Latest news with #bZWoodland
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota Goes Rogue (And Rugged) With Its Latest Electric Adventure
Toyota's been treating the EV game like a chore—slow, reluctant, and a little grumpy, like a teen dodging trash duty. But something's shifted. With the all-electric 2026 bZ Woodland, they're not just showing up—they're strapping on the hiking boots and heading off-road with surprising swagger. Turns out, when Toyota finally gets moving, they know exactly how to do electric adventure right. Yep, it's electric. Yep, it's an SUV. And for once, Toyota didn't play it safe—they gave the bZ Woodland 375 horses, standard all-wheel drive, and torque that might make the Subaru Trailseeker question its purpose. This thing doesn't just plug in—it shows up, takes off, and tows 3,500 pounds of whatever you're brave enough to drag through the wilderness. All without spilling your oat milk latte. You'll get about 260 miles of range if conditions are just right. No, it won't rival a Rivian in a coast-to-coast clout chase—but it'll get you from L.A. to Big Bear without begging for volts behind a roadside diner. And yes, it's finally joined the cool crowd with a NACS port. That means charging at Tesla stations—30 minutes and you're good, assuming the universe is feeling generous. Now, let's talk vibes. The bZ Woodland looks like the bZ4X went full REI, hit the trails, and came back calling everyone 'dude.' It's longer, a bit taller, and wears black overfenders like a badge of honor. With over 30 cubic feet of cargo space, you've got room for a tent, your dog, and whatever social media says counts as an 'authentic outdoor experience' this week. Inside, it's classic Toyota—no gimmicks, no nonsense, just clean, comfy functionality. It feels familiar in the best way. You've got heated SofTex seats, a massive 14-inch touchscreen, and ambient lighting that turns your night drives into low-key synthwave concerts. Go for the Premium Package, and things get extra: JBL sound, a glass roof, ventilated seats, and front radiant heaters—basically moon-base luxury, minus the spacesuit. Yeah, Toyota showed up late to the EV party. But they rolled in with a bottle of bourbon, a Bluetooth speaker, and some surprisingly solid trail cred. The bZ Woodland isn't some EV revolution—but it is a sign that Toyota's finally leaning in. It's built to be driven, not just displayed: practical, punchy, and totally down for a dusty detour. Source: Toyota, HotCars
Car and Driver
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Toyota bZ Is Quicker, Nicer Inside, and a Better EV
At this point, year-by-year changes to electric vehicles are starting to follow a familiar template. You squeeze a bit more power out of the electric motors, you juice up the battery pack, you improve the charging system, and boom—you've got a more appealing product. Toyota is following this script with the 2026 bZ, a compact electric SUV that replaces the previous bZ4X, becoming a far more competitive model within the segment. The name change itself is the first notable tidbit, as it shows that Toyota is no longer committed to following an EV-specific naming pattern. The bZ moniker, which stands for "beyond Zero," will be applied only to this model—now sans 4X—and the upcoming bZ Woodland, a longer and more outdoorsy SUV sibling built on the same platform. Otherwise, the U.S. arm of the company is abandoning this global naming scheme that, in China for instance, includes a whole range of bZ-badged products such as bZ3 and bZ7 with numbers and suffixes denoting size and body style. Future EVs, like the recently unveiled C-HR, will use familiar names from elsewhere in the Toyota portfolio. View Photos Toyota Regardless of what it's called, the bZ remains twinned with the Subaru Solterra. This latest version undergoes a wholesale upgrade to its powertrain and other mechanical tidbits that addresses the previous bZ4X's biggest shortcomings: limited range, uncompetitive charging times, and low power output. Range estimates are improved on most models, thanks to a slightly more powerful battery pack with an estimated capacity of 67 kWh. Maximum range climbs from a previous high of 252 miles to a claimed 314 miles for the new front-wheel-drive XLE Plus model. And charging improvements come courtesy of a more powerful onboard charger (11.0 kilowatts, up from 6.6) and a new NACS (North American Charging System) port that allows the bZ to use Tesla Superchargers, though its max draw rate on a DC fast-charger is still capped at 150 kW. We had the chance to drive the new bZ back to back with the old bZ4X, and the new model feels more sprightly and lighter on its feet. The new dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration is particularly quick. It's not every day that you see a vehicle's power output jump up by over 50 percent, but the new 338-hp setup absolutely embarrasses the outgoing 214-hp dual-motor configuration. We got the old AWD car to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, and Toyota claims the new one can hit that mark in less than five seconds, which should put it in contention with other EVs in the class, including the all-wheel-drive versions of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volkswagen ID.4. View Photos Toyota The improvements to the driving experience are not just because of the extra power, either. We also drove the new base front-wheel-drive XLE model, which makes do with only a 168-hp motor and a smaller battery with only 52 kWh of estimated capacity. Although it's certainly slow, it illustrated that the updated bZ also rides and handles better than before. The steering effort is lighter and the suspension tuning firmer, leading to a more composed feel. If you opt for the XLE Plus or Limited FWD models, you get the bigger battery pack and a more powerful 221-hp front motor (up from 201 hp in the previous front-drive model). But unsurprisingly, the dual-motor car comes the closest to truly being fun to drive. The bZ's interior is improved as well, with a less obtrusive center console design and a more conventional digital gauge cluster binnacle in front of the driver. The seating position is still a bit weird, and the steering wheel can obstruct the view of the gauge cluster unless you adjust it a certain way. But overall, we like the new cabin more than the old one, as it feels airier and more spacious and also benefits from a larger center touchscreen. View Photos Toyota Overall, the bZ hasn't undergone an entirely transformative update, but these numerous changes do bring Toyota into competitive territory with other compact electric SUVs. Before, the bZ4X lagged rivals in terms of objective numbers like range, performance, and charging times as well as in terms of the subjective driving experience. While the bZ is still not a class leader, it makes up a considerable amount of ground and, if priced right, could become a more relevant mainstream player. Plus, it's no longer burdened with that clunky bZ4X name. View Photos Toyota Specifications Specifications 2026 Toyota bZ Vehicle Type: front- or front- and mid-motor, front- or all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon BASE PRICE (C/D EST) XLE, $42,000; Limited, $46,000 POWERTRAIN (FWD) Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 168 or 221 hp Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 52 or 67 kWh (C/D est) Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 150 kW Transmission: direct-drive POWERTRAIN (AWD) Front Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC Combined Power: 338 hp Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 67 kWh (C/D est) Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 150 kW Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 112.2 in Length: 184.6 in Width: 73.2 in Height: 65.0 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 54/40 ft3 Cargo Volume: 26–28 ft3 Curb Weight (C/D est): 4100–4500 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 4.8–7.8 sec 1/4-Mile: 12.8–16.2 sec 100 mph: 13.0–19.5 sec Top Speed: 110 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST) Combined/City/Highway: 93–115/95–100/85–105 MPGe Range: 235–314 mi Reviewed by Joey Capparella Deputy Editor, Rankings Content Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City. Read full bio
Miami Herald
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Toyota and Lexus to Merge EV, Hybrid Models Into Shared Platforms by 2026
Toyota and Lexus are looking at simplifying their ranges. They will transition away from separate standalone EVs and ICE vehicles. The plan is to build models that run either type of powertrain. For the past few years, the electric introductions have been unique models. It began with the bZ4X (soon to be renamed bZ) and follows with the bZ Woodland and 2026 C-HR EV. Lexus has the electric RZ, which for 2026 will get a steer-by-wire system and simulated gearshifts. Meanwhile the gas, hybrid and PHEV hybrid models have continued on their own platforms in their own bodies. Building specific EVs brings packaging advantages: a long wheelbase for a big battery and lots of passenger space. But it also brings problems. First, it means the number of models in dealerships rises enormously. That confuses consumers. Second, as the global EV transition proceeds at an unpredictable pace, the manufacturer can't effectively respond to demand. "We have been focused on a wide range [of vehicles], and that causes a complexity challenge," Andrea Carlucci, Toyota-Lexus European VP in charge of Marketing and Planning, told Autoblog. "We should simplify the number of silhouettes, with multiple powertrains. We are trying to navigate our way through it. We need to find a platform that's good for PHEV and HEV and EV." So the new Lexus ES shows the future direction. It's two cars with one nameplate and one body design. It's an EV and a hybrid. The platform, which Lexus codenames GA-K, can run both powertrains. Both hybrid and EV can be had with a choice of FWD or RWD. Crucially for the manufacturer, all versions come down the same line and share body and interior, so Lexus can be flexible in responding to changing ratios of EV to hybrid buyers. Carlucci claims the ES is "the right balance for a multi-energy car". That's despite the fact some commentators have noted it doesn't have a class-leading battery size or range. It's 77kWh, and a likely 300 miles. To fixate on huge batteries is to miss the point, says Lexus Europe's head of product and marketing management, Ayse Mert. She acknowledges many buyers are resisting the switch to electric. "But it's not about infrastructure or product. It's a new recurring behavior and many [in the industry] have underestimated this task." That task is to help people understand the difference between home charging and a weekly visit to the gas station. Don't worry, not all Toyota's nameplates will become powertrain-agnostic. Carlucci is quick to say, "I don't think simplification for its own sake is good. We won't simplify away the GR models. GR isn't just profit, it's intangible value to Toyota. And we won't stop the Land Cruiser." Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Miami Herald
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland is the Subaru Trailseeker's Twin
For an EV that wasn't getting much love, the revised bZ4X (renamed bZ for 2026) is the center of the brand's attention right now. For the 2026 model year, Toyota is adding a more rugged variant known as the bZ Woodland. No, the Woodland moniker isn't a trim level the way it is on the RAV4 and the Sienna. This time around, the bZ Woodland is its own model, and there's more to it than just a name. If it looks familiar, that's because the recently announced 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is its twin and will sell alongside the smaller Solterra. Here's what we know about the new bZ Woodland for 2026. The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland might look very similar to its shorter sibling, but it trades the standard bZ's new and more refined body-colored wheel arches for black cladding and mounts them over fresh 18-inch wheels with removable covers. Buyers can also choose all-terrain tires, while a smidge of a suspension lift adds 0.1 inch of ground clearance, for a total of 8.3 inches, matching the Trailseeker. Rugged black roof rails and flatter, reshaped taillights mimic those found on the Prius, Camry Hybrid, and the new electric CH-R. A larger quarter window hints at the model's increased overall length, up nearly six inches from the bZ's 184.6 inches to 190.2. Unlike the standard bZ, which offers both front- and all-wheel drive along with two battery choices, the Woodland provides a standard dual-motor AWD setup. It would be tough to back up the Woodland name with two-wheel drive. There will also be what's known as the X-MODE system, a function that allows the driver to flip a switch and select a mode according to the road conditions, which will automatically change to optimize brake control and power delivery at the wheels for improved control and traction. While you won't go bouldering in the Woodland, it can take more than just gravel trails. Whereas the standard bZ gets a 57.7-kWh battery pack, the Woodland boasts the same optional 74.7-kWh battery pack as the bZ with an estimated 260 miles of range. Like other models in the bZ family, the Woodland includes an NACS charging port, providing charging convenience at Tesla's robust Supercharger network. DC fast-charging from 10 to 80 percent takes about 30 minutes. In terms of performance, the Woodland is no slouch. It delivers 375 horsepower, 37 more than the standard AWD bZ. It should prove to be about as quick as the Subaru Trailseeker, which clocks in at 4.4 seconds from 0 to 60. Towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds, though range will drop significantly when hauling heavy loads, not atypical of most EVs. Cargo space is "over 30 cubic feet", according to Toyota, which is a little more than the bZ's 27.7 cubic feet. The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland comes with a Panoramic View Monitor with Multi-Terrain Monitor, SofTex-trimmed seating, a 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, dual wireless Qi charging, and ambient lighting. There's a single upgrade Premium Package that comes with a JBL Premium audio system, a large fixed glass panoramic roof, a digital rearview mirror that provides an unobstructed image of what's behind, ventilated front seats, a memory driver seat, and memory side view mirrors. Pricing for the bZ Woodland hasn't been announced, but it's expected to exceed the 2025 bZ4X XLE AWD's starting price of $40,545 (including $1,395 destination charge). Full specifications and pricing will be revealed closer to its launch in early 2026. It's great to see Toyota finally infusing life into its bZ line, and it couldn't come at a better time to boost the model's sales. Adding a larger, more rugged version to the lineup is a smart move, and simplifying the name can't hurt matters, either. The bZ Woodland has enough range to be compelling, and the additional power puts it up there with some of the quicker electric crossovers. While it won't satisfy real off-roaders, it's a compelling choice for eco-conscious families who want to do more than just cruise the boulevard and run weekend errands. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yomiuri Shimbun
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Toyota to Release New EV in U.S., Japan; Bz Woodland Sales to Begin in 2026
Courtesy of Toyota Motor Corp. Toyota Motor Corp.'s new electric vehicle bZ Woodland NEW YORK — Toyota Motor Corp. announced the company is set to launch a new electric SUV model in the United States and Japan in 2026. Together with the bZ and C-HR, a total of three Toyota-brand electric vehicle models will be sold in the United States. Toyota will be expanding its lineup of EVs alongside its best-selling hybrid vehicles. The upcoming bZ Woodland is as large as the bZ4X but offers a more spacious luggage area. The four-wheel drive car will boast a high power rating of 375 horsepower. The EV will be able to run about 420 kilometers fully charged and the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes. The car will be produced at Subaru Corp.'s Yajima Plant in Gunma Prefecture. The price remains unknown. The EV will be released as the bZ4X Touring in Japan in March 2026.
