You may think EVs are expensive with limited range. Understandable, but what if there was an electric crossover that cost little more than a comparable gas-powered model? And it comes from an automaker renowned for battery and motor technology? Check out the 2026 Toyota bZ.

As with the similar Subaru Solterra and Lexus RZ, the bZ did not get off to a good start. It had short driving range, long recharge times, and prices that had drivers looking at competitors instead. With updates for 2026, that changes.

Styling recalls Prius, RAV4 and Subaru. All fair because the front shares “hammerhead” styling with its siblings. I like the upper blade that splits lamps with vertical light clusters below. Moving to the side, its RAV4 vibe shines. Around back, taillamps channel Subaru. It’s all handsome riding on 18-inch wheels with thick tires, but is maybe a little too familiar for some.

There’s a lot of Prius inside, too, with a wide 14-inch infotainment screen, flatscreen gauges forward on the dash and twin wireless phone chargers in the console. Our XLE came with cloth and vegan leather seats, but were heated — as was the steering wheel. There’s no panoramic sunroof nor branded audio system, but phones connect wirelessly through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Copious storage in and under the console serve mommies and daddies with babies.

Safety was paramount. Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise with lane centering and blind spot warning with intervention are included — as are rear cross traffic alert and safe exit assist to keep adults and kiddies from stepping into traffic. I only wish it had hands-off cruising on the highway.

If you want to maximize range, choose your model carefully. All-wheel-drive versions boast 338 horsepower and 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds with around 280 miles range. Our XLE delivers 221 horsepower for 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds. That’s quick enough, but nothing exciting. Range is a lengthy 314 miles.

All-wheel-drive is helpful if you live in snowy climates but front-drive crossovers with traction control handle inclement weather adeptly. Recharge times have improved; fast charge to 80% in 30 minutes or fully recharge at home on 240v in 9.5 hours. Toyota also changed to a NACS port, making the bZ compatible with Tesla Superchargers.

I did it all week on a recent test — drove halfway from Indianapolis to Cincinnati and back, zipped to the airport and picked up my daughter at school. It feels heavy, smooth, and settles comfortably on the highway. The hands-free power hatch and split/fold rear seats swallowed a heap of boxes for work. It is truly the RAV4 of electric crossovers, ready for daily chores and family fun.

Best of all, it’s little more expensive than a comparably equipped RAV4 or Camry. Base models start at $34,900. Our comfortably equipped XLE came to $40,633. Even better, it drinks not a drop of $4.60/gallon gasoline. I think you’ll find it compares very favorably to the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Nissan Leaf and similar Subaru Solterra.

Likes: everyday comfort, driving range, affordable price

Dislikes: familiar styling, tepid acceleration, hands-on cruising

2026 Toyota bZ XLE

Five-passenger, FWD Crossover

Powertrain: Li-ion batteries/motor

Output: 221 hp/198 pound-feet

Suspension f/r: Ind/Ind

Wheels f/r: 18”/18” alloy

Brakes f/r: regen disc/disc

Driving range: 314 miles

0-60 mph: 7.8s

Fast charge (10-80%): 30m

Assembly: Aichi, Japan

Base/As-tested price: $34,900/$40,633

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