This week I bring you the most powerful electric vehicle in Toyota's lineup - the new 2026 bZ Woodland. I have to say, it impresses as a roomy family crossover with more than just rugged looks, but also the power and the right amount of capability to back them up.
Woodland is available in two grades: a base model and my test vehicle the top-range Premium. My test model wears an all-new Stepping Stone hue and rides on optional all-terrain tires, available on both grades.
The Woodland is nearly 6-inches longer than the standard bZ and slightly higher in the rear. It adds more ground clearance, too.
Exterior features that distinguish it from the standard bZ lineup include Woodland badging, black roof rails, 18-inch alloy wheels with black aero cover with optional wheel locks, and rugged black overfenders.
Standard exterior features include memory and reverse tilt side mirrors, LED headlights and daytime running lights up front, and LED tail lights, A rear spoiler and rear lower diffuser round out the tail end.
Here's where the Woodland really delivers. It's dual-motor EV powertrain produces an impressive 375-horsepower and 396 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful bZ in the lineup - and Toyota's most powerful EV ever. Toyota cites a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds. Horsepower is indeed a huge boost over the FWD's 221 and a nice-size bumped over the standard all-wheel drive's 338.
Interior
The bZ's cabin gains great design updates for 2026 for a more upscale, less bulky look. Updates include a slimmed-down dashboard and a new center console design. Standard 64 ambient color lighting is also new to the lineup this year.
The cabin features well-designed, comfortable SoftTex-trimmed seats. The driver's seat is 8-way power - the passenger's seat is 6-way manual. Both seats are heated - the Premium adds ventilated front seats along with front-seat radiant foot and leg heaters. A top-mounted 7-inch digital driver display is unchanged.
A redesigned floating center console with a dial-style shift knob ditches much of its glossy black for a matte black for an all-around sleeker look. The new design also incorporates new dual-wireless charging pads and a new cupholder design. I've previously noted the dual-hinged console bin now opens from the sides instead of the front, which I found was an easier reach. Four USB-C ports are standard.
The Woodland benefits from the lineup's newly standard 14-inch multimedia screen that runs Toyota last-generation multimedia system. It's compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible; new-for-2026, Toyota BEVs can enable Apple Maps EV Routing via Apple CarPlay for help with trip planning.
A roomy second-row features 60/40 reclining fold-flat seats, a drop-down center-console with cupholders, soft-touch seat backs, heated rear outboard seats and A/C vents.
Premium-only features also include a 9-speaker JBL Premium Audio system, a fixed glass panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, a driver memory setting, and a digital rearview mirror.
The Woodland's longer dimensions means more cargo space than the standard bZ lineup. A tonneau cover is standard as is Woodland-badged all-weather floor mats and cargo liner.
Charging and Range
The bZ is updated with a larger battery for 2026 which means more range. When outfitted with optional all-terrain tires, the bZ Woodland AWD delivers 260-miles of range on a charge. Compare that to 281 without the all-terrain tires, 288 for the XLE AWD and 314 for the XLE Plus. Note range differs depending on AC use. In one case, while charging, it noted 109 miles with AC running and 131 miles without.
The bZ's new-for-2026 NACS charging port is a welcome update as well as Plug & Charge capability that helps simplify charging after you enroll through the Toyota App. The charging rate (kWh) is fastest before you hit 80% when it slows down - which is typical of EVS. In real-world charging, I spent $21.37 charging from 49% to 89%.
Toyota cites a 30-minute DC Fast-Charging time (10-80%). Level Two charging takes 7 hours. The Woodland comes standard with an 11 kW onboard charger and dual-voltage Level 1/Level 2 charging.
Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters control four-level regenerative braking.
Ride and Drive
The bZ's ride and drive are both terrific. Acceleration and power impresses. A comfortable suspension gives it a smooth ride and it's one of Toyota's quietest rides, too.
The Woodland adds X MODE to its drive modes, for enhanced control and traction, and Grip Control can be activated and used at low speeds to enhance capability and to react to road surface characteristics. Off-the-beaten path features include a Panoramic View Monitor with Multi-Terrain Monitor.
Safety
The 2026 bZ lineup is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with pre-collision, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist and ProActive Driving Assist. It's additionally equipped with Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, front and rear parking assist with auto brake, and safe exit alert.
Options and What You'll Pay
Options include the all-terrain tires (no cost), cross bars ($350), wheel locks ($105), Rear Hatch Cargo Lights ($275), and Adventure Tow Package ($1,268). Add it all up and the Woodland AWD is quite a bit more expensive than the bZ XLE FWD I reviewed earlier this year, priced about $10K more. But keep in mind it's the top level Woodland trim loaded with convenience features and offers more capability with AWD, along with a towing package.
Verdict
The Woodland is a terrific addition to the bZ lineup - adding a dose of excitement with its impressive power and rugged looks. While it's no Toyota 4Runner in the off-road department, it's versatile and offers enjoyable capability for the family looking for a bit of adventure.
2026 Toyota bZ Woodland Premium