Toyota bZ4X Touring: Electric Wagon with Taxi Potential from 2026

The Touring is technically based on the well-known bZ4X, but differs significantly in form and purpose. The body lengthened by 14 centimeters brings it to 4.83 meters in length – this not only creates new proportions but, above all, more cargo space. With 600 liters of trunk volume with the rear seat upright, the car offers about a third more storage space than the SUV base model. For taxi operations, this means: more space for luggage, strollers, walkers – and a back seat that remains comfortable even on longer journeys.

The rear seats are foldable in a 40:60 ratio. This is not maximally flexible, but it is sufficient for most everyday scenarios. However, like the regular bZ4X, there is no frunk – that is, no storage space under the front hood.

Functional inside, striking outside

In the cockpit, the Touring adopts the design of the bZ4X facelift announced for 2026. New is a center console with more storage compartments and connectivity options for mobile devices. The large 14-inch display offers for the first time a navigation function that automatically suggests charging stations along the route based on the battery status. Particularly in taxi operations, where reliability counts, this is a practical detail.

The steering wheel with its multitude of buttons requires some getting used to. The menu navigation is logical, but not without quirks – those familiar with the Prius will find their way around more quickly. The workmanship also appears solid without aspiring to premium claims.

Externally, Toyota focuses on robustness: black wheel arch trims, roof rails, roughly designed rims. With the Touring, they specifically target active customers – but the robust design should also suit urban operations.

Two drives, clear orientation

Toyota offers the bZ4X Touring in two power levels. The front-wheel drive delivers 165 kW (224 hp), the all-wheel drive up to 280 kW (380 hp) – the former is completely sufficient for downtown, especially since all-wheel drive is rarely a must in taxi operations.

Both variants use a 74.7-kWh battery, which, according to WLTP, should allow up to 560 kilometers of range. Realistically, it's more likely to be 400 to 450 kilometers in mixed operation – depending on weather, topography, and load. Charging is done via DC with up to 150 kW – enough to charge 70 percent in half an hour. For charging at the home wallbox, 11 kW is standard, with an optional 22-kW onboard charger – of interest to fleets that rely on alternating current.

Technology with a Focus on Operation

Technically, the Touring introduces several innovations: for instance, so-called eAxles with silicon carbide semiconductors that aim to improve efficiency. The battery is water-cooled, and a preconditioning before the charging process can be activated automatically or manually. In winter operation, this could significantly improve charging times.

Practical for large-scale suitability: The towing capacity is 1,500 kilograms.