Toyota bZ4X updated! Slow-selling Tesla Model Y rival gets more power, extra range and smooth styling. Arriving in Australia in 2025
Just a year after it first landed in Australian dealers the 2026 Toyota bZ4X has been subjected to a substantial overhaul in a bid to keep up with its newer, more advanced rivals that are lapping the mid-size SUV in the sales race.
The headline news is smoother styling introduces a rejuvenated EV that gets a longer range, refreshed cabin, extra tech and more power as Toyota eyes up pinching a few sales off the Tesla Model Y.
Scheduled to land in Australian dealers from around October this year, there’s no word yet if the bZ4X’s $66,000 (2WD) and$74,900 (4WD) plus on-roads pricing will carry over unchanged. An announcement is set to take place closer to the launch.
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As before, the Toyota bZ4X will be continued to be offered with either front- or all-wheel drive but the old 71.4kWh battery has been binned for a fractionally larger 73.1kWh power pack.
Despite the minor increase in size, Toyota says there’s been a major increase in range by around 30 per cent from 436km on a charge to an estimated 573km – based on the WLTP test cycle.
Releasing the extra range is both the use of Toyota’s next-generation e-motors incorporating silicon-carbide semi-conductors that reduce power losses.
The front-drive Toyota SUV now produces 165kW (+15kW), while the all-wheel drive versions pump out a far more muscular 252kW, compared to the old car’s meagre 160kW.
That drags down the 0-100km/h sprint for the dual-motor version from 6.9 seconds to a far more invigorating 5.1 seconds.
In Europe, a base front-drive model with a 126kW e-motor and a smaller 57.7kWh battery is available but it’s already been ruled out for Australia.
Despite the new battery charging rates remain pegged at 150kW, but engineers claim improved thermal management increase charging speeds, especially in colder climates.
There’s also a new pre-conditioning feature that heats or cools the batteries manually or automatically when you’re on the way to a charging station for the fastest possible top-up.
As part of the MY26 upgrades there’s a new built-in sat nav that plots routes with the state-of-charge, range and convenient charging stations in mind.
Another benefit is towing capacity has now improved from 750kg to 1500kg on the all-wheel drive versions, while a 22kW on-board charge is now offered on high-grade models.
Styling tweaks include a new hammerhead front facia design, which adds a revised bumper, new LED headlamps and introduces a full-width daytime running lamp.
Fresh 20-inch alloy wheels have also been added, while gloss black arches are standard across the range.
Within the cabin there’s a new 14-inch infotainment system that features physical temperature dials, plus a further dial for the volume.
Said to be made of new higher-grade materials, a pair of wireless charging pads have been added.
Further tweaks to the suspension and body shell have been made to lower noise and road rumble entering the cabin, while engineers claim both comfort and driving have been improved as part of extensive upgrades.
Prices for the 2026 Toyota bZ4X will be released to coincide with the mid-size electric SUV’s Australia debut around October this year.
Last year Toyota sold just 977 bZ4Xs, making it only Australia’s 19th best-selling EV. Tesla sold 21,253 Model Ys.
