Probably the most important change to the new 2026 Toyota bZ is that it’s name sucks about 50 percent less, with the brand having dropped the silly “bZ4x” name its previous EV used. The model was and still is a badge-engineered project shared with Subaru, which does use normal names for its EV. Marketing is everything.
Other changes, in reality, are more substantive and make the EV, dare I say, competetive, for once. More range, better power, and greater effiencency coupled with a new charging port make for one of the better EV offerings on this end of the market.
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Powertrain And Driving Experience: 8/10
Chase Bierenkoven
Chase Bierenkoven
Chase Bierenkoven
This bZ is the fastest of the bunch, the dual-motor all-wheel drive model with 338 horsepower. There are now two front-drive models as well. The base model makes just 168 horses, while the middling XLE Plus and Limited models make a healthy 221 horsepower. It’s not much, but it’s enough to make a car this size feel pretty zippy.
The full-fat AWD ones, though, are downright fast. It’ll hit 60 mph in some 4.5 seconds, and I even got the traction control light on while merging at full throttle. There’s plenty of power here, even if the rest of the driving experience is pretty whelming. The steering is poor, and the ride isn’t terrible, but it’s not composed either. Still, the speed is enough to make this feel exciting.
Range And Charging: 8/10
The Toyota’s updates mean that the SUV is now a much more efficient package. Base XLE models do poor, though, with 236 miles on a charge, but XLE Plus models will handle an impressive 314 miles on a charge. This AWD XLE is rated for 288 miles on a charge, which felt like plenty to me.
Chase Bierenkoven
The new NACS port replaces the old CCS, but an adapter is included. Toyota quotes a solid 30-minute 10 to 80 percent charge time, but I think most owners will appreciate the updated AC on-board charger, which now charges at up to 11 kilowatts, much reducing at-home charge times.
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Interior And Technology: 6/10
Chase Bierenkoven
Chase Bierenkoven
Chase Bierenkoven
The bZ’s interior is also updated, featuring a huge 14-inch center screen, but it doesn’t entirely fix the old model’s biggest problems: a wonky driving position and a difficult-to-see dash. The wheel is always in the way of the dash, and you’re constantly compromising the driving position to get around this. Space, though, is plentiful, at least for occupants. The low dash helps it feel airy inside, and the back seats offer good headroom. However, the SUV’s cargo capacity of 28 cubic feet suffers due to the raked roof, making it a full 10 cubes smaller than a RAV4’s.
Exterior Design: 5/10
Chase Bierenkoven
Chase Bierenkoven
Chase Bierenkoven
Chase Bierenkoven
I think this design is the definition of “Automaker’s New EV That Has Just Been Updated.” I’ve seen this faceless shape with dual light bars a million times. It feels a bit tired, played out, and altogether uninspired. It’s just a $50,000 electric box on wheels. I feel nothing when looking at this car other than an appreciacion for its inoffesneiveness.
Pricing And Value: 6/10
Chase Bierenkoven
The 2026 Toyota bZ starts at $36,495 and runs up to $44,895. That’s pretty close to on-par with rivals like the Ioniq 5 and cheaper than the $41,000 Tesla Model Y. I’d be dissappointed with a base model, though, so I can’t say that this is an all-around value buy for cash-strapped EV-hungty consumers. Upper trims feel more competetive though, but on personal preference I like the look and feel of the Ioniq 5 more.
Verdict: 7/10
Chase Bierenkoven
I think the Toyota bZ is fantastic, especially in contrast to what it once was. I really loathed that version of the car, and this feels like a breath of fresh air and a big step in the right direction. Frankly, it’s a good car beaten by a better one. I’d rather drive the Hyundai Ioniq 5 every day thanks to its more inspired handling, greater range and power, and funky design.
About the author
Chase Bierenkoven
Senior Editor, Autoblog