The new 2026 Toyota bZ has an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 314 miles, but real-world testing suggests it can go even further.
Toyota bZ beats range estimates in real-world tests
Toyota upgraded its electric SUV, formerly known as the bZ4X, for the 2026 model year, focusing on the areas drivers are looking for most.
The 2026 bZ now offers an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 314 miles, a 25% improvement from the outgoing version.
It also features faster charging and a native NACS port, enabling drivers to recharge at Tesla’s vast network of Superchargers.
In the real world, Toyota’s electric SUV will likely be able to drive even further. During Edmunds‘ real-world range test, the 2026 Toyota bZ XLE Plus beat its EPA-estimated range by 17 miles, covering 331 miles on a single charge.
While it was still short of the FWD Chevy Equinox EV, which drove 356 miles, and the Tesla Model Y Standard, which drove 337 miles, the bZ ranked ahead of many competitors Edmunds tested, including the Honda Prologue Elite AWD (320 miles), Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S (299 miles), and Nissan Ariya (265 miles).
The Edmunds EV range test is designed to offer a more accurate estimate of the vehicle’s range in real-world conditions. It consists of 60% city and 40% highway driving with an average speed of 40 mph. The car stays within 5 miles of the posted speed limit, is set at its most efficient setting, and the climate control is set on auto at 72 degrees.
The bZ was also more efficient than its official EPA ratings, consuming 23.3 kWh of electricity per 100 miles. That’s an 11.4% improvement compared to the EPA’s 26 kWh per 100 miles.
Unlike the base XLE trim, the Plus model is powered by the larger 74.7 kWh battery. The cheapest 2026 bZ XLE starts at just $34,900, but uses a smaller 57.7 kWh battery, good for 236 miles of range.
Starting at just $37,900, or $3,000 more, the Plus trim is still an affordable option for those looking for a longer-range vehicle.
| 2026 Toyota bZ trim | Battery | Range | Starting Price* |
| XLE FWD | 57.7 kWh | 236 miles | $34,900 |
| XLE FWD Plus | 74.7 kWh | 314 miles | $37,900 |
| XLE AWD | 74.7 kWh | 288 miles | $39,900 |
| Limited FWD | 74.7 kWh | 299 miles | $43,300 |
| Limited AWD | 74.7 kWh | 278 miles | $45,300 |
After launching the upgraded 2026 bZ, Toyota’s electric SUV has suddenly become one of the most popular EVs in the US. In the first quarter, it was the third-best-selling EV behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.
Toyota now offers three electric SUVs, including the smaller C-HR and off-road-focused bZ Woodland Touring. Later this year, it will add the three-row Highlander EV.
Ready to see one for yourself? You can use the links below to find deals on available 2026 Toyota bZ, C-HR, and bZ Woodland models closest to you.
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