Toyota Ups Its EV Game With New 2026 Models 

Toyota has long been a leader when it comes to hybrid and electric vehicle technology, but the 2026 lineup might just mark a new high point for the brand. The new model year sees Toyota introduce a refreshed and renamed bZ crossover as well as an all-new, off-road-focused electric vehicle (EV) in the bZ Woodland. The CH-R also enters the fray after a four-year absence, returning as an all-electric subcompact crossover that's sure to turn some heads with 338 hp to its name.

If you've been looking for a Toyota car dealership near Wilmington to experience these models for yourself, make Hendrick Automotive Group and our many locations one of your first stops. This is especially true if you're the type of driver who's looking to lower your annual fuel costs without making any sacrifices in the performance department.

From their impressive range to their modern design and sophisticated cabins, these all-electric models prove just how far the segment has come in the last few years. Let's walk through the highlights of these three Toyota EVs and learn just how easy and fun it can be to embrace a new era of personal transportation.    

The 2026 Toyota CH-R Makes Its Triumphant Return to the Lineup

Toyota is charging up its 2026 EV offerings with a new all-electric version of its popular subcompact crossover. The CH-R first hit the market in 2018, but was dropped from the lineup following the 2022 model year as Toyota reassessed its EV offerings. Now the CH-R is back and better than ever with an EV powertrain that could quickly make the crossover a force to be reckoned with in the subcompact segment. The C-HR rides on the same e-TNGA platform as the Toyota bZ, but provides drivers with a smaller, more nimble option that is just as visually striking as its larger sibling. 

A sharply angled exterior lends the CH-R a decidedly modern look that also hopes to improve the EV's aerodynamic profile and driving range. A 74.7-kWh battery allows the CH-R to travel up to 290 miles, while an 11-kW on-board AC charger can refill the battery while you sleep when hooked up to a Level 2 connection. Not quite quick enough for your fast-paced lifestyle? Have no fear. The CH-R can bring the battery up to 80 percent in as little as 30 minutes when connected to a Level 3 DC fast-charger, which makes the SUV a more practical choice for those who tend to put in some unexpected mileage. 

While the CH-R's efficiency is an obvious selling point, the EV's impressive performance will really have Wilmington drivers talking. Toyota certainly didn't have to outfit the subcompact model with two electric motors, but it's a pleasant surprise that allows the diminutive SUV to produce some 338 hp. That makes the CH-R one of the clear leaders in the subcompact segment, topping supposed rivals like the Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona Electric by more than 130 hp.

Boasting a zero-to-60-mph time of just five seconds, the CH-R offers an electrifying ride that's sure to win over long-time fans of internal combustion. Toyota has never treated performance as an afterthought, and it's good to see that this approach holds true regarding the brand's next generation of all-electric vehicles. The CH-R rounds out its impressive resume with a tech-forward cabin that features a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display, customizable LED ambient lighting, dual wireless smartphone charging pads, a digital gauge display, and all the advanced driver-assistance systems you could ask for.

The 2026 Toyota bZ Sports a Shorter Name and the Same Great Electric Performance

A simple rebrand can go a long way towards broadening a vehicle's appeal, and the new 2026 Toyota bZ serves as a prime example. The compact crossover originally debuted as the bZ4X back in 2023, but Toyota decided to simplify the moniker to look less like a randomly generated password while imbuing the bZ with an all-new powertrain that really takes the reins off of the SUV.

While the 2025 model was no slouch with 214 hp to its name, Toyota has increased the output by more than 50 percent to provide the new version with 338 hp on the AWD version. Despite its larger size, the AWD bZ can slightly outpace the CH-R in a flat-out sprint with a 4.8-second zero-to-60-mph time that raises the bar in the compact class. That alone would be enough to make the bZ a standout on today's EV market, but Toyota is just getting started. 

The bZ gains a new, larger 74.7-kWh battery pack for 2026 on all but the front-wheel drive XLE trim, which has a major impact on the EV's overall range. The 2025 version could travel up to 252 miles on a single charge, but the new bZ blows that number out of the water with a total range of 314 miles. That 25 percent increase should help to make the bZ a better option for those who are seeking an EV that's just as convenient as their gas-powered model, especially when you consider the SUV's improved charging time.

Toyota has replaced the bZ's previous CCS charging port with a NACS (North American Charging Standard) version that enables the battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes. Like the CH-R, the bZ also features a new 11-kW on-board charger for better home charging, and even includes a cutting-edge battery preconditioning system that makes it a little easier to add range when cold weather hits Wilmington. 

The bZ is pretty similar to the revived CH-R when it comes to the cabin, with both models employing a generous 14-inch touchscreen, two wireless chargers, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The same goes for the compact's safety suite, which comes standard with a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

The bZ's most intriguing safety feature might just be the Traffic Jam Assist system, which gives drivers access to hands-free driving in specific scenarios. Simply activate TJA and the bZ will do the rest, automatically adjusting the EV's steering, acceleration and braking to maintain a set distance between other vehicles in low-speed conditions.

The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland Offers Electrified Off-Road Performance

Since 2023, Toyota's Woodland trim has seen some of the brand's most popular vehicles graced with a rugged makeover designed to enhance their aesthetic appeal and outdoor ability. The RAV4 cross and Sienna minivan were the first to get the Woodland treatment, and now it's the bZ's turn.

The bZ Woodland features a longer body and wheelbase than the regular model, and comes standard with dual motors and an AWD powertrain that sees the EV pump out up to 375 hp. Improved ground clearance and all-terrain tires allow the bZ Woodland to conquer light off-road terrain, making the SUV one of the most versatile models in Toyota's all-electric lineup.      

The bZ Woodland also offers more cargo capacity than the normal bZ, with more than 30 cu.ft. on offer. That's an extra 2.3 cu.ft. when compared to the BZ, but it's not the only area where the off-road trim outshines its road-faring predecessor. With 8.3 inches of ground clearance and traction-enhancing all-terrain tires, the bZ Woodland can go where other compact EVs wouldn't dare. The new model even offers Toyota's X-Mode terrain system, which can adjust the EV's torque distribution and brake sensitivity to improve performance in specific driving scenarios as you make your way around Wilmington.

Overfenders protect the paint job from flying rocks and other off-road debris, while a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor camera makes it easy to keep an eye on your surroundings. The SUV also offers ample towing capacity with the ability to pull up to 3,500 lbs without breaking a sweat. That sort of towing capacity makes the bZ Woodland one of the most well-rounded models on the market, outperforming its Honda and Jeep rivals by a considerable margin. 

The bZ Woodland does sacrifice a bit of range in the name of off-road ability, but it's not that much of a difference with 260 miles on offer. The bZ Woodland features the same NACS charging port as the bZ and CH-R, which means that you'll only have to wait around 30 minutes to top off the battery.

Toyota also backs up the bZ Woodland with a comprehensive warranty that covers many of the EV's most important components. While the bZ Woodland's powertrain components are covered for five years or 60,000 miles, the SUV's electrical components enjoy an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty. Add in two years of complimentary maintenance, and it's not hard to see the worry-free appeal of the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland.   

There's Never Been a Better Time to Enjoy Toyota's Electric Lineup

Toyota isn't taking any half measures when it comes to updating its lineup for the modern era. This proactive approach comes as little surprise from the brand that ushered in a new era of hybrid technology with the debut of the Prius back in 2000. Toyota has carried on this legacy of eco-conscious engineering with its new slate of all-electric models like the bZ, bZ Woodland, and CH-R.

Delivering a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency, these three EVs are quickly making Toyota one of the major players in the cutting-edge segment. A commitment to continual improvement has seen the bZ improve with every passing year, and it's fair to say that a four-year hiatus did wonders for the CH-R.

The bZ Woodland is proving that EVs deserve to be part of the off-road conversation with its rugged styling, ground clearance, and selectable X-Mode terrain system. If you want to learn more about the bZ, bZ Woodland, and CH-R, take a test drive or just explore the unique advantages of the all-electric approach, Hendrick Automotive Group and our various locations around Wilmington are at your service. Visit us today and we'll set you up with an electrified Toyota vehicle you're going to love.