The bZ has been thoroughly refreshed for 2026 starting with its new nameplate from last year's bZ4X, followed by a new front end, same-colour side wheel arches for select paint colors, new improved range, and improved power output. The interior also gets overhauled, with a new larger infotainment screen with knobs, a new instrument cluster design and a removal of the frame around it, and dual front wireless chargers.

Toyota's electric SUV comes back under the bZ nameplate and is available in the front-wheel drive XLE, XLE Plus and Limited trims, with the XLE and Limited also available in all-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive XLE produces 168 horsepower, while the XLE Plus and Limited produce 221 horsepower. In all-wheel drive form, the XLE and Limited make 338 horsepower thanks to better software. A new NACS port allows charging compatibility with Tesla supercharger stations, and battery capacity has also been improved except in the front-wheel drive XLE.

The XLE is well equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, spoiler, rear diffuser, LED headlights and taillamps, heated side mirrors with turn signals and blind spot warning indicators, as well as a power-folding feature, rain-sensing wipers, two wireless chargers, 14-inch infotainment system with 6-speaker audio, heated manual adjusting leather steering wheel, heated front seats, and fabric SofTex seats with 6-way adjustable passenger seat.

The Limited adds side mirror integrated puddle lamps, memory settings, panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade, overhead console with map lights and safety connect buttons, SofTex seats with 8-way power adjustable passenger seats, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.

Safety features include 8 airbags, brake assist and smart stop technology, blind spot monitor, as well as front and rear park assist with automatic braking.

The bZ continues its predecessor's legacy of being Toyota's first electric SUV, just without so many numbers and letter in the name. The bZ competes in the EV market with its most important competitors being the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Volkswagen ID.4 and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The newly refreshed bZ makes sure it stays competitive by increasing its power output by 25% from the previous year, as well as increasing the battery range to 314 miles. Charging times have also been reduced all thanks to a DC fast charger, and a new faster on-board charger.

Good price point; electric powertrain; front-wheel drive and powerful all-wheel drive options; access to Tesla superchargers stations