Hey auto enthusiasts! Get ready, because Toyota is seriously stepping up its game in the electric vehicle space with the updated 2026 bZ. Moving forward from the bZ4X nameplate to just the Toyota bZ, this all-electric SUV is rolling into the future with significant advancements across the board. Set to arrive in the second half of 2025, let’s break down what makes the 2026 bZ a much more compelling package.
Boosting That Range & Juice
Range anxiety? Toyota’s aiming to put that to rest. The big news for the 2026 bZ is a notable increase in range. On select models, like the newly available XLE Front-Wheel-Drive Plus (FWD Plus) and others equipped with the larger battery, you could see a manufacturer-estimated rating of up to 314 miles on a full charge.
That’s a pretty sweet increase of 25% over the prior model’s 252 miles. This enhanced range is largely thanks to a larger lithium-ion battery with a higher total capacity of up to 74.7-kWh, available on the XLE FWD Plus, XLE AWD, and Limited (FWD/AWD) grades. There will also be a 57.7-kWh battery available on the XLE FWD model, estimated to offer 236 miles of range.
Charging is also getting a major upgrade. The 2026 Toyota bZ is adopting the North American Charging System (NACS) port, opening up access to thousands of high-speed DC fast charging stations across the country. When you find one of those stations and the conditions are ideal, you can expect to charge from 10% to 80% capacity in roughly 30 minutes. Plus, the bZ will feature Plug & Charge capability, which simplifies things by allowing automatic identification, authentication, and authorization at selected networks, potentially cutting down on app juggling. For home charging, the onboard AC charger gets a boost too, moving to a higher capacity 11-kW system, up from 7-kW on the previous model. A new battery pre-conditioning function is standard on all models, designed to get the battery to an optimal temperature for faster DC fast charging, particularly helpful in colder climates.
More Muscle Under the Hood (or Floor!)
Get ready for a noticeable jump in performance. Toyota has upgraded its eAxles with silicon carbide (SIC) semiconductors, which help deliver higher power output. For All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models, you’ll see a substantial 50% increase in output, hitting 338 combined system net horsepower (hp), up from 214 hp. This allows the AWD bZ to hit 60 MPH from a standstill in a quick 4.9 seconds. Front-Wheel Drive models aren’t left out, boosting their output to up to 221 hp, compared to the previous 201 hp.
The bZ’s handling prowess is built on its BEV-dedicated e-TNGA platform, which provides a low center of gravity and a rigid chassis thanks to the battery pack being placed flat under the floor. A battery cross-framing structure further enhances rigidity. You’ll also find steering wheel mounted paddle shifters for activating and adjusting the regenerative braking system, letting you tailor the energy capture to your preference. For those looking for a bit more capability, AWD models come equipped with the X-MODE system, offering enhanced control and traction by optimizing brake control and power delivery based on road conditions. X-MODE includes a Grip-Control feature designed for low-speed off-road performance.
Fresh Look, Comfy Cabin
The 2026 bZ sports a refreshed exterior. You’ll notice subtle refinements to the front fascia and lighting elements, including slim LED daytime running lights integrated into a sleek hammerhead front end. The front overfenders are redesigned, with a newly available color-matched molding that blends into the lower profile front fascia. It comfortably fits in the small SUV segment, with an 8.2-inch ground clearance.
Step inside, and you’ll find a technologically advanced and comfortable cabin. The dashboard is slimmed down, making space for a larger, standard 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen. The console layout has been optimized, now featuring two front wireless chargers. Soft-touch materials lend a premium feel. You can set the mood with customizable ambient lighting offering 64 colors throughout the cabin.
Both XLE and Limited grades come standard with features like a heated SofTex-trimmed steering wheel with those regenerative braking paddles and a top-mount Multi-Information Display for key driver info. Interior dimensions are designed to maximize space, offering 42.1 inches of front legroom and 35.3 inches in the rear, plus 27.7 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row.
Connectivity and Safety Tech
The 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system is designed in Texas and offers a host of connectivity features. It includes a 3-year trial of Drive Connect, giving you access to Intelligent Assistant (voice commands like “Hey Toyota”), Cloud Navigation with up-to-date info from Google Points-of-Interest, and 24/7 Destination Assist. Standard audio is a six-speaker system, with an available 9-speaker JBL Premium Audio system on the Limited grade. Dual Bluetooth phone connectivity is supported, along with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. An available Wi-Fi Connect trial turns the bZ into an AT&T Hotspot for up to five devices. Integrated Streaming allows linking Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions. Toyota also includes various trial subscriptions for Safety Connect, Service Connect (Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts), and Remote Connect (remote climate, lock/unlock, horn, lights, rear hatch). Remote Connect also enables the available Toyota Digital Key, allowing your smartphone to function as a key. Remote charging capabilities are included with Remote Connect, letting you check status, start/stop charging, and edit schedules via the Toyota App.
Safety is a priority, and the 2026 bZ comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0™, Toyota’s suite of active safety and driver assistance features. This system uses radar and camera technology and includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Proactive Driving Assist. Also standard are Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Safe Exit Alert. Toyota’s Star Safety System, including Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology, is standard as well. The Limited grade adds features like Lane Change Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Alert, and a Panoramic View Monitor.
With solid updates to range, performance, charging, and technology, the 2026 Toyota bZ looks poised to make a much bigger splash when it arrives! Keep an eye out for pricing information closer to its on-sale date.
