The 2026 Toyota BZ, formerly known as the BZ4X, offers improved battery range and decent pricing but falls short in driving experience, comfort, and fast charging capabilities. While it features predictable but dull handling and a somewhat uncomfortable interior, its safety tech can be intrusive. It seats five and comes in three trims with varying power and range options, but overall, it struggles to compete with other electric vehicles in its segment.
The 2026 Toyota BZ, previously known as the BZ4X, has undergone a name change due to its original name being unpopular and hard to remember. This review provides an in-depth look at the vehicle's features, performance, and overall driving experience.
The driving quality of the Toyota BZ is notably underwhelming. While it is predictable, this predictability is unfortunately negative. The vehicle feels dull, slow, and ponderous, making it unenjoyable to drive. It fails to deliver even a basic A to B driving satisfaction, reminiscent of the early Prius days where the main appeal was high fuel efficiency rather than driving pleasure.
Comfort is a significant issue in the Toyota BZ. The reviewer, standing 6'3" and weighing around 250 lbs, could not find a comfortable seating position for more than 20 minutes. This discomfort extends to passengers as well, with the reviewer's wife and children also unable to find a comfortable spot for longer drives. The seating adjustments and overall ergonomics feel slightly off, detracting from the vehicle's usability.
The safety technology in the Toyota BZ is intrusive and reminiscent of older Lexus models. The system frequently activates unnecessarily, causing constant beeping and alerts that can become annoying. Drivers may find themselves ignoring these warnings or disabling features to avoid the constant interruptions, which undermines the purpose of the safety tech.
On a positive note, the infotainment system is straightforward and easy to use, though it lacks sophistication. The ride quality benefits from the electric vehicle's low center of gravity and well-designed suspension, providing a smooth ride despite other shortcomings.
The 2026 model features an improved battery that increases the range by approximately 55 miles compared to the previous version. This enhancement brings the Toyota BZ closer to the range offered by competitors. However, a significant downside is the inability to achieve fast charging speeds. Attempts to fast charge using Tesla chargers or Electrify America stations were unsuccessful, limiting charging to level two speeds at home.
The Toyota BZ seats five and is roughly midsize, comparable to a midsize sedan but on the smaller side for an SUV. It is available in three trim levels:
The MSRP for the Toyota BZ trims are approximately:
Prices are expected to be heavily discounted due to slow sales. While pricing is reasonable for the segment, competitors offer better range, driving quality, and features.
The 2026 Toyota BZ shows some improvements over its predecessor, particularly in battery range. However, it remains a lackluster vehicle with poor driving dynamics, uncomfortable seating, and problematic safety technology. Its inability to fast charge on the road is a notable drawback. While it may suit some buyers, there are clearly better electric vehicle options available in the market today.
Overall, the Toyota BZ is not recommended for those seeking an engaging or comfortable electric vehicle experience, but it may still serve as a basic, eco-friendly transportation option for some.
