Comparing the updated 2026 Toyota bZ against the 2026 Volkswagen ID.4
The electric crossover market has become one of the most competitive spaces in the automotive industry, and few models illustrate that better than the Toyota bZ and Volkswagen ID.4. Each represents a distinct approach to electrification.
Design
At first glance, these two take different approaches to exterior styling. The Toyota BZ mixes a modern and rugged design with its two-tone paint scheme and newly designed LED headlights. The Volkswagen ID.4 looks more traditional; more like a gasoline powered crossover SUV than an electric vehicle.
The differences continue to the inside of each EV. The Toyota bZ’s interior design is quite different from any other electric vehicle. The center console and infotainment are pretty simple to use, but the driver instrumentation display and steering wheel are unlike anything else. It’s unique, but not everyone will love it.
Interior space is good in the front seats, but rear occupant space is a bit less than the Volkswagen. It’s a similar story in the trunk with the ID.4 accommodating more cargo than the Toyota bZ.
The Volkswagen ID.4 takes a simpler approach to interior design. But it may be a bit too simple for some. Volkswagen uses capacitive touch controls on the steering wheel which you may inadvertently touch while turning, which may change the radio station or turn up the radio volume. The climate also uses capacitive touch controls just underneath the infotainment touchscreen which can be a bit finnicky to use while driving.
But when it comes to space, the ID.4 has the most amount of headroom and more rear legroom than the Toyota. Plus, it can swallow more family cargo in the back than the bZ.
Powertrains
You can get the ID.4 with up to 335 hp. That is with the larger battery pack and with AWD. The RWD version with the larger battery produces 282 hp while the base trim with the smaller battery produces 201 hp.
To drive, the ID.4 feels like a German car should. It’s stable, smooth, and competent around corners.
By comparison, the Toyota bZ doesn’t match the ID.4 when it comes to driving dynamics. At least, not the single motor version. Where the ID.4 has a RWD layout, the Toyota bZ has the electric motor powering the front wheels. This doesn’t make much difference in boring city traffic, but it does when you find yourself on twisty mountain roads.
But the AWD version is a bit better to drive. For 2026, the bZ gets a huge bump in power. It goes from 214 hp to 338 hp. This makes the bZ more powerful than the ID.4
Range & Charging
The 2026 Toyota bZ also gains a more powerful on-board charger, 11 kW up from 6.6 kW. So, level 2 charging is going to be faster now. As for level 3 charging, it can take up to a maximum of 150 kW which means 10% to 80% takes just under half an hour.
Moving to the Volkswagen ID.4, it can accept up to 175 kW of power but because it has a bigger battery than the bZ, it takes just under half an hour as well from 10% to 80% state of charge.
As for the driving ranges when the batteries are topped up? The ID.4 can drive for up to 468 km in the RWD layout. The AWD dips to 423 km.
As for the Toyota bZ, it’s the XLE AWD that has the most range with up to 468 km, just like the ID.4. The FWD version can only drive for up to 380 km.
Pricing & Features
When it comes to pricing, the Toyota bZ is the least expensive of the two. It starts at $45,990 which is actually a little bit less than the previous model year. That usually never happens. The Volkswagen ID.4 is a bit more expensive with a starting price of $48,495
But if you opt for a fully loaded version of each, the Toyota bZ is still the least expensive at just under $62,000 while the ID.4 is just under $64,000.
What features do you get for the $60,000+ price tag? Quite a few. Both are available with leatherette upholstery, heated & ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, wireless phone charging pad along with wireless Apple CarPlay & wireless Android Auto connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control (3-zone in the Volkswagen), and surround view cameras among others.
Each EV also has a few features that are unique to that model. For example, the Toyota bZ is available with radiant foot and leg heaters while the Volkswagen ID.4 is available with front massaging seats.
So what’s the verdict? Well it comes down to your needs and preferences. The ID.4 is the conventional choice with a balanced driving demeanor and ride. While the Toyota bZ is the safe and reliable companion.
If you’d like to learn more or test drive any of these cars, please get in touch with us at OpenRoadAuto.com.