The Toyota bZ4X had a rocky start in Australia. When it first landed, it was praised for its off-road capability and reliability but criticized for three specific pain points: underwhelming range, conservative charging speeds, and a price tag that didn’t quite match the spec sheet.
Toyota has listened.
Scheduled to arrive in Australian showrooms in the first half of 2026, the Toyota bZ4X Touring is not just a facelift; it is a fundamental reinvention of the model. This update introduces a new “Touring” body style that is longer, more powerful, and crucially, equipped with the battery technology required to silence the critics.
At EV Evolution, Australia’s premier digital platform for EV enthusiasts, we have analyzed the confirmed “May 2025” global announcements to break down exactly how this new flagship model addresses the concerns of Aussie drivers.
🌏 Context: Why the “Touring” Matters
The original bZ4X was a solid first attempt, but it struggled to compete with the high-flying Tesla Model Y and the value-packed Kia EV5. Owners loved the drive but lamented the real-world highway range and the steep drop-off in charging speed once the battery hit 80%.
The 2026 bZ4X Touring is Toyota’s answer. This is effectively a “Version 2.0” launch. By introducing a stretched “wagon-style” body (adding 140mm to the rear), Toyota has transformed the bZ4X from a compact SUV into a genuine family hauler.
But the real news isn’t the extra legroom—it’s the powertrain overhaul. This model is designed specifically to address the “EV anxiety” of traditional Toyota buyers, offering a robust range buffer and charging speeds that finally align with industry standards.
⚡ The Specs: A Powerhouse Transformation
The specs for the incoming Australian model are a massive leap forward from the current generation.
1. The Power Hike
Gone is the modest 160kW output of the current AWD model. The 2026 bZ4X Touring will land exclusively as a dual-motor AWD beast producing 280kW of power.
- 0-100km/h: Expected to drop to under 5.0 seconds (down from 6.9s).
- Torque: Significantly increased, improving towing capability (now rated at 1,500kg).
2. The Battery & Range Fix
Toyota has swapped the old 71.4kWh unit for a new, higher-density 74.7kWh battery.
- Official Range: Targeted at 450km+ (WLTP) for the AWD Touring.
- The Real-World Difference: While the paper gain seems modest, the new battery chemistry and improved thermal management mean the highway range retention is significantly better.
3. Charging Speed: Flattening the Curve
The biggest critique of the original bZ4X was its charging curve—it would hit peak speed briefly before throttling down aggressively.
- DC Fast Charging: The 2026 model peaks at 150kW but holds that peak for longer.
- The Result: A 10-80% charge now takes just 30 minutes (down from 45+ minutes).
- AC Charging: A new 11kW onboard charger (with a 22kW option likely on top trims) finally allows for faster home and depot charging, a huge win for fleets.
🔋 Addressing the Critiques: Cold Weather & Reliability
Toyota has specifically targeted the “charging gate” issues. The 2026 Touring features a dedicated battery pre-conditioning system as standard.
- What it does: If you set a fast charger as your destination in the sat-nav, the car will heat or cool the battery to the optimal temperature before you arrive.
- Why it matters: This ensures you get maximum charging speed immediately upon plugging in, even on a cold Victorian morning, eliminating the “coldgate” slow-charging issues of the previous model.
📦 Space & Practicality: The Wagon Advantage
The “Touring” name isn’t just for show. The extended bodywork transforms the practicality of the vehicle.
- Boot Space: jumps from a mediocre 452L to a massive 588 Litres. This puts it ahead of the BYD Atto 3 and competitive with the Tesla Model Y.
- Roof Rails: Rated for 70kg, standardizing the ability to carry kayaks or roof boxes—a nod to the “weekend warrior” demographic Toyota owns.
🇦🇺 Pricing & Availability
Toyota Australia has confirmed the bZ4X Touring will arrive in Q2 2026. While official pricing is TBC, industry estimates suggest it will sit at the top of the range, likely priced around $75,000 – $79,000 (plus on-roads).
While this is a premium, it buys you a vehicle that is larger, faster, and far more capable than the model it replaces. It effectively bridges the gap between the RAV4 Hybrid and a full-sized luxury EV.
🏁 Verdict: The Toyota We Wanted All Along
The 2026 Toyota bZ4X Touring feels like the car Toyota should have launched first. It addresses the range anxiety with a bigger battery, fixes the charging complaints with better thermal management, and solves the practicality issues with a bigger boot.
It is no longer just a “compliance car”; it is a genuine, competitive electric SUV that finally leverages Toyota’s reputation for durability without compromising on EV performance.
🤖 Join the Evolution
The 2026 bZ4X Touring specs are impressive, but how does its new charging curve compare to the Hyundai Ioniq 5? Is the extra boot space worth the price premium over a standard bZ4X?
Don’t navigate the update alone.
At EV Evolution, we encourage you to try chatting with our AI-powered chatbot. It is trained on the latest global release data, thermal management updates, and competitor comparisons for 2026.
- “Compare the charging speed of the 2026 bZ4X Touring vs Tesla Model Y.”
- “What is the real-world range difference between the old bZ4X and the new Touring?”
- “When can I pre-order the bZ4X Touring in Australia?”
About EV Evolution
EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape
