The Toyota bZ4X gets a refresh, new name, more power and NACS plug in the US

Toyota is freshening up its North American lineup with a big update to its popular electric crossover. Formerly known as the bZ4X, the refreshed model will now simply be called the Toyota bZ and comes with a list of substantial improvements in power and driving range. The new version will arrive on American shores with a host of enhancements designed to make it a more compelling option.

The 2026 Toyota bZ finally gets a more assertive exterior design. While it keeps Toyota’s distinctive “hammerhead” front-end styling, it now has sharper LED headlights and more pronounced air intakes in the bumper, giving it a more dynamic look. Buyers can also choose from newly designed 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels. For those selecting the Wind Chill Pearl, Heavy Metal, or Black exterior paint colors, the bZ will also offer body-colored fenders.

Toyota has upgraded the technology and convenience features inside the bZ. A larger 14-inch infotainment touchscreen is now standard across all trim levels. The center console now includes dual wireless charging pads, and drivers can personalize the cabin ambiance with 64-color lighting. New paddle shifters behind the steering wheel allow drivers to adjust the level of regenerative braking, providing more control over energy recuperation.

But the biggest changes hide beneath the refreshed surface. While the Toyota bZ continues to use the same e-TNGA platform, the powertrain options have been improved. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) version now delivers 338 horsepower (252 kW) - that’s 120 hp more (or 55%) than the previous bZ4X. The front-wheel-drive model also sees a power boost, but it is a modest bump to 221 horsepower (165 kW), up from 201 horsepower. Similar to its predecessor, the AWD bZ includes the X-Mode function, which optimizes traction on slippery surfaces.

The Toyota bZ now offers a 25% increase in estimated driving range - up to 314 miles on a single charge. This improvement comes courtesy of a slightly larger 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, available for both FWD and AWD configurations. Toyota will also offer a base FWD model with a 57.7 kWh battery, providing an estimated range of 236 miles.

To improve the charging experience, the 2026 Toyota bZ comes now with a North American Charging System (NACS) port, granting owners access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. Toyota claims that the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes using a DC fast charger. The vehicle also incorporates a new battery preconditioning system to optimize charging efficiency.

The 2026 Toyota bZ will arrive at dealerships across the United States in the second half of the year. The lineup will include XLE and Limited trims, available in both FWD and AWD configurations, with the choice of two battery sizes. Pricing details will be announced closer to the official launch. Currently, the Toyota bZ is Toyota’s sole all-electric vehicle offering in the North American market, but the company plans to expand its EV portfolio with its own version of the Subaru Trailseeker.

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