Toyota’s updated electric SUV is now among the top-selling EVs in several markets, including Japan, the US, and parts of Europe.
The updated Toyota bZ4X EV is making a comeback
Widely viewed as the biggest EV laggard, Toyota’s updated bZ4X (bZ in the US) electric SUV is making an unexpected comeback.
Toyota sold over 10,000 bZ electric SUVs in the US in the first three months of 2026, more than Ford’s EV lineup combined.
The 2026 Toyota bZ also outsold the Chevy Equinox EV and Hyundai IONIQ 5 in the first quarter, making it one of the best-selling electric vehicles in the US behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.
Even outside of the US, the electric SUV is climbing up the sales rankings. In Toyota’s home market of Japan, the updated bZ4X ranked as the top-selling domestic EV for the first time in the second half of fiscal year 2025. Toyota sold over 2,000 bZ4X models in Japan in February, marking its fourth consecutive month as the most popular domestic EV.
In the first three months of 2026, 26,959 EVs were sold in Japan, up 80% compared to the same period last year, with Toyota leading the growth.
Toyota sold 7,241 EVs in the first quarter of 2026 in its home market, a massive jump from selling just 469 in Q1 2025.
The refreshed bZ4X, launched in October, is drawing significantly more demand thanks to meaningful updates, including a longer driving range and faster charging.
As Nikkei reported, increased government EV subsidies have helped Toyota widen its lead over BYD in Japan. The bZ4X is now eligible for up to 1.3 million yen ($8,200), while BYD’s electric vehicles did not qualify for an increase this year.
With subsidies included, the Toyota bZ4X is on sale for just 3.5 million yen ($22,100), compared to its suggested retail price of 4.8 million yen ($30,300).
In Australia, Toyota expects EV sales to jump nearly fivefold this year. John Pappas, Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, told CarExpert that “The updated model that we recently introduced has been received very, very well.”
Pappas added, “Based on this positive response, we are planning to deliver 5000 bZ4Xs this year,” up from just 1,041 sold last year.
According to the most recent data compiled by CleanTechnica, the refreshed Toyota bZ4X ranked ninth among the world’s best-selling EVs in February 2026, ahead of the BYD Dolphin, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Volkswagen ID.4.
It’s still early, but the new-and-improved bZ4X (bZ) is off to a strong start. Toyota updated the electric SUV where it matters most with a longer driving range, faster charging, and more power, and so far, it’s paying off.
In the US, Toyota now offers three electric SUVs, including the 2026 bZ, C-HR, and bZ Woodland. Later this year, Toyota’s first three-row electric SUV, the Highlander BEV, will join the lineup.
Author: Peter Johnson
Source: Electrek
Reviewed By: Editorial Team
