OJAI, CA – While some automakers scale back on electric vehicle investment and production, Toyota’s line of EVs in the United States will triple this spring.
The world’s largest automaker, Toyota was harshly criticized for adopting EV technology slowly, but the Japanese giant appears to be staying the course as smaller companies retrench.
The likely bestseller among a pair arriving in dealerships now, the 2026 bZ Woodland compact SUV adds room, power and capability to the smaller bZ that has been Toyota’s sole EV till now.
Toyota and Subaru cooperate on some vehicles, including EVs. Subaru will sell a nearly identical vehicle called the Trailseeker.
Subaru builds the bZ Woodland and Trailseeker in Yajima, Japan.
2026 Toyota bZ Woodland trim levels and prices
Source: ToyotaNote: All prices exclude $1,450 destination charge
How big? How powerful? How much?
The bZ Woodland is a stretched and more capable version of Toyota’s smaller bZ EV. It adds 5.6 inches of overall length — roughly equally divided between more rear legroom and cargo space. Ground clearance improves 0.2 inch.
The two electric motors deliver 375 horsepower total.
The bZ has a standard NACS charging port for compatibility with Tesla fast chargers. Every bZ Woodland comes with an adapter for CCS chargers.
The bZ’s 74.7kWh battery provides up to 281 miles range, according to EOPA estimates. DC fast charging takes the battery from 10%-80% in 30 minutes under ideal circumstances. Top DC charging speed is 150kW.
The 240v Level 2 chargers most EV owners use at home or work should charge the battery to 100% overnight.
The bZ Woodland competes with EVs like the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Hyundai Kona EV, VW ID and Volvo EX30 in addition to internal combustion models like the Equinox and Nissan Rogue and hybrid versions of the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and VW Tiguan.
Prices start at $45,300. All prices exclude $1,450 destination charge.
Driving impressions
All-terrain tires — a no-cost option — gave the bZ Woodland reasonable capability on a rutted dirt trail up to a scenic ocean view overlook miles inland from the coast.
The Woodland’s two electric motors deliver a combined 375 hp. Each delivers 198 pound-feet of torque.
The Woodland doesn’t have any skid plates or other off-road gear, but precise control of the motors’ generous torque output provided excellent traction on the steep trail and over hollows and humps Toyota created to demonstrate the SUV’s capability.
On the road, the bZ is quiet and comfortable, with responsive steering and plenty of power for passing.
The front seats are comfortable. There’s good storage in the center console.
The 14-inch touch screen is clear and responsive. In my preferred driving position, the steering wheel impeded visibility of the small — 7-inch — gauge cluster’s lower portion, an unfortunate design.
2026 Toyota bZ Woodland key features
Why buy a 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland?
The 2026 bZ Woodland brings Toyota’s sterling reputation for quality and reliability to an EV in one of the most popular vehicle classes. It’s got generous power and a modicum of off-road capability.
Its built-in NACS charging port provides access to Tesla’s lauded DC charging network for long drives. Toyota’s inclusion of a no-adapter for CCS DC chargers makes both fast charging networks available, at a savings of up to $250 from what other automakers charge for their approved adapters.
2026 Toyota bZ Woodland at a glance
All-wheel-wheel drive electric compact SUV
Seats 5
On sale: February 2026
Base price: $45,300. All prices exclude $1,450 destination charge
Model tested: bZ Woodland AWD Premium
Price as tested: $47,400
Power: Two electric motors, one on each axle
Output: 375 hp
Transmission: Single-speed direct drive automatic
EPA estimated range: 281 miles
Battery capacity: 74.7 kWh
Estimated charging time: 30 minutes 10-80% @ 150kW DC fast charging
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length: 190.2 inches
Width: 73.2 inches (without mirrors)
Height: 65.9 inches (with antenna)
Ground clearance: 8.4 inches
Curb weight: 4,500 pounds (4,545 as tested)
Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
Passenger volume: 95 cubic feet
Cargo: 33.8 cubic feet behind rear seat; 74.3 cubic feet behind front seat
Assembled in Yajima, Japan
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Toyota adds new bZ Woodland EV in popular segment as others retreat
Reporting by Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
