Toyota bZ sales soar in the US in Q1 2026, surpassing the Chevy Equinox EV

Toyota records 10,029 units of the bZ in Q1 2026, leading the ranking against the Equinox EV; see factors, range, and prices.

bZ sales performance in Q1 2026

The electric Toyota bZ had a surprising start to the year: 10,029 units were sold in the first three months of 2026, an advance of 78.8% compared to Q1 2025. In the previous month alone, there were 4,019 units.

Comparison with the Equinox EV

At the top, the bZ surpassed the Chevy Equinox EV in Q1, with 10,029 units against GM's 9,589, which fell 7.2% compared to last year. Even so, the Equinox was one of the highest-volume options in the EV segment last year, though it did not make the top 10.

Performance of other models

The RZ, Lexus's electric SUV, recorded a 206% increase in Q1, reaching 4,456 units. By comparison, the Cadillac Lyriq (3,370), Optiq (2,847), Vistiq (1,902), and Escalade IQ (1,432) had lower volumes.

What changed in the bZ

Toyota points out that the bZ has gained range compared to its predecessor, the bZ4X — now up to 314 miles, a gain of about 25%.

Technology and interior

The SUV comes with an integrated NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers, allowing for a 10% to 80% charge in about 30 minutes. The interior received a 14-inch screen, wireless charging, and a redesigned dashboard. There is also a 7" cluster on the driver's dashboard, heated front and rear seats, regenerative braking, and the Safety Sense 3.0 package.

Price and availability

The 2026 bZ XLE FWD starts at $34,900. The longer-range version starts at $37,900 (with up to 314 miles). The Chevy Equinox EV starts at $34,995 with a range of 319 miles.

Outlook and market context

Electrek notes that GM offers more EV options beyond the Equinox — including Blazer, Silverado, and Bolt EVs. Toyota already has three electric SUVs for sale in the US: the bZ, the C-HR, and the bZ Woodland; the Highlander BEV arrives later this year. It is still early, but the bZ is already among the most sought-after EVs, and it remains to be seen if the C-HR and bZ Woodland will maintain demand through the end of 2026.

Launch offers

To attract buyers, Toyota is offering discounts of up to $7,000 and 0% APR financing. If you want to see a model, we can help find local conditions.

What are your expectations for the continued leadership of the bZ in the coming months? Leave your comment below and share your take on what might maintain or change the demand for Toyota and GM in the EV segment.