In stunning Ojai California, Toyota revealed to automotive media three vehicles that will help shape Toyota’s immediate future in the Battery Electric Vehicle sphere.
At the private media reveal, Toyota unveiled the all-new 2027 Toyota Highlander BEV, the first full electric Highlander in Toyota’s model lineup. See the story about the new Highlander BEV here.
And while we weren’t able to test drive the new Highlander, we spent quality time in three additional BEV’s – the 2026 Toyota bZ, 2026 bZ Woodland and the 2026 CH-R.
While the bZ (formerly bZ4X) has always been a BEV platform for Toyota, the BEV CH-R represents a total remake of CH-R, which debuted in 2018. The first C-HR was positioned as a subcompact crossover below the Toyota RAV4, and was equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission.
The gasoline powered CH-R was discontinued in 2022.
Toyota’s EV Future
The 2026 Toyota C-HR and 2026 Toyota bZ and bZ Woodland serve different roles within Toyota’s expanding electric vehicle lineup. While the trio is built on Toyota’s dedicated e-TNGA BEV platform and feature front-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive depending on model/trim, they target different buyers, and have similar but unique driving characteristics.
The 2026 Toyota bZ/bZ Woodland expands Toyota’s BEV lineup into a more capability-oriented niche, combining rugged styling and advanced technology. With competitive range, available AWD, and a well-equipped interior, the bZ/bZ Woodland appeals to buyers seeking an electric SUV that can tackle daily duties as well as weekend adventures.
CH-R/bZ/bZ Woodland Exteriors
Design focus for C-HR is sporty, as the coupe-like compact SUV delivers dynamic styling that’s sleek and quite frankly, gorgeous. CH-Rs are available in SE and XSE trims.
The bZ is also aero-clean in styling, with a handsome profile.
The bZ Woodland features a more upright and wagon-like profile compared to the standard bZ.
Black fenders,standard roof rails, and a taller rear design give it
a rugged appearance while increasing interior flexibility. With over 74 cubic feet
of cargo space with the rear seats folded, the Woodland offers impressive utility
for gear, luggage, and outdoor equipment.
The bZ Woodland also features 3,500 pounds of towing capacity.
The C-HR offers up to 59.5 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded.
CH-R/bZ/bZ Woodland Interiors & Technology
All three are very similar Inside, offering a standard a 14-inch touchscreen
running Toyota Audio Multimedia. For the bZ and bZ Woodland additional standard and optional features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, and a digital driver’s cluster nestled atop the dashboard, eliminating the need for a Head Up Display to see pertinent info without having to take your eyes off the road for extended periods.
Available upgrades include a terrific sounding JBL premium audio system featuring 9 speakers, an 8-channel 800-watt amplifier and 9-inch subwoofer.
Additional goodies include a panoramic roof, ventilated front seats, driver memory seat, and panoramic view monitor.
Connected Services for all models include cloud navigation, intelligent voice assistant (“Hey Toyota”), Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and remote charging and climate control via the Toyota app.
CH-R/bZ Woodland Drivetrain and Performance
Every C-HR comes standard with dual electric motors, electronic All-Wheel Drive,
and 338 combined horsepower. Toyota estimates 0–60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
The 74.7-kWh battery sits under the floor for a low center of gravity and improved rigidity.
Base bZ models are single motor front wheel drive delivering 168 or 221 horsepower depending on trim, while bZ Woodland comes with dual electric motors and electronic all-wheel drive. The system delivers an estimated 375 combined horsepower, making it the most powerful model in the bZ lineup.
With 8.4 inches of ground clearance and standard X-MODE AWD, the Woodland is perfect for light off-road/trail driving with enhanced traction in snow, dirt, and gravel conditions.
To showcase bZ Woodland’s off-road moxie, Toyota set up a dedicated trail with loose gravel paths, grass-covered (read-slick) hill climbs, and additional ascent/decent angles that really highlighted the true capability of the SUV for adventure seekers.
And while both models delivered great on road performance, the CH-R, even with the slightly less horsepower than the bZ Woodland, seemed to be more responsive to my heavy right foot and had a more supple ride quality with lower interior noise.
Comprehensive Safety
Every 2026 C-HR, bZ and bZ Woodland come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Proactive Driving Assist
Additional features include Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Safe Exit Alert, and Front & Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking.
The available Panoramic View Monitor with Multi-Terrain Monitor helps drivers better judge obstacles and surfaces when venturing off the beaten path.
Range & Charging
CH-R SE models with 18-inch wheels: 287 miles EPA-estimated range.
XSE models with 20-inch wheels: 273 miles EPA-estimated range.
New bZ/bZ Woodland models deliver 235 to 314 miles depending on FWD/AWD drivelines and trim levels.
The trio features NACS charging port capability – allowing for DC fast charging at Tesla Supercharger and other Level 3 charging stations, and can achieve a 10%–80% in about 30 minutes under ideal conditions, and are equipped with battery preconditioning for more efficient charging.
Warranty
Toyota backs the C-HR and bZ and bZ Woodland with:
- 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain coverage
- 8 years / 100,000 miles on EV components and traction battery
- ToyotaCare: 2 years / 25,000 miles of maintenance
- 3 years of roadside assistance
Pricing
CH-R prices begin at: $37,000
bZ prices begin at: $34,900
bZ Woodland prices begin at: $45,300
Toyota has chosen to march ahead with their BEV goals, even in uncertain times for BEVs in the U.S. market. Gone are specific U.S. Government incentives geared to EV purchases and home/commercial charging portals and equipment. While one might question whether this is a smart economic move by Toyota given the lack of incentives, only time will tell.
What is very clear is that the new CH-R, bZ and bZ Woodland are outstanding electric vehicles. The auto media crowd is not forgiving to manufacturers that bring substandard, unimpressive vehicles to market. Not once did I hear any significant complaints about vehicle content, range, performance or safety in this trio of electric vehicle gems!
Good luck to Toyota as they move forward with their BEV strategy.
