Toyota Expands EV Lineup with Rugged bZ Woodland

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Toyota is expanding its electric vehicle lineup by introducing a new variant of the recently launched bZ, formerly known as the bZ4X. This new model, called the bZ Woodland, brings a rugged twist to the electric crossover and is treated as a distinct model rather than just a trim level, setting it apart from the original bZ and Toyota’s other EVs like the C-HR. This approach follows Toyota’s trend of offering tougher versions of their vehicles, similar to what has been done with the Sienna minivan and the outgoing RAV4.

Toyota bZ Woodland

The bZ Woodland draws inspiration from the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker, featuring a more adventurous design with black cladding replacing the body-colored wheel arches and new 18-inch alloy wheels. These wheels come with removable covers and can be paired with optional all-terrain tires, enhancing the vehicle's off-road capabilities. A slight suspension lift adds 0.1 inch of ground clearance, raising the total to 8.3 inches. Additional rugged touches include chunky roof rails and redesigned, flatter taillights. Compared to the standard bZ, the Woodland is larger, having been stretched nearly six inches in length and gaining almost an inch in rear height. This results in an increase in cargo space, now over 30 cubic feet with the rear seats up—an increase of 2.3 cubic feet.

The new model also offers a Premium Package that adds features such as a fixed panoramic glass roof, a digital rearview mirror, a JBL sound system, and ventilated front seats with memory settings for the driver. Color options include a new Stepping Stone shade, alongside existing colors like Trueno Blue, Raven Black, Pavement, Steel, and Halo. Pricing for the Woodland is yet to be announced but is expected to be higher than the outgoing 2025 bZ4X XLE AWD, which starts at \$40,545 including destination fees. Toyota plans to release full pricing details closer to the model’s market launch scheduled for early 2026. The bZ Woodland will also reach Europe and Japan in spring under the name bZ4X Touring. Meanwhile, the standard bZ versions will arrive in dealerships in the latter half of this year, with pricing details pending but expected to rise slightly above the current \$38,465 starting price for the base XLE FWD.

bZ Woodland

Mechanically, the Woodland simplifies the lineup by featuring a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system paired with the larger 74.7-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This setup offers an estimated driving range of 260 miles, which is slightly less than other AWD trims like the Limited AWD (278 miles) and XLE AWD (288 miles). The bZ Woodland supports North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports, enabling access to Tesla Superchargers with DC fast charging that can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 30 minutes.

Performance-wise, the bZ Woodland is the most powerful in the lineup, with its electric motors producing a combined 375 horsepower—37 more than the regular AWD model. While Toyota has not revealed official acceleration times, it’s expected to be quick, similar to the Trailseeker’s 0–60 mph sprint in 4.4 seconds. Additionally, the Woodland has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, matching the shorter bZ, though towing heavy loads will notably reduce its driving range. This new variant marks Toyota’s ongoing commitment to electrification while blending utility and style for adventurous drivers.

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