2026 Toyota bZ First Drive Review: Miles Better… Literally

Toyota launched the bZ4X electrical crossover to timid applause. When it launched again in 2022, it did not have world-beating specs, an fascinating design, or perhaps a compelling title. It additionally wasn’t overly exciting to drive. A complete rethink was so as. Enter the 2026 Toyota bZ, a refreshed model of the bZ4X that debuted three years in the past. Whereas removed from an all-new mannequin, the bZ makes some notable enhancements over its predecessor, together with a brand new, extra streamlined title.

bZ stands for “Past Zero,” and this automobile nonetheless acts as a part of Toyota’s electrified lineup that may quickly add a larger model called the bZ Woodland and a smaller crossover that will revive the CH-R name. These new fashions present that Toyota has dropped its previous EV naming scheme, the place every mannequin would have the letter bZ adopted by numbers to indicate dimension. Can a reputation change, greater batteries, and different small enhancements flip the bZ right into a extra compelling EV possibility? DrivingOnRoad took a fast spin within the up to date automotive to search out out.

What’s Modified For 2026?

Toyota modified quite a bit for the 2026 mannequin 12 months, together with the title, although most of those are what we would think about “minor.” Up to date headlights kind an upward swoop with a full-width mild bar operating throughout the entrance finish. The primary a part of the headlight is now housed individually decrease on the bumper. Prospects complained concerning the bZ4X’s distinction fenders, so a number of colours on the brand new bZ now have body-colored panels.

Inside, there’s a new 14-inch touchscreen customary, a pleasant improve over the outgoing 12.3-inch display. It features the identical because the outgoing display, that means it is easy to make use of and options wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That display is tied to a six-speaker audio system on the XLE or an obtainable nine-speaker JBL system on the Restricted. The middle console has been utterly redesigned, ditching the bZ4X’s closed cubby in favor of an open shelf with two obtainable wi-fi telephone chargers. A cloth/Softex inside is obtainable on the bottom XLE mannequin, whereas the higher trim Restricted will get a full Softex inside with heated and ventilated entrance seats. 64-color ambient lighting has been added to enhance the vibes at evening.

Powertrain & Driving: Aggressive At Final

The bZ makes some main enhancements over the bZ4X, together with longer vary, extra energy, and a brand new small battery model that ought to include a less expensive price ticket. Toyota’s vary estimates range relying on trim and battery dimension, with the XLE FWD Plus anticipated to cowl probably the most floor, 314 miles (producer estimate). For reference, the outgoing bZ4X may solely journey 252 miles. We sampled the brand new XLE FWD variant with the smaller battery and a Restricted AWD.

The outgoing bZ4X provided fairly lackluster efficiency – which was spectacular should you’ve solely pushed Toyota four-cylinder vehicles – however par for the course should you’ve ever been in an EV. This up to date bZ is much extra spectacular. We first jumped into the XLE FWD, the least highly effective mannequin with simply 168 horsepower. It could possibly outmatch Toyota’s acceleration estimate, hitting 60 mph in a good 7.38 seconds, chirping its entrance tires within the course of. The Restricted AWD delivers extra thrilling acceleration with 338 hp, reaching 60 in 4.5 seconds in our testing. Neither powertrain delivers quick thrust off-the-line, every requiring a short build-up after you pin the throttle. Toyota clearly did not develop these with racing begins in thoughts. It is nonetheless good to see a 20 hp enchancment on FWD fashions and a 124 hp bump on the AWD mannequin.

Other than the superior acceleration, Toyota did not change a lot about how the bZ drives. It is quiet, competent, and acquainted, like a Toyota ought to be. We want Toyota provided a full one-pedal driving mode as a substitute of the bZ’s sturdy regeneration mode that does not absolutely carry the automotive to a cease. It is all a part of Toyota’s method to creating EVs that do not really feel too overseas to current house owners.

The bZ’s 150 kW peak charging pace continues to be unimpressive by fashionable requirements, however due to an improved charging curve and battery preconditioning, Toyota says you will get from 10-80% cost in round half-hour. That is additionally due partially to the bZ’s battery, which is small in comparison with rivals. An ordinary NACS connector means bZ house owners can now pull as much as a Tesla Supercharger and Plug & Cost with out an adapter. House charging is faster too, with a brand new 11 kW onboard charger that replaces the previous seven kW one.

Verdict & Pricing: Pending Pricing

Toyota has not launched pricing for the 2026 bZ, so it is troublesome to render a full verdict with out that data. The present 2025 bZ4X begins at $37,070, whereas the Restricted prices $41,800. Including the dual-motor setup with AWD presently prices $2,080. We anticipate these enhancements to come back at a slight value improve, however the brand new smaller battery mannequin ought to undercut the most affordable bZ4X. If Toyota may value it round $35,000 earlier than incentives, this could possibly be an important starter EV for patrons on a price range. A completely-loaded Restricted AWD ought to nonetheless method $50,000 with choices, however not less than now it packs aggressive energy.

We might have preferred to see Toyota carry bigger batteries for extra spectacular vary, getting all trim ranges close to or above the 300-mile mark. It could have additionally made them higher highway journey automobiles with faster DC cost speeds, although the improved cost curve, quicker AC speeds, and customary NACS port are good upgrades. Toyota nonetheless does not have a “class-leading” EV, nevertheless it now has a extra compelling possibility that does not really feel prefer it was developed as an afterthought. As long as you are not making an attempt to be on the reducing fringe of EV know-how, the bZ is a automobile that is value contemplating.