Toyota has finally come to terms with the fact that "bZ4X" sounds like the Wi-Fi access code at Burger King. The new "Toyota bZ" isn't just a shorter name, it finally feels like a serious player among electric SUVs. And yes, it has a range you can write without shame.
The story goes something like this: Toyota launched bZ4X, which was visually interesting, technologically decent, but… just didn’t grab. Name? Weird. Reach? Mech. Charging? Compatible with 2018. So for 2026 they said: “Reset.” And the result? New Toyota bZ. No unnecessary letters. No excuses.
Toyota bZ – Technically speaking – a concrete upgrade
With a maximum range of 505 kilometers (314 miles) on a single charge, the new bZ XLE FWD Plus keeps its promise. Which is about 25 % more than its predecessor. Which is no longer a reason to make excuses why you are refilling at the dealer's garage.
| Model | Battery | Power | Reach |
|---|---|---|---|
| bZ XLE FWD | 57.7 kWh | 168 hp (125 kW) | 380 km |
| bZ XLE FWD Plus | 74.4 kWh | 221 hp (165 kW) | 505 km |
| bZ XLE AWD | 74.4 kWh | 338 hp (252 kW) | 463 km |
| bZ Limited FWD | 74.4 kWh | 221 hp (165 kW) | 481 km |
| bZ Limited AWD | 74.4 kWh | 338 hp (252 kW) | 447 km |
The AWD version does 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Which is almost sporty. FWD in more relaxed 8 seconds – because not all of us need adrenaline therapy every day.
An exterior that is no longer ashamed of a shopping mall parking lot
The biggest visual win? Gone are the black plastic fenders that once looked like paintball tournament props. The new Toyota bZ is clean, sleek and confident. And it's also more grown-up in terms of color – there are eight colors available, six of which are in a "premium" tone. Because why not?
Wheels? 18 inches for the basic version, 20 for the more expensive ones.
Interior: digital, comfortable, almost premium
New 14-inch screen, wireless charging (Qi, of course), decent acoustics (6 speakers as standard, 9 JBL optional). The seats are textile, but you can get “SofTex” leather. The interior color palette remains between gray and black – so more Zen than Las Vegas.
What about space? 1070 mm of legroom in the front, 897 mm in the rear. Trunk? 770 liters – which is a little more than the Ioniq 5. A small victory.
Safety and smarts: Toyota knows how to play it safe
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard. It has it all: adaptive cruise control, lane assist, automatic braking, and a few other systems that will save you from your own inattention.
And the filling? NACS standard – this means you can now connect to Tesla Superchargers without any problems. The days of searching for “compatible” stations are over.
Conclusion: Finally an electric Toyota that we can recommend without excuses
The new Toyota bZ is exactly what it should have been the first time around: comfortable, modern, with a realistic range and a design that doesn't look like a concept from 2049. With the new model, Toyota has finally caught up and entered the conversation about serious electric SUVs after a long time.
The price? It is not yet known. But if the trend and quality remain the same, we can expect a starting price of around 45,000 euros. Which is not a small amount, but considering the equipment and range, it is not excessive.
Skeptics will say that Toyota is still “too early.” But judging by what the 2026 model year has shown – it’s never too late if you know how to listen to the market.
