2026 Toyota bZ4X Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
Although it’s always been a leader with gas-electric hybrids, Toyota hasn’t been so successful with all-electric vehicles. That’s indicated by the bZ4X, which arrived for 2023 with an unusual design, bizarre cabin layout, and deficient charging performance and driving range. For 2026, Toyota aims to right some of those wrongs by applying a slate of changes to the bZ4X. Rivals include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Volkswagen ID4.
Euro-spec model pictured
What’s New
●Smaller and larger battery options introduced
●More powerful motor choices
●Battery preconditioning added
●Faster charging potential
●Revised dashboard layout
●Updated exterior design details
What We Think
The bZ4X always felt like a car Toyota had to build, not a car Toyota wanted to build. The automaker knew that it should build an EV SUV to have an option in an expanding segment and contribute to its fleet emissions goals. But, like an angsty high schooler rushing through procrastinated homework, Toyota built an EV that met the minimum requirements but not much more. That could change with the bZ4X for 2026—but the update might not be enough.
To the bZ4X’s credit, it looks like Toyota has tried to make things better. The driver’s display is now larger and appears better positioned. There’s better use of space on the dashboard, which now offers dual wireless chargers. Noise levels and vibrations are promised to be improved. Thankfully, the 2026 bZ4X is expected to offer more range.
Trouble is, the factors that were improved were so deficient before, they seem only perhaps competitive now—not leading. We’ll know more when we drive the 2026 bZ4X, but Toyota really dug itself into a hole with the original model.
Range, Charging, and Performance
In Europe, the 2026 bZ4X will offer two batteries. Additionally, a new onboard charger should allow for higher charging speeds.
A 73.1-kWh battery (larger than the previous 71.4-kWh and 72.8-kWh options we had previously) can be paired with a FWD motor or dual-motor AWD system. With FWD, it produces about 221 hp, and with AWD, it delivers approximately 338 hp. Based on range improvements for the European model, the FWD variant could now achieve around 282 miles on the EPA cycle, an improvement from the previous 252-mile rating. The AWD version could hit 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds.
Although unlikely to come to the U.S., a small battery option has 57.7 kWh of capacity and is paired with a FWD motor producing 165 hp. Rather than long range or high performance, this option is likely meant as a budget-oriented option.
Safety Ratings and Features
In its most recent testing for 2025, the bZ4X received a five-star overall crash safety score from NHTSA, the best possible. It also got the top Good score in every IIHS test it was subjected to.
The 2026 bZ4X will include driver assist and active safety features such as front automatic emergency braking, side cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Although cargo capacity is fairly similar to its segment competitors, the bZ4X provides less second-row legroom for passengers.
Technology
Part of the bZ4X updates for 2026 is a relocation of the driver’s display screen, which was once small and awkwardly placed behind the steering wheel. Now, that screen is larger, but we’ll need to sit in the car to determine if it’s a better ergonomic solution. Additionally, the infotainment touchscreen—still measuring up to 14.0 inches—appears mounted slightly higher up, and has updated physical control knobs; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. On the center console, dual wireless charging pads are available to supplement the standard USB ports. Higher-end models upgrade from the standard six-speaker audio system to a 14-speaker JBL premium setup.
Subaru Solterra vs. Toyota bZ4X: What’s the Difference?
Not much. The Solterra and bZ4X are nearly identical. Design-wise, the platform mates look very similar, albeit with badges and cues unique to their respective manufacturers. Being a Subaru, the Solterra has a higher ride height and standard AWD for getting off the beaten path. Otherwise, the Solterra is pretty much exactly like the bZ4X, although that could change as each automaker updates its version of the EV for 2026.
