Latest news with #ToyotabZWoodland
USA Today
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Toyota's EV evolution: Three new models are coming to redefine the brand
Toyota's EV evolution: Three new models are coming to redefine the brand Show Caption Hide Caption Self-driving tech coming to personally owned vehicles Waymo & Toyota have announced a partnership to co-develop autonomous vehicle platforms, aiming to integrate Waymo's self-driving technology into Toyota's POV's. Cheddar The vehicles are an overdue response to critics who said Toyota was hostile to electric vehicles. 3 new EVs are the Lexus ES, the Toyota bZ Woodland and the Toyota CH-R. Toyota showcased the upcoming vehicles in May at its North American HQ in Plano, Texas. Critics who believed Toyota would remain a perpetual EV laggard are about to be proven wrong. The world's largest automaker was slow to begin its deployment of electric vehicles, but it's a legendarily fast follower. Toyota measures twice and cuts once, and the cutting just began. Toyota and Lexus brands will make up for lost ground with three new EVs slated for sale in the United States this year and next ― Lexus ES, Toyota bZ Woodland and Toyota CH-R. That's on top of major upgrades to the pair it already sells here, the lackluster Toyota bZ4X, now badged the bZ, and Lexus RZ. What took them so long The vehicles are an overdue response to critics who said Toyota was hostile to electric vehicles. Company statements praising the hybrids it specialized in at the expense of EVs fostered that impression, even suggesting the two related and complementary technologies were somehow at odds. They're not, and the spin toward hybrids understandably infuriated environmental groups who had been among Toyota's biggest supporters as the automaker popularized the fuel-saving technology in the early 2000s. EV updates: Toyota's electric vehicle is about to get a major upgrade. Here's why it could use one It was dizzying to hear the automaker that rode the Prius to global leadership cast as an environmental villain. The disappointing 2023 bZ4X, Toyota's first mass-produced EV, fueled arguments that Toyota only talked a good environmental game. My recent drive of a 2026 bZ ― Toyota dropped the "4X" for model year 2026 ― proved Toyota took the criticism seriously, reworking its drivetrain and other systems with unusual haste. Toyota's seldom the first with a new technology. Its reputation for quality and durability rests on continually refining proven systems, not being first to market. It's unlikely Toyota's upcoming burst of EVs will break much new ground, but it'd be a shock if they don't work pretty much as advertised, first time and every time. Toyota's not an early adopter. The millions of people who buy its vehicles don't want it to be. Toyota's unprecedented EV rollout Toyota showcased the upcoming vehicles in May at its North American HQ in Plano, Texas. I drove the bZ there and expect to drive all of them, over the next few months. I'll report on them as it happens. Prices for all the vehicles will be announced closer to when sales begin. All should come with Tesla-style NACS charging ports. Until then, here's what we know by model: 2026 Toyota bZ Renamed and vastly improved from its predecessor ― the 2022-25 bZ4X ― this compact SUV now has competitive range and power. Key facts: On sale this fall Maximum range increases 25% to 314 miles Power increase more than 50% to 338 hp Faster New lights and body-color exterior trim salvage what had been a cluttered appearance 2026 bZ Woodland A midsize SUV developed alongside the nearly identical Subaru Trailseeker, the Woodland shares its architecture with the bZ, but is about is about 6 inches longer. We can hope it doesn't share the Subie's cloying slogan: Powered by love. Key facts: On sale early 2026 Standard all-wheel drive 375 hp Up to 260 miles range 8.3 inches of ground clearance 3,500-pound towing capacity 2026 Toyota CH-R The sporty little 2026 CH-R revives the name of an oddly styled little SUV, but graces it with looks reminiscent of the bigger Toyota Crown Signia hybrid. A compact, expect it to fit between the bZ and Woodland. With its arrival, the Toyota brand will have entries in three key vehicle segments. The new CH-R aims to be Toyota's first sporty EV, promising 0-60 mph in about 5 seconds. Key facts: On sale in 2026 338 hp 290-mile range 74.7 kWh battery 2026 Lexus RZ Lexus' first EV, the midsize RZ, gets updates in line with the bZ. A bigger battery increases range, new motors boost power, and charging speed improves. It will also be the first Lexus EV to have a model in the brand's performance sub-brand, F Sport. The RX 550e F Sport will reach 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Key facts: On sale this fall Up to 402 hp 300-mile range Bigger battery 'M Mode' mimics a manual transmission, via paddle shifters More shade from glass roof 2026 Lexus ES Lexus' popular midsize sedan gets the biggest changes in its history, moving to a new architecture that supports both EVs and hybrids. The car is longer, wider and taller than the current ES. The sleek ES is by far the brand's best looking sedan ever, embodying the Lexus theme: 'Experience elegance and electrified sedan.' The 2026 ES raises two immediate questions: Will there be a plug-in hybrid? Does the ES foreshadow an EV version of the next-generation Camry? Key facts: On sale in 2026 Front- and all-wheel drive 338 hp from ES 500e Up to 300-mile range 0-60 mph 5.4 seconds Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@ Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
Miami Herald
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland is the Subaru Trailseeker's Twin
For an EV that wasn't getting much love, the revised bZ4X (renamed bZ for 2026) is the center of the brand's attention right now. For the 2026 model year, Toyota is adding a more rugged variant known as the bZ Woodland. No, the Woodland moniker isn't a trim level the way it is on the RAV4 and the Sienna. This time around, the bZ Woodland is its own model, and there's more to it than just a name. If it looks familiar, that's because the recently announced 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is its twin and will sell alongside the smaller Solterra. Here's what we know about the new bZ Woodland for 2026. The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland might look very similar to its shorter sibling, but it trades the standard bZ's new and more refined body-colored wheel arches for black cladding and mounts them over fresh 18-inch wheels with removable covers. Buyers can also choose all-terrain tires, while a smidge of a suspension lift adds 0.1 inch of ground clearance, for a total of 8.3 inches, matching the Trailseeker. Rugged black roof rails and flatter, reshaped taillights mimic those found on the Prius, Camry Hybrid, and the new electric CH-R. A larger quarter window hints at the model's increased overall length, up nearly six inches from the bZ's 184.6 inches to 190.2. Unlike the standard bZ, which offers both front- and all-wheel drive along with two battery choices, the Woodland provides a standard dual-motor AWD setup. It would be tough to back up the Woodland name with two-wheel drive. There will also be what's known as the X-MODE system, a function that allows the driver to flip a switch and select a mode according to the road conditions, which will automatically change to optimize brake control and power delivery at the wheels for improved control and traction. While you won't go bouldering in the Woodland, it can take more than just gravel trails. Whereas the standard bZ gets a 57.7-kWh battery pack, the Woodland boasts the same optional 74.7-kWh battery pack as the bZ with an estimated 260 miles of range. Like other models in the bZ family, the Woodland includes an NACS charging port, providing charging convenience at Tesla's robust Supercharger network. DC fast-charging from 10 to 80 percent takes about 30 minutes. In terms of performance, the Woodland is no slouch. It delivers 375 horsepower, 37 more than the standard AWD bZ. It should prove to be about as quick as the Subaru Trailseeker, which clocks in at 4.4 seconds from 0 to 60. Towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds, though range will drop significantly when hauling heavy loads, not atypical of most EVs. Cargo space is "over 30 cubic feet", according to Toyota, which is a little more than the bZ's 27.7 cubic feet. The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland comes with a Panoramic View Monitor with Multi-Terrain Monitor, SofTex-trimmed seating, a 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, dual wireless Qi charging, and ambient lighting. There's a single upgrade Premium Package that comes with a JBL Premium audio system, a large fixed glass panoramic roof, a digital rearview mirror that provides an unobstructed image of what's behind, ventilated front seats, a memory driver seat, and memory side view mirrors. Pricing for the bZ Woodland hasn't been announced, but it's expected to exceed the 2025 bZ4X XLE AWD's starting price of $40,545 (including $1,395 destination charge). Full specifications and pricing will be revealed closer to its launch in early 2026. It's great to see Toyota finally infusing life into its bZ line, and it couldn't come at a better time to boost the model's sales. Adding a larger, more rugged version to the lineup is a smart move, and simplifying the name can't hurt matters, either. The bZ Woodland has enough range to be compelling, and the additional power puts it up there with some of the quicker electric crossovers. While it won't satisfy real off-roaders, it's a compelling choice for eco-conscious families who want to do more than just cruise the boulevard and run weekend errands. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Car and Driver
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Toyota bZ Woodland Is the Brand's New Outdoorsy Electric SUV
The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland joins the brand's expanding EV lineup as an adventure-ready option. The new mid-size EV SUV has a 375-hp all-wheel-drive powertrain, an estimated 260-mile range, and a NACS charge port to access Tesla Superchargers. Toyota hasn't said how much the bZ Woodland costs, but we expect the lone well-equipped model to start at around $50,000. If you're like us, when you saw the new 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland, you said, "Golly, that thing sure looks a lot like the Subaru Trailseeker." It's great what two working eyes can do. It's also great that Toyota and Subaru have a strong bond, having birthed the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 sports cars as well as the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ EVs. The latter share a platform with the new bZ Woodland, though it's a half-foot longer and features mightier electric motors. bZ Gets the Woodland Treatment Unlike the regular Toyota bZ, the bigger Woodland variant has standard all-wheel drive, and its dual electric motors muster 375 horsepower (same as the Trailseeker). The Yota also features a battery with an estimated 67-kWh usable capacity, and Toyota says a full charge should provide up to 260 miles of range. The bZ Woodland comes standard with a NACS charge port, meaning it can connect to Tesla's vast network of DC fast-chargers (a.k.a. Superchargers). With the latter, Toyota claims the Woodland's battery can go from 10 to 80 percent state of charge in 30 minutes. Of course, there's an 11-kWh onboard charger too for Level 2 connections that can be installed at home. View Photos Toyota While the Subaru Trailseeker and Toyota bZ Woodland look a lot alike, the Toyota has the brand's "hammerhead" front-end styling, which gives it a more distinctive lighting signature. The dark overfenders, roof-mounted cross-bars, and wavy body lines otherwise overlap. The Woodland has 8.3 inches of ground clearance, and it's available with all-terrain tires—improving its mild off-road cred. Even without the knobbier rubber, every Woodland rolls on 18-inch wheels with removable aero covers. The mid-size EV SUV can also tow up to 3500 pounds. Inside, the bZ Woodland looks like Toyota's other EV models. That means a simple dash design with a high-mounted digital gauge cluster and a 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Every model has heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and the choice of black or brown upholstery. View Photos Toyota The center console houses a rotary gear selector and a pair of wireless charging pads. To spiff things up a bit, Toyota offers a Premium package, which includes a JBL stereo with nine speakers instead of six, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats. You don't need to pay extra to access the Woodland's 30 cubic feet of cargo space, which is about two cubes more than you'll find in the regular bZ. The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland will reach dealerships sometime early next year. As for how much it will cost, we'll have to wait a while for official pricing. However, since it's only offered in a single well-equipped trim, we expect its base price will be a little higher than the Trailseeker ($45,000 est.), so we'd wager the bZ Woodland will start somewhere around $50K. Eric Stafford Managing Editor, News Eric Stafford's automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
View Photos of the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland, an Outdoorsy EV SUV
Read the Full Story The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland is the brand's third EV, and the new mid-size EV SUV has a whole lot in common with the mechanically identical Subaru Trailseeker. The bZ Woodland is an adventure-ready electric SUV with 8.3 inches of ground clearance. With the proper equipment, you can mount a couple of bikes on the roof and tow up to 3500 pounds. Toyota gives every bZ Woodland all-wheel drive and 375 horsepower to work with. With its 67-kWh battery fully charged, Toyota estimates the bZ Woodland can travel up to 260 miles. Inside, the bZ Woodland has a prominent 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Along with a high-mounted digital gauge cluster, the bZ Woodland has a center console with dual wireless charging pads. The bZ Woodland shares a platform with the Subaru Trailseeker, and both have a NACS charge port to access Tesla's Superchargers. Toyota hasn't yet announced pricing, but we expect the 2026 bZ Woodland to start at around $50,000. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
Car and Driver
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Toyota bZ Woodland: What We Know So Far
Overview A stretched body and wheelbase turn the regular Toyota bZ SUV into the 2026 bZ Woodland. It offers more interior space and extra cargo room versus its smaller sibling, but otherwise, the two have much in common. A two-motor all-wheel drive setup is standard and makes 375 horsepower, while Toyota claims a range estimate of 260 miles per charge. That isn't as much as some rival SUVs that can exceed 300 miles per charge, but casual drivers with shorter commutes will find it to be plenty usable as a daily driver. The bZ Woodland shares its adventurous spirit with the mechanically similar Subaru Trailseeker, including its 8.3-inch ground clearance, 3500-pound towing capacity, and available all-terrain tires. This is a Toyota EV that can venture off the beaten path, but we'd stop short of making plans to take it overlanding. What's New for 2026? The bZ Woodland is a new addition to the Toyota EV lineup for 2026 and is closely related to the Subaru Trailseeker. Toyota says it will go on sale in early 2026. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland is expected to start around $50,000. bZ Woodland $50,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k Toyota hasn't released pricing for the bZ Woodland yet, but we know it will come in a single trim with an optional Premium package. The Premium package adds a premium JBL stereo, a fixed-glass roof, a digital rear-view mirror, and ventilated front seats with memory settings for the driver. When we find out more information about the bZ Woodland's features and pricing, we'll update this story with a recommendation on which one is the best buy. EV Motor, Power, and Performance All bZ Woodlands come with a dual-motor electric powertrain with 375 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard, and a driver-selectable terrain system provides different modes for on- and off-road driving. The suspension provides 8.3 inches of ground clearance and all-terrain tires are available. Both should help when encountering obstacles on the trail, but if you're hoping to go as far afield as a 4Runner or a Land Cruiser, you're likely to be disappointed. When we get a chance to test drive the bZ Woodland for ourselves, we'll update this story with driving impressions and instrumented test results. View Photos Toyota Towing and Payload Capacity Toyota says the bZ Woodland can tow up to 3500 pounds. That is more than you can pull with the Honda Prologue or the Jeep Wagoneer S. Range, Charging, and Battery Life With a range estimate of up to 260 miles per charge, according to Toyota, the bZ Woodland isn't setting any long-distance records. Luckily, all models come with a NACS charging port, which will make it easy to access charging via the Tesla Supercharger network. Toyota says that the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in as little as 30 minutes under ideal conditions. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The dashboard and front seat area of the bZ Woodland appear to be copied verbatim from the smaller bZ SUV, but there's more room in the back seat and the cargo area in the Woodland. Heated front seats are standard, and all models come with faux-leather upholstery. The optional Premium package adds a host of desirable goodies, including ventilated front seats, two smartphone charging pads, more USB-C charging ports, and a panoramic glass roof. View Photos Toyota Infotainment and Connectivity A 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen stands upright in the middle of the bZ Woodland's dashboard. It runs the brand's latest software interface which we have found intuitive and responsive in other Toyotas. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and in-dash navigation. A six-speaker stereo is standard, but a nine-speaker setup tuned by JBL is optional. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Toyota equips all of its models with a generous standard package of driver-assists, and the bZ Woodland is no different. Buyers of the bZ Woodland will find desirable features such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control are standard. For more information about the bZ Woodland's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Toyota matches what its competitors offer, but it provides above-average coverage when it comes to complimentary maintenance. Likewise, its electrical component warranty is at industry-standard levels. Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles As more information becomes available, we'll update this story with more details about:
