Toyota’s first dedicated EV, the bZ4x, was underwhelming—slow, inefficient, and awkwardly named. For 2026, Toyota drops the “4x” and boosts power, range, and tech in the renamed Toyota bZ. But is it enough to compete in today’s crowded EV market?
Key Upgrades & Pricing
- Powertrain:
- FWD: 221 hp (up from 201 hp).
- AWD: 338 hp (up from 214 hp—a 120-hp jump!).
- Battery: 74.7 kWh → 278 miles EPA (AWD).
- Charging: 150 kW max (10-80% in ~30 mins) + Tesla NACS port.
- Tech: 14-inch touchscreen (up from 12.3″), heat pump, improved regen braking.
- Price: ~$42,000 (est. base) to ~$46,000 (AWD Limited).
Driving Experience: Finally, Some Muscle
The Good:
- AWD version is quick—0-60 mph in 4.9 sec (vs. 7.4 sec for old bZ4x).
- Smoother regen braking (adjustable via paddles).
- Quieter, more refined than before.
The Quirks:
- Bouncy ride on rough roads (still tuned like a Prius, not an EV6).
- Steering is numb (typical Toyota).
- Not a performance EV (Ioniq 5 N smokes it).
Verdict: Way better than before, but still mid-pack for dynamics.
Tech & Interior: Fixing the bZ4x’s Flaws
Improvements:
- 14-inch screen (finally competitive).
- Physical climate knobs (no more touch sliders!).
- Tesla Supercharger access (huge for road trips).
Space Notes:
- Cramped rear legroom (worse than Ioniq 5/Mach-E).
- Decent cargo room (27.7 cu ft behind seats).
Best Feature: Tesla NACS port (no adapter needed for Superchargers).
Competition Check
| EV | HP | 0-60 | Range (EPA) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota bZ AWD | 338 | 4.9s | 278 mi | ~$46K |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD | 320 | 4.5s | 260 mi | $47.4K |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD | 346 | 4.8s | 280 mi | $48.4K |
| Kia EV6 Wind AWD | 320 | 4.5s | 274 mi | $52.4K |
Best For: Toyota loyalists who prioritize reliability over cutting-edge tech.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, if:
- You trust Toyota and want a no-fuss EV.
- You need Tesla charging access (no adapter hassle).
- You hate touch controls (physical knubs are back!).
Skip if:
- You want sporty handling (Ioniq 5 N exists).
- You need max range (Tesla Model Y goes 330 mi).
- You’re on a budget (Chevy Equinox EV undercuts it).
Wild Card: The 2026 Subaru Solterra is the same car—but with worse software.
Bottom Line: The bZ is finally competent, but rivals still do more for the money.
