
Toyota reveals the 2026 bZ: An advanced electric SUV with an extended range.
Toyota bZ/Toyota USA
Toyota has re-entered the electric SUV segment with the 2026 bZ, a significant update of its bZ4X that meets two major requests from EV users: extended range and quicker charging times.
The prominent highlight is the enhanced driving range. Toyota now predicts a maximum of 314 miles on a single charge for the front-wheel-drive version equipped with the larger 74.7-kWh battery—approximately 60 miles more than the previous bZ4X model. The all-wheel-drive versions also see an improvement, offering up to 288 miles of range depending on the specific trim.
While the charging speeds remain unchanged in terms of maximum kilowatts (still limited to 150 kW for DC fast charging), Toyota has made significant strides in how long peak charging speeds can be maintained. When preconditioning is activated—particularly beneficial in colder temperatures—the new bZ can charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Other updates include Plug and Charge functionality for automatic payments at compatible stations and full integration of the North American Charging Standard (NACS), which ensures access to Tesla Superchargers will be available by 2026.
Beneath the vehicle, Toyota has incorporated higher-performance silicon carbide components to enhance efficiency and power delivery. The AWD model now generates up to 338 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a speedy 4.9 seconds.
Toyota has also revamped the exterior, replacing the black cladding with body-colored wheel arches and giving the front fascia a sleeker design. Inside, a new larger 14-inch touchscreen now controls climate functions, creating a more polished and less crowded dashboard. Additionally, there’s improved storage with a redesigned center console.
With the 2026 bZ, Toyota appears to be addressing criticisms of the bZ4X. It’s quicker, more efficient, and improved for drivers—marking a significant advancement in Toyota's EV efforts.
Nick Godt has reported on global business news across three continents for over 25 years.
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Toyota reveals the 2026 bZ: An advanced electric SUV with an extended range.
Toyota's bZ electric SUV offers significant improvements in both range and charging capabilities.