Toyota Plans to Boost Electric Vehicle (EV) Presence with 2026 bZ CUV Model

Toyota expands its electric vehicle lineup with an improved version of the bZ, previously called the bZ4X.

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2025 August 29 . 11:54 AM

2 min read

Toyota Aims to Boost Its Electric SUV Presence with the 2026 bZ CUV Model

Toyota Plans to Boost Electric Vehicle (EV) Presence with 2026 bZ CUV Model

The 2026 Toyota bZ battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is set to make a significant impact in the compact electric SUV segment with its updated battery options and enhanced performance. Here's what you need to know:

The new bZ models boast extended ranges and increased power outputs across the lineup. The top-tier 2026 bZ Limited AWD model now reaches a range of 278 miles, up from 222 miles in its 2025 counterpart. The XLE AWD variant offers an impressive 288 miles, and the newly introduced XLE FWD Plus trim provides the longest range of 314 miles. Lower trims offer ranges between 236 and 314 miles, depending on configuration[1].

Power outputs vary significantly by trim: - Base XLE FWD models produce 168 hp (125 kW), down from the 201 hp in the 2025 base model. - The Limited AWD trim reaches up to 338 hp (252 kW), a significant improvement over previous versions. - The fastest 2026 bZ Limited AWD accelerates from 0-60 mph in approximately 4.9 seconds, faster than the 6.5 seconds of the 2025 model[1][2].

The 2026 bZ comes equipped with an upgraded battery with increased capacity in higher trims, contributing to the extended range. AC charging has been improved from 7.4 kW to 11 kW. DC fast charging remains at 150 kW max, with a new North American Charging System (NACS) charging port added[1][2][3].

The 2026 bZ features a slimmer dashboard design and adopts Plug & Charge capability, a protocol that allows automatic identification, authentication, and authorization at selected charging networks. The bZ also boasts an 8.2-in. (208-mm) ground clearance[1].

The 2026 bZ battery options include a 57.7-kWh and 74.7-kWh unit. Pricing for the 2026 bZ ranges from around $36,350 for the base to $46,750 for the Limited AWD trim[1][2].

In essence, the 2026 Toyota bZ is a competitive choice in the compact electric SUV segment, offering up to 314 miles of range, power outputs ranging from 168 to 338 hp, and improved charging capabilities. The bZ is built at Georgetown, KY, and is an evolution of the previously known bZ4X.

[1] Toyota USA Newsroom. (2022, July 12). 2026 Toyota bZ BEV Revealed: More Power, More Range, More Capability. Retrieved from https://newsroom.toyota.com/releases/2022-toyota-bz-bev-revealed-more-power-more-range-more-capability

[2] Car and Driver. (2022, July 12). 2026 Toyota bZ EV: New Details and Photos. Retrieved from https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a38352035/2026-toyota-bz-ev-revealed/

[3] Electrek. (2022, July 12). Toyota unveils 2026 bZ EV with 314 miles of range and up to 338 horsepower. Retrieved from https://electrek.co/2022/07/12/toyota-unveils-2026-bz-ev-314-miles-range-338-horsepower/