Toyota bZ - Say Goodbye to the "4X" and Hello to More ZING
Image Credit: Toyota.
Isn't this just spiffing? Toyota has finally realized that "bZ4X" was a tad too much. So, for 2026, their all-electric SUV is simply going by "bZ." Catchy, right? It kinda reminds me of when Prince decided to just go by a symbol. Though, I suspect this is less about artistic expression and more about someone in marketing finally realizing that tongue-twisters don't sell cars. Less is sometimes more, and in the case of this newly zapped-up SUV, there's definitely more to it. Way, way more to it, in fact.
The outgoing bZ4X (deep breath) was… a little shy in the range department. But the 2026 bZ has had a proper shot of espresso! The XLE Front-Wheel Drive Plus model boasts a manufacturer-estimated range of up to 314 miles. That's a 25% jump, which in the EV world is like going from dial-up to fiber optic. Suddenly, those longer road trips don't sound quite so anxiety-inducing.
Image Credit: Toyota.
Other models with the larger 74.7-kWh battery aren't far behind, hovering around the 300-mile mark. And for those who prefer a slightly lighter sip, there's a 57.7-kWh battery option on the base XLE FWD, offering a still respectable estimated 236 miles.
The bZ4X owners will remember fumbling with different charging apps and feeling like they needed a PhD in charging protocols. Thankfully, the 2026 bZ is hopping on the North American Charging System (NACS) bandwagon. That means access to a gazillion (okay, maybe not a gazillion, but a lot) of DC fast-charging stations. And it's got "Plug & Charge" capability! It's like magic - the car and the charger have a little chat, authenticate, and BAM! You're juicing up without fiddling with apps or cards.
Image Credit: Toyota.
Speaking of fast charging, under ideal conditions, you can go from 10% to 80% battery in about 30 minutes. Enough time to grab a questionable gas station coffee and a surprisingly delicious bag of chips.
Now, for the bit that makes my inner petrolhead (yes, even us electric folks have a past!) do a little happy dance. Toyota has given the bZ a serious power boost, and the All-Wheel Drive models now churn out a combined system net horsepower of 338 hp. That's more than a 50% bump! The result? A 0-to-60 mph sprint in a rather brisk 4.9 seconds. The Front-Wheel Drive versions get a smaller bump to 221 hp, making them a tad more enthusiastic off the line. They're still nippy, mind you, but those extra ponies in the AWD are definitely saying, "Move over!"
Image Credit: Toyota.
Toyota hasn't just fiddled with the electric bits. The bZ has also had a bit of a makeover. The front end has been restyled with a new fascia and lighting, including sleek LED daytime running lights that give it a rather sophisticated "don't mess with me" vibe. And if you like a bit of visual flair, you can now get color-matched fenders for a smoother, more integrated look - still practical, but with a bit more style.
Step inside, and you'll find a cabin that's had a bit of a declutter and tech upgrade. The dashboard is now slimmer, dominated by a glorious 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen. Finally! And for setting the mood, there's now customizable ambient lighting with 64 colors. You can go from a chill blue for those relaxed evening drives to a vibrant pink when you're feeling a bit extra. Two front wireless chargers also mean no more fighting over the phone charging – a definite win in my book.
Image Credit: Toyota.
Toyota hasn't skimped on the cozy bits either. Both the XLE and Limited grades come with a heated steering wheel (hallelujah for those chilly mornings!) and heated front seats. The Limited even throws in ventilated front seats for those sweltering summer days in Texas and heated rear seats for your pampered passengers. And, of course, we get the panoramic fixed-glass moonroof in the XLE – perfect for stargazing or just letting in some lovely natural light.
Safety-wise, Toyota is bringing its A-game with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver-assistance features. This clever co-pilot keeps an extra set of eyes on the road. And for the tech-savvy among us, there's even a digital key capability, turning your smartphone into your car key. How James Bond is that?
The 2026 bZ is hogging the limelight right now, but let's not forget that Toyota isn't planning on being a one-EV wonder. You can expect the spiffy new bZ to start rolling into dealerships in the latter half of 2025. So, not too long to wait to get your hands on one of these zappy little numbers.
Toyota has been a bit coy on specifics for their next all-electric offering in North America, but the word on the street (and the digital superhighway) is that they're serious about expanding their EV portfolio. They've even teased their own version of the Subaru Trailseeker. Globally, Toyota has been showing off concepts and announcing plans for a whole family of "bZ" models. The bZ might be the only fully electric Toyota in the US for the moment, but the electric cavalry is coming. It seems Toyota is finally joining the electric picnic, and it is bringing more than just one sandwich!
Image Credit: Toyota.
The 2026 Toyota bZ – simpler name, way more oomph, better range, and a charging experience that won't leave you tearing your hair out. It looks like Toyota finally took the feedback, sprinkled in some fairy dust (or maybe just some clever engineering), and delivered an EV that genuinely got me intrigued. It's still sensible, it's still Toyota, but now it's got a bit more zing.
