Words: Richard Edwards
Published 16 May 2026
Toyota New Zealand’s electric vehicle portfolio is expanding rapidly, with the bZ4X Touring now confirmed for mid-2026 arrival and the Hilux BEV opening for pre-orders later this month, while a third nameplate, the Indian-built Urban Cruiser, is also likely to reach Kiwi shores in limited numbers.
The bZ4X Touring, priced at $69,990, sits at the top of the refreshed bZ4X range and adds a wagon-like body that is 140mm longer and 25mm higher than the standard car. Boot space rises by more than a third to 550 litres, while total system output from the dual-motor AWD powertrain climbs to 280kW. The 74.7kWh battery is shared with the Pure and Motion variants, with WLTP range rated at 488km, a touch less than the Motion’s 517km thanks to the bigger body. DC fast charging tops out at 150kW, with 10 to 80 percent in around 28 minutes.
Toyota NZ Chief Strategic Officer Andrew Davis says the Touring fills a gap for families and outdoor enthusiasts who want electric capability without compromising on space or off-road confidence.
“It’s a vehicle built for people who want to load up the bikes, boards or camping gear and head away for the weekend. In the past this level of recreation has been a compromise for those wanting to shift to a full EV, so it’s exciting to be able to offer such a capable option,” Davis says.
The model gets X-MODE and Grip Control, a Multi-Terrain Monitor with under-vehicle view, bridge-type roof rails, and a 1,500kg braked towing capacity. Inside, there is a 14-inch touchscreen, nine-speaker JBL audio, a panoramic roof, and the option of black or khaki cabin trim.
It joins the updated bZ4X Pure ($56,990) and Motion ($66,990), both already available and both significantly cheaper than the first-generation car, which launched at $72,990.
Electric Hilux targets fleets
Then there is the Hilux BEV, confirmed for New Zealand on May 11 with pre-orders due later this month. It pairs a 59.2kWh battery with dual-motor AWD producing 144kW, good for 315km on the NEDC cycle in wellside form. Braked towing is rated at 2,000kg with a genuine accessories towbar.
Toyota is pitching it squarely at fleets and commercial operators rather than retail buyers, with small volumes and limited test drive availability expected.
Urban Cruiser likely in small numbers
And a third nameplate may not be far behind. NZ Autocar understands from discussions with Toyota NZ management that the Urban Cruiser is also likely to arrive here, albeit in small numbers. Built alongside the Suzuki e Vitara at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant in India, the Urban Cruiser shares the same Heartect-e platform and BYD-supplied LFP Blade batteries.
The e Vitara is already on sale here from $54,990, so the question is how Toyota NZ positions the Urban Cruiser alongside its near-identical Suzuki sibling and whether the volumes stack up for local support. The brand’s fixed-price system means it will likely undercut its sibling.
Multi-pathway, multiple EVs
Put it all together and Toyota NZ now has EV coverage spanning compact SUV, mid-size SUV, and light commercial, a breadth of offering that was hard to imagine 18 months ago when the original bZ4X was flying solo.
Davis frames it as part of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach, which also takes in hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and a hydrogen fuel cell Hilux pencilled in for around 2028.
