Toyota’s journey into the electric vehicle (EV) market has been a cautious one, but with the 2026 Toyota bZ, the automaker is making a bold statement. Previously known as the bZ4X, this compact electric SUV has undergone a significant mid-cycle refresh, shedding its clunky name and addressing many of the shortcomings that held back its predecessor. With improved range, more power, a sleeker design, and Tesla-compatible charging, the 2026 bZ is poised to compete in the crowded EV crossover segment. In this review, we’ll explore the key updates that make the bZ a compelling choice for EV buyers, and at the end, we’ll touch on a performance icon—the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1—for a thrilling contrast.
A New Name and a Fresh Look
The 2026 Toyota bZ drops the “4X” from its name, simplifying it to a cleaner, more memorable “bZ,” which stands for “Beyond Zero.” This name change reflects Toyota’s decision to move away from its original EV naming convention, signaling a more mainstream approach to its electric lineup. The exterior has been refined with a less polarizing design, addressing complaints about the bZ4X’s awkward black “overfenders.”
- Updated Styling: The bZ sports a new front fascia with a Toyota-signature “hammerhead” look, featuring sleeker headlights and a grille-less design that proudly declares its EV identity. Body-colored fender arches are now available, and color options like Supersonic Red, Blueprint, Wind Chill Pearl, and Heavy Metal (with or without a two-tone black roof) add a modern flair. The design feels more cohesive and less like a futuristic experiment gone awry.
- Dimensions and Wheels: The bZ maintains the same compact footprint as its predecessor, with a slight increase in ground clearance (by about an eighth of an inch). XLE trims come with 18-inch wheels, while Limited models ride on stylish 20-inch multispoke alloys.
Powertrain and Performance: A Big Leap Forward
The bZ4X was criticized for its lackluster range and power, but the 2026 bZ makes significant strides in both areas, offering a more engaging and practical driving experience.
- Powertrain Options:
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): The base XLE FWD model uses a single electric motor producing 168 horsepower, while the XLE Plus and Limited FWD trims boost output to 221 horsepower, up from 201 in the previous model. Toyota claims an 8.0-second 0–60 mph time for all FWD variants, though real-world testing suggests the higher-output versions could be quicker.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): The dual-motor AWD setup, available on XLE and standard on Limited trims, delivers a robust 338 horsepower—a 50% increase over the bZ4X’s 214 horsepower. Toyota estimates a 4.9-second 0–60 mph sprint, putting the bZ in contention with sportier EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
- Driving Dynamics: The bZ retains the smooth ride quality that was a highlight of the bZ4X, gliding over rough pavement with composure. Body control is tight, and handling feels refined, though tire noise above 50 mph remains a drawback. The steering strikes a balance between comfort and engagement, making the AWD variants surprisingly fun to drive. Paddles on the steering wheel allow for adjustable regenerative braking, adding to the driver’s control.
Range and Charging: Closing the Gap
Range anxiety was a major issue with the bZ4X, which maxed out at 252 miles. The 2026 bZ significantly improves in this department, offering two battery options:
- 57.7-kWh Battery (XLE FWD only): Delivers an estimated 236 miles of range, matching the bZ4X Limited despite the smaller capacity, likely due to improved efficiency and less energy reserved.
- 74.7-kWh Battery (all other trims): Provides up to 314 miles of range in the FWD XLE Plus trim, 299 miles in the FWD Limited, 288 miles in the AWD XLE, and 278 miles in the AWD Limited. This is a 25% improvement over the bZ4X, bringing the bZ closer to rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (300+ miles).
Charging has also been upgraded:
- NACS Port: The bZ now uses a Tesla-compatible North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, allowing access to Tesla Superchargers without an adapter. A CCS adapter is included for compatibility with older chargers.
- Faster Charging: A new 11-kW onboard charger (up from 7.6 kW) speeds up AC charging, and DC fast-charging from 10–80% takes about 30 minutes at a peak rate of 150 kW. A battery preconditioning system optimizes charging temperatures, improving real-world charging performance.
- Route Planning: A new navigation system with integrated charging station planning makes long trips more convenient, addressing a key bZ4X flaw.
Interior and Technology: A Step Up in Refinement
The bZ4X’s interior was functional but quirky, with an awkward speedometer placement and cluttered design. The 2026 bZ addresses these issues, offering a more premium and user-friendly cabin.
- Redesigned Dashboard: The tunnel-like instrument cluster is gone, replaced by a 14-inch touchscreen that doubles as a de facto heads-up display. The dashboard is now split into a darker upper section and a lighter lower section, with hidden air vents for a cleaner look. Soft-touch materials and a simplified center console with dual wireless chargers elevate the cabin’s quality.
- Seating and Comfort: XLE trims feature cloth seats with SoftTex synthetic leather, while Limited models use full SoftTex upholstery. Standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel reduce energy draw from the climate system. A panoramic glass sunroof and 64-color ambient lighting are available, adding a touch of luxury.
- Infotainment and Connectivity: The 14-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system is optional. Four USB-C ports (including two 60-watt ports for rear passengers) and a 1,500-watt AC outlet enhance practicality. However, the steering wheel still partially obstructs the gauge cluster for some drivers.
Trims and Pricing: Value in a Competitive Market
Toyota hasn’t released official pricing for the 2026 bZ, but estimates suggest a starting price around $42,000 for the XLE FWD and up to $46,000 for the Limited AWD. This is slightly higher than the 2025 bZ4X ($37,070–$43,880) but competitive with rivals like the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Hyundai Ioniq 5. The base XLE with the smaller battery could offer a lower entry price, making the bZ accessible to a wider audience.
- XLE Trim: Includes 18-inch wheels, cloth/SoftTex seats, a six-speaker audio system, and the 57.7-kWh or 74.7-kWh battery option.
- Limited Trim: Adds 20-inch wheels, full SoftTex upholstery, an eight-way power passenger seat, driver seat memory, a digital rearview mirror, and a nine-speaker JBL system.
The Competition
The 2026 bZ faces stiff competition in the compact EV SUV segment. Key rivals include:
- Hyundai Ioniq 5: Offers over 300 miles of range, faster 800-volt charging, and a bold design, but it’s pricier.
- Kia EV6: Matches the Ioniq 5 in range and performance, with sportier handling but a higher starting price.
- Chevrolet Equinox EV: A value-driven option with similar pricing and range, though less powerful than the bZ AWD.
- Subaru Solterra: The bZ’s mechanical twin, but with less aggressive updates for 2026.
While the bZ isn’t a class leader in range or charging speed, its Toyota badge, refined ride, and improved performance make it a strong contender for buyers prioritizing reliability and comfort.
The bZ Woodland and C-HR Electric: Expanding the Lineup
Toyota is diversifying its EV offerings with two additional models:
- bZ Woodland: A larger, more rugged version of the bZ with 375 horsepower, standard AWD, and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. It features black fender arches, raised ground clearance, and off-road driving modes, with a launch planned for early 2026.
- C-HR Electric: A sportier, compact EV aimed at buyers seeking style and agility, expected to compete with the bZ for urban drivers.
These models show Toyota’s commitment to expanding its EV portfolio, catering to diverse needs while leveraging its hybrid expertise.
A Nod to Performance: The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
While the 2026 Toyota bZ is a practical, family-friendly EV, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate a vehicle at the opposite end of the automotive spectrum: the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. This American supercar is a performance juggernaut, boasting a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 LT7 engine that delivers an astonishing 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque. With a top speed of 233 mph and a 0–60 mph time of 2.3 seconds (with the ZTK Performance Package), the ZR1 is the fastest and most powerful Corvette ever built.
- Key Features: The ZR1 features advanced aerodynamics with over 1,200 pounds of downforce, carbon-ceramic brakes (15.7 inches front, 15.4 inches rear), and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires. Its iconic split-window design pays homage to the 1963 Corvette, and the interior includes a 14-inch driver display, a 12.7-inch touchscreen, and ZR1-specific badging.
- Pricing: Starting at around $174,995 and reaching up to $195,995 with options, the ZR1 offers hypercar performance at a fraction of the cost of European rivals like the Ferrari SF90 Stradale or Lamborghini Revuelto.
- Why It Matters: The ZR1 redefines American performance, proving that a U.S.-built sports car can challenge the world’s best. It’s a thrilling contrast to the practical bZ, showcasing the diversity of modern automotive engineering.
Conclusion
The 2026 Toyota bZ is a significant step forward for Toyota’s EV ambitions. With a refined design, improved range (up to 314 miles), more power (up to 338 horsepower), and Tesla-compatible charging, it addresses the bZ4X’s weaknesses while retaining its smooth ride and practical nature. While it may not outshine rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6 in every metric, its competitive pricing, updated technology, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability make it a strong contender in the compact EV SUV market. For buyers seeking a practical, well-rounded EV, the bZ is worth a test drive when it hits U.S. dealers in the second half of 2025.
For those dreaming of pure performance, the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 offers a stark contrast—an American supercar that pushes the boundaries of power and speed. Together, these vehicles highlight the exciting spectrum of automotive innovation, from eco-conscious daily drivers to track-dominating hypercars.
