For years, Toyota was criticized for sitting on the sidelines while the EV revolution swept through the auto industry. Instead of riding the wave, the Japanese auto giant doubled down on hybrids, while rolling out only one pure EV for the US market, the poorly reviewed bZ4X. But as sales growth slowed and governments started eliminating their EV incentives, Toyota’s caution was retroactively seen as strategic. Now, as other automakers pull back, Toyota is finally getting off the sidelines.
Last week, the Japanese auto giant announced the new Highlander, a three-row SUV with over 300 miles of range, vehicle-to-load capabilities, and some real “Made in America” bona fides. Today, it’s again trotting out the bZ Woodland, a compact SUV with plenty of outdoor flair, with a full spec sheet to go along with the first drive impressions.
The bZ Woodland is the off-road version of the bZ compact SUV (previously called bZ4X), which for years was Toyota’s sole electric offering in the US. But the automaker would like you to think of it more as a full reimagining of the bZ than a simple trim level change. While it shares some DNA with the standard bZ, the Woodland adds nearly six inches of length and an extra inch of height in the rear, with a total of 74.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. That’s significantly more than the standard bZ’s 67.1 cubic feet.
The bZ Woodland features a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain that delivers 375 horsepower and a 0-60 mph acceleration in just 4.4 seconds. The EV’s EPA-estimated range of 281 miles is similar to other AWD compact, battery-powered SUVs. But with all-terrain tires, that estimated range drops to 260 miles.
The charging port is NACS, meaning the bZ Woodland will be able to charge at Tesla’s Supercharger network. Under the right conditions, the 74.7 kWh battery can charge from 10-80 percent in 30 minutes. Like the Highlander, the battery can be pre-conditioned to ensure its optimal charging temperature.
With 8.4 inches of ground clearance, the bZ Woodland stands ready to tackle even the toughest off-road conditions. It can tow up 3,500 lbs and comes standard with a pair of roof rails. The 18-inch aluminum wheels feature aero covers for improved dynamics.
But if the timing of the bZ Woodland feels curious, the price may strike you as even more confusing. It starts at $46,695 (including delivery charges), which is about $5,300 more than its platform twin the Subaru Trailseeker. Toyota co-develops its EVs with Subaru, meaning the bZ Woodland is essentially a copy of the $41,445 Trailseeker. Is there $5,300 in improvements in the bZ Woodland?
Even if not, it’s great to see Toyota finally getting in the EV game. The rugged crossover is expected to hit dealerships in March 2026.
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