Breaking New Ground: The Extended bZ4X Arrives
Toyota Australia has officially confirmed what many electric vehicle enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting. The stretched version of the Toyota bZ4X, known as the bZ4X Touring in Australia and the bZ Woodland in the US, will be making its way to Australian shores during the first half of 2026. This announcement marks a significant step in Toyota’s ongoing electric vehicle strategy for the Australian market. The news comes just as the automotive world shifts increasingly toward sustainable transportation options.
The Touring model will arrive after the facelifted standard bZ4X, which is scheduled to hit Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2025. With this staggered release strategy, Toyota is clearly signaling its long-term commitment to expanding its electric vehicle offerings in Australia. This approach allows consumers to choose between two distinct EV models from the trusted Toyota brand.
Dimensions & Design: A More Commanding Presence
The bZ4X Touring isn’t simply a renamed version of the standard model – it brings substantial dimensional changes that transform both its appearance and functionality. According to information from Toyota USA, the stretched model measures 150mm longer than the regular bZ4X and stands 25mm taller. These might seem like modest increases on paper, but they fundamentally alter the vehicle’s proportions and interior space.
One of the most practical benefits of these increased dimensions is the significantly expanded cargo capacity. The more upright rear end design and extended length combine to boost the boot space to an impressive 850 liters. This represents a substantial improvement over the standard model, making the Touring variant considerably more versatile for families, adventure seekers, and anyone who regularly needs extra storage space.
The bZ4X Touring also features a more rugged, adventure-ready appearance than its standard counterpart. This is achieved through distinctive dark grey wheel arch extensions and an overall more muscular stance. In the United States, the vehicle rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with removable covers, and all-terrain tires are offered as an optional extra – features that may carry over to the Australian specification.
Perhaps most importantly for those looking to venture beyond paved roads, the Touring boasts 211mm of ground clearance. This represents a meaningful increase that gives the vehicle greater capability on rough terrain, although Toyota doesn’t position it as a hardcore off-roader.
Performance & Power: Dual-Motor Excellence
Unlike the standard bZ4X, which offers both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, the bZ4X Touring will be available in Australia with just one drivetrain option: a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup that delivers an impressive 280kW of power. This powerful system should provide excellent acceleration and sure-footed handling in various conditions.
While Toyota hasn’t yet released official performance figures for the bZ4X Touring, we can look to the mechanically similar Subaru Trailseeker for guidance. The Subaru variant, which shares the same drivetrain, boasts a 0-97km/h (0-60mph) time of approximately 4.4 seconds. This suggests the bZ4X Touring will deliver spirited performance that defies traditional perceptions of electric vehicles.
Battery Technology & Range: Balanced for Australian Conditions
The bZ4X Touring comes equipped with a 74.7kWh battery pack, providing a range of up to 418km under the US EPA testing regime. This range figure, while not class-leading, offers a practical balance for most Australian drivers’ needs. It’s worth noting that range figures may differ under Australian testing standards, and real-world range depends heavily on driving style, conditions, and climate.
The vehicle supports DC fast charging up to 150kW, which should enable relatively quick top-ups on longer journeys. Additionally, AC charging speeds max out at 11kW for home and destination charging. An important technological addition is the inclusion of battery pre-conditioning, which can significantly reduce charging times, particularly in colder weather conditions.
Technology & Comfort: Premium Features Abound
While Australian specifications will be confirmed closer to launch, information about US market models provides insight into what features might be expected. Standard equipment is likely to include a 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that dominates the dashboard, a comprehensive 360-degree camera system, synthetic leather seats, radar-guided cruise control, lane keeping assistance, and heated front seats.
The US market also offers optional extras such as a nine-speaker JBL sound system, Wi-Fi hotspot functionality, ventilated seats with memory settings, a digital rear view mirror, and a panoramic glass roof. Many of these premium features may find their way into Australian models, potentially as part of higher trim levels or option packages.
Market Positioning & Competitors
The arrival of the bZ4X Touring comes at a time when the electric SUV segment is becoming increasingly competitive in Australia. Currently, the standard bZ4X faces stiff competition from vehicles like the Tesla Model Y, which has dominated the electric SUV sales charts in Australia.
In 2024, Toyota sold just 977 bZ4X models in Australia, making it the 19th best-selling EV in the country – a stark contrast to Tesla’s 21,253 Model Y sales during the same period. The introduction of the Touring model represents an opportunity for Toyota to diversify its electric offering and potentially capture a different segment of the market.
The stretched dimensions, increased ground clearance, and more rugged styling position the bZ4X Touring in a slightly different niche than the standard model. It appears aimed at buyers who want the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle but don’t want to sacrifice the practicality and adventure-ready capabilities traditionally associated with SUVs.
Toyota’s Electric Strategy Unfolds
The confirmation of the bZ4X Touring for Australia fits within Toyota’s broader electric vehicle strategy. While Toyota was initially slower than some competitors to embrace fully electric models, preferring to focus on hybrid technology, the company is now accelerating its EV plans globally.
The bZ4X represented Toyota’s first dedicated electric vehicle platform in Australia, and the addition of the Touring variant demonstrates the company’s commitment to expanding this lineup. This staggered approach – launching the facelifted standard model in late 2025, followed by the Touring in early 2026 – allows Toyota to maintain a steady stream of new electric products.
Toyota’s approach involves offering various electrified options, from hybrids to plug-in hybrids to fully electric vehicles, allowing customers to choose the technology that best suits their needs. This strategy recognizes that different regions and different consumers will transition to fully electric vehicles at varying paces.
What to Expect
While many details about the Australian-specification bZ4X Touring remain to be confirmed, including pricing and exact trim levels, the vehicle’s anticipated arrival in the first half of 2026 gives potential buyers something concrete to look forward to. If the pricing strategy follows that of the standard model, we might expect the Touring to command a premium over the current bZ4X AWD, which is priced at $74,900 before on-road costs.
The stretched bZ4X joins a growing number of electric SUVs available to Australian buyers, providing more choice in a market that continues to evolve rapidly. For Toyota loyalists who have been waiting for a more spacious and adventure-oriented electric option, the bZ4X Touring could be the vehicle that finally convinces them to make the switch to electric power.
As the launch date approaches, Toyota Australia will reveal more specific information about local specifications, pricing, and optional features. What’s already clear is that the bZ4X Touring represents an important expansion of Toyota’s electric vehicle lineup in Australia, combining the environmental benefits of electric power with the practicality and capability that SUV buyers demand.
Touring vs. Standard bZ4X
The bZ4X Touring differentiates itself from the standard model in several key areas beyond just its increased dimensions. Compared to the Subaru Trailseeker that was unveiled at the 2025 New York motor show, the bZ4X Touring features a different front bumper design incorporating C-shaped upper headlights, a unique rear diffuser/bash plate, and an integrated Toyota logo in the rear taillight bar.
These distinctive styling elements give the Touring its own visual identity while maintaining the overall design language that Toyota has established for its bZ electric vehicle family. The exterior design updates follow Toyota’s new “hammerhead” front end that’s being implemented across the brand’s latest vehicles.
The standard bZ4X will also receive a major update for 2026, adopting similar design cues and technology improvements, but the Touring model’s increased dimensions and more adventure-focused character give it a unique position in Toyota’s lineup.
FAQs About the 2026 Toyota bZ4X Touring
When will the Toyota bZ4X Touring be available in Australia?
The stretched bZ4X Touring model will arrive in Australian showrooms during the first half of 2026.
How much bigger is the Touring model compared to the standard bZ4X?
The bZ4X Touring is 150mm longer and 25mm taller than the regular model, with significantly more cargo space at 850 liters.
What is the driving range of the bZ4X Touring?
It offers approximately 418km of range under the US EPA testing regime with its 74.7 kWh battery pack.
Will the bZ4X Touring be offered with front-wheel drive?
No, the Touring model will only be available with a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup producing 280kW.
How fast can the bZ4X Touring accelerate?
While official figures haven’t been released, the similar Subaru Trailseeker achieves 0-97km/h in about 4.4 seconds.
Does the bZ4X Touring have genuine off-road capability?
With 211mm of ground clearance and all-wheel drive, it offers moderate off-road capability, though it’s not positioned as a hardcore off-roader.
What charging speeds does the bZ4X Touring support?
It supports DC fast charging up to 150kW and AC charging up to 11kW.
How does the bZ4X Touring compare to the Tesla Model Y?
The Model Y has dominated EV sales in Australia, but the bZ4X Touring offers more ground clearance and a more rugged character for those seeking adventure capabilities.
Will Toyota offer a third row of seats in the stretched bZ4X?
No, the additional length is used for increased cargo capacity rather than a third row of seats.
What other electric SUVs will Toyota bring to Australia?
Toyota has plans for multiple EV models by 2030, though specific Australian plans beyond the bZ4X family haven’t been confirmed yet.