At the start of 2026, Toyota is expanding its hybrid vehicle lineup alongside new electric vehicle options in North America and Europe. However, not all Toyota electric models made in China are easily sold outside the country. One notable model not available beyond China is the Toyota bZ3, a compact electric sedan produced by FAW Toyota, which has been refreshed for the 2026 facelift while maintaining its previous pricing to remain affordable.
Launched in October 2022, the bZ3 was Toyota’s first electric sedan. For the 2024 model year, updated driver-assist technologies were introduced. With the 2026 facelift, Toyota has taken further steps by adding new equipment without abandoning the original goals of durability and reliable after-sales service that appeal to Chinese consumers.
The facelifted electric model is named the Toyota bZ3 Smart Home Edition. Its exterior largely resembles the 2024 version, with the most noticeable update being the addition of a LiDAR unit on the roof and an increase to 32 sensors in the vehicle. These upgrades enable more advanced autonomous driving features, though the system remains at Level 2 autonomy.
Exterior updates include a new color called Dark Cloud Green and LED rear light graphics. Overall, the bZ3 measures 4,725 mm in length with a 2,880 mm wheelbase, slightly longer than the Chinese long-wheelbase Corolla variant.
The interior has been revamped with a new vertical 15.6-inch infotainment screen, replacing the previous 12.8-inch display. This new screen works alongside a digital instrument cluster, enhanced driver-assist features, interior ambient lighting, dual wireless phone charging pads, a panoramic sunroof, and an AI voice command system.
The 2026 bZ3 upgrades its Nvidia 5.0 system and Snapdragon processor, enabling processing speeds of 544 trillion operations per second, significantly boosting system performance. Despite the advanced hardware, the autonomous driving capability remains at Level 2. New features include a remote parking assist with memory recall for reversing, and enhanced safety assistance for urban and highway driving.
Built on the e-TNGA platform and using BYD’s Blade battery technology, the bZ3 comes in two variants: a base single-motor version with 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS), and a more powerful variant with 241 hp (180 kW / 245 PS).
The 181 hp model uses a 49.9 kWh battery, delivering a CLTC-rated range of 517 kilometers. The 241 hp model features a larger 65.3 kWh battery, extending the range to 616 kilometers, making it suitable for longer trips.
Currently, FAW Toyota offers a promotional price war for the bZ3 Smart Home, starting at 93,800 yuan (approximately 13,400 USD or 421,900 THB). This promotion is temporary. At this price, it is the most affordable electric vehicle under the Toyota brand in China, priced lower than the similarly powered bZ3X SUV.
The regular price of the Toyota bZ3 starts at 109,800 yuan (about 15,700 USD / 494,000 THB) for the base Smart Home Joy model, and 129,800 yuan (18,600 USD / 585,700 THB) for the Pro variant. Customers seeking more power and longer range can opt for the Pro+ model priced at 139,800 yuan (20,000 USD / 629,000 THB), or the flagship Max variant at 159,800 yuan (22,800 USD / 717,000 THB). These prices remain lower than the Corolla Altis in Thailand.
In 2026, Chinese customers can choose from five Toyota electric vehicle models produced domestically through joint ventures with FAW and GAC. These include the bZ3 sedan, bZ3X SUV, bZ4X SUV, bZ5 coupe-style crossover, and flagship bZ7 sedan.