Quick Highlights:
- 36,350 dollars including destination for the base XLE FWD trim, nearly 7 thousand dollars cheaper than Hyundai Ioniq 5
- XLE Plus trim delivers the highest range at 314 miles per full charge
- All trims come with Tesla NACS port and faster 11 kW AC charging for convenient use
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, LED daytime and taillights, 14-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Toyota’s 2026 bZ has rolled into US showrooms, arriving with a clear edge. The base XLE FWD starts at $36,350, including destination, which is $2,170 cheaper than last year’s bZ4X. For buyers watching the EV market, that price is especially notable when you consider that a comparable electric crossover, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, starts near $43,000.
Toyota has simplified the name, refreshed the trims, boosted battery range on higher models, and added Tesla Supercharger compatibility, making the 2026 bZ a practical and tech-ready choice for anyone looking to step into an electric SUV without stretching their budget—just like the Toyota bZ Woodland.
2026 Toyota bZ Trim Pricing & Specs
| Trim | Drivetrain | Price | Battery | Power | Range |
| XLE FWD | FWD | $36,350 | 57.5 kWh | 168 hp | 236 mi |
| XLE FWD Plus | FWD | $39,350 | 74.4 kWh | 221 hp | 314 mi |
| XLE AWD | AWD | $41,350 | 74.4 kWh | 338 hp | 288 mi |
| Limited FWD | FWD | $44,750 | 74.4 kWh | 221 hp | 299 mi |
| Limited AWD | AWD | $46,750 | 74.4 kWh | 338 hp | 278 mi |
2026 Toyota bZ vs 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5
| Feature | 2026 Toyota bZ | 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 |
| Starting Price | $36,350 | $43,000 |
| Top Trim Price | $46,750 | $58,000 |
| Best Range | 314 mi (XLE Plus) | 318 mi (SEL RWD) |
| Power | 338 hp (XLE AWD / Limited AWD) | 320 hp (Dual Motor AWD) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | RWD / AWD |
| AC Charging | 11 kW | 10.9 kW |
| DC Fast Charging | 150 kW | 350 kW |
| Supercharger Access | Yes, NACS port | No (CCS only) |
| Infotainment | 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto |
| Safety | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, emergency braking) | Adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, emergency braking, optional blind-spot monitor |
| Cargo Volume | 30 cu ft / 59 cu ft | 30 cu ft / 59 cu ft |
DC Fast-Charging Note: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 supports up to 350 kW DC fast charging, whereas the 2026 Toyota bZ is limited to 150 kW DC, making the Ioniq 5 faster for long-distance charging.
Why the 2026 bZ Stands Out
The base XLE FWD trim is now $2,170 lower than last year, making it so easy to try electric without sacrificing comfort or tech. Move up to the XLE Plus and you’ll get 314 miles from one charge, and the all-wheel drive models have a noticeable increase in range compared to last year. All trims have a Tesla NACS port so that you can plug in at more chargers without looking for adapters.
The higher trims have a larger 74.4 kWh battery and a stronger motor(s), which, in addition to increasing the range, you can feel how smooth and capable the drive is with the higher trims. This is an EV that can do everything you do: day-to-day driving, or long drives, it’s practical and techy!
Interior, Comfort, and Technology
The interior of the 2026 bZ is very modern and practical. Thanks to dual-zone auto climate control, your passengers will also be comfortable. The 14-inch infotainment touchscreen offers the conveniences of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On the safety front, no worries since eight airbags and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 come standard. Other features include a digital key, LED lights, plus newly-designed seats to make longer drives more comfortable.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 also offers a spacious cabin with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, some wireless charging, and nice materials. With a lower price point, better range, and Tesla Supercharger support, most buyers will see greater value in the bZ.
Performance and Range
The 2026 bZ is available in FWD or AWD, with horsepower ranging from 168 in the base trim to 338 in the top AWD trims. Range varies by model:
- XLE FWD: 236 miles
- XLE Plus: 314 miles
- XLE AWD: 288 miles
- Limited FWD: 299 miles
- Limited AWD: 278 miles
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 RWD SEL is rated at 318 miles, while AWD models see around 200–210 miles in real-world tests. The top Ioniq 5 has an MSRP of $58,000. With comparable or better range and a lower starting price, the 2026 bZ provides excellent value.
Bottom Line
Electric vehicles (EVs) are not all necessarily expensive to give good performance, good range, and good technology. With a starting price of $36,350, the 2026 bZ means you get access to Tesla Superchargers, upgraded batteries, and preparation for advanced safety features, and, overall, is a practical, attractive, and value-laden electric SUV.
When looking at the price, range, and specs, bZ is better than the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and to anyone looking for affordable EV power without compromise, it’s got to be one of the most intelligent EVs on the market.
Source: Toyota
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