For the 2026 model year, Toyota has made substantial improvements to its compact electric vehicle, aiming to resolve previous shortcomings and better align with consumer expectations. The most notable change is the transition from the bZ4X to a streamlined name—the 2026 Toyota bZ. While the name has been simplified, the upgrades are far from minimal. One of the most significant enhancements is the increase in driving range across all trim levels. The base XLE FWD now offers 236 miles of range, up from the previous 222 miles. Meanwhile, the XLE FWD Plus variant boasts an impressive 314-mile range on a full charge—a substantial 25% improvement over the former 252-mile maximum range.
Other configurations also benefit from similar range boosts. The XLE AWD is now rated at 288 miles, the Limited FWD reaches up to 299 miles, and the Limited AWD comes in at 278 miles. Importantly, all versions of the 2026 Toyota bZ will be equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug, allowing drivers to utilize Tesla Superchargers and benefit from fast-charging speeds of up to 150 kilowatts.
In terms of power, Toyota has equipped the base XLE FWD with a 57.7-kWh battery, while all other trims now use a larger 74.4-kWh lithium-ion battery. These new batteries replace the older 63.4- and 65.5-kWh options. The result is a noticeable increase in performance. The front-wheel-drive versions now generate 228 horsepower (up from 201), while the all-wheel-drive models see a dramatic jump to 338 horsepower. The AWD variants can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, whereas the FWD models take 8.0 seconds.
Toyota has also refined the vehicle's exterior styling to be more visually appealing and family-oriented. Gone is the overly rugged black cladding around the wheel arches; instead, body-colored trim is now standard, although the rugged look remains optional. The front end has been redesigned with a sleeker, more modern look, featuring light fixtures inspired by other Toyota models like the Camry and Prius. Wheel options include standard 18-inch rims on the XLE and larger 20-inch wheels on the Limited trims. Customers can also choose from eight exterior colors, six of which are premium paints.
Inside, the cabin has been upgraded with a redesigned center console that now includes Qi wireless charging. A 14-inch touchscreen is now standard across the lineup, and a six-speaker audio system is included. Audiophiles can opt for a premium 9-speaker JBL sound system. The 2026 bZ is also equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and more.
Seating materials include standard cloth, with Toyota's SofTex synthetic leather available in either grey or black. The steering wheel is also wrapped in SofTex. The vehicle offers 42.1 inches of front legroom and 35.3 inches in the rear. Cargo capacity behind the second row stands at 27.2 cubic feet, slightly more than the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s 26.3 cubic feet.
Pricing details for the 2026 Toyota bZ have not yet been released. However, considering that the 2025 bZ4X starts at $38,465, it’s likely that the 2026 version will come with a starting price closer to $40,000.