $38,465 (including destination), a starting price near $40,000 is likely. This positions the bZ as a competitive option in the compact EV crossover segment, especially with its improved range and power. As EV adoption grows, Toyota’s updates reflect a strategic push to capture a larger share of the market, particularly among buyers prioritizing range and charging convenience.

The 2026 Toyota bZ marks a significant step forward, blending practicality, performance, and modern design to appeal to both EV enthusiasts and everyday drivers.

Photos courtesy of Toyota