Automotive
Toyota is adding some real edge to its EV lineup with the first-ever Toyota bZ Woodland, a new all-electric SUV that leans harder into utility and trail-ready design than the standard bZ. It is expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in March 2026, and Toyota says pricing will start at $45,300 before dealer processing and handling. For buyers who want an EV that feels less like an appliance and more like a go-anywhere daily driver, this one looks like a step in the right direction.
The headline number is power. Standard all-wheel drive teams up with a dual-motor setup for a net combined 375 horsepower, making this the most powerful bZ yet. Toyota also claims a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, which puts it in quick territory for a midsize SUV. Add X-MODE with Grip Control, 8.4 inches of ground clearance, and a towing rating up to 3,500 pounds, and the Woodland clearly aims at the outdoor crowd that still wants quick acceleration on the way to the trailhead.
Range should land in a usable sweet spot for most commutes and weekend trips. Toyota lists an EPA-estimated 281 miles, with the optional all-terrain tires bringing that estimate down to 260 miles. A 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery sits low under the floor to help keep the center of gravity down, and steering wheel paddles let you dial regenerative braking up or down depending on how you like the one-pedal feel. It is a simple feature, but it is one that tends to make EVs feel more engaging when you use it regularly.
Charging should also be easier for more people, thanks to the standard NACS port, which opens access to a wider network of DC fast chargers across the U.S. Toyota says 10% to 80% can take around 30 minutes under ideal DC fast charging conditions, and there is also a battery pre-conditioning function designed to help improve fast-charging performance by warming or cooling the pack to a better temperature. Plug & Charge capability also joins the mix on supported networks, and Toyota includes an 11 kW onboard charger for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, plus a dual-voltage 120V/240V home charging cable and the needed adapters.
The Woodland is not just a trim package, either. Toyota says it is nearly 6 inches longer than the regular bZ and sits just under an inch taller at the rear, which helps explain the added cargo space. With the second row folded flat, Toyota lists 74.3 cubic feet of storage, compared with 67.1 cubic feet for the bZ. Roof rails come standard, and the styling gets tougher with black overfenders up front and out back, plus 18-inch wheels with aero covers for a modern look that still reads rugged.
Inside, Toyota keeps things well equipped even before you step up to the Premium model. SofTex-trimmed seating comes standard, along with a 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, dual wireless Qi chargers, and a long list of everyday comfort features like heated front seats and heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ambient interior lighting. Digital Key capability is also included through Toyota’s connected services structure, so the phone-as-a-key crowd has an option here, too.
If you want the nicer version, the bZ Woodland Premium adds meaningful upgrades instead of just cosmetic touches. You get ventilated front seats, a driver memory function, a panoramic fixed-glass roof with a power sunshade, front radiant foot and leg heaters, and a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink. Audio also steps up with JBL premium sound, including a subwoofer and amplifier, which tends to be the kind of upgrade you appreciate on long drives.
Toyota is also positioning the Woodland as part of a larger EV push, not a one-off experiment. It joins a refreshed bZ and an all-new C-HR compact crossover as the next battery-electric additions, and Toyota says its broader electrified lineup now totals 21 models when you count hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles. Exterior colors include a new Stepping Stone shade along with Halo, Steel, Pavement, Raven Black, and Trueno Blue, with interior options in Stone Brown or Black to match the outdoorsy theme.
On the tech and safety side, the Woodland comes loaded. The infotainment setup supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, and a Wi-Fi Connect trial that turns the vehicle into an AT&T hotspot for up to five devices. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard, along with Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Safe Exit Alert, and a Panoramic View Monitor with a Multi-Terrain Monitor for tight spaces or rough ground. Toyota backs it all with its basic 36-month/36,000-mile warranty, plus EV component coverage up to 8 years or 100,000 miles, and ToyotaCare maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles with three years of roadside assistance.
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Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
