Video First Drive: 2026 Toyota BZ Gets a Big Makeover
Significant increases in power and range, new features, and Toyota’s name change make SUV changes a key player in a small SUV.
- The ’26 BZ improvement starts with the EV’s heart, battery, charging and motor.
- The Toyota BZ will be on sale in the second half of 2025.
The 2026 Toyota BZ makes a leap by improving everything from the Subcompact EV’s name to the charging system. The 2022 BZ4X was a distinctive disappointment from the world’s largest automaker. It was expensive and lacking in equipment, and it hit everything from uncompetitive technology to the name of Skidic.
Toyota listened to critics and slowly transformed one of the world’s most terrifying continuous improvement machines.
I’ve renamed the BZ – it’s not a poem yet, but the badges don’t look like a laser printer anymore – the new model competes with small electric SUVs such as the Kia niro, Hyundai Kona and the Fiat 500e.
The 2026 BZ will be on sale in the second half of 2025. Detailed numbers for price, range and charging will be available later.
I recently drove a BZ Limited loaded through the powerhouse surrounding Toyota’s North American headquarters in Plano. It felt like a completely different vehicle from the BZ4X Limited I tested a few months ago.
Important improvements to the 2026 Toyota BZ
- 25% range increases to 314 miles
- 50% power increases to 338 horsepower
- NSC Charging Port
- Plug and Charge Compatibility
Radical transformation
The ’26 BZ improvement starts with the EV’s heart, battery, charging and motor.
The BZ is equipped with two sizes of lithium-ion batteries. The 74.7kWh unit offers a range of up to 314 miles and a rated 57.7kWh unit with a range of 236 miles. The battery can now be pre-adjusted. This will speed up charging and reduce energy use in cold weather.
The built-in NACS charging port provides access to Tesla’s DC fast charging network. An adapter is required for CCS chargers, which are common at other charging stations. Upgraded from 7 kW to 11 kW, the onboard charger speeds up charging with a 240V connection that most EV owners use at home. Plug & Charge Software charges quickly and easily with participating chargers such as Electricify America, Evgo, ChargePoint, and Tesla.
The maximum power increases dramatically from 214 to 338 hp on the AWD model and from 201 to 221 hp on the FWD.
The exterior styling has the advantages of updated front LED running lights and fascia, bringing the nose to harmony with the nose of Toyota’s “hammerhead”. The body coloured front fascia and cladding around the wheels are also new.
Drive impressions
The ’26 is much further away from the stop compared to its less capable predecessor. Toyota claims 4.9 seconds from 0 to 60 mph on the AWD BZ. It was mother in the acceleration of previous models, but not humble.
The steering was sensitive along wide smooth roads bent between neighborhoods, shopping districts, corporate campuses and public parks.
The brakes are solid and can be modulated easily. The new steering column paddle adjusts the playback brake to regain energy, but there is no one-pedal setting to stop the BZ completely.
The front seats are spacious and there is a large center console that holds two new wireless charging pads. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
The new dash has a 14-inch touchscreen. The instrument cluster is also new, easy to read, larger and easier.
Heat pumps reduce energy use for heating and cooling the cabin.
Standard heated steering wheel and front seats further reduce cold climate energy use. Climate control options include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and sparkling front seats heaters.
Why buy a 2026 Toyota BZ?
Prices and charging times are huge unknown, but I like the 2026 Toyota BZ.
Its improved power and battery size provide competitive performance and range. The revised lights and exterior patterns look like an adult vehicle, in contrast to the cobblestone exterior of the BZ4X.
My BZ Limited interior was comfortable, trimmed with attractive soft materials and spacious.
This is a big step towards Toyota’s EV status and is worth seeing for anyone who shopped small electric SUVs.
2026 Toyota BZ at a glance
Front or all-wheel drive compact electric SUV
5 seats 5
Base price: TBA
On sale in late 2025
Model Test: BZ AWD Limited
Price as tested: TBA
Power: One electric motor (167 kW front/87 rear) on each axle
Output: 338 HP; Torque na
Transmission: Single Speed Direct Drive
0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds AWD, 8 seconds FWD (estimated)
Battery: 74.7 or 57.7 kWh lithium ion
EPA Estimated Range of Charge: 314 Miles FWD; 288 Miles AWD; 236 Miles; FWD 57.7 kWh Battery
Maximum charging speed: 150 kW DC; 11 KW 240V AC
Charging time: TBA
Maximum charging rate: 150 kW
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length: 184.6 inches
Width: 73.2 inches
Height: 65 inches
Ground clearance: 8.2 inches
Passenger volume: 94.4 cubic feet
Cargo volume: 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat (25.8 w/jbl speaker)
Curb weight: 4,453 lbs
Assembled in Japan
Please contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Please read more Auto And sign up for us Automotive Newsletter. Become a subscriber.
