2026 Toyota bZ First Drive: Life Is About Second Chances

•    Auto123 gets in a first drive of the 2026 Toyota bZ.

Plano, TX – Toyota is the world champion of hybrids. However, the world's largest automaker was slow to embrace all-electric vehicles and had an awkward start. An unpronounceable model name, below-average range, inability to charge in cold weather. The first iteration of the bZ4X was not a success.

For 2026, Toyota is making a comeback, dropping the unnecessary consonants and simply naming its SUV the bZ (phew!), as if to say: "Here at last is an EV you can remember... and easily recharge."

2026 Toyota bZ - What's new?

The 2026 Toyota bZ is like a Season 2 of a series that has read and noted all the Season 1 reviews. The result: more power, more range, faster charging, and – a miracle! – a NACS-compatible charging port (thank you, Elon).

Add to that battery preconditioning for cold climates, regenerative paddles on the steering wheel, and a fresh new style, and you have a serious proposition.

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