2026 Toyota bZ Review

Formerly known as the bZ4X, the updated 2026 Toyota bZ boasts several significant changes.

With a bigger battery, more power, a new charging interface, and other enhancements, the bZ seems to rectify the deficiencies of old. However, its rivals have also gotten better since this electric vehicle (EV) first launched, making the hill it has to climb even steeper than before.

Styling 7 / 10

Unlike before, the bZ can be had with colour-matched fenders and other design elements, while even the contrasting black ones that are available come painted this time. It’s not as friendly looking as the Volkswagen ID.4 or Hyundai Ioniq 5, but the bZ is certainly more interesting to look at than the Ford Mustang Mach-E. It rides on 18-inch wheels, although they’re bumped up to 20-inch alloys on the top Limited trim tested here, which also has a neat split spoiler.

However, the cabin lacks a definitive style. It’s a basic layout with mostly traditional controls, while a huge touchscreen sits atop the dash to go with a smaller display way beyond the steering wheel to put drive-related information close to the road ahead. The mix of materials inside is good, with very few cheap or harsh feeling surfaces.

Safety 7 / 10

With adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring, the 2026 bZ checks all the boxes for modern safety. There’s also a safe exit system and a front cross-traffic alert for when you’re crossing or turning in an intersection. Pricier trims have surround-view cameras and self-parking help.

Features 7 / 10

The bZ comes with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. And while heated rear seats aren’t offered, even in this top trim, the front seats are ventilated. There’s also standard dual-zone climate control, plus a radiant heater for front-seat occupants, although it didn’t feel particularly effective during this test.

All trims come with a 14-inch touchscreen, as well as support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unfortunately, Toyota’s integrated navigation requires a paid subscription, although it comes with a lengthy multi-year trial. The inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also means phone-based maps can be projected on the screen instead.

User-Friendliness 7 / 10

While the infotainment system is mostly fine, it’s surprisingly sparse in terms of apps or features. But the screen is responsive, and those smartphone connections are wireless for a seamless and intuitive experience. (There are also two wireless phone chargers on the centre console.) Then there’s the seven-inch driver information display that sits close to the base of the windshield, which isn’t very customizable compared to others out there.

Practicality 8 / 10

Interior space is generous, with plenty of head- and legroom. It doesn’t feel like a compact crossover, and it’s about on par with what you’ll find in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (or the Subaru Solterra that’s dimensionally identical to the bZ). Cargo room measures in at 784 L behind the rear seats, which can be folded for more space. Toyota doesn’t publish volume figures for that configuration.

Comfort 8 / 10

In addition to the spacious interior, there are supportive thrones that have enough adjustability to get cozy and comfy. Ride quality is also surprisingly good, as this hefty EV weighs around 2,025 kg (4,464lb). It doesn’t crash over potholes, with the suspension keeping things steady without feeling too floaty.

Power 8 / 10

The bZ marks a huge jump in performance compared to the outgoing bZ4X. The old model felt underwhelming, with just 201 hp for the front-wheel-drive version and 215 hp with all-wheel drive. And while the entry-level front-wheel-drive version features even less output at 168 hp this time around, a dual-motor all-wheel-drive example like this tester makes 338 hp. That's about 50 per cent more than before, and it feels great on the road.

The bZ feels lively and responsive, and while it might not compete with the high-performance variants of both the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Hyundai Ioniq 5, it’s enough to keep up with the competition both literally and figuratively.

Driving Feel 7 / 10

That added power helps create a much more positive impression of the 2026 Toyota bZ. Driving it is an effortless experience, and it’s one of those vehicles you won’t mind jumping into for mindless errands as it operates silently, rides comfortably, and accelerates easily.

The steering feel is a bit muted and it isn’t exactly exciting to drive, although that’s consistent with the bZ’s overall approach. It’s very clear that following the meager response to the bZ4X, Toyota went back to the drawing board and made something much more in line with the top choices in the segment. And while it doesn’t quite exceed the experience offered by its rivals, it’s much closer than it was before.

Fuel Economy 8 / 10

While the battery that underpins the front-wheel-drive version has a capacity of just 57.7 kWh — and a paltry 380 km as a result — the all-wheel-drive bZ has a much larger 74.7-kWh pack and 468 km of range (436 km with the Limited trim and its 20-inch wheels). While it fell short of those figures during this cold-weather test, the top trim’s 400 km or so wasn’t bad considering the conditions.

Like many other EVs, the 2026 Toyota bZ uses a Tesla-style charge port. Other chargers are also supported with the use of an adapter, as even with access to Tesla’s network of stations only the newest ones are compatible.

Peak charging speeds top out at 150 kW, which allows the bZ to recharge from 10 to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes in ideal conditions. Using the kind of Level 2 charger you might install at home should provide a full charge in about eight hours.

Value 8 / 10

The 2026 Toyota bZ XLE starts at $47,920 before tax but including freight ($1,930). Adding all-wheel drive means a price tag of $53,320, while the top Limited trim tested here comes with that extra traction for its starting price of $63,620. That’s a little less than comparable versions of the Mustang Mach-E or Ioniq 5, while a similarly equipped Solterra is $60,790.

The Verdict

Toyota had a tough task: to make people forget about its disappointing first attempt at building a mainstream EV. It approached the 2026 Toyota bZ with an eye on what the rivals are offering in terms of power and range, and it finally met the challenge with a model that’s much more competitive while maintaining its signature simplicity. While there’s still room for improvement, it’s exciting to see what Toyota has up its sleeve next — especially considering how quickly it turned the bZ around.