Toyota bZ4X Name Shrinks, Battery Grows for 2026

When it launched in 2022, the Toyota bZ4X failed to impress with its range, capability, or reliability. A rare stumble for the Japanese giant, it makes sense that Toyota is taking the 2026 model year refresh as a second chance, and making big changes to the SUV. The update is so extensive that the model will even get a new name.

Say goodbye to the bZ4X and hello to the bZ. Short for “beyond zero,” the name change is reflective of Toyota abandoning the bZ-blank naming convention that was originally supposed to tie all its EVs together. Whether the automaker is changing this naming convention to spare tired writers like me from having to manage the bZ4X’s uneven use of capitalized characters, as a reflection of how badly it bungled the initial launch of the EV, or something else entirely is not clear, but the good news is that the updates will extend beyond the badge.

As with the Subaru Solterra, which is based on the same platform and also recently received a big updated, the biggest change will occur where is matters most, and the 2026 bZ will grow to 77 kWh (up from 71.4 kWh). That’s more in line with competitors like the Kia EV6 and has the benefit of increasing range, which goes from 406 km for 2025 to 460 km in 2026 for the longest range model. That's certainly a welcome improvement, but still leaves the Toyota at a disadvantage when compared to the likes of the EV6, which can travel as many as 513 km per charge, according to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). The front-wheel drive bZ XLE will be available with a smaller — and presumably more affordable — 57.7 kWh battery pack.

Regardless of which battery pack a buyer opts for, their bZ will be equipped with a standard North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug, which will give them access to Tesla Supercharger stations. Toyota estimates that at a DC fast-charging station, the bZs equipped with the 77 kWh battery pack will be capable of going from 10-80 per cent state of charge in just 30 minutes (under ideal conditions).

The power from the batteries will be sent to improved motors, which use silicon carbide semiconductors to improve power output. The FWD model will deliver 168 hp while the AWD models get a 50 per cent bump in power, and now combine to make 338 hp (net).

For 2026, Toyota will offer the bZ in three levels. The XLE FWD gets the smaller 57.7 kWh battery and will have a range of 378 km, according to Toyota. The XLE AWD model gets the larger 77 kWh battery and gets a manufacturer-estimated range of 460 km. Finally, the 77 kWh battery can propel the Limited AWD trim as far as 430 km per charge.

In addition, Toyota has updated the bZ’s overall look. For 2026, the model gets a Camry-like DRL that extends across the entire width of the front end and curls up at the ends. The front intakes are now more vertical and the large body panels around the wheel arch are no longer painted black, making more of the body the same colour. All in all, the redesign has had the effect of making the bZ look like a much more normal and less futuristic vehicle than the bZ4X. Across all three trims, the bZ will be available in five exterior paint colours: Wind Chill Pearl, Heavy Metal, Supersonic Red, Blueprint, and Black. All (except black) can be paired with a body colour or a black roof on the Limited trim.

Inside, the biggest improvement is the addition of a 14-inch infotainment screen that is standard across all three trim levels. The XLE gets a six-speaker sound system while the Limited trim gets a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system. The top trim also gets 20-inch alloy wheels (as opposed to the 18s on the XLE), a panoramic moonroof, heated and ventilated SofTex front seats (the XLE’s are only heated), and added safety systems like land change assist, traffic jam assist, and front cross traffic alert.

Unfortunately, pricing had not been revealed at time of writing. Toyota plans to release that information closer to when the 2026 bZ goes on sale, which is in the second half of 2025.