Preview: Updated 2026 Toyota bZ Boasts More Power and Range - Consumer Reports
Toyota’s first built-from-the-ground-up electric vehicle is transformed from an also-ran into a more promising EV for 2026, with increased performance, range, and freshened styling. Reflecting this dramatic makeover, the name has been shortened from bZ4X to the punchier bZ, which stands for “beyond zero.”
The key changes are with the electric powertrain. Power for common all-wheel drive configurations now peaks at 338 horsepower—a 50-percent increase. And maximum range on front-drive versions is now 314 miles, up from 252 miles. Hardware changes promise faster charge times, and the bZ comes with a Tesla-compatible NACS charge port.
In this article
The bZ4X was a disappointing start to Toyota’s electric revolution, coming in with less range and performance than rivals, an odd interior design that saw the instrument panel recessed a mile from the driver, a slow charging rate, no route planning features, and no glove box. Ultimately, it reinforced our perennial advice to not buy a first-year model, as reflected in our road-test results and feedback from our member surveys. This vehicle is reborn as the bZ, being both more competitive and appealing. The changes are so dramatic that we will purchase one to test, as many performance factors have changed.
We expect consumers will appreciate the numerous powertrain upgrades, most especially the increased range.
Small exterior changes make meaningful differences. The front shapes are simpler. The flat, grille-less fascia declares that this is an EV, while new lights further freshen the look.
The most impactful design alteration is the availability of body-colored trim, rather than contrasting black. That alone could add appeal to many shoppers. It makes the bZ appear more upscale, and indeed, the revitalized electric SUV has the comfort and convenience features to support that impression.
Reinforcing its off-pavement aspirations, the Woodland trim retains the black accents and can be fitted with optional all-terrain tires.
The updated interior features a slimmer dashboard design, with color-adjustable accent lighting, a large 14-inch infotainment screen, and a new center console. Climate controls have been moved into the touchscreen, resembling what we’ve tested in recent Lexus models. Amenities have increased for the XLE and Limited trims, with touches like a synthetic leather-wrapped steering wheel and the latest connectivity features. Heated front seats and steering wheel are standard, with options that include front radiant heat to warm the lower extremities, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats.
The Woodland trim is positioned as a premium offering, with the JBL stereo, panoramic roof, digital rearview mirror, memory driver seat/side-view mirrors, and ventilated front seats.
The bZ comes with several trial memberships to connected services, such as the Intelligent Assist for issuing plain-language voice commands, such as programming the navigation system or adjusting the climate settings. Cloud Navigation downloads the latest data and mapping for route guidance. And Wi-Fi Connect allows the vehicle to serve as a mobile hotspot.
A six-speaker stereo is standard, and there is an available upgrade to a more powerful JBL system with eight speakers plus a subwoofer.
The stereo has dual Bluetooth capability, allowing two phones to be connected. It also comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Two prominent Qi wireless phone chargers dominate the front center console.
Toyota has made many changes to its motors, batteries, and axles, allowing for more power and range. There are a few configurations to sort through, with various levels of power and efficiency impacted by the number of drive wheels and various equipment.
The front-drive XLE is the entry point to the bZ, with a small 57.7-kWh battery and limited 236-mile range. All other versions use a larger 74.7-kWh battery. With that battery, the front-drive XLE trim is rated at 314 miles of range. A new heat pump for the heating system and other powertrain optimizations lead to increased efficiency, helping boost the range. We like to see this approach as opposed to just increasing the battery capacity significantly.
Most bZs with all-wheel drive will be rated at 338 horsepower—up from a paltry 214 hp. Toyota claims this combination enables a 0-60 mph dash in 4.9 seconds. That is about 1.5 seconds quicker than we got with a bZ4X at our track.
The most powerful bZ is the Woodland trim, with 375 hp. The downside of that heightened power is a modest 260-mile range. (Shoppers note: The optional all-terrain tires may impact that range.) The Woodland has a 3,500-pound maximum tow capacity.
The bZ uses a new battery pre-conditioning function that can bring it up to optimal temperature prior to arriving at a public DC fast charging station. This can be manually activated or programmed in advance to engage based on location, such as a frequented public charging station. Each bZ comes with an NACS charge port, making them compatible with Tesla Superchargers. Moving the charge port to the passenger side will accommodate the shorter cords often found at these stations and allow drivers to pull into the charge stalls rather than back in.
The onboard AC charger increases from a wimpy 7 kW to a more competitive 11 kW, hastening charge times on Level 2 chargers.
The bZ comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. In addition, it has standard blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, and a safe exit assist system, which monitors for passing vehicles before it allows passengers to open the doors.
It includes a five-year trial for connected safety services with an SOS button for emergency assistance, automatic crash notification, and a stolen vehicle locator. This is less than the 10-year period provided with some other Toyota models.
Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on X: @JeffSBartlett
