Have you noticed the Subaru Outback recently? While distinguishing a wagon from an SUV might ultimately rely on a visual assessment, it’s fair to say that today’s Outback definitely trends more towards the latter than it once did. Maybe that’s acceptable now, as a new wagon has hit the market. Actually, there are two, but today we are focusing on the one showcasing the Toyota logo: the 2026 bZ Woodland.
The bZ Woodland is an extended variation of Toyota’s electric SUV, the bZ. Although both vehicles maintain the same 112.2-inch wheelbase, the Woodland adds six inches to the back, which significantly alters the perception of the car. Unlike the bZ, the Woodland includes standard all-wheel drive, 375 horsepower, roof rails, and all-terrain tires as a complimentary option. It kicks off at $46,750, which would be more enticing if Subaru weren’t ready to launch an identical vehicle with fewer features for nearly $5,000 less, named the Trailseeker.
Regardless, the house still wins. Thankfully, I believe buyers will feel like they’ve emerged victorious as well.
The Essentials
What would a car assessment in 2026 be without delving into an automaker’s naming strategies? It’s crucial to highlight that while the RAV4 Woodland is merely a trim of the RAV4, the bZ Woodland introduces a completely distinctive body type. Yes, both electric vehicles utilize most of their components, but no trim level provides the additional 8 cubic feet of storage with the seats down that the Woodland presents beyond the standard bZ. If you need to haul items, this is the model to opt for.
With 8.4 inches of ground clearance, the Woodland also sits a bit higher than your typical bZ, thanks to its more adventurous nature—but we’re really just talking about a difference of a tenth of an inch, here. Toyota estimates a maximum distance of 281 miles from the Woodland’s 74.4-kWh battery, assuming you skip the all-terrain tire option. The Dunlop Grandtrek tires incur a 21-mile range penalty, so if you desire the rugged aesthetics, you’ll have to settle for 260 miles of range.
In terms of design, the bZ Woodland is essentially just a longer bZ. Before the electric SUV’s midlife refresh, I would’ve said this was a negative aspect, but I genuinely appreciate how this wagon turned out. All three of Toyota’s main EVs—the C-HR, the standard bZ, and this one—share a front end, which I consider appealing. The Woodland introduces some chrome accents to the lower bumper and fully adopts the original bZ4X’s unusual wheel-arch cladding while scaling it back simultaneously. Toyota labels the bZ Woodland an SUV, but I remain firm—it’s a wagon through and through, and a striking one at that. Athletic, yet sleek. Not styled after a massive tool set you’d find at a hardware store, which I can only assume was the inspiration for the latest Outback. Roof rails are standard as well.
When the bZ4X debuted, it faced considerable backlash for its unconventional seat position. Ultimately, the issue wasn’t just the seat’s placement but where Toyota decided to position the digital gauge cluster: high on the dashboard and near the base of the windshield, such that in various seating positions, the steering wheel obscured the display.
This hasn’t been addressed in the bZ Woodland, or in any of the updated bZ variants. It’s something you adjust to over time, and you can somewhat shift your seat to discover one specific angle where you’re mostly looking over the wheel instead of through it. A bit bothersome, but not a dealbreaker for what is otherwise a well-appointed cabin for the price.
Admittedly, some of the plastics feel on the lower end, and if you dislike interiors dominated by screens, you may not appreciate the bZ Woodland’s minimal hard controls. Luckily, the steering wheel has plenty of buttons, but the 14-inch infotainment display features just two large dials for climate-control temperatures.
Nevertheless, it generally presents nicely, particularly with the brown synthetic leather and bronze trim option. Rear passenger space is ample, and the 33.8 cubic feet available behind the second row means you can transport quite a bit before needing to fold down the seats.
Ironically, although the bZ Woodland’s interior is quite spacious, it’s not particularly filled with storage solutions. There’s no frunk or glove compartment in these bZ EVs, and the storage under the center armrest is fairly limited, though there is a shelf beneath the bridge that holds the shifter and wireless phone chargers. Despite my usual avoidance of wireless charging, these pads managed to keep my phone securely in place and effectively charged, so if I lived with one of these wagons for an extended period, I might actually make use of them. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included in the bZ Woodland.
Experience Behind the Wheel of the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland
From the exterior, you might be surprised to discover that the bZ Woodland is quite rapid. With a combined output of 375 hp and just under 400 lb-ft of torque evenly distributed between motors on both axles, this is among the quickest models Toyota offers. It can reach 60 mph from a stop in merely 4.4 seconds, which even surpasses the new C-HR by about half a second.
Naturally, it isn’t a sleeper Volvo wagon, but the bZ Woodland is relatively enjoyable to navigate. Along with abundant torque, steering is light yet accurate. The soft suspension and elevated ride height prevent too much excitement in turns, but this wagon never feels unwieldy, even though it weighs 4,500 pounds. And while you’ll notice what seem to be paddles behind the steering wheel, in the bZ Woodland, they adjust the level of energy returned during deceleration. This system is intuitive, and I much prefer it to searching through a car’s software for the regen setting.
The cabin remains reasonably quiet while driving, which is commendable for an EV, where road noise is often more noticeable than in traditional vehicles.
While the bZ Woodland is by no means an off-road beast, it never feels overmatched on dusty paths, especially when fitted with those previously mentioned, range-depleting all-terrain tires. Toyota invited the media to partake in some light off-roading, climbing a mountain in Ojai Valley, California. These trails were predominantly dirt and not overly rocky, but they effectively demonstrated the bZ Woodland’s X-Mode Grip Control all-wheel-drive technology.
Engaged via a toggle near the shifter, Grip Control can essentially be described as hill descent control, but for ascending slopes or any uneven terrain as well. The toggle allows you to select the speed you wish to maintain; from there, you can remove your foot from the accelerator and brake, and the vehicle allocates power and brake modulation to the wheels that require it most to tackle whatever lies ahead. All you need to do is steer and keep an eye on the standard panoramic camera system for any obstacles. Additional cameras certainly come in handy in a setting like this.
Toyota designed an obstacle course with inconsistent terrain, featuring ruts in one path and substantial bumps in another. X-Mode successfully navigated through all obstacles, albeit slowly. At times, it would apply a small amount of power insufficient to overcome the terrain; it would roll back and then instinctively apply a bit more acceleration to proceed to the next barrier.
Range and Rivals
The bZ Woodland is rated to travel a maximum of 281 miles on a full charge of its 74.7-kWh battery, which is fairly efficient. Those who select all-terrain tires will find that distance reduced to 260 miles. It’s not the fastest-charging electric vehicle, as it supports up to 150 kW only, but it does feature a NACS port. Using a Level 3 DC fast charger, Toyota estimates that drivers can recharge 10 to 80 percent of the battery in 30 minutes. An 11-kW onboard AC charger also alleviates a common criticism aimed at the original bZ4X: its sluggish home-charging speeds.
So, what about the competition? Well, before we dive into the Trailseeker situation, the bZ Woodland stands up quite well against other electric SUVs in its own way. If this wagon seems set to take on anything available, it’s Hyundai’s $47,875 Ioniq 5 XRT. It is merely $1,125 more than the bZ Woodland. And while the XRT undoubtedly excels in charging speed and potentially in interior design and quality, it provides less power and, more critically, less storage—just 58.5 cubic feet with its rear seats folded, which is 15.8 cubic feet shy of the Woodland. The Ioniq 5’s design effectively aligns more with the standard bZ, rather than this wagon version.
In the realm of relatively budget-friendly electric SUVs with an off-road emphasis, there’s the Volvo EX30 Cross Country, promising even more power but lesser range. As much as I enjoy the Cross Country’s ethos, it’s simply not competing in the same size class as the bZ Woodland, being a full two feet shorter. It also has a price tag of $49,545.
In truth, the bZ Woodland’s specific blend of size and power presents a compelling case at its price point. A similar dual-motor Honda Prologue, for instance, will set you back nearly $10K more, and still falls short in terms of interior space. The bZ Woodland starts to come out ahead—unless you take a look at what Subaru is displaying across the street.
The presence of the Trailseeker, Subaru’s variant of the Woodland, is arguably the primary reason to consider alternatives to Toyota. It begins at $41,445—over $5,000 lower than the Woodland—offering slightly less standard features. The base Trailseeker does not include the Woodland’s powered front passenger seat, heated rear seats, 360-degree camera system, and 120-volt AC outlet in the cargo area, for instance. However, the disparity in features is truly minimal, and every version of Subaru’s wagon retains what’s fundamentally essential: the identical dual-motor powertrain and battery, delivering the same power and range, along with the same infotainment system, roof rails, and all that interior capacity. Personally, I prefer the design of Subaru’s front end much less than Toyota’s, but I wouldn’t assign a $5,000 price difference on that preference.
Initial Impression
It’s logical to assume that many individuals will compare the bZ Woodland and the Subaru Trailseeker, and they absolutely should. Regardless of the badge on the front of the wagon you opt to drive home, however, this is an exceptionally robust all-purpose electric vehicle for the sub-$50K market, and it boasts numerous defining advantages.
Yes, the interior could use a bit of enhancement, and a quicker charging capability would address the most glaring defect of the bZ family. However, you receive so much of everything else here—fairly impressive range, surprising power, all-wheel drive, and ample cargo space—that some buyers will undoubtedly choose to overlook those limitations. Toyota’s electric vehicles have finally arrived, and crucially, the environmentally-conscious crowd now has an electric wagon they might consider—or two.
Toyota provided The Drive with travel and accommodations, along with the use of a vehicle for the purpose of writing this review.
| 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $46,750 |
| Powertrain | 74.7-kWh battery | dual-motor all-wheel drive |
| Horsepower | 375 |
| Torque | 396 lb-ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 4,500 pounds |
| Max Towing | 3,500 pounds |
| Cargo Volume | 33.8 cubic feet behind second row | 74.3 cubic feet behind first row |
| Ground Clearance | 8.4 inches |
| 0-60 mph | 4.4 seconds |
| EPA-rated range | Up to 281 miles (260 miles with all-terrain tires) |
| Score | 7/10 |
Quick Review
The Toyota bZ Woodland performs remarkably well for its price, making it arguably unique in its class. Or, it would be if Subaru wasn’t offering a variant that delivers even better value.
**Toyota bZ Woodland Initial Drive Review: Investigating the 375-HP Electric Wagon Priced at $47,000**
The automotive sector is swiftly transforming, with electric vehicles (EVs) emerging at the forefront of the journey towards sustainable transport. Among the newest arrivals is the Toyota bZ Woodland, an electric wagon that merges performance, utility, and eco-friendliness. Valued at $47,000, the bZ Woodland boasts an impressive 375 horsepower, making it an enticing option for those eager to switch to electric without forfeiting power or practicality.
**Design and Attributes**
The Toyota bZ Woodland displays a contemporary design that embodies its electric essence. With an elegant profile and aerodynamic features, the wagon is not just visually striking but also optimized for energy efficiency. The front end showcases a unique grille-less design, emblematic of electric vehicles, while LED headlights add a modern flair.
Inside, the bZ Woodland is crafted for comfort and advanced technology. The spacious cabin can seat up to five passengers, with substantial cargo capacity for everyday needs. Premium materials and a minimalist dashboard cultivate a refined environment. The highlight of the interior is a large touchscreen infotainment system that integrates seamlessly with smartphones, providing navigation, music, and vehicle controls at the driver’s fingertips.
**Performance and Driving Experience**
Beneath the hood, the bZ Woodland is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that delivers a powerful 375 horsepower. This performance enables the wagon to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds, offering a thrilling driving sensation. The electric motors provide immediate torque, facilitating smooth city driving and highway merging.
The bZ Woodland features a substantial battery pack that offers an estimated range of over 300 miles on a single charge, making it apt for both everyday commuting and extended road journeys. The regenerative braking system improves efficiency by redirecting kinetic energy back into stored energy, further enhancing the vehicle’s range.
**Technology and Safety Features**
Toyota has outfitted the bZ Woodland with a range of advanced tech features aimed at enhancing both convenience and safety. The vehicle includes standard Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, which encompasses adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. Additionally, the bZ Woodland comes with a 360-degree camera setup, simplifying parking and navigating in confined areas.
The infotainment system allows for over-the-air updates, ensuring that the vehicle’s software stays current without needing dealership visits. Voice recognition functionality enables drivers to manage navigation and media with uncomplicated commands, fostering a hands-free experience.
**Pricing and Release Information**
With a base price of $47,000, the Toyota bZ Woodland positions itself competitively within the electric wagon market. This pricing encompasses a variety of standard features that boost both comfort and safety, making it an appealing choice for individuals and families alike. The bZ Woodland is anticipated to be available at Toyota dealerships nationwide, with incentives and rebates potentially reducing the effective purchase price for buyers.
**Final Thoughts**
The Toyota bZ Woodland marks a considerable advancement for the brand in the electric vehicle sector. With its powerful performance, spacious cabin, and cutting-edge technology, it appeals to an increasingly eco-conscious audience seeking transportation solutions without sacrificing style or functionality. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, the bZ Woodland is set to create a meaningful impact in the automotive landscape.