The 2026 Toyota bZ arrives with a simplified name, dropping the bZ4X designation in favor of the bZ, alongside a mid-cycle update focused on sharpening the exterior, extending driving range, improving charging capability, increasing output, and lifting up the interior.
We had the opportunity to spend some time with the 2026 Toyota bZ in the XLE FWD Plus variant (larger battery option), finished in the Blueprint color, to assess the new model following the update.
Design
At the front, the 2026 bZ adopts a lower-set fascia with reshaped bumper openings and a revised hammerhead-style look across all trims. In this Blueprint color, the dark glossy black cladding around the front wheels makes the look more cohesive with the rest of the panels.
Along the sides, the crossover receives redesigned fender cladding. On this XLE trim, the lower panels are not body-colored; however, the dark Blueprint color here still helps to reduce the visual contrast.
Wheels on the XLE include newly styled 18-inch alloys with covers. At the rear, Toyota updates the spoiler design and revises the underbody paneling to complete the exterior changes.
Interior
Inside, the cabin is revised with a redesigned center console, dual wireless charging pads for front occupants, and a slimmer dashboard layout.
A top-mounted 7-inch LCD multi-information display sits ahead of the driver, while a 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen is standard across all trims. Charging is available via two wireless charging pads or four USB-C ports.
The XLE trims get SofTex-trimmed seats with 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 6-way adjustable front passenger seat with heating, and a heated leather-trimmed manual tilt/telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel.
A fixed panoramic glass roof with power sunshade is available as an option for XLE models. Interior measurements include 42.1 inches of front legroom, 35.3 inches of rear legroom, and 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row.
Specifications
Dimensionally unchanged from the bZ4X, the bZ measures 184.6 inches long, 73.2 inches wide, and 65 inches tall, with a 112.2-inch wheelbase and 8.2 inches of ground clearance.
The new 74.7-kWh battery increases range to 314 miles in the XLE FWD Plus. The range champion of the 2026 bZ lineup has a combined output of 221 horsepower, and acceleration from 0-60 mph takes 8.0 seconds.
The 2026 bZ adopts a North American Charging System port. Under ideal conditions, DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent takes approximately 30 minutes.
An 11-kW onboard AC charger replaces the earlier 7-kW unit, and a dual-voltage charging cable is included as standard equipment. It takes 7 hours to charge the battery from Low Battery Light to 100 percent SoC via Level 2.
Pricing and Availability
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Pricing for the 2026 Toyota bZ XLE FWD Plus starts at USD 37,900, which includes a USD 3,000 premium for the “Plus” drivetrain. It excludes a USD 1,450 delivery, processing, and handling charge. U.S. dealership availability began in the second half of 2025.
Blueprint finish and Midnight Black Metallic options are two of five available color choices that do not carry an additional charge.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
