Toyota’s electric vehicle is about to get a major upgrade. Here’s why it could use one

The Toyota bZ4X is the company’s first mass-produced electric SUV for North America. Toyota sold just 9,329 bZ4X models in 2023 and 18,570 in 2024, as reported by Electrek.com. To put that number into perspective, Hyundai sold 33,918 Ioniq 5 small electric SUV models in 2023 and 44,400 models in 2024.

The bZ4X hasn’t been a huge success compared to class rivals, but Toyota is breathing new life into the nameplate. Say hello to the bZ, which Toyota claims offers “more range, more technology, and more driving acceleration.”

The Toyota bZ4X is being outsold by rivals

When the Toyota bZ4X first hit the scene in 2022, competition in the small electric SUV segment was already fierce. Tesla was selling Model Ys like hotcakes internationally and Volkswagen was on its heels with the Volkswagen ID.4.

Hyundai Motor Company’s Hyundai and Kia brands both launched small electric SUVs: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. Even the Blue Oval joined in on the action with the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Despite being a global leader in hybrid vehicle production, Toyota was late to the battery electric vehicle party.

Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda “refused to give EV development top priority” according to Forbes. So, by the time the bZ4X was available, there were several alternatives that offered more power, range, and standard features.

Sales have improved, but the bZ4X doesn’t have a competitive edge over some of its biggest rivals. Hence Toyota’s decision to completely reintroduce the nameplate as the Toyota bZ.

Toyota announces new name and major upgrades for electric vehicle

The 2026 Toyota bZ drops the “4X” from its name. That’s far from the only change the Japanese company is making to its only fully-electric vehicle for the U.S. market.

The upcoming 2026 Toyota bZ also features an exterior redesign, more standard driving range, and some tech upgrades, according to CNBC. The nameplate is getting serious updates that will make the electric SUV more appealing.

Previous bZ4X models have been easily eclipsed by competitors, as reflected in sales numbers. A new design and improved performance specs could give the new bZ a better chance at competing with the best models in its segment.

What’s new for the 2026 Toyota bZ?

New 2026 Toyota bZ features, specs, and upgrades include (but aren’t limited to):

• Increased driving range (up 62 miles from 252 miles on a single charge to 314 miles)

• Standard NACS (North American Charging Standard) port, giving it access to Tesla superchargers

• Updated interior/exterior styling

• Quicker charging time (10%-80% in around 30 minutes via DC fast charging)

• Increased horsepower (221 for front-wheel drive, 338 for all-wheel drive)

Overall, Toyota is making major changes to its small electric SUV, from its name to its most important performance specs. Increased horsepower can give the EV better driving dynamics.

More driving range makes the SUV more convenient to drive. Finally, quicker charging times makes it more appealing for folks with range anxiety. We’ll have to wait and see how the 2026 Toyota bZ is received during the second half of this year. That said, its specs show great promise. Pricing for the 2026 Toyota bZ has yet to be released.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This Toyota EV is getting a rebrand and redesigned. Why it needed it