Electric Cars

In an automotive landscape where vehicle classifications are increasingly fluid, the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland emerges as a compelling electric family car that defies conventional categories. While many two-box vehicles are often labeled as SUVs, the bZ Woodland, with its station wagon-like silhouette enhanced by increased ground clearance and rugged wheel arch cladding, offers a unique blend of practicality and adventure. Our experience driving the bZ Woodland through Ojai, California, highlighted its balanced performance as a versatile electric vehicle, boasting a powerful 375-horsepower drivetrain and a generously sized cabin, all while delivering a smooth ride and unexpected off-road prowess.

The bZ Woodland shares its foundation with the more compact bZ SUV, an evolution of the 2023 bZ4X, featuring similar front-end aesthetics including Toyota's signature LED "hammerhead" daytime running lights. However, the Woodland variant distinguishes itself with a longer body, an additional 5.6 inches in length, culminating in a more vertical D-pillar, a distinct full-width taillight design, and a more robust rear bumper. Underneath its updated exterior, the Woodland is exclusively equipped with a dual-motor setup, providing an impressive 375 horsepower—a significant boost of 37 hp over its conventional bZ counterpart. This powerful all-wheel-drive system is fueled by a 67-kWh battery, offering an estimated range of 281 miles, or 260 miles when fitted with the optional Dunlop Grandtrek AT30 all-terrain tires. The vehicle supports charging via a NACS port, allowing access to Tesla Superchargers, and features a 150 kW DC fast-charging capability, taking approximately 30 minutes for a 10 to 80 percent refill, alongside an 11.0-kW onboard charger for Level 2 charging.

Behind the wheel, the bZ Woodland's enhanced power is immediately apparent, delivering swift acceleration and confident overtaking. Toyota claims a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, nearly two seconds faster than the all-wheel-drive bZ4X. Despite its light and somewhat numb steering, the vehicle is easy to maneuver, and its softer suspension setup contributes to a comfortable ride, even if noticeable body roll occurs during spirited cornering. The bZ Woodland also demonstrated remarkable capability during an off-road test, easily navigating steep trails and challenging obstacles thanks to its 8.4 inches of ground clearance and ample torque from its electric motors, guided by the X-Mode system. The interior mirrors the standard bZ, offering a 14-inch touchscreen, a digital gauge cluster, and physical controls for essential functions. It comes extensively equipped with features like dual wireless charging pads, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control, with a Premium trim adding ventilated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, and a JBL sound system. The extended length also translates to increased cargo space, offering 34 cubic feet behind the second row and a massive 74 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, addressing a common family need. Starting at $46,750, the bZ Woodland presents a strong alternative to other mid-size electric SUVs, offering a powerful, comfortable, and highly practical option for families ready to embrace electric mobility, regardless of how it's categorized.

The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland exemplifies how innovation can blend different automotive forms to create something truly versatile and appealing. It reminds us that progress isn't just about speed or efficiency, but also about creating solutions that cater to diverse lifestyles and needs, fostering a future where sustainable transportation is both practical and exhilarating.

Rivian is set to significantly upgrade its Electric Delivery Van (EDV) fleet, a familiar sight on American roads, especially for Amazon's operations. Currently, over 30,000 EDVs have been delivered to Amazon since 2021, making them a leading choice in electric delivery vehicles. However, the existing models primarily cater to urban environments due to their front-wheel-drive configuration and limited range. This is about to change, as Rivian has announced in its recent communication to shareholders that it will introduce new EDV variants featuring expanded battery capacity and all-wheel drive, enabling them to cover greater distances and operate in more varied terrains.

These forthcoming enhancements aim to address the current limitations of the EDV. The introduction of a larger battery is expected to increase the range by approximately 30%, potentially reaching up to 209 miles on a single charge. Furthermore, the addition of an all-wheel-drive system, likely involving a second motor on the rear axle, will significantly improve the vans' performance in adverse weather conditions and on unpaved roads. These strategic upgrades are specifically designed to broaden Amazon's delivery network capabilities, allowing the e-commerce giant to further expand its eco-friendly delivery solutions.

Looking ahead, 2026 is projected to be a pivotal year for Rivian, with multiple innovations on the horizon. While a precise launch date for the upgraded EDVs has not been disclosed, more details are anticipated throughout the year. In parallel, Rivian has initiated pre-production validation builds for its new, more accessible electric SUV, the R2, with customer deliveries scheduled to commence in the second quarter. The R2 will also debut Rivian's latest technological advancements, including its third-generation hands-free driver-assist system and the high-performance RAP1 processor, both of which will be integrated into the new mid-size SUV by late 2026.

This ongoing commitment to innovation, marked by the strategic enhancement of its delivery fleet and the introduction of new vehicle models and advanced technologies, highlights Rivian's dedication to sustainable mobility and its proactive approach to meeting evolving market demands. These developments not only strengthen Rivian's position in the electric vehicle industry but also contribute to a greener future by providing more efficient and capable zero-emission transportation solutions.