Toyota expands its electric vehicle range with the new bZ Woodland SUV.

For years, Toyota faced criticism for its slow response to the electric vehicle (EV) movement while the automotive world shifted gears. Instead of diving into the EV pool, the company focused on hybrids, offering only one pure EV in the U.S. market—the bZ4X, which didn’t exactly win over critics. However, as sales began to plateau and government incentives for EVs started to fade, Toyota’s cautious approach began to look more strategic. Now, as competitors pull back, Toyota is finally making its move.

Recently, the automaker unveiled the new Highlander, a three-row SUV boasting over 300 miles of range and vehicle-to-load capabilities, showcasing its commitment to American manufacturing. Today, it’s also introducing the bZ Woodland, a compact SUV designed for outdoor enthusiasts, complete with a detailed spec sheet and first-drive impressions.

The bZ Woodland is essentially the off-road variant of the bZ compact SUV (formerly known as the bZ4X), which has been Toyota’s only electric model in the U.S. for some time. However, Toyota wants you to see it as a complete reimagining rather than just a trim level. While it retains some features from the standard bZ, the Woodland version is longer by nearly six inches and taller by an inch in the rear, offering a generous 74.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down—significantly more than the standard bZ’s 67.1 cubic feet.

The bZ Woodland is equipped with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system that delivers an impressive 375 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Its EPA-estimated range of 281 miles is on par with other all-wheel-drive compact electric SUVs, though that drops to 260 miles with all-terrain tires.

Charging is made easy with a NACS port, enabling the bZ Woodland to utilize Tesla’s Supercharger network. Under optimal conditions, the 74.7 kWh battery can go from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. Like the Highlander, the battery can be pre-conditioned for optimal charging performance.

With 8.4 inches of ground clearance, the bZ Woodland is built to handle tough off-road challenges. It can tow up to 3,500 lbs and comes standard with roof rails. The 18-inch aluminum wheels are designed with aero covers to enhance performance.

However, the timing of the bZ Woodland’s release raises eyebrows, especially considering its starting price of $46,695 (including delivery fees), which is about $5,300 more than its platform counterpart, the Subaru Trailseeker. Since Toyota collaborates with Subaru on its EVs, the bZ Woodland is essentially a variant of the $41,445 Trailseeker. The question remains: does the bZ Woodland offer $5,300 worth of enhancements?

Regardless, it’s exciting to see Toyota finally stepping into the EV arena. This rugged crossover is set to hit dealerships in March 2026.