Toyota Motor's 2026 bZ Woodland: Rugged AWD EV, 281-Mile Range, $45,300

TOKYO — Toyota Motor Corp is rolling out a rugged variant of its battery-electric bZ family aimed at buyers who want off-road capability without sacrificing everyday comfort. The 2026 bZ Woodland arrives at U.S. dealerships in March 2026 with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price starting at $45,300, excluding dealer fees. Toyota positions the model as a more adventure-ready bZ sibling, expanding its BEV lineup with a focus on utility, towing and all-weather traction rather than performance-grade sportiness.

The Woodland ships as a standard all-wheel‑drive SUV with Toyota’s X‑MODE system and a combined output of 375 horsepower, delivering the sort of low-end torque that suits light off‑road and towing duties. Toyota rates the midsize BEV at an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 281 miles, which decreases to about 260 miles when owners fit the optional all‑terrain tires. The vehicle supports DC fast charging from 10–80% in around 30 minutes under ideal conditions through a North American Charging System (NACS) port, providing access to thousands of U.S. fast chargers.

Practicality and durability underpin the Woodland’s design. It offers 74.3 cubic feet of rear cargo space with the second row folded, an 8.4‑inch ride height, rugged black overfenders, roof rails and a multi‑terrain panoramic view monitor. Toyota increases exterior length by nearly six inches and adds almost an inch of rear height compared with the standard bZ model to boost cargo and passenger room. The SUV is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds and comes with interior features such as SofTex‑trimmed seats, a 14‑inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, dual wireless charging and ambient lighting; a Premium trim adds JBL audio, ventilated front seats with memory, a panoramic moonroof and front radiant heaters.

Dealer preparation and consumer choice are immediate considerations as the Woodland joins Toyota’s electrified offerings. The March rollout gives U.S. dealers time to adjust inventory, marketing and order-taking plans, and provides consumers a new price-and-capability entry point in the growing midsize electric SUV segment. Toyota’s continued use of the bZ nameplate reinforces its branding strategy for BEVs and signals the company’s intent to broaden appeal beyond urban-focused electric models.

The Woodland’s adoption of the NACS connector also reflects a broader industry alignment around charging standards in North America, easing access to public fast chargers for buyers and reducing a practical hurdle for EV adoption. Observers say Toyota’s next communications on battery capacity, warranty and trim-specific specs will be important for comparisons with rival rugged electric SUVs entering the market.