Toyota and Subaru appear to be well on the way to becoming a PB & J-like cliched combination after a multi-generational collaboration on the BRZ/86 rear-wheel-drive sports car and the Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X electric SUVs. In a recent presentation discussing the company’s performance over the last fiscal year, Subaru revealed that it decided who it will build its next three electric vehicles with: Toyota. The real surprise would have been if Subaru announced its team up with any other automaker or tried to go it alone.
By the end of 2026, Subaru claims it will have four EV SUV models on offer. The Solterra is already here, so that leaves three more. One will be built at the Subaru factory in Yajima, and another will be built at a Toyota factory in the U.S. Combine that with info from Toyota itself—indicating a new three-row BEV SUV will be built in Kentucky starting in 2025—and we can make educated guesses about what one of the Subaru variants will be. Despite recent hesitations about EVs due to a slowdown in demand, the three-row SUV market remains significant, and Kia has a notable head start with its well-received EV9 three-row.
The third model? It appears smaller and may not be intended for all markets. Subaru’s materials lack specific intel about this model. However, the company does assert it will “have a lineup of battery EVs produced in the United States.” This statement may apply to the upcoming wave of EVs expected by the end of 2026.
Joint development and production are strategically advantageous for Subaru, as this approach minimizes investment in the less profitable and currently risky venture of building and selling EVs. Toyota, as well, has realized success, having brought the low-volume Supra to market in collaboration with BMW—a process it indicated it wouldn’t have attempted without a partner. The successful BRZ/86 collaboration has led to the second generation of affordable sports coupes. Additionally, Toyota benefits from U.S. factory capacity while Subaru is often constrained in production at its Indiana facility.
Consequently, we hope that Subaru and Toyota learn valuable lessons from the bZ4X/Solterra experiment, particularly regarding the slow and somewhat unpredictable fast-charging experience. This aspect has significantly impacted the perception of what is otherwise a solid electric vehicle. A more competitive charging architecture would greatly enhance customer attraction to EVs under both the Subaru and Toyota brands, which are known for their strong brand loyalty and positive consumer perceptions.
