Aussie families who’ve been waiting for a properly spacious electric SUV from Toyota can finally get excited. The Toyota BZ4X Touring is officially coming to Australia in the first half of 2026, and it’s packing some serious firepower under the bonnet.
This isn’t just another electric vehicle hitting our shores. With 280kW of power from two electric motors, the BZ4X Touring will become the most powerful Toyota SUV ever sold in Australia. That’s more grunt than you’ll find in any current Toyota SUV, including the legendary LandCruiser.
What Makes the BZ4X Touring Special?
The Touring isn’t simply a badge-engineered version of the standard BZ4X. According to Toyota USA, the bZ Woodland/bZ4X Touring is 150mm longer than the regular bZ4X and 25mm taller. Those extra millimetres translate into real-world benefits that families will actually notice.
The most obvious advantage is the massive boot space increase. The increased dimensions and more upright rear-end boost boot space to 850 litres. Compare that to the standard BZ4X’s 441 litres, and you’re looking at nearly double the cargo capacity.
Power That Actually Means Something
Let’s talk numbers that matter to everyday drivers. 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.
That’s seriously quick acceleration for a family SUV. It’s the kind of performance that makes merging onto the M1 or overtaking on country roads feel effortless rather than stressful.
Built for Australian Conditions
Toyota hasn’t forgotten that Australia presents unique challenges for any vehicle. It also features 211mm of ground clearance, and a more rugged look than the smaller bZ4X/Solterra twins thanks to its dark grey wheel-arch extensions.
That ground clearance puts it ahead of many competitors when it comes to tackling unsealed roads or navigating those pesky shopping centre speed bumps. The all-wheel drive system comes standard, which means confident handling whether you’re dealing with Sydney traffic or heading up to the Blue Mountains.
Range and Charging: The Practical Stuff
Range anxiety is still a real concern for many Aussie buyers considering their first electric vehicle. It has a 74.7kWh battery pack for a range of up to 418km under the US EPA testing regime.
That range figure is based on the more conservative US EPA testing, so real-world Australian driving should see similar or potentially better results. For most families, that’s enough for daily driving plus weekend trips without constant charging stops.
Charging Speed That Works
Nobody wants to spend hours at charging stations, especially with kids in the car. AC charging speeds max out at 11kW, and the car supports DC fast-charging at up to 150kW. It also comes with battery pre-conditioning to reduce rapid charging times.
The battery pre-conditioning is particularly clever technology. It automatically warms or cools the battery before you arrive at a fast charger, ensuring optimal charging speeds from the moment you plug in.
Interior and Technology Features
Modern families expect their cars to be mobile command centres, and the BZ4X Touring delivers. Standard features for the US-market vehicles will include a 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, 360-degree camera system, faux leather seat trim, radar-guided cruise control, lane keeping assistance, six-speaker audio system and heated front seats.
The 14-inch touchscreen is genuinely large enough to split between navigation and entertainment without everything feeling cramped. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so your phone integrates seamlessly.
Safety That Gives Peace of Mind
Toyota’s reputation for safety continues with the BZ4X Touring. Safety features include AEB with pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist assistance, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assistance, lane trace assist and auto high beam.
These aren’t just tick-box features either. The adaptive cruise control works brilliantly in stop-start traffic, while the lane keeping assistance actually helps during those long highway stretches without feeling intrusive.
How It Compares to the Competition
Let’s be honest about where the BZ4X Touring sits in Australia’s increasingly crowded electric SUV market. The Tesla Model Y has dominated sales, but Toyota is targeting buyers who want something different.
The Touring offers more ground clearance than the Model Y, along with Toyota’s legendary reliability reputation. It’s aimed at families who want electric driving but aren’t ready to completely abandon traditional automotive brands.
Pricing Expectations
Toyota Australia hasn’t announced official pricing yet, but we can make educated guesses. The bZ4X Touring will be positioned above the regular bZ4X model, which currently tops out at $74,900 plus on-road costs for the AWD model.
Expect the Touring to start somewhere around the $80,000 mark before on-road costs. That puts it in premium territory, but still below some luxury electric SUVs.
Production and Availability Timeline
The timing for the BZ4X Touring’s arrival is carefully orchestrated. The new Touring model will be available exclusively as a more powerful 280kW dual-motor model with all-wheel drive, sharing the same larger battery for greater driving range.
This strategy means buyers can choose between the updated standard BZ4X arriving in late 2025, or wait for the larger Touring in early to mid-2026. It’s a smart approach that gives options without cannibalising sales.
What This Means for Toyota’s EV Strategy
The BZ4X Touring represents more than just another model launch. Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the brand’s multi-pathway approach, which offers a range of propulsion systems include electric vehicles, petrol-hybrids and diesels, would see a steady increase in the electric vehicles it introduces to Australian car buyers to meet customer demand.
This isn’t Toyota rushing into electric vehicles. It’s a measured approach that acknowledges different buyers have different needs and comfort levels with new technology.
Real-World Practicality
Beyond the specifications and features, the BZ4X Touring addresses genuine Australian family needs. The extended cargo area means proper room for sports equipment, holiday luggage, or those inevitable Bunnings runs.
The additional rear headroom makes a difference for taller passengers. Anyone who’s experienced the back seat cramp on long trips will appreciate the extra space.
Charging Infrastructure Reality
Australia’s charging network continues expanding, but range and charging speed still matter. The BZ4X Touring’s combination of reasonable range and fast charging capability should handle most scenarios without stress.
The 150kW fast charging means a coffee-break charge can add meaningful range. While not class-leading, it’s perfectly adequate for real-world use.
Should You Wait for the Touring?
This depends entirely on your specific needs and timeline. If you need maximum cargo space and don’t mind waiting, the Touring makes sense.
However, the standard BZ4X arriving in late 2025 might be perfectly adequate for many families. The decision comes down to whether that extra boot space and power justifies the wait and likely price premium.
The Competition Isn’t Standing Still
By 2026, the electric SUV landscape will look different. More competitors will have arrived, charging infrastructure will have expanded, and prices across the segment may have shifted.
Toyota is betting that their reliability reputation, combined with the Touring’s practical advantages, will carve out a loyal customer base. It’s a reasonable bet given Australian buyers’ historical loyalty to the Toyota brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the BZ4X Touring be available with front-wheel drive? A: No, the Touring model will only come with dual-motor all-wheel drive producing 280kW of power.
Q: How does the boot space compare to other family SUVs? A: The 850-litre boot is significantly larger than most electric SUVs, including the Tesla Model Y and standard BZ4X.
Q: When can I order the BZ4X Touring in Australia? A: Toyota hasn’t announced order timings yet, but expect details in early 2026 ahead of the first-half delivery window.
The Toyota BZ4X Touring represents a mature approach to electric vehicle development. Rather than chasing maximum range or fastest charging, Toyota has focused on practical family needs like space, reliability, and real-world usability.
For Australian families ready to make the electric switch but wanting the confidence of the Toyota badge, the BZ4X Touring could be exactly what they’ve been waiting for. The combination of impressive power, practical space, and Toyota’s reputation creates a compelling package that should resonate with local buyers.
Whether it can challenge the Tesla Model Y’s dominance remains to be seen. But for families prioritising space, capability, and brand trust over maximum range or cutting-edge tech, the BZ4X Touring offers a convincing alternative that’s genuinely built for Australian conditions.