Toyota and Subaru strengthen their electric SUVs bZ4X and Solterra

The Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra are well-behaved electric SUVs. Except when they go through the workshops of Toyota GR and Subaru’s STI department.

The Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra share many elements in common. And for good reason: like the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ sports cars, these two compact electric SUVs are the result of close collaboration between the two Japanese manufacturers (let’s recall that Toyota owns 20% of Subaru’s shares). That’s why they feature identical chassis, very similar interiors, and powertrains with the same horsepower and battery size across models.

For now, these two family crossovers are not ultra-sporty: they offer a choice between two versions with modest power. The first, driven only by the front wheels via a single electric motor, claims 150 kW (204 hp). The second, equipped with two motors and all-wheel drive, reaches 218 horsepower. Certainly, these figures already allow them to eclipse a 190-horsepower Mercedes EQA 250 in a straight line. But to play the high-performance models, there’s only a small step… Which these two new concept cars take confidently.

Simple aesthetic variations?

Finally, only in appearance. Revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022, the Toyota bZ4X GR Sport Concept retains the mechanics of the standard model but features a much more aggressive body kit. Also presented at the same event, the Subaru Solterra STI sports a radical appearance without any technical details disclosed.

We now await to see what the two manufacturers dare to do: whether they will go so far as to produce a true high-performance version of their new electric SUVs, or simply stick with a variant inspired by concept cars. An answer soon, but a priori, we lean toward the second option.

Also read: STI E-RA Concept: Subaru aims for a record at Nürburgring with a 100% electric