Toyota’s first mainstream electric SUV, the bZ4X, was met with lukewarm reviews—criticized for mediocre range, slow charging, and underwhelming tech. For 2026, Toyota has refreshed and rebranded it simply as the “bZ”, addressing key complaints. But is it now a serious EV contender?
Key Takeaways
- More Power & Faster Charging – AWD model now hits 0-60 mph in 4.9 sec (vs. 7+ sec before).
- Improved Range – Up to 314 miles (FWD) and 288 miles (AWD).
- Better Tech & Visibility – Redesigned driver display, 14-inch touchscreen, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.
- Still Lags Behind Rivals – Range and charging speed trail Hyundai/Kia.
- Soft Suspension = Motion Sickness Risk – Too cushy for spirited driving.
- Odd Shifter & Cramped Rear Legroom – 35.3 inches in back (less than RAV4).
What’s New for 2026?
Exterior: Cleaner Styling
- Color-matched wheel arches (less plastic cladding).
- New wheels and smoother front fascia.
- Looks more like a sleek RAV4 EV than an off-roader.
Performance Upgrades
| Model | Horsepower | 0-60 mph | Range (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FWD | 168-221 HP | 7.0-8.0 sec | 235-314 mi |
| AWD | 331 HP | 4.9 sec | 278-288 mi |
- Faster charging: 10-80% in ~30 mins (vs. bZ4X’s sluggish rates).
- New NACS port (compatible with Tesla Superchargers).
Driving Experience: Comfort Over Sportiness
- Silent, smooth, and easy to drive—like a heavier RAV4.
- Steering is light (great for city driving).
- Soft suspension absorbs bumps well but may induce motion sickness.
- AWD model is quick (4.9 sec to 60 mph), but FWD feels sluggish.
Verdict: Ideal for commuters, not enthusiasts.
Interior: Improved But Still Quirky
Highlights
- Minimalist dash with premium materials.
- Repositioned 7-inch driver display (no more visibility issues).
- 14-inch touchscreen with updated software.
- Dual wireless charging pads.
Downsides
- Weird shifter (awkward placement).
- Tight rear legroom (35.3” vs. RAV4’s 37.8”).
- Cargo space (27.7 cu-ft) smaller than RAV4 (37.5 cu-ft).
Tech & Safety
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (standard):
- Adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring.
- Panoramic camera (Limited trim).
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Missing?
- No one-pedal driving (unlike Hyundai/Kia EVs).
- No vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging.
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
| Model | Range (mi) | 0-60 mph | Charging (10-80%) | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota bZ (AWD) | 288 | 4.9 sec | ~30 min | ~$42,000 (est.) |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 303 | 4.5 sec | 18 min | $41,800 |
| Kia EV6 | 310 | 4.5 sec | 18 min | $42,600 |
| VW ID.4 | 275 | 5.4 sec | 30 min | $39,735 |
Verdict: The bZ is better but still behind Hyundai/Kia in speed, range, and charging.
Who Should Buy It?
- Toyota loyalists wanting a familiar EV experience.
- City drivers who prioritize comfort over performance.
- Budget-conscious buyers (if priced under $40K).
Skip it if:
- You want best-in-class range/charging.
- You need spacious rear seats/cargo.
- You prefer sporty handling.
Final Verdict: A Step Forward, But Not a Leap
The 2026 Toyota bZ fixes the bZ4X’s biggest flaws—faster charging, more power, better tech—but still lags behind rivals. If Toyota prices it aggressively, it could be a solid choice for casual EV buyers. Otherwise, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 remain better picks.
