In a market full of electric SUVs that shout for attention with wild styling or headline-grabbing acceleration figures, Toyota has taken a calmer, more measured approach with the bZ. Since first arriving in 2022, this understated EV has quietly earned its place as one of Europe’s best-sellers. Its appeal? Solid performance, sensible pricing, and the kind of usability Toyota buyers expect.

Performance

Toyota has given the latest bZ a serious upgrade under the skin. The front-mounted 165kW motor, which Toyota calls an “e-Axle”, has been revised for better efficiency, reportedly improving by up to 23%. The battery has grown too: the usable capacity now sits at 69kWh, offering more energy while keeping the same physical footprint.

On paper, 224hp and 268Nm don’t sound groundbreaking, but on the road the bZ feels more eager than the numbers suggest. Hard acceleration can even coax a brief chirp from the front tyres, and the car has a muscular mid-range that suits everyday driving.

The steering has a pleasantly weighty feel, giving the bZ a sense of stability through corners, a refreshing change from the over-assisted steering found in many EVs. It’s not the last word in road feedback, but the balance and heft make it surprisingly confidence-inspiring.

Unfortunately, the all-wheel-drive version won’t be sold in Ireland. That’s a pity, because beyond the extra power (a healthy 344hp), the AWD model features a torque-vectoring system that would likely make the bZ even more agile and engaging.

Range and Charging

Ireland will receive the larger 73kWh (gross) battery, offering a usable 69kWh, an increase of 7kWh over the previous model. Toyota pairs this with improved aerodynamics and a more efficient motor setup to deliver a far more competitive range figure. Official WLTP range now peaks at 567km, a substantial improvement that puts the bZ into very respectable territory for its class.

Charging speeds have been improved too. The bZ now supports up to 150kW on DC chargers, giving a claimed 10–80% charge in around 28 minutes under ideal conditions. AC charging gets a boost on the Premium model, offering 22kW capability, while 11kW remains standard across the rest of the lineup, handy for public on-street chargers or faster home setups.

Toyota has also reworked the battery conditioning system, helping the bZ maintain stronger fast-charging performance over repeated sessions.

Design and Interior

For 2026, Toyota hasn’t reinvented the bZ’s styling, but it has refined it. The front end now adopts the brand’s newer “Hammerhead” design theme, bringing it in line visually with models like the C-HR and next-generation RAV4. Sleek LED headlights, gloss-black wheelarches, and minor aerodynamic tweaks (including a revised spoiler and underbody panel) help it look sharper and reduce drag from 0.29 to 0.27.

Inside, the changes are subtle but effective. The dashboard has shifted to a more horizontal layout, giving the cabin a cleaner, more modern feel. The centrepiece is a new 14-inch touchscreen with vivid graphics, particularly impressive when using navigation. Some menus sit deeper than expected, but overall, it feels more premium than before.

Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom, though the trade-off is a slightly smaller boot. At 452 litres to the parcel shelf, it’s still perfectly usable, and extra under-floor storage helps keep charging cables neatly tucked away.

Cost Considerations

The bZ range begins with the Sport trim at just over €41,000. Despite being the entry point, it comes well equipped: a large 14-inch infotainment screen, heated front seats and steering wheel, electric driver’s seat adjustment, part-leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, and Toyota’s full suite of Safety Sense driver-assist systems.

Verdict

Toyota’s latest bZ is a well-rounded, quietly impressive electric SUV. It’s enjoyable to drive, feels solidly built, offers loads of interior space, and now comes with a much more competitive range and charging setup. Combine that with Toyota’s reputation for reliability, and the bZ stands out as a smart, well-priced choice for anyone wanting a dependable all-electric family car.