The 2026 Toyota bZ represents a pivotal step forward in Toyota’s electric vehicle strategy, delivering a smarter balance of performance, efficiency, and value. As the direct successor to the bZ4X, this new all-electric SUV not only refines the formula but also reinvents it. The new bZ resolves the problems with the old one and raises the bar for compact electric vehicles by offering more powerful drivetrain options, a much longer range, faster charging, and a completely redesigned body.
Perhaps most notably, Toyota has managed to introduce these advancements at a lower entry price, making the 2026 bZ not only more capable but also more accessible to drivers eager to embrace electrification. Let's explore everything you need to know about the 2026 Toyota bZ and why it is better than the bZX4!
What does A Shorter Name of the Toyota “bZ” Stand for?
Toyota dropped the “4X” from its model name, now simply calling it the Toyota bZ, a move that signals fresh intent and improved simplicity. The bZ still stands for “beyond Zero,” anchoring Toyota’s vision of electrification. Also, this new streamlined name aligns with a broader overhaul, including a better range, a sleeker design, and stronger performance, and it suggests that Toyota is moving beyond the baggage of the bZ4X era.
When will the 2026 Toyota bZ be available?
The 2026 Toyota bZ will be offered throughout the United States, with deliveries set to begin in the second half of 2025, namely around late summer to fall 2025. Toyota treats this release as a flagship EV debut, ensuring a stronger dealer presence and broader availability than the bZ4X ever had. The bZ4X’s rollout in 2022 was limited and staggered, with supply shortages and regional availability issues.
How much is the 2026 Toyota bZ?
One of the most surprising changes is the cost. The 2026 bZ XLE FWD starts at $34,900 (about $36,350 with destination), making it over $2,000 cheaper than the outgoing bZ4X XLE, which started around $38,465. If you keep reading until the end, you can find the prices of all of the 2026 Toyota bZ trim levels.
2026 Toyota bZ Powertrain and Performance
The 2026 Toyota bZ truly elevates its powertrain strategy compared to the bZ4X. While the base front-wheel-drive bZ4X offered around 201 horsepower, the 2026 bZ FWD reduces that slightly to 168 horsepower, likely sacrificing some power for improved efficiency and affordability. In AWD configuration, Toyota dramatically boosts output to 338 horsepower, a substantial increase from the bZ4X’s AWD setup with 214 horsepower.
2026 Toyota bZ Efficiency and Range
The 2026 Toyota bZ has enhanced efficiency and driving range. The new 57.7 kWh FWD variant reaches an estimated 236 miles, slightly under the bZ4X’s previous range but with better value. The real leap comes with the 74.7 kWh battery used in trims like Plus FWD, delivering up to 314 miles of range, which is well ahead of any bZ4X model. Also, the Toyota bZ AWD trims offer between 288 and 299 miles, which is far above the bZ4X’s 228-236-mile capability.
2026 Toyota bZ Towing Capacity
Toyota doesn't provide official towing numbers for the 2026 bZ trims except for the bZ Woodland, which can tow up to 3,500 pounds. This figure overshadows the bZX4's 3,307 lb towing capability, positioning the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland as a more versatile and utility-focused variant designed for adventures and outdoor utility.
2026 Toyota bZ Interior Design and Tech
The 2026 bZ's cabin is a notable upgrade from the bZ4X. Toyota introduces a streamlined 14-inch touchscreen, repositioned higher on the dash for improved visibility, replacing the smaller, poorly placed screen of the bZ4X. The dashboard is cleaner and has real knobs for temperature and volume. There are also dual wireless charging pads, soft-touch materials, ambient lighting, and a center console that is more comfortable to use.
2026 Toyota bZ Exterior Design
The 2026 Toyota bZ's exterior styling refines and enhances the appearance of its predecessor. In contrast to the bZ4X's polarizing design, the body-colored trim has replaced the trademark black cladding elements, resulting in a sleeker and more cohesive appearance. The front fascia's streamlined "hammerhead" profile and integrated LED running lights reinforce a more modern and refined aesthetic.
2026 Toyota bZ Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2026 Toyota bZ lineup offers a range of configurations to suit various driving preferences and needs. Each trim level is designed to balance performance, efficiency, and features, ensuring that drivers can select the model that best aligns with their lifestyle. Let’s look at the features of the 2026 Toyota bZ trim levels!
2026 Toyota bZ XLE FWD
The base XLE FWD model is the starting point for the bZ series, which includes front-wheel drive and a 57.7-kWh battery. It has an estimated range of 236 miles, making it ideal for daily commuting and urban driving. Standard features include an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and front and back ambient lighting.
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2026 Toyota bZ XLE FWD Price: Starting at $34,900
2026 Toyota bZ Plus FWD
The Toyota bZ XLE Plus FWD builds on the XLE FWD by adding a bigger 74.7-kWh battery that increases the range to 314 miles. This trim level is more fuel-efficient for longer trips and comes with extra comfort and ease features, such as a bigger 14-inch touchscreen and the ability to charge smartphones wirelessly.
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2026 Toyota bZ Plus FWD Price: Starting at $37,900
2026 Toyota bZ XLE AWD
The XLE AWD model adds all-wheel drive to the bZ lineup, providing improved traction and stability. With two electric motors cranking out a total of 338 horsepower, it gives you a way more exciting ride. The 74.7-kWh battery provides about 288 miles of range, striking a cool balance between performance and efficiency.
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2026 Toyota bZ XLE AWD Price: Starting at $39,900
2026 Toyota bZ Limited FWD
The Limited FWD trim level enhances the bZ experience with premium amenities and finishes. It uses the same 74.7-kWh battery as the XLE FWD Plus, with an estimated range of 299 miles. Upgraded interior materials, improved driver assistance systems, and better entertainment options are among the additional features.
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2026 Toyota bZ Limited FWD Price: Starting at $43,300
2026 Toyota bZ Limited AWD
The Limited AWD model combines the luxury features of the Limited FWD with the added capabilities of all-wheel drive. It delivers the same estimated range of 278 miles as the XLE AWD, with the added benefit of enhanced performance and handling.
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2026 Toyota bZ Limited AWD Price: Starting at $45,300
2026 Toyota bZ Woodland Edition
The Woodland Edition is built for adventurers and features off-road capabilities and a tough appearance. In addition to having a 74.7-kWh battery, it includes unusual interior decorations and roof rails, among other design aspects. Although there are no specific range estimates for this trim, it caters to those who desire a more adventurous driving experience.
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2026 Toyota bZ Woodland Edition Price: Starting at $47,000 to $50,000
Why is the 2026 Toyota bZ better than the bZ4X?
The 2026 Toyota bZ stands out as a substantially upgraded and more competitive electric SUV than the bZ4X, with significant improvements in performance, range, charging, design, and overall value. Let's look at the particular reasons why the new bZ outperforms the bZ4X:
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Cheaper Entry Price: The Toyota bZ starts at around $34,900 for the XLE FWD trim (about $36,350 with destination), which is over $2,000 cheaper than the bZ4X.
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Better Performance: AWD variants boast 338 horsepower, a 50% bump over the bZ4X, delivering quicker acceleration and a livelier driving experience.
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Extended Range: With an upgraded 74.7 kWh battery, some trims now reach up to 314 miles, well beyond the bZ4X’s roughly 250-mile max.
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Enhanced Charging Systems: The switch to the NACS (North American Charging Standard), along with improved onboard AC charging and battery preconditioning, provides both convenience and efficiency.
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Refined Design & Tech: The 2026 bZ sports a more refined body-colored exterior, a sleeker “hammerhead” front fascia, and a cleaner cabin layout featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and tangible controls.
So, when comparing the two, the 2026 Toyota bZ obviously surpasses the bZ4X on numerous fronts, particularly if you want a speedier EV that travels farther, charges more efficiently, and costs less. Toyota has addressed key critiques of the bZ4X, resulting in a more refined, capable, and appealing electric SUV in the 2026 bZ.
