Toyota’s updated electric SUV is now among the top-selling EVs in several markets, including Japan, the US, and parts of Europe. The updated Toyota bZ4X EV is making a comeback Widely viewed as the biggest EV laggard, Toyota’s updated bZ4X (bZ in the US) electric SUV is making an unexpected comeback. Toyota sold over 10,000 bZ electric SUVs in the US in the first three months of 2026, more than Ford’s EV lineup combined. The 2026 Toyota bZ also outsold the Chevy Equinox EV and Hyundai IONIQ 5 in the first quarter, making it one of the best-selling electric vehicles in the US behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3. Advertisement - scroll for more content Even outside of the US, the electric SUV is climbing up the sales rankings. In Toyota’s home market of Japan, the updated bZ4X ranked as the top-selling domestic EV for the first time in the second half of fiscal year 2025. Toyota sold over 2,000 bZ4X models in Japan in February, marking its fourth consecutive month as the most popular domestic EV. In the first three months of 2026, 26,959 EVs were sold in Japan, up 80% compared to the same period last year, with Toyota leading the growth. Toyota sold 7,241 EVs in the first quarter of 2026 in its home market, a massive jump from selling just 469 in Q1 2025. The refreshed bZ4X, launched in October, is drawing significantly more demand thanks to meaningful updates, including a longer driving range and faster charging. 2026 Toyota bZ electric SUV (Source: Toyota) As Nikkei reported, increased government EV subsidies have helped Toyota widen its lead over BYD in Japan. The bZ4X is now eligible for up to 1.3 million yen ($8,200), while BYD’s electric vehicles did not qualify for an increase this year. With subsidies included, the Toyota bZ4X is on sale for just 3.5 million yen ($22,100), compared to its suggested retail price of 4.8 million yen ($30,300). The interior of the 2026 Toyota bZ (Source: Toyota) In Australia, Toyota expects EV sales to jump nearly fivefold this year. John Pappas, Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, told CarExpert that “The updated model that we recently introduced has been received very, very well.” Pappas added, “Based on this positive response, we are planning to deliver 5000 bZ4Xs this year,” up from just 1,041 sold last year. 2026 Toyota bZ electric SUV (Source: Toyota) According to the most recent data compiled by CleanTechnica, the refreshed Toyota bZ4X ranked ninth among the world’s best-selling EVs in February 2026, ahead of the BYD Dolphin, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Volkswagen ID.4. It’s still early, but the new-and-improved bZ4X (bZ) is off to a strong start. Toyota updated the electric SUV where it matters most with a longer driving range, faster charging, and more power, and so far, it’s paying off. In the US, Toyota now offers three electric SUVs, including the 2026 bZ, C-HR, and bZ Woodland. Later this year, Toyota’s first three-row electric SUV, the Highlander BEV, will join the lineup. Electrek’s Take While many carmakers in the US are pulling back, Toyota quietly expanded with three new or updated electric SUVs. Top comment by Zed Liked by 22 people “Given its past” is an interesting comment. Toyota’s past includes the totally unremarkable Corolla which is the best selling name plate of all time. The lackluster and heavily criticized Camry which is the best selling sedan by a country mile. The complete audacity to challenge the Mercedes S class and BMW 5 series with Lexus LS which ate their lunch. The rise to the best selling automaker in the world from fairly mundane beginnings. Given its past I wouldn’t expect anything but dominance once Toyota sets their mind to it. They are not fast or flashy but continuous improvement rules the day when all is said and done View all comments With the Grand Highlander BEV, Toyota will offer an electric SUV option across nearly every segment. However, the Japanese automaker is sticking to its “multi-pathway” strategy, including ICE, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehicles. While the updated bZ’s (bZ4X) early success is promising, Toyota will face a new wave of low-cost competition from Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, BMW, and several other brands, likely shaking up the sales charts. The updates prove an affordable electric SUV with decent range, fast charging, and modern tech and features sells. If Toyota doubled down on battery-electric vehicles, it could become a real player in the auto industry’s shift to EVs. Will it, though? Given its past, don’t expect too much. With the new 2026 Toyota bZ, C-HR, and bZ Woodland now at dealerships, Toyota is offering up to $7,500 off plus 0% APR financing to kick things off. You can find local deals in your area using the links below. 2026 Toyota bZ 2026 Toyota C-HR 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland Stay up to date with the latest content by subscribing to Electrek on Google News. You’re reading Electrek— experts who break news about Tesla, electric vehicles, and green energy, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow Electrek on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our YouTube channel for the latest reviews.