๐ ๐ ๐ ค๐ ๐ ๐ ๐ ๐ ๐ ๐ ก๐ ๐ ๐ Spotlight CONSUMER EV
Greenlaning EV: Toyota bZ Woodland
What if the bZ aspired to be a back-country trekker?
Introducing the Toyota bZ Woodland โ The Off-Road Adventurer
Markets: North America (primary), with European equivalent as bZ4X Touring
Equipped with standard all-wheel drive with X-MODEยฎ, the bZ Woodland has a net combined system output of 375 horsepower and an EPA-estimated total driving range rating of up to 281 miles.
Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
| Platform | e-TNGA (dedicated BEV) |
| Battery | 74.7 kWh (standard on most trims) |
| Charging | 150 kW DC fast charging (10โ80% in ~30 min), 11 kW AC onboard, NACS port |
| Power | 375 hp (AWD standard) |
| Price | MSRP: From ~$45 300 |
| 0โ60 mph | 0โ60 mph: ~4.8 seconds (AWD) |
| Ground clearance | 8.4 inches |
| Range (est.) | 281 miles (EPA ) 260 miles (with optional all-terrain tires) |
| Screens | redesigned digital cluster, 14.5-inch touchscreen |
It also has midsize SUV utility, with the all-terrain tire option, 8.4 inches of ground clearance, and up to 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Woodland stretches about six inches longer than the standard bZ (which calms the ride but makes it tricky to manoeuvre) and comes with Toyotaโs X-MODE terrain management system. The Woodland version is positioned as a premium offering, with the JBL stereo, panoramic roof, digital rearview mirror, memory driver seat/side-view mirrors, and ventilated front seats.
| Model | Power (hp) | EPA range (miles) | Ground clearance (inches) | Towing (lbs) | Starting price (USD$) |
| Toyota bZ Woodland | 375 | 281 | 8.4 | 3500 | $40 500 |
| Rivian R1S | 533 | 321 | 14.9 | 7700 | $44 990 |
| Ford Mustang Mach E (4X) | 480 | 270 | 7.0 | 2000 | $46 615 |
| Subaru Solterra XT | 338 | 260 | 8.3 | 3500 | $44 895 |
| Jeep Avenger 4xe | 154 | 250 | 7.9 | N/A | $42 995 |
What we like
The Toyota bZ offers a powerful dual-motor setup with 375 horsepower, a spacious interior with increased cargo capacity, and advanced safety features. We come to expect the legendary Toyota reliability and quality which we hope will be reinforced in the long term.
Mehโฆ
If weโre to go off-roadish (weโd prefer green-laning) with it the maximum range of 281 miles, there will be a concern for some buyers. The bZ Woodland isnโt cheap; as such the interior should not feel it. This compounded with design features, like the screen placement, can be awkward for drivers.
Competitor (ranked) & Price
- Rivian R1S ~$78 900
- Mustang Mach-E (4X) $58 995
- Subaru Solterra XT $48 000
- Jeep Avenger 4xe $42 000
The bZ Woodland carves out a sensible niche between mainstream commuter EVs and full-blooded off-roaders. It can’t match the Rivian R1Sโ ground clearance or towing however it does costs nearly half the price. Its sibing the Subaru SolterraXT offers essentially the same hardware under different guise.
Verdict
Iโve owned several 4Runners (2nd Gen., 3rd Gen., and 5th Gen.) and an FJ Cruiser; I loved them all. They did what you needed them to do off-road but werenโt the best mannered on-road; I didnโt care as they weren’t made for that. Interestingly, this, switched, also holds true for the Woodland. In a Woodland, I wouldnโt tackle what I threw at my previous Toyotas. However, if green-laning is your thing, the Woodland is your goat.
