This is the new 2026 Toyota bZ and on paper, it looks as though Toyota has been listening. It’s gained some meaningful tweaks over the previous model year but the real question is: is this updated bZ worth your money or is it still the safe but slightly dull option in a crowd of loud and flashy EVs?
Performance
Motors – By far the biggest change to the 2026 Toyota bZ is what’s underneath the skin. Just like before, it’s available with either FWD or AWD. However, the FWD version has lost power. It’s now down to 168 hp & 198 lb-ft of torque (125 kW & 268 Nm). But the AWD version has gained power, a lot of it. It’s now up to 338 hp & 250 lb-ft of torque (252 kw & 339 Nm) which is a big jump from last year’s 214 hp.
Toyota claims 0–100 km/h in about 5 seconds, which means this family crossover is secretly as quick as a hot hatch from not that long ago. Put your foot down, and there’s that instant EV shove, but what’s surprising is how Toyota’s tuned the power delivery. It doesn’t immediately slap your head into the headrest; it surges, then builds, feeling more refined.
Battery, Range, & Charging – In addition to the more powerful electric motors, on this AWD version at least, the 2026 Toyota bZ also gets more range. The old one could barely do 350 km but now, it’s roughly the same as… every other EV. The FWD has the least amount of range at just 380 km (236 Miles). But move up to the XLE AWD and you’ll be getting up to 468 km (290 Miles). This Limited trim with its big 20-inch wheels, can manage up to 436 km (271 Miles) of range. I averaged an efficiency rating of 19.8 kWh/100km (3.14 Miles/kWh)
The FWD version gets a 57.7 kWh battery pack while the AWD version gets a 77 kWh battery. Both are capable of charging up to 150 kW with the smaller battery taking just under 30 minutes from 10% to 80% and the bigger battery taking about 35 minutes for the same state of charge. The onboard charger has also been upgraded to 11 kW from the pedestrian 6.6 kW of the previous model year. So, level 2 charging takes roughly 6 to 8 hours, depending on which battery you go for.
Braking – Being a Toyota, the bZ has smooth and easy to modulate brakes. The brake pedal doesn’t move on its own in the stronger regenerative braking modes and it feels firm when applying a lot of force to it.
Speaking of regenerative modes, they can be adjusted through the steering wheel mounted paddles but the 2026 bZ does not have a one-pedal mode. The level 4 regen braking provides strong enough deceleration to slow the car down at a gradual pace but it will not completely stop the car.
Handling – As for the driving dynamics, well, it’s a Toyota, and not one with a GR badge on the back. So steering is light and numb feeling but precise. Body roll is nicely controlled, and the low center of gravity from the battery pack keeps it feeling planted when you flick it through a corner.
Comfort
Ride Comfort – Ride comfort is more “soft‑roader” than “EV performance crossover.” The suspension soaks up most urban abuse, and only the very sharpest potholes will make it into the cabin. I also found the seats to be comfortable for longer journeys with just enough padding to prevent my butt from going numb.
Interior Space – As for space, it’s pretty good. There’s plenty of it up here in the front for my 6’4” height. Behind my driving position, my knees gently rub against the back of the front seat but it’s not too bad. Headroom is ok with my hair just brushing lightly against the headliner.
In the trunk, there’s 784 L (27.7 cu-ft) of cargo space behind the seats with a tiny bit more underneath the floor for small items. Drop down the rear seats and the cargo capacity increases to 1,611 L (56.9 cu-ft). The bZ does not have a frunk and it uses a tire repair kit instead of a spare wheel.
Noise, Vibration, & Harshness – At highway speeds, wind and road noise are well contained, and without an engine buzzing away, you really notice how much work Toyota has done to keep the interior quiet. Nothing rattles or squeaks so it feels like a solid built interior.
Odds and Ends
Pricing – How much does the updated 2026 Toyota bZ cost? Well, it’s actually a little bit less than before, which is quite rare these days. It now starts at $45,990 CAD ($34,900 USD)with this top spec Limited trim costing $61,690 CAD ($43,300 USD).
Gadgets – As for features, it has heated & ventilated front seats along with a heated steering wheel and radiant heaters for your legs. These are actually pretty nice to use. There’s also heated rear seats, surround view cameras, a digital rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, dual wireless phone chargers, and a 64-colour ambient lighting system.
Interior Design – Inside, the 2026 bZ has had a light makeover as well. There’s a new center console with dual wireless phone charging pads, big knobs for the climate control, and a larger 14-inch touchscreen.
But the first thing that most people will notice is the placement of the 7-inch driver display. It sits right at the bottom of the windshield, almost like a faux head up display. It looks a bit odd at first, but once you adjust the seat and wheel, it’s actually really easy to read without taking your eyes off the road. Granted, if you’re the type that likes to hold the steering wheel at the 12 position, you won’t be able to see it. Either way, you shouldn’t be holding the steering wheel like that anyway.
Exterior Design – Toyota has gone all in with what they call the “hammerhead” front end. It has the same slim LED daytime running lights as the Prius and the headlights have been moved slightly lower which allows them to project the light a bit further down the road. Around back, it looks basically the same as before with a split roof mounted spoiler, same tail lights, but the “4X” part of the badge is gone.
Safety – On the safety side, you get the latest Toyota safety sense suite, which includes Full‑Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Proactive Driving Assist. On top of that, there’s a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross‑Traffic Alert, Safe Exit Alert to stop you opening a door into a cyclist, plus Front Cross‑Traffic Alert and Advanced Park on this Limited trim.
Warranty – The 2026 Toyota bZ is covered by a 3 year / 60,000 km basic and 5 year / 100,000 km powertrain warranty. The electrical components are covered by an 8 year / 160,000 km warranty while the battery itself is covered by a 10 year / 240,000 km warranty. For more information on Canadian warranty, click here. For information on USA warranty, click here. (Scroll to bottom of page)
Conclusion – On the surface, the 2026 Toyota bZ is exactly what you’d expect. It’s a sensible, efficient, well-equipped Toyota electric crossover. But dig a bit deeper and there’s a bit more to it. It’s now much faster than before, it can drive a lot further than before, it’s quieter, practical, and loaded with tech that makes everyday life easier. Additionally, the addition of faster charging and new battery pre-conditioning makes it far more usable in colder climates like Canada.
Thank you to Toyota Canada for providing the 2026 bZ. www.Toyota.ca
2026 Toyota bZ Gallery
