First Drive: 2026 Toyota bZ4X Touring — A Surprisingly Practical SUV?

October 28, 2026

In Brief

The 2026 Toyota bZ4X Touring adds a family-friendly option to the brand’s electric lineup, pairing well‑considered practicality with comfort and efficiency. Longer by 14 cm than the standard model, it delivers a generous cargo area and substantial rear-seat space. Its on-road efficiency, balanced handling, and straightforward ergonomics are highlighted, even as critics point to limited charging power, the absence of a One-Pedal mode, and a somewhat austere cabin ambience. Its value-for-equipment ratio and the battery warranty further bolster its appeal as a versatile, all‑around electric family car.

Some will no doubt dismiss this bZ4X Touring as little more than an extended variant of the Japanese SUV. The more optimistic will see in it a worthy heir to the rugged wagons of the past—Volvo Cross Country and Audi Allroad—and to Subaru’s Outback and Forester. In fact, the bZ4X Touring is built by Subaru, Toyota’s partner, alongside the E-Outback. The bZ4X, launched in 2022, had a rocky start (the cryptic name didn’t help): Toyota’s first 100% electric model drew attention mainly for lagging performance and dated technology. Shortcomings were addressed last year with a discreet facelift: new motors and batteries, the addition of a heat pump, and a route planner with battery preconditioning. Naturally, the wagon variant benefits from these optimizations and starts with a solid footing.

Toyota bZ4X Touring 224 hp / 75 kWh Long‑Range Design: 14 cm Longer

The Touring stands out from the standard bodywork by its extra 14 cm. This pushes the length to 4.83 m (approximately 15 ft 10 in). It also brings a price premium of €3,500, bringing the starting price to €48,400 (not excessively high given the equipment level). Less conspicuous, the wheel-arch protectors differ slightly. The stretch affects only the rear overhang, benefiting the cargo area which now claims 669 L (217 L more than before). It’s better than a RAV4 in that respect. The removable floor conceals a cable locker and creates a broad flat loading surface with the rear seatbacks folded, lifting total capacity to 1,718 L.

Range remains a practical issue for a family car, so the rear seats are truly generous, the bench offers solid comfort, and storage pockets are plentiful. But the interior ambience isn’t exactly exuberant: up front, dark trim and a dash with a somewhat mismatched, non-harmonious design (at least four different plastics textures) create a austere atmosphere. If some materials feel lightweight, the overall fit and finish still read as solid. Importantly, the overall ergonomics stay rational, avoiding an overly tactile experience. The control layout remains approachable: real physical switches still exist for accessing driving aids. Two quick taps are enough to quiet most alerts, though they’re not overly intrusive. One disappointment, however, is the instrument cluster partly obscured by the small steering wheel, depending on driver position.

Toyota bZ4X Touring 224 hp / 75 kWh Long‑Range Design: Unexpected Talents on a Winding Road

This substantial wagon reveals unexpected talents when the road becomes twisty, whether on asphalt or light off‑road surfaces. It offers a notably precise steering feel, with a well‑calibrated rack that’s not overly direct nor overly isolated. The suspension, non‑adaptive, remains composed and progressive in its response to the mass (about 1,900 kg). The result is a balanced compromise: you don’t call it agile or nimble, but you get a travel companion that handles corners with poise and comfort. The ride is refined thanks to relatively modest 18‑inch wheels that, paradoxically, contribute to steadiness. In a market where some EVs lean into flashy gadgets, the bZ4X Touring emphasizes straightforward, dependable engineering and a chassis that delivers when you want it to. Toyota is known for engineering sound chassis work, and this model is no exception—comparable in its intrinsic competence to peers like the Peugeot E‑5008 or Skoda Enyaq, which also have a knack for handling well.

Toyota bZ4X Touring 224 hp / 75 kWh Long‑Range Design: 224 hp, Wise Yet Willing

The 224 hp powertrain, while modest, is adequate for most driving scenarios, with a torque of 268 Nm arriving promptly to support confident acceleration. For those seeking more performance, the all‑wheel-drive version adds a second motor on the rear axle, boosting power to 380 hp and enabling near‑sporty sprint times. It’s the quickest Toyota in the current lineup aside from the GR Yaris, with a 0–60 mph time in the mid‑4‑second range. In practical terms, the AWD also tow‑slightly heavier loads (about 1,500 kg versus 750 kg for the two‑wheel‑drive). The standard rear‑drive is no slouch either, offering ample ground clearance of roughly 21 cm and a slightly higher efficiency, with official range figures of about 591 km for the RWD version and 528 km for the AWD version.

In the Touring configuration, the efficiency is compelling: our test average used about 15.2 kWh/100 km on a hilly route, with regenerative braking easily adjusted via the steering wheel paddles in four levels. There is no One‑Pedal mode, which is a disappointment for city driving. With a 75 kWh battery—the only available capacity—range nearly approaches 500 km depending on conditions, making it a practical choice for families who don’t want to stretch every charge. On DC fast charging, the platform’s 400‑V architecture limits peak power to a moderate 150 kW, so recharging from 10% to 80% typically takes about 28 minutes. This cautious strategy might be intended to preserve the battery’s longevity, given the ten‑year or one‑million‑kilometer warranty that backs it. All told, this pragmatic Japanese wagon proves more likeable than expected, especially in daily family use.

Toyota bZ4X Touring 224 hp / 75 kWh Long‑Range Design: What Stands Out

  • Strong overall performance for a family EV
  • Excellent interior space and cargo capacity
  • Comfortable ride with balanced handling

Toyota bZ4X Touring 224 hp / 75 kWh Long‑Range Design: The Drawbacks

  • No One‑Pedal mode
  • Austere interior ambience
  • Moderate charging power compared with some rivals

The Auto Journal Verdict: 4/5

This wagon with a rugged-hauler vibe is arguably the most well‑rounded member of Toyota’s electric lineup. It deftly fulfills its role as a comfortable family vehicle, with driving enjoyment as a bonus. And while it isn’t cheap, the price/performance proposition deserves attention.

Toyota bZ4X Touring 224 hp / 75 kWh Long‑Range Design: Measurements

Find our first test of the Toyota bZ4X Touring 224 hp / 75 kWh Long‑Range Design in The Auto Journal issue 1217 dated September 17, 2026.

Comparison Table

Version Power (hp) Battery (kWh) Length (ft/in) Boot (L) Max Capacity (L) Estimated Range (km) Price (€) 0–100 km/h (s) Torque (Nm) Max Charge (kW) Charge 10–80% Weight (kg) Ride height (cm) Towing (kg)
Touring 2WD 224 75 4.83 669 1,718 591 €48,400 – 268 150 28 min 1,900 21 750
Touring AWD 380 75 4.83 669 1,718 528 – €4,5 – 150 28 min – 2,150

What to Remember

  • The 2026 Toyota bZ4X Touring offers a format between family wagon and SUV, with remarkable interior space.
  • Its cargo area reaches 669 L (up to 1,718 L with the rear seats folded).
  • Equipped with a 75 kWh battery, range varies from about 528 to 591 km depending on the version.
  • Fast charging power peaks at 150 kW, enabling a 10–80% fill in around 28 minutes.
  • The price/performance ratio and a 10‑year battery warranty are highlighted.
  • Among the caveats: austere interior ambience, no One‑Pedal mode, and relatively modest charging power compared with rivals.

FAQ

What is the cargo capacity of the Toyota bZ4X Touring?

The cargo area measures 669 L, expandable to 1,718 L with the rear seats folded.

What range does the Toyota bZ4X Touring offer?

The official range is 591 km for the rear‑drive version and 528 km for the AWD version.

What is the fast‑charging power of the bZ4X Touring?

Maximum DC fast charging power is 150 kW, allowing a 10–80% fill in about 28 minutes.

What are the main strengths of the bZ4X Touring?

It offers spacious interior and cargo space, solid comfort, and ergonomic handling with a practical learning curve for drivers.

What aspects could be improved on the bZ4X Touring?

The absence of One-Pedal mode, the austere interior ambience, and the relatively moderate charging power compared with rivals are worth noting.

Nolan Kessler

I focus on performance-driven cars, emerging technologies, and the business forces shaping the automotive industry. My work aims to deliver clear, relevant insights without unnecessary noise, with a strong attention to detail and accuracy. I follow the evolution of mobility daily, with a particular interest in what defines the next generation of driving.