2027 Toyota bZ: 2 Grades, FWD or AWD, and 236 to 314 Miles of EPA Range

Choosing a 2027 bZ comes down to 3 decisions: battery size on the XLE, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and XLE or Limited equipment.

The XLE FWD and XLE FWD Plus carry the same XLE equipment, so picking between them is a battery decision. For $3,000 more at launch, the Plus gets the larger battery, 78 more miles of EPA-estimated range and 56 more hp. The bigger battery takes longer to fill on the same onboard charger.

Each AWD configuration adds a rear motor and the X-MODE drive mode, and what that costs you depends on where you start. Going from XLE FWD Plus to XLE AWD costs $2,000 more at launch and gives up 26 miles of EPA-estimated range. Going from Limited FWD to Limited AWD costs the same $2,000 at launch and gives up 21 miles. Starting from the entry XLE FWD, the XLE AWD is a $5,000 step at launch that also brings the larger battery.

The bZ Limited costs $5,400 more at launch than the matching XLE, whether you compare a Limited FWD with an XLE FWD Plus or a Limited AWD with an XLE AWD. In return, it adds ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a standard panoramic moonroof and extra driver-assist features. Two trade-offs come with it: the Limited FWD has 15 miles less EPA-estimated range than its XLE counterpart, and there is no Limited with the smaller battery.

MPGe is the EPA's efficiency measure for electric vehicles, not miles per gallon. A higher MPGe means the bZ uses less electricity per mile.

To turn range into days, divide it by the miles you drive each day. Based on the EPA estimates, at 40 miles a day the XLE FWD covers about 6 days per full charge, and the longer-range XLE FWD Plus covers nearly 8.

Every configuration rates better on the EPA's city test than on its highway test, so steady highway driving uses more electricity per mile than driving around town.

Every 2027 bZ charges through a North American Charging System (NACS) port and is compatible with AC Level 1 (120-volt), AC Level 2 (240-volt) and DC fast charging.

At home, the dual-voltage charging cable that comes with every bZ handles both Level 1 and Level 2 charging. All 5 configurations use an 11 kW onboard charger for AC power. Toyota's Level 2 charging times are for a 240-volt, 48-amp connection. On that connection, the XLE FWD's smaller battery fills from 10% to 100% about 1.5 hours sooner than the larger battery in the other 4 configurations.

By Toyota's estimate, a bZ with the larger battery that plugs in to a 240-volt, 48-amp Level 2 connection at 10 p.m. with 10% left would be full by about 5 a.m. Ask us about your home charging setup when you visit.

On the road, with a DC fast charger rated 150 kW or higher, Toyota estimates a 10% to 80% charge at about 30 minutes in ideal conditions, whichever configuration you choose.

All-wheel drive pairs the front motor with a rear motor. Both AWD configurations add X-MODE, which brings Snow/Dirt, Deep Snow/Mud and Grip Control modes plus Downhill Assist Control. The 3 FWD configurations have a Snow drive mode instead. The step from XLE FWD Plus to XLE AWD, or from Limited FWD to Limited AWD, adds 220 pounds of curb weight.

Here in Central Indiana, a normal winter brings about 25 inches of snow. If you want X-MODE for winter driving, look at the XLE AWD or Limited AWD; every FWD bZ still carries its Snow drive mode.

Every 2027 bZ also has Eco and Normal drive modes, plus regenerative braking with 4 selectable settings that you adjust with paddle switches on the steering wheel.

The bZ Limited adds more driver-assist features on top of these, listed in the What Changes by Grade table.

So far, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has rated the 2027 bZ only for rollover resistance, with the same results for FWD and AWD.

Every 2027 bZ seats 5, so if you need room for more passengers, ask us about our other new Toyota SUVs. For a different battery-electric Toyota, see the 2027 Toyota bZ Woodland, which is its own model rather than a bZ grade, or the Toyota C-HR.

When you've narrowed your choice to a configuration or two, schedule a test drive with us at Ed Martin Toyota. For deals across the lineup, check the new Toyota specials running now. You can also review our Toyota financing options before you visit.