The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland takes the battery electric compact crossover SUV and raises it, offers all-terrain tires, and a towing capacity of 3500 lbs.
Just a couple of days ago, Toyota revealed the updated, 2026 bZ, replete with a new name. It replaces the new for 2023 bZ4X and added several important updates. It now comes with the North American Charging System or NACS port, a larger lithium-ion battery pack, and quite a bit more power for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) equipped models. Additionally, Toyota sped up charging times to “around 30 minutes” for a 10-80 percent run on a fast charger. Now, we get a new trim of bZ, this Woodland.
The Woodland takes the updates and goes even further. Literally! The bZ stretches nearly 6-in further—from nose to tail—than the standard model. Also taller, it spans just under an inch closer to the sky. That puts the Woodland right around 190-in long and 66-in tall, based on the standard model’s dimensions. Among other things, that allows much more cargo room behind the second row, more than 30 cubic feet, according to Toyota.
Distinct Styling
Other than the increased footprint, the bZ Woodland offers other unique styling cues. To start, where the standard model went body color all the way down to the wheel arches, the Woodland brings back the black ends, or over-fenders. It fits the general vibe, but I prefer body color. No matter, it pairs well with 18-in wheels, which matches the XLE trim. But the optional all-terrain tires definitely do not. Finally, a standard set of roof-rails attach to the roof.
Off-Road Prowess
Similar to the Toyota Sienna Woodland minivan, do not think of the bZ version as your next Moab crusader, more of a nice nudge to venture towards more remote trailheads, or nicer vistas to view a sunset. You do get standard AWD. And Toyota includes something called X-mode, (inspired by Subaru X-mode, perhaps) it works like an off-road drive mode, of sorts. X-mode tailors torque distribution and brake application to suit different driving conditions.
Along the same vein, this adventurous bZ includes a panoramic view monitor and multi-terrain monitor, to allow you to more easily see and avoid driving hazards. An additional 0.2-in of ground clearance, 8.3-in, helps avoid problems as well. If you select the all-terrain tire, that will help further, certainly. But perhaps the most impressive spec, Toyota says feel free to tow up to 3500 lbs. with this bZ. That also matches the much larger Sienna Woodland.
Potent Powertrain
Then again, who knows how that will affect range, which already sinks beneath the standard bZ. Without towing, the Woodland will travel up to 260 miles on a single charge, verses 299 miles for the best performing AWD standard bZ. Both use the same 74.7 kWh battery pack. The larger footprint and roof rails likely explain much of the difference.
On the plus side, Toyota found a way to ramp up horsepower. You get a full 375 HP to play with, or 37 more than the standard AWD bZ. Nice. Toyota claims 0-60 mph in around five seconds for the standard model, I imagine the added horsepower more than compensates for the added weight of this one and shed a tenth of two off that time.
Luxury inside
Inside the Woodland, it largely matches its standard counterpart. You get a 14-in center display and dual wireless smartphone chargers, for example. Toyota upholstered the seats in Softex and the fronts come heated as standard. The Woodland will get a premium package offering, which adds: JBL Premium Audio, ventilated front seats, panoramic moonroof, front radiant heaters, and more. I do not know how much it will cost.
Summary
Bold move to see a more off-road friendly version of the battery electric compact crossover. I’m quite curious to see how it feels to drive. I expect it to make to dealers in the second half of 2025, just like the standard bZ. And I will start asking to review on around the same time.
