2026 Toyota BZ Woodland First Drive: Serious Stuff

The new Toyota bZ Woodland is more than a capable and spacious new EV. It is also a ton of fun to drive.

2026 Toyota bZ Woodland Pros

Exceptional performance
Plenty of cargo space
Good range

2026 Toyota bZ Woodland Cons

All-terrain tire option has significant option on range
Extra ground clearance is minimal
No underbody protection

2026 Toyota bZ Woodland Key Facts

The bZ Woodland will start at $59,900 in Canada.
It is the most powerful Toyota electric vehicle with 375 horsepower.
It offers more space than the traditional bZ.
With over 900 litres of cargo space, it offers 452 kilometres of range.
It comes standard with all-wheel drive.
The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland can tow 3,500 pounds.

If you are looking for proof that the 2026 Toyota bZ is nothing like the first generation of the model, you need not look further than the all-new bZ Woodland trim, which we had a chance to drive for the first time in Southern California. Expecting a somewhat subdued driving experience with slightly above average off-road capability, I came away both surprised and impressed by what Toyota engineers have concocted with the 2026 bZ Woodland trim.

In reality, the Woodland may have the bZ name in it, it is quite distinct from the rest of the redesigned bZ lineup. It’s longer, has more ground clearance, significantly more cargo space, and more power as well. While Toyota emphasized the off-road capability of the model when it was introduced, how dynamic and quick the bZ Woodland is on winding roads and on the highway are just as much of a selling point, at least personally, than the off-road capability.

Built on Toyota’s e-TNGA Architecture

The 2026 bZ Woodland rides on Toyota’s dedicated e-TNGA electric vehicle platform, a structure engineered specifically for battery-electric models. The battery pack is mounted low within the floor, contributing to a lower centre of gravity and improved torsional rigidity compared to the outgoing generation.

For the Woodland variant, Toyota recalibrated the suspension and reinforced key components to support increased ride height and a 3,500-pound towing rating. The chassis feels solid and well tied down, even when transitioning quickly between corners.

The added structural rigidity also benefits refinement. Over uneven pavement and rougher surfaces, there is minimal secondary vibration, reinforcing the impression of a more mature and thoroughly engineered EV platform.

Exterior and Interior Design

The Woodland stands apart visually with a slightly longer body, additional ground clearance, unique wheels, and more pronounced lower cladding. The design is assertive without being excessive. It communicates capability in a restrained, practical way.

Inside, the cabin features Toyota’s latest-generation 14-inch Toyota Multimedia touchscreen, positioned prominently at the centre of the dashboard. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, voice assistant functionality, and over-the-air update capability. Graphics are crisp, menus are logically arranged, and response times are quick.

Material quality is solid throughout, with durable surfaces that suit the Woodland’s intended use. Storage is generous, with a large centre console bin and thoughtfully placed compartments for everyday items.

2026 Toyota bZ First Drive: New Name, More Range, and More Power

Interior Space and Practicality

Cargo capacity is one of the Woodland’s strongest attributes. Behind the rear seats, it offers 957 litres of space. Fold the second row flat and usable cargo volume expands significantly, providing a broad, flat load floor that easily accommodates larger items.

Rear-seat legroom is ample, aided by the flat EV floor. Headroom remains generous despite the raised ride height and upright profile. For families or buyers who regularly carry gear, the Woodland’s extra length translates directly into meaningful usability.

The 3,500-pound towing capacity is another differentiator. Few electric crossovers in this price range combine this level of power, cargo space, and towing ability in one package.

Powertrain and All-Wheel Drive System

The bZ Woodland’s dual-motor setup produces a combined 375 horsepower, making it the most powerful electric vehicle currently offered by Toyota. One electric motor is mounted at the front axle and another at the rear, creating a fully electric all-wheel drive system.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 4.4 seconds, placing the Woodland firmly in quick territory for a midsize electric crossover with this level of practicality.

In terms of off-road capability, there’s no question the bZ Woodland can handle gravel or snow with confidence. Moreover, the standard X-Mode system taken from Subaru helps control steep descents by controlling throttle, helping the bZ Woodland get down and up with ease. That said, it’s not a hardcore off-roader. The lack of underbody protection, for one, combined with a minimal increase in ground clearance (215 mm vs 208 mm for the traditional bZ), mean you’ll want to avoid following a Jeep Wrangler on the Rubicon trail. As far as electric vehicles go, however, the bZ Woodland has the edge in terms of capability.

Battery, Range and Charging

The Woodland is equipped with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery that delivers an estimated 452 kilometres of range on a full charge.

For home charging, a Level 2 (240-volt) connection can replenish the battery in roughly 9 to 10 hours at up to 11 kW, depending on the onboard charger configuration. This makes overnight charging a practical solution for most owners.

On a DC fast charger, Toyota indicates that charging from approximately 10 percent to 80 percent can be achieved in around 30 minutes under optimal conditions. Real-world charging times will vary based on temperature, charger output, and battery state, but the Woodland is clearly engineered to support practical long-distance travel.

Battery thermal management has also been improved compared to earlier iterations, helping maintain charging performance consistency in varying climates.

Woodland buyers can opt for available all-terrain tires that add even more grip on rocky or sandy roads that unfortunately decrease range quite a bit to 418 km. The compromise likely isn’t worth it.

On the Road

What stands out most about the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland is its balance. The additional horsepower is immediately noticeable. Throttle response is strong but progressive, and the dual-motor setup delivers confident acceleration without drama.

The low-mounted battery keeps body roll well controlled, and steering is direct with reassuring weight. On winding roads, the Woodland feels agile and stable, defying expectations for a vehicle with increased ground clearance and genuine off-road credentials.

Highway refinement is equally impressive. Cabin noise is subdued, ride quality remains composed over expansion joints, and the suspension tuning avoids excessive softness. It feels planted and confident at speed.

From a value perspective, the Woodland makes a persuasive case. At $59,900, it combines 375 horsepower, a sub-5-second 0-100 km/h sprint, over 900 litres of cargo capacity, 3,500 pounds of towing capability, a 14-inch multimedia interface, standard all-wheel drive, and 452 kilometres of range. Few electric crossovers offer that breadth of capability in a single trim.

Conclusion

The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland represents a significant evolution of Toyota’s electric strategy. Rather than simply improving on the original bZ formula, Toyota has created a variant that expands the vehicle’s mission entirely.

It delivers meaningful performance, practical range, genuine utility, and a well-executed interior technology package in a format that feels cohesive and mature. The Woodland does not rely solely on rugged styling cues to justify its existence. It backs up its positioning with tangible capability and strong on-road dynamics.

In short, it is not merely an electric crossover with added cladding. It is a thoughtfully engineered, well-rounded EV that brings performance, versatility, and everyday usability together in a way that feels complete.