Toyota’s newly renamed bZ electric SUV posts strong U.S. sales, topping the market with new incentives and tech upgrades. Learn more now!
In the latest U.S. EV sales report for January, Toyota’s newly renamed bZ electric SUV moved into the top‑four, selling 2,769 units and ranking fourth overall. The figure outpaced Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 (2,126 units), Ford Mustang Mach‑E (1,040), Kia EV9 (674), Honda Prologue (664) and Ford F‑150 Lightning (647). While General Motors has not released its numbers, the Chevrolet Equinox EV is expected to sit near the third spot.
Strong Performance Beyond the United States
Toyota’s bZ is not only gaining traction in America. In Japan, the model became the best‑selling domestic electric car in Q4 2025, overtaking Nissan for the first time. In Canada, January 2026 sales jumped 579 % year‑over‑year, setting a new record for the brand.
2026 Redesign: From bZ4X to bZ
The sales boost follows a comprehensive refresh that dropped the “4X” suffix and introduced the 2026 bZ nameplate. Toyota simplified the branding and delivered a host of technical upgrades that make the vehicle more competitive.
Key Technical Upgrades
The 2026 bZ now offers an estimated maximum range of about 505 km, a 25 % increase over the previous version. It supports the North American Charging Standard (NACS), allowing owners to use Tesla Supercharger stations. Under ideal conditions, the battery can charge from 10 % to 80 % in roughly 30 minutes.
A larger battery pack, active cooling, and other improvements also make charging more convenient. Power output has been raised dramatically: the all‑wheel‑drive version now delivers 338 hp (up 50 % from the prior model), while the front‑wheel‑drive variant produces 221 hp, up from 201 hp.
Refined Interior and Exterior
Both the cabin and exterior follow Toyota’s refreshed design language. Inside, a 14‑inch central touchscreen takes center stage, complemented by two wireless charging pads and a redesigned instrument panel. A 7‑inch driver‑display sits behind the steering wheel. Heated seats are standard in both rows, and the vehicle features regenerative braking and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. Premium trims add a full‑panoramic roof and a JBL nine‑speaker audio system.
Pricing and Incentives
Starting at $34,900, the 2026 bZ positions itself as one of the most affordable electric SUVs in the U.S. Toyota is also offering a $5,000 cash rebate, effectively bringing the out‑the‑door price below the $30,000 mark and boosting its appeal to cost‑conscious buyers.
Future Outlook
As rivals such as Ford, GM, and Stellantis recalibrate their electrification strategies, Toyota is banking on its upcoming electric SUVs— the C‑HR and the bZ Woodland—to regain momentum and close the gap created by its earlier slow‑start in the EV market.