Toyota got a lot of feedback about perceived shortcomings of its first electric vehicle. Clearly, it took the criticism to heart because on the heels of rolling out the new version of the bZ with more range, it showed off a more powerful model: the 2026 bZ Woodland edition.
Toyota keeps expanding its EV cred with the new off-road-ready 2026 bZ Woodland edition.
The Japanese automaker arrived at the “EV party” as a reluctant attendee, but the three new reveals in during the past three days show the company’s willing to embrace the technology in a way that makes consumers happy.
The bZ Woodland gives EV fans who want to take their vehicles off-road a chance to just that. It gets a beefed up 375-horsepwer powertrain — nearly 30 more ponies than the all-wheel drive (AWD) version of the new bZ introduced on Tuesday.
“With zero emissions and a powerful drive, the bZ Woodland is bringing outdoor-inspired style to our BEV lineup,” said Dave Christ, president, Toyota Group. “This latest entry in our bZ line embraces the spirit of adventure with surprising capability, rugged style, and an all-electric powertrain that’s backed by Toyota.”
More capability
It also brings additional midsize SUV utility, with 8.3-inches of ground clearance and available All Terrain tires.
It does get more power, but that comes at a cost: just 260 miles of range, which is down from the max 314 miles that can be had. However, to enjoy silent running through nature likely makes the drop worth it.
It also brings additional midsize SUV utility, with 8.3-inches of ground clearance and available All Terrain tires. The bZ Woodland comes standard with AWD with electric motors housed in the front and rear eAxles. This set up gives it a towing capability of 3,500 pounds.
It will also have the X-Mode system, a function that allows the driver to operate a switch to select a mode according to the road conditions, automatically changing to optimize brake control and power delivery at the wheels for enhanced control and traction, the company noted.
The Woodland model features Grip-Control, which is a function of the AWD X-Mode system. Used at low speed, it modulates the power coming from the motors to maximize off-road performance. This was developed to react to road surface conditions and provide constant speed to avoid slippage on rough roads.
The Woodland model features Grip-Control, which is a function of the AWD X-Mode system, to maximize traction.
Additionally, with the batteries below the floor, the bZ Woodland enjoys a very low center of gravity, which helps with stability. A battery cross-framing structure also adds to overall vehicle rigidity for stable handling.
Under the floor
Speaking of the lithium-ion battery, it enjoys 74.7-kWh of capacity, It can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using a DC fast charger. Of course, like its citified siblings, it uses the North American Charging Standard (i.e. a Tesla charge port) to get its juice.
A pre-conditioning function is also equipped. This system is designed to bring the battery to an optimal temperature for DC fast charging, which can enable faster charging in colder climates. This function can be activated manually or automatically by setting the navigation system destination to a fast-charging station.
It also features Plug & Charge capability, according to Toyota, which allows the SUV to be identified automatically at “selected charging networks” so you don’t have to use so many different apps when charging on the road.
The cabin of the bZ Woodland is a nice place to be, including standard SofTex-trimmed seats and plenty of technology.
Above the floor
The cabin of the bZ Woodland is a nice place to be. It’ll come standard with SofTex-trimmed seats that are also heated for the front seats. The driver’s seat is also power adjustable. The interior will match much of the outdoors it’s enjoying, including Stone Brown and Black.
A precision-placed Multi Information Display screen expands the vehicle’s feeling of space and displays key information like speed, estimated vehicle range, and charging status. For entertainment and connectivity, a 14-inch touchscreen equipped with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system is standard.
Upgrading to the bZ Woodland Premium package adds a JBL Premium Audio system, panoramic roof, ventilated front seats, and front radiant heater. Keeping devices charged up is easy, thanks to a dual wireless Qi charger in the front, and four conveniently located USB Type-C charging ports throughout the cabin.
Pricing information wasn’t offered nor was an expected availability date.
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