2026 Toyota bZ: New Name, Longer Range

The 2026 Toyota bZ can travel up to 460 kilometres on a single charge.
Power has been increased to 338 horsepower.
The vehicle also gets aesthetic updates inside and out.

Since their initial launch, the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra have essentially been twins. Following a rocky start in the market, both are now evolving into more refined offerings. Subaru introduced its 2026 Solterra earlier this spring at the New York Auto Show, and now Toyota is following suit by revealing the revamped version of its EV—under its new name, the Toyota bZ.

Why the Name Change?

At the end of last year, we learned that Toyota planned to rename the bZ4X, a rumour shared with a small group of automotive journalists. At the time, the new name was still under wraps. That mystery is now resolved: the 2026 Toyota bZ will officially replace the 2025 bZ4X. According to the automaker, the new name is meant to simplify its EV lineup. “bZ” stands for “Beyond Zero,” referencing Toyota’s zero-emissions strategy. The “4” denoted vehicle size, while “X” stood for crossover.

Toyota has also given the 2026 bZ a design refresh. The front end has undergone a partial redesign, and the front wheel arches have been subtly reworked. Notably, the arches can now be painted to match the body color, resulting in a more cohesive look for the SUV.

Increased Range and Power

Under the hood—or rather, under the floor—the 2026 bZ offers two battery options. The 57.7-kWh pack in the XLE FWD delivers 378 km of range. The XLE AWD gets the longest range at 460 km, while the same battery in the Limited AWD trim provides 430 km.

Range isn’t the only improvement. All-wheel-drive versions now produce up to 338 horsepower, while the front-wheel-drive version, equipped with a single motor, makes 168 horsepower. Towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds.

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Since this vehicle is co-developed with Subaru, AWD models also benefit from X-Mode, Subaru’s drive mode system designed for low-traction conditions.

The 2026 bZ now comes standard with a NACS (North American Charging Standard) port. A battery preconditioning feature, also included, helps improve charging performance in colder temperatures.

Interior Updates

Much like the Solterra, the 2026 Toyota bZ gets a series of interior enhancements. The cabin now features a 14-inch touchscreen with the latest infotainment system and dual wireless phone chargers up front.

To better handle Canadian winters, the bZ includes an integrated radiant heater, a heated steering wheel, and heated front seats as standard, along with available ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.

Toyota expects the 2026 bZ to arrive at dealerships in the second half of this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.