Toyota and Subaru plan another global electric SUV to join bZ4X, Solterra

Another Toyota and Subaru co-developed electric SUV is coming to the US, Europe, and Japan. The new electric SUV will join the current bZ4X and Solterra in the Japanese automaker’s global lineup.

Another Subaru and Toyota electric SUV due out in 2026

Toyota and Subaru worked together to launch the bZ4X and Solterra models in May 2022. The electric SUVs are based on the e-TNGA platform with each automaker including its unique branding.

According to a new Nikkei report, Toyota and Subaru will launch another co-developed electric SUV in 2026. The new electric SUV is expected to be sold in North America, Europe, and Japan as the Japanese automakers look to gain global market share.

Subaru announced in May that it would team up with Toyota to launch three new electric SUVs by 2026. CEO Atsushi Osaki explained, “There is a huge risk for us to go it alone in this field. “

The report claims production will begin in January 2026 at Subaru’s Yajima plant in Japan. Subaru plans to raise production capacity by 15,000 to 20,000 per month.

Subaru and Toyota’s new electric SUV will retain some parts from the bZ4X and Solterra models to reduce costs.

Under its new plan, Subaru aims for 50% of its global sales (600,000) to be all-electric vehicles by 2030. The update is a significant shift from its previous 40% HEV and EV target.

Meanwhile, Toyota is delaying plans to build its three-row electric SUV in Kentucky until the first half of 2026. Initial plans called for production to begin in 2025.

Electrek’s Take

After launching over two years ago in the US, Toyota and Subaru’s electric SUVs still have not gained much traction.

Through the first nine months of 2024, Toyota has sold 13,577 bZ4X models in the US. Subaru has sold 9,137 Soltera models. Several US automakers have already delayed or canceled major EV projects, opening the door for overseas brands to gain market share.

Ford is no longer planning to build a three-row electric SUV, which could help attract buyers to Toyota’s upcoming model. However, that’s not due out until 2026 (at the earliest).

Meanwhile, several automakers, like Kia, are already stealing market share. Kia sold nearly 16,000 EV9 models in the US through September, topping both the bZ4X and Solterra, and it was only launched in December 2023.

Hyundai will unveil its first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, later this year. It will be built in the US at its new Georgia EV plant.

Volvo is another brand launching a new three-row electric SUV in the US this year as the EX90 rolls out (Check out our review). Meanwhile, other brands like GM’s Chevy and Honda are breaking EV sales records as new electric models hit the market.

Another Toyota and Subaru electric SUV may sound promising. However, it could be too little, too late.