Toyota’s flagship electrical car with the clunky title, the bZ4x, is getting a makeover for the 2026 mannequin 12 months — together with a a lot shorter moniker.
Now styled as simply bZ, the compact SUV can be getting extra vary, due to expanded battery capability, and an improved design. The front-wheel drive bZ with 74.7 kWh battery will be capable of journey an estimated 314 miles on a single cost, whereas a 57.7 kWh battery possibility for the front-wheel drive model will get simply 236 miles. Toyota stated it could announce costs nearer to the date when the brand new bZ arrives at dealerships, which is anticipated later this 12 months.
Charging was at all times a significant problem for the bZ4X, so its good to see Toyota taking these criticisms to coronary heart. The automaker can be including Plug and Cost functionality, that means the bZ will be capable of pull as much as any third-party charging station, plug in, and the driving force’s account shall be mechanically billed with none apps to join or QR codes to scan.
The bZ4X has at all times been form of a sleeper hit for Toyota. After a gradual begin, sales of the EV shot up late last year and early this 12 months, thanks partly to reductions and lease offers. Toyota stated it offered 5,610 bZ4Xs within the first quarter of 2025, in comparison with just one,897 in Q1 2024.
The bZ4X has at all times been form of a sleeper hit for Toyota
The brand new 2026 bZ shall be extra of a mover in different methods for Toyota. The automaker is boosting the horsepower by as much as 50 p.c to 338 mixed system web hp within the all-wheel drive mannequin. This was achieved by together with silicon carbide semiconductors within the motors for improved energy supply. The bZ can now speed up from 0–60mph in 4.9 seconds.
The outside design is now so much cleaner and approachable. Gone are the black wheel arches, changed with panels that match the car’s paint shade for a extra cohesive look. The inside has additionally been up to date with a brand new heart console and a brand new instrument panel, with a bigger 14-inch heart touchscreen. And Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be utilized wirelessly.
The brand new bZ is constructed on the identical E-TNGA platform that undergirds the bZ4X, the Lexus RZ 450e, and the Subaru Solterra. Toyota is at present pumping $1.3 billion into its Kentucky manufacturing facility for EV manufacturing, together with a deliberate three-row SUV.