Toyota's new bZ electric vehicle is experiencing unexpected success, becoming a top seller in the US market. In January, the bZ model ranked fourth among electric SUVs, with 2.769 units sold. This performance surpassed rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2.126 units), Ford Mustang Mach-E (1.040 units), Kia EV9 (674 units), Honda Prologue (664 units), and Ford F-150 Lightning (647 units). This promising start follows a challenging debut for Toyota's first electric vehicle, the bZ4X, and is largely attributed to significant upgrades in the bZ 2026 model. While Tesla's Model Y and Model 3 continue to lead the market, the bZ's strong showing indicates a shift in subsequent rankings.

The 2026 Toyota bZ electric vehicle in the US. Photo: Toyota

The bZ's popularity extends beyond the US. In QIII/2025, it was the best-selling domestic electric vehicle in Japan, a first for Toyota, which surpassed Honda in this segment. The model also set a sales record in Canada in January, showing a 579% increase compared to 2025.

The Toyota bZ 2026 represents a substantial improvement over its predecessor, the bZ4X. It now offers an extended range of up to 505 km, a 25% increase. The vehicle is equipped with an integrated North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, allowing compatibility with Tesla Supercharger fast-charging stations. Under ideal conditions, Toyota states the bZ can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes. Further enhancements include a larger battery capacity and an active cooling system, which make finding and charging the battery easier, even in cold weather.

Performance has also seen a boost. All-wheel drive versions now deliver 338 horsepower, marking a 50% increase over the bZ4X. Front-wheel drive versions have also improved, offering 221 horsepower, up from the previous model's 201 horsepower.

Both the interior and exterior reflect Toyota's latest design theme. The cabin features a larger 14-inch Toyota Audio multimedia touchscreen, two wireless phone chargers, and a redesigned dashboard. Standard features include a 7-inch driver information display, heated front and rear seats, a regenerative braking system, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. Higher trim levels, such as the XLE, add a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade, while the Limited model includes a premium JBL 9-speaker sound system.

Priced affordably, the Toyota bZ 2026 starts at just 34.900 USD, making it one of the most accessible electric vehicles in the US. Toyota further enhances its appeal by offering customers a 5.000 USD incentive, effectively lowering the starting price to under 30.000 USD. With the upcoming C-HR and bZ Woodland 2026 electric SUVs also on the horizon, Toyota is well-positioned to regain momentum in the electric vehicle market, particularly as other major automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis are reportedly scaling back their extensive electric vehicle projects.

By My Anh, from Electrek