Toyota is making vital strides in its electrical automobile technique after years of being perceived as an business laggard. This week, the corporate introduced two new fashions: the upgraded 2026 bZ and the sportier C-HR. As well as, Toyota is introducing a 3rd EV, the bZ Woodland—an off-roader that shares its mechanical similarities with the well-received Subaru Trailseeker EV showcased on the New York Auto Present.
As the biggest automaker globally by gross sales quantity, Toyota has a wealthy historical past of manufacturing off-road automobiles. Nevertheless, it has lacked a mannequin that caters to environmentally acutely aware shoppers—till now. The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland will be part of Toyota’s TRD Professional and Trailhunter editions of the 4Runner and Tacoma, however with a deal with electrical energy.
It is necessary to notice that this isn’t the manufacturing model of the bZ5 Fieldgo Idea unveiled on the Shanghai Auto Present in April. Whereas the bZ Woodland retains the 2026 bZ platform, it incorporates substantial off-road enhancements. It contains a bigger battery, elevated vary, and extra highly effective motors, offering spectacular path capabilities.
The bZ Woodland boasts customary all-wheel drive powered by twin electrical motors using silicon carbide semiconductors, producing a mixed output of 375 horsepower. Though Toyota has not disclosed particular efficiency metrics just like the 0-60 mph time, given its mechanical similarities to the Trailseeker EV, count on it to be round 4.4 seconds.
This mannequin is six inches longer than the usual bZ, providing 30 cubic ft of cargo house, and has 8.3 inches of floor clearance—an inch greater than the common bZ. It additionally has a towing capability of three,500 kilos, distinctive 18-inch aluminum wheels with detachable covers, although all-terrain tires can be found solely as an possibility.
For journey fans, the bZ Woodland options an X-Mode that enhances brake management and energy supply to the wheels, enhancing traction. A part of the X-Mode is Grip Management, which maintains a continuing velocity by modulating the e-motor output, akin to a low-range gearbox in conventional automobiles.
Design enhancements embody black physique cladding, roof rails, and entrance and rear skid plates, contributing to a rugged aesthetic just like that of the Trailseeker. Nevertheless, as a result of off-road modifications, the estimated vary is barely decreased to 260 miles per full cost, in comparison with 314 miles for the front-wheel-drive model. The bZ Woodland will come outfitted with a Tesla-developed NACS charging port for handy charging station entry.
Moreover, options like plug-and-charge, battery preconditioning, and route planning will improve the general charging expertise in comparison with the present bZ4X mannequin. The utmost charging velocity is 150 kW, permitting for a 10-80% cost in round half-hour, promising a extra environment friendly charging curve than its predecessor.
The 2026 bZ will likely be accessible for order within the U.S. within the latter half of this 12 months, whereas the C-HR and the bZ Woodland will launch early subsequent 12 months. Pricing particulars will likely be revealed nearer to the launch date, nevertheless it’s clear that Toyota’s electrical automobile ambitions are actually gaining momentum.
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