Toyota has come a long way with electric vehicles, and the 2026 Toyota bZ4X Woodland Premium is proof that an electric SUV does not have to be dull or lacking in power.
The first thing I noticed was its appearance. Finished in Stepping Stone, which looks almost black in some light, with black wheel covers and black roof rails, the Woodland has a powerful, almost menacing appearance. It is a substantial SUV with a sleek, purposeful design.
Built in Japan, it also carries the quality craftsmanship Toyota is known for.
But the real surprise comes when you get behind the wheel. The bZ4X Woodland Premium produces 375 horsepower through its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. Toyota’s X-MODE and Grip Control systems are designed to provide additional traction when conditions get difficult.
The lithium-ion battery is mounted low in the vehicle, giving the Woodland a low center of gravity. That helps the SUV feel stable through curves, and the acceleration is impressive. This is an electric SUV that can move with authority and feels surprisingly much like a sports car when you put your foot into it.
The Woodland also demonstrates how much electric-vehicle charging technology has improved. The vehicle uses the North American Charging System, or NACS, making it compatible with Tesla Superchargers as well as other public charging networks. Under ideal conditions, Toyota says a DC fast charger can take the battery from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Level 2 charging is also available, and the vehicle has a dual-voltage charging cable. Regenerative braking can return some energy to the battery as the vehicle slows, including when traveling downhill.
Range remains one of the major considerations with any electric vehicle. Toyota rates the Woodland at up to 281 miles of EPA-estimated range, while the version equipped with the available all-terrain tires is rated at 260 miles. Actual range will vary with temperature, speed, terrain and driving conditions.
That is particularly important in Colorado. Climbing mountain roads, running the heater or air conditioning and using other electrical equipment all require energy from the battery. Cold weather can also reduce range. Regenerative braking helps recover some energy, but it does not eliminate the effects of difficult driving conditions.
Inside, the Woodland Premium is beautiful and comfortable. My test vehicle has a black interior, generous rear-seat legroom and a power liftgate. The nine-speaker JBL premium audio system produces excellent sound, and two wireless phone-charging stations up front are convenient for both driver and passenger.
My test vehicle carried a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $47,400, with a delivered price of $50,888 including its additional equipment and charging-related items. There are relatively few options to add because Toyota has equipped the Woodland generously from the factory.
I have always believed Toyota hybrids make tremendous sense for people who regularly travel long distances. If you’re traveling several hundred miles, the convenience of stopping for gasoline for a few minutes remains difficult to beat.
But for commuters with predictable daily driving, electric vehicles make considerable sense. As gasoline and diesel prices rise, the appeal of electric transportation becomes even stronger.
The 2026 Toyota bZ4X Woodland Premium shows how far electric vehicles have come. It is attractive, powerful, comfortable, well-built and fun to drive.
This is not simply an electric vehicle designed to save fuel. It is a very impressive automobile.
H. Throttle says: The bZ4X Woodland Premium proves an electric SUV can be practical and exciting at the same time.