Toyota is expanding its electric vehicle offerings with the 2026 bZ Woodland, a larger, more rugged version of its bZ electric crossover, set to arrive in March with a starting price of $46,750, including destination fees. The launch is part of a broader push by the automaker to address criticism of its slow entry into the EV market, with the compact C-HR and three-row Highlander also slated for release this year.
The bZ Woodland distinguishes itself with a wagon-like silhouette and increased interior space, offering 74.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded – approximately eight cubic feet more than the standard bZ model. It features 8.4 inches of ground clearance and a standard dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 375 horsepower, enabling a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.4 seconds, according to Toyota.
The vehicle was co-developed with Subaru, which will market its own version, the Trailseeker. Both models are built on Toyota’s 400-volt e-TNGA platform. During a test drive in Ojai, California, the bZ Woodland demonstrated capable performance on off-road terrain, utilizing X-Mode settings to manage braking and torque delivery for improved grip, according to a report by InsideEVs.
The bZ Woodland’s EPA-estimated range is 281 miles on a 74.7-kilowatt-hour battery. While respectable, this falls short of the 300-mile range offered by some competitors. Charging performance peaks at 150 kilowatts, allowing for a 10-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes using a native Tesla-style NACS charging port. The availability of no-cost all-terrain tires reduces the estimated range to 260 miles.
Toyota has addressed some of the shortcomings of its earlier EV efforts, such as the bZ4X, which faced criticism for limited range and slow charging speeds. The bZ Woodland represents an improvement in these areas, though it still lags behind some rivals in charging technology.
Despite the improvements, the bZ Woodland exhibits some notable omissions. It lacks a frunk (front trunk) and a glove box. The vehicle’s software interface, while responsive on its 14-inch touchscreen, is considered less advanced than those offered by competitors like General Motors, Hyundai, Tesla and Rivian. Notably, the system does not include a built-in route planner to automatically identify and incorporate charging stops into navigation, nor does it offer a one-tap shortcut to locate charging stations.
Toyota plans to incorporate a new user interface, currently debuting in the RAV4, into future models, which the company says will offer app integration and represent a significant upgrade. The bZ Woodland’s digital gauge cluster is positioned far back, functioning similarly to a heads-up display, a feature favored by some drivers.
The bZ Woodland’s arrival positions Toyota to compete in a growing segment of the EV market, offering a more versatile and capable option than many of the smaller, more compact electric crossovers currently available.