Toyota bZ4X Touring 2026: Test of the Updated Electric Car
Review of the 2026 Toyota bZ4X Touring: increased trunk, premium interior, and impressive dynamics. Is it worth the money?
Toyota's first all-electric SUV, the bZ4X, is expanding its model range in Poland. At the turn of the second and third quarters of 2026, an extended-body version called Touring will appear in dealerships. The standard bZ4X, introduced in 2022, has a length of 469 cm and a width of 186 cm. The Touring version increases the length by 14 cm to 483 cm, while maintaining the same wheelbase. This was made possible by the use of a modular platform, which also underpins the electric Toyota C-HR+, with which the bZ4X Touring shares stylistic solutions.
Increased Space and Practicality
The trunk of the Toyota bZ4X Touring has increased by 48% compared to the standard version, reaching 669 liters. It features a relatively low loading lip and a regular shape. The opening height is sufficient, but the width is limited. With the rear seatbacks folded down, the maximum cargo capacity is 1718 liters. There is no additional space in the front, so-called "frunk."
The space for second-row passengers remains unchanged. Toyota did not alter the position of the rear seats, focusing on increasing the trunk space. With the front seat folded down, there is ample legroom. However, the legroom under the front seats is limited, which, however, should not be a major issue for most drivers.
The Executive version is equipped with a panoramic roof, providing sufficient headroom. The front of the cabin features angular shapes that harmonize with the body design. The dashboard and door panels are finished with softer materials with a pleasant texture, bringing the interior closer to Lexus standards.
Infotainment System and Ergonomics
The central touchscreen has a diagonal of 14 inches. The lower part of the display is dedicated to climate control with physical knobs, which is a convenient solution. The upper part of the screen displays the main system, which does not support split-screen functionality, for example, for simultaneous display of navigation and the audio system. A side panel is provided for quick switching between modules. Wireless integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is possible.
The steering wheel is designed in Toyota's signature style, previously seen in the hybrid Prius. It has a small diameter, and the instrument panel is located above it. Despite this, the driver's seat is easily adjustable for optimal visibility. A drawback is the absence of a visor over the protruding instrument panel, making it susceptible to sun glare. The instrument panel display is small, and the information displayed is limited. The interface is well-thought-out, and the buttons on the steering wheel are conveniently located, including a D-pad for controlling instrument readings.
Powertrains and Dynamics
The Toyota bZ4X is offered with a single battery pack option with a capacity of 74.7 kWh. The powertrain output varies: the base version develops 224 hp and is equipped with front-wheel drive, while the more powerful version has 380 hp and all-wheel drive.
The less powerful vehicles are capable of towing up to 750 kg, and the more powerful ones up to 1500 kg. Currently, after the discontinuation of the Supra, the bZ4X is the most powerful Toyota model offered in Europe.
The tested 4x4 version demonstrates impressive acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The accelerator pedal is tuned smoothly, allowing for comfortable driving, but during intense acceleration, significant potential is felt. The less powerful version will be sufficient for most users; however, choosing the more powerful option, including for the all-wheel drive, provides pleasant dynamic characteristics in everyday use.
Energy Consumption and Range
Due to the nature of the test route, which passed through mountainous terrain, and the limited distance, it is difficult to provide precise data on energy consumption and range. According to the onboard computer, at speeds up to 100 km/h, consumption was around 19-20 kWh, which is an acceptable figure for a car of this power. A short section at a speed of 130 km/h showed that the test model is quite quiet, surpassing other Toyota models in this regard.
Handling and Comfort
The Toyota bZ4X features precise steering that remains informative even through sharp turns, a pleasant surprise for an SUV. The suspension is well-tuned, effectively smoothing out minor imperfections and minimizing body roll in corners. This is likely due to the battery pack's placement low in the chassis.
Charging and Prices
The maximum DC charging power is 150 kW, allowing the car to charge from 10% to 80% in 28 minutes. The onboard AC charger has a power of 11 kW in the base configuration and 22 kW in the Executive configuration.
The car's price depends on the trim level and power output. The less powerful version is only available in the Style trim. The more powerful version is offered in the Style trim and the top-tier Executive trim. The base Style trim includes matrix LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, a heat pump, and surround-view cameras. The Executive trim adds seat ventilation, a glass roof, a digital rearview mirror, and additional driver assistance systems.
The price of the standard bZ4X version starts at 175,900 Polish zlotys. The Touring version starts at 214,900 Polish zlotys, which is 39,000 zlotys more expensive. When choosing a model, it is worth considering which version will be most suitable.
Conclusion
The Toyota bZ4X Touring exceeded the reviewer's expectations. The car demonstrates a high level of build quality, sound insulation, and handling, with a noticeable influence of Lexus styling. Despite its uninspired exterior design, the bZ4X performed better than anticipated. For those seeking a practical and spacious electric vehicle, this model is worth considering.
New Version: Toyota bZ4X Touring
A new version of the Toyota bZ4X, the Touring, is introduced and will arrive in mid-2026. It features increased body dimensions (483 cm in length) compared to the standard model (469 cm), while maintaining the same wheelbase. This was made possible by the modular platform.
- The Toyota bZ4X Touring will arrive in mid-2026.
- The Touring's length is 483 cm, 14 cm longer than the standard version.
- The wheelbase remains unchanged.
- The platform is modular, similar to the Toyota C-HR+.
Increased Trunk and Space
The luggage compartment of the Toyota bZ4X Touring has been significantly increased by 48% compared to the standard model, from 452 to 669 liters. With the rear seats folded down, the maximum capacity reaches 1718 liters. There is no front trunk ("frunk"). The space for rear passengers remains the same.
- Trunk volume increased from 452 to 669 liters (+48%).
- Maximum capacity with seats folded: 1718 liters.
- Front trunk is absent.
- Rear passenger space has not changed.
Interior and Multimedia
The bZ4X Touring interior features an angular design with higher-quality materials, comparable to Lexus standards. The central 14-inch touchscreen has a separate climate control unit with physical buttons. The system does not support split-screen but includes a convenient sidebar for navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.
- Interior with angular shapes and quality materials (Lexus level).
- Central 14-inch screen.
- Separate climate control unit with physical buttons.
- Screen does not support split-screen.
- Includes a sidebar for quick access to modules.
- Supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Instrument Panel and Controls
The Toyota steering wheel is small, with the instrument panel located above it. Despite its convenient position, there is no visor, which makes it difficult to read in bright sunlight. The instrument panel display is small, but the interface is well-thought-out. The buttons on the steering wheel are conveniently located, including a D-pad for controlling the readings.
- Small steering wheel with instrument panel above it.
- Absence of a visor for the instrument panel.
- Small instrument panel display.
- Well-thought-out interface.
- Conveniently located buttons on the steering wheel.
Engine and Performance
The Toyota bZ4X is available with a single 74.7 kWh battery. Power options include 224 hp (front-wheel drive) and 380 hp (all-wheel drive). The powerful version accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. Maximum towing capacity is 750 kg (base) and 1500 kg (all-wheel drive).
- Battery: 74.7 kWh.
- Power: 224 hp (front-wheel drive) or 380 hp (all-wheel drive).
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h (all-wheel drive): 4.5 seconds.
- Maximum towing capacity: 750 kg / 1500 kg.
Driving Performance and Consumption
The all-wheel-drive version of the bZ4X was tested. Acceleration is impressive, but the accelerator pedal is tuned smoothly. Energy consumption in mixed mode was about 19-20 kWh/100 km. At a speed of 130 km/h, the car showed good sound insulation, better than other Toyotas. Steering is precise, and the suspension is well-tuned.
- All-wheel drive provides impressive acceleration.
- Smooth accelerator pedal tuning.
- Energy consumption: ~19-20 kWh/100 km.
- Good sound insulation at 130 km/h.
- Precise steering.
- Well-tuned suspension.
Charging
Maximum DC charging power is 150 kW (10-80% in 28 minutes). On-board AC charger: 11 kW (base model) or 22 kW (Executive).
- Max DC charging: 150 kW (10-80% in 28 min).
- AC charging: 11 kW (base) or 22 kW (Executive).
Trims and prices
The base Style trim includes matrix LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, a heat pump, and 360° cameras. The Executive trim adds seat ventilation, a glass roof, a digital rearview mirror, and safety systems. The less powerful version is only available in the Style trim, while the more powerful version is available in both Style and Executive.
- Style trim: matrix LED headlights, climate control, heat pump, 360° cameras.
- Executive trim: seat ventilation, glass roof, digital mirror, safety assistants.
- Less powerful version: Style only.
- More powerful version: Style and Executive.
Version Comparison and Summary
The Toyota bZ4X Touring offers a more powerful transmission compared to the standard version (167 hp, 57 kWh). The price of the short version starts at 175,900 PLN, and the Touring at 214,900 PLN. The difference is about 40,000 PLN. The author notes that the car exceeded expectations in terms of build quality, sound insulation, and driving characteristics, resembling a Lexus.
- Touring has a more powerful transmission than the standard bZ4X.
- Price of the short version: from 175,900 PLN.
- Price of the Touring: from 214,900 PLN.
- Price difference: ~40,000 PLN.
- High build quality, sound insulation, and driving characteristics.
- Feels like a Lexus.
