We recently tested the all-new Toyota 4Runner, and while it is updated in every way, it’s also definitely an old-school, tough as nails rugged SUV. It’s the traditional choice. And now we have the opportunity to test the 2026 Toyota BZ Woodland, an EV with some rugged off-road pretensions. Is this the 4Runner for a new generation of tech-advanced buyers? Let’s check it out.

First a little housekeeping – previously known as the bZ4X, and also sold as the Subaru Solterra, the 2026 Toyota model gets a simplified name – bZ so it’s already a familiar nameplate. We’ve already tested the updated 2026 Solterra. You can check it out here.

Ruggedly Redefined

While the bZ4X was handsome, we think the bZ pumps up the off-road vibe, while also offering a more cohesive design.

Up front gets a glow up, with Toyota’s “Hammerhead” design making a powerful presence. The new RAV4 also gets this, and we think it looks even better on the larger bZ. Slim LED daytime running lights are more integrated for a cleaner look, while a color-matched molding surrounding the lower grille adds a classier of-a-piece look.

The profile retains the sleek lines, looking a bit like a tall wagon meets sleek SUV. A bit larger than the RAV4, the muscular fender flares and deep door cut ins add plenty of visual pop, while redesigned front fender flares look more integrated into the design.

The Woodland enhances the design with an extra 5 inches in length, creating more of an upright D pillar that swaps the previous model’s hatchback design for a more wagon-y, line that we really like.

The blacked-out 18-inch wheels with wheel covers adds to the rugged look, but we’re not really sold on the design – yeah, it’s an EV and aero design helps range, but for a vehicle with outdoorsy vibes we’d want more.

The rear gets a re-do as well, and while retaining the horizontal taillights that span the rear hatch, Toyota has gotten rid of the “teardrop” theme, and we think it’s much more upscale without it. A simpler, horizontal rear bumper also elevates the look, with a contrasting lower fascia for some off-road cred. The final touch on our tester was the Stepping Stone paint, a creamy taupe that looks rich in person and made our bZ stand out in a sea of white, silver and gray SUVs.

Modern and Spacious

The bZ also gets an interior refresh, and while it is subtle it does elevate the game. Open the door, and you have the same wide, spacious feel, with Toyota’s design language of having a driver-focused display and a separate large touchscreen making a big tech impression, while the two-tone interior looks rich and upscale.

There’s still the controversial 7-inch info display that sits high up, above the top of the steering wheel rim, kind of giving you a head up display. While it does help you see the gauges at a glance, it also pushes the steering wheel lower in your lap. Some find it sporty and low slung; others find it intrudes in the driver’s leg space.

One thing we noticed over the bZ4X, the display no longer has “arms” coming out of the side of the display, and this really opens it up visually and makes for a more attractive, spacious feel.  The gauges themselves are well laid out and logical.

Info-tainment gets a boost with a new 14-inch touchscreen (up from 12.3!) that’s also separated from the other controls for a more stand-alone look. Other high points are a dedicated volume knob, and twist knobs for temp setting for the climate control. Overall, the system works great and the wireless interface for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto works and looks great.

The redesigned center console now moves the gear selector further down and close to the driver, while dual wireless chargers for your smartphones help keep everyone charged and ready to go. There’s also a huge center armrest and console storage, and you’ll need it – there’s no traditional glove box in front of the passenger seat.

You also feel the upscale vibe with customizable ambient interior lighting on all bZ Woodland models, while Premium models like our tester add goodies including JBL Premium Audio, front seat radiant heating, a fixed glass panoramic sunroof, digital rearview mirror, ventilated front seats with driver’s seat and side view mirror memory.  

The front seats are comfortable, and covered in SofTex, Toyota’s faux leather that’s actually quite convincing. Those sitting back will find plenty of adult-sized space, and spacious cargo as well. The rear seats also fold flat and thanks to the heavy-duty rubber Woodland cargo mat, you feel ready for any muddy adventure you can think of.

 Powerful and Silent

The drive is special, too.

The big story here is power, with a jump from the bZ4X somewhat meager 214 horsepower to a stellar 338 hp, and that makes for a very quick vehicle. 0-60 mph is served up in 4 seconds and give it the boot on a freeway on-ramp and it will snap your head back to the headrest with grin inducing acceleration!

Range is actually improved as well, up to 25 percent in some models, but the Woodland’s equipment and all-terrain tires, dial it back to 260 miles on a full charge, which is more than adequate and should keep range anxiety in check. More good news, a standard NACS port means you can now charge at Tesla Superchargers. On a DC fast charger, you should be able to go from 10-80 percent in 30 minutes – a bit slower than the competition, but still perfect for a quick workout or lunch.

While the new power is great, it’s the overall balance we really love about the bZ. Toyota tweaked the suspension, and with the Woodland’s 8.4-inches of ground clearance, the ride is supple and smooth – feeling more like a Lexus than a Toyota! We would note that the all-terrain tires add a bit of noise in the cabin, so if you have no plans to go off-road or super bad weather, the standard tires might be a better choice.

Even with the all-season tires, handling is smooth and responsive, and this is an easy car to go distances in, or in a hurry, it’s fun to throw around a bit as well. If you plan some off-roading, the Woodland includes X-MODE with Grip Control and should be more than capable in soft-roading. Of course, if you want the full Billy Goat 4WD experience, we’d point you to a 4Runner TRD like the one we recently tested, no, it’s not an EV, but it is incredibly capable.

You’ll also feel confident in the bZ, with Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0, which includes Pre-collision system with pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle detection, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist and Proactive Driving assist. For the everyday, we really appreciated the standard Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.  Also worth a mention is the standard Panoramic View Monitor with Multi-Terrain Monitor, which provides an enhanced view with multiple angles around the vehicle. Great for off-road or even tight parking spots at the mall.

You’ll get a charge out of the value, too.

You can get into a bZ hatchback at $34,900, but we would recommend going with the added power of the AWD model at $39,495. Opting for the Woodland wagon-style like our tester starts at $45,300, while our Premium trim adds load of goodies for $47,400. Add in the Adventure Tow Package ($1,268) some accessories, and $1,595 for destination, and we rang the bell at $50,993.

(Worth noting, while bZ is a big step up in performance, our previous 2023 bZ4X came in at $49,739.)

Sharing most of the drivetrain and design, we’d also look at the new Subaru Trailseeker – a slightly different front and rear treatment may appeal more to some. Pricing should be very close to the bZ.

We’d also look at the Kia EV9, a handsome, more spacious vehicle, with a little bit better range, but less powerful acceleration. Coming in at $72,000 though, it’s pricey and makes clear that the bZ is a very strong value.

With a handsome new wagony-4WD look, massively improved performance, updated interior and tech, the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland is a great EV for adventure minded families!