Latest news with #SubaruSolterra
7NEWS
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Subaru Australia confirms more EVs, but when?
Subaru has promised to expand its electric vehicle (EV) lineup in Australia with a broader range of battery-powered models, but is yet to confirm which EVs will be released here, or when. The Japanese brand introduced its first dedicated EV, the Solterra, to local showrooms last year after it was developed as part of a joint venture with Toyota. The mid-size electric SUV is twinned with the Toyota bZ4X with only minor cosmetic changes. But Subaru Australia sells the Solterra exclusively with a twin-motor configuration to maintain its trademark all-wheel drive layout, while the BZ4X is available with the same dual-motor AWD powertrain, as well as a single-motor front-wheel drive version for a lower price. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 2026 Subaru Solterra Credit: CarExpert While the Solterra has received a relatively luke-warm reception from Australian consumers, finding just 68 new homes in 2025 to the end of April (compared to 299 for Toyota), Subaru confirmed to Australian motoring media during a recent presentation for the sixth-generation Forester that it remains committed to EVs locally. However, it would not provide any additional details on when it plans to launch additional EVs, now what they will be. 'Globally, Subaru Corporation has made it clear their desire is to have eight EVs by 2028,' said Subaru Australia general manager Scott Lawrence. 'How each one of these and when each one of these fits into… we're working very close with Subaru Corporation. And we absolutely have a desire to build our EV offerings for Australian consumers.' The next Subaru EV most likely to arrive is the Trailseeker SUV, which was revealed for the first time at the New York motor show in April. 2026 Subaru Trailseeker Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Trailseeker is a more conventional wagon version of the Solterra that measures 152mm longer overall and 25mm taller, creating additional cargo space in the rear. While it features a more rugged appearance, it does not have any additional ground clearance compared to the standard Solterra. It was revealed in New York alongside the first facelift for the Solterra, which brings a more unique and distinctive front-end design, a larger-capacity 74.7kWh battery pack, 14kW more power (up from 160kW to 174kW) from its twin electric motors, and the introduction of a range-topping XT flagship that produces 252kW. 2026 Subaru Solterra Credit: CarExpert Expect the revised Solterra, and potentially the Trailseeker, to arrive in local showrooms by the end of this year. Beyond that, Subaru has confirmed it will continue to work alongside Toyota to build its EV portfolio, including a seven-seat large family SUV to rival the likes of the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. Toyota has also admitted it will create a dedicated battery-powered ute and compact car as part of its bZ (Beyond Zero) electric car range. But whether these models will be shared with Subaru has yet to be made clear. MORE: Everything Subaru Solterra
Perth Now
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Subaru Australia confirms more EVs, but when?
Subaru has promised to expand its electric vehicle (EV) lineup in Australia with a broader range of battery-powered models, but is yet to confirm which EVs will be released here, or when. The Japanese brand introduced its first dedicated EV, the Solterra, to local showrooms last year after it was developed as part of a joint venture with Toyota. The mid-size electric SUV is twinned with the Toyota bZ4X with only minor cosmetic changes. But Subaru Australia sells the Solterra exclusively with a twin-motor configuration to maintain its trademark all-wheel drive layout, while the BZ4X is available with the same dual-motor AWD powertrain, as well as a single-motor front-wheel drive version for a lower price. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 2026 Subaru Solterra Credit: CarExpert While the Solterra has received a relatively luke-warm reception from Australian consumers, finding just 68 new homes in 2025 to the end of April (compared to 299 for Toyota), Subaru confirmed to Australian motoring media during a recent presentation for the sixth-generation Forester that it remains committed to EVs locally. However, it would not provide any additional details on when it plans to launch additional EVs, now what they will be. 'Globally, Subaru Corporation has made it clear their desire is to have eight EVs by 2028,' said Subaru Australia general manager Scott Lawrence. 'How each one of these and when each one of these fits into… we're working very close with Subaru Corporation. And we absolutely have a desire to build our EV offerings for Australian consumers.' The next Subaru EV most likely to arrive is the Trailseeker SUV, which was revealed for the first time at the New York motor show in April. 2026 Subaru Trailseeker Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Trailseeker is a more conventional wagon version of the Solterra that measures 152mm longer overall and 25mm taller, creating additional cargo space in the rear. While it features a more rugged appearance, it does not have any additional ground clearance compared to the standard Solterra. It was revealed in New York alongside the first facelift for the Solterra, which brings a more unique and distinctive front-end design, a larger-capacity 74.7kWh battery pack, 14kW more power (up from 160kW to 174kW) from its twin electric motors, and the introduction of a range-topping XT flagship that produces 252kW. 2026 Subaru Solterra Credit: CarExpert Expect the revised Solterra, and potentially the Trailseeker, to arrive in local showrooms by the end of this year. Beyond that, Subaru has confirmed it will continue to work alongside Toyota to build its EV portfolio, including a seven-seat large family SUV to rival the likes of the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. Toyota has also admitted it will create a dedicated battery-powered ute and compact car as part of its bZ (Beyond Zero) electric car range. But whether these models will be shared with Subaru has yet to be made clear. MORE: Everything Subaru Solterra
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Toyota bZ vs Subaru Solterra: Which One Should You Buy?
Aside from some minor cosmetic alterations, such as headlights, front fascias, and bumpers, the 2026 Toyota bZ (previously bZ4X) and Subaru Solterra are quite obviously near-identical twins. Both models use a shared platform, shared powertrains, and they also seem to share just about everything else. So then, if you're in the market for an electric crossover in the mid-$40k range, and you've found yourself cross-shopping the Toyota bZ with the Subaru Solterra, it can get pretty confusing trying to determine which one makes more sense than the other. We're here to make your decision a little bit clearer. For their respective 2026 model years, both the Toyota bZ and Subaru Solterra benefit from a welcome suite of updates that improve battery range, enhance charging functionality, increase horsepower, and add convenience and comfort to the cabin. Thanks to the addition of NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging ports and battery pre-conditioning, charging the Toyota bZ and the Subaru Solterra will now be much easier, allowing owners to charge up at over 15,000 Tesla Superchargers across North America. New lithium-ion battery packs allow for significantly faster charging times, with Subaru claiming that "The 2026 Solterra's new high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack charges from 10% to 80% in less than 35 minutes at speeds up to approximately 150 kW." The 2026 Toyota bZ's battery range varies from 236 miles in XLE FWD guise up to 314 miles in the XLE FWD Plus, whereas the Subaru Solterra has a maximum battery range of just over 285 miles, as the Subaru comes equipped with standard all-wheel drive, unlike the Toyota. The Toyota's power figures range from as low as the XLE FWD's 168 horsepower, to the XLE FWD Plus and Limited FWD's 221 horsepower, up to a maximum of 338 horsepower in XLE AWD and Limited AWD trims, meaning the Toyota bZ gains up to 50% more horsepower for 2026 compared to its previous model year. Opt for the Subaru, however, and you'll get a standard 233 horsepower and all-wheel drive, or an optional 338-horsepower package with the Solterra XT, also equipped with standard Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drive. Inside the cabin, both models benefit from a redesigned center console and dashboard, including an enlarged 14-inch touchscreen display with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both models also receive new, standard 15W wireless smartphone chargers and rear USB-C device charging ports. Opt for the top-trim 2026 Toyota bZ Limited AWD, and you'll also benefit from a newly added 8-way power passenger seat, driver seat memory function, a digital rearview mirror, and side view mirrors with memory and reverse tilt-down function. Both models finally get available painted exterior overfenders, making for much more cohesive styling all around. Although all of the new updates for the 2026 Toyota bZ and Subaru Solterra massively boost the appeal of both electric crossovers, most of the enhancements seem to be pretty universal to both models. The main difference between the two siblings comes down to packaging. Although the Toyota bZ will have a lower base MSRP, that'll be because it comes standard with front-wheel drive, 168 horsepower, and a 236-mile range. The base Subaru Solterra might cost you a bit more, but you'll get standard all-wheel drive, 233 horsepower, and over 285 miles of battery range. If you're looking to save a few bucks, the Toyota might be the way to go, but if you're looking to stretch the value of your dollar, Subaru's base Solterra might be the king of value. We'll be able to say for sure when pricing is officially released, but using 2025 model year pricing as a guide gives us a pretty solid idea of what to expect. If you're shopping for an electric crossover in the mid-$40k range, both the Toyota bZ and Subaru Solterra present as compelling options within their respective class. The two Japanese models go head to head with the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Chevrolet Equinox EV, the Ford Mustang Mach E, the Volkswagen ID.4, and more, and are distinctly competitive amongst their aggressive classmates, even more so with their new updates. Make sure to pay attention to specific packaging features, such as all-wheel drive, power seating, and horsepower figures, as well as making sure you're looking at a 2026 model. Although good deals are likely to be had on outgoing 2025 models that dealerships will be desperate to offload, the 2026 model year updates are so impactful that they should not be overlooked for the sake of saving a few dollars here and there. 2026 Toyota bZ vs Subaru Solterra: Which One Should You Buy? first appeared on Autoblog on May 23, 2025
Miami Herald
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
2026 Toyota bZ vs Subaru Solterra: Which One Should You Buy?
Aside from some minor cosmetic alterations, such as headlights, front fascias, and bumpers, the 2026 Toyota bZ (previously bZ4X) and Subaru Solterra are quite obviously near-identical twins. Both models use a shared platform, shared powertrains, and they also seem to share just about everything else. So then, if you're in the market for an electric crossover in the mid-$40k range, and you've found yourself cross-shopping the Toyota bZ with the Subaru Solterra, it can get pretty confusing trying to determine which one makes more sense than the other. We're here to make your decision a little bit clearer. For their respective 2026 model years, both the Toyota bZ and Subaru Solterra benefit from a welcome suite of updates that improve battery range, enhance charging functionality, increase horsepower, and add convenience and comfort to the cabin. Thanks to the addition of NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging ports and battery pre-conditioning, charging the Toyota bZ and the Subaru Solterra will now be much easier, allowing owners to charge up at over 15,000 Tesla Superchargers across North America. New lithium-ion battery packs allow for significantly faster charging times, with Subaru claiming that "The 2026 Solterra's new high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack charges from 10% to 80% in less than 35 minutes at speeds up to approximately 150 kW." The 2026 Toyota bZ's battery range varies from 236 miles in XLE FWD guise up to 314 miles in the XLE FWD Plus, whereas the Subaru Solterra has a maximum battery range of just over 285 miles, as the Subaru comes equipped with standard all-wheel drive, unlike the Toyota. The Toyota's power figures range from as low as the XLE FWD's 168 horsepower, to the XLE FWD Plus and Limited FWD's 221 horsepower, up to a maximum of 338 horsepower in XLE AWD and Limited AWD trims, meaning the Toyota bZ gains up to 50% more horsepower for 2026 compared to its previous model year. Opt for the Subaru, however, and you'll get a standard 233 horsepower and all-wheel drive, or an optional 338-horsepower package with the Solterra XT, also equipped with standard Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drive. Inside the cabin, both models benefit from a redesigned center console and dashboard, including an enlarged 14-inch touchscreen display with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both models also receive new, standard 15W wireless smartphone chargers and rear USB-C device charging ports. Opt for the top-trim 2026 Toyota bZ Limited AWD, and you'll also benefit from a newly added 8-way power passenger seat, driver seat memory function, a digital rearview mirror, and side view mirrors with memory and reverse tilt-down function. Both models finally get available painted exterior overfenders, making for much more cohesive styling all around. Although all of the new updates for the 2026 Toyota bZ and Subaru Solterra massively boost the appeal of both electric crossovers, most of the enhancements seem to be pretty universal to both models. The main difference between the two siblings comes down to packaging. Although the Toyota bZ will have a lower base MSRP, that'll be because it comes standard with front-wheel drive, 168 horsepower, and a 236-mile range. The base Subaru Solterra might cost you a bit more, but you'll get standard all-wheel drive, 233 horsepower, and over 285 miles of battery range. If you're looking to save a few bucks, the Toyota might be the way to go, but if you're looking to stretch the value of your dollar, Subaru's base Solterra might be the king of value. We'll be able to say for sure when pricing is officially released, but using 2025 model year pricing as a guide gives us a pretty solid idea of what to expect. If you're shopping for an electric crossover in the mid-$40k range, both the Toyota bZ and Subaru Solterra present as compelling options within their respective class. The two Japanese models go head to head with the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Chevrolet Equinox EV, the Ford Mustang Mach E, the Volkswagen ID.4, and more, and are distinctly competitive amongst their aggressive classmates, even more so with their new updates. Make sure to pay attention to specific packaging features, such as all-wheel drive, power seating, and horsepower figures, as well as making sure you're looking at a 2026 model. Although good deals are likely to be had on outgoing 2025 models that dealerships will be desperate to offload, the 2026 model year updates are so impactful that they should not be overlooked for the sake of saving a few dollars here and there. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Advertiser
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Toyota Australia sticking with confusing name for Model Y rival
The Toyota bZ4X is no more in the United States – instead, the carmaker has announced its Tesla Model Y rival will be known as the Toyota bZ from the 2026 model year. The 2026 Toyota bZ is a facelift of the Japanese brand's first mass-market electric car and – in addition to the new name – brings tweaked exterior styling, more power, and battery upgrades. It's the first time the bZ name has been used, which the carmaker said is a way of "simplifying the name for customers" – understandable, given other bZ-branded Toyotas like the Chinese bZ3 sedan aren't sold in that market. However, Toyota Australia has told CarExpert there are no plans for a name change here, confirming it intends to stick with the bZ4X name for the time being. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While Toyota Australia is sticking with the bZ4X nameplate, the electric SUV – twinned with the Subaru Solterra electric SUV – could adopt the bZ name in other markets after its introduction in the US. The existing bZ4X name will be used for the updated version scheduled to arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2025 with revised styling and up to 573km of WLTP electric driving range – compared to the current best of 436km. Pricing and details are yet to be announced, with the current bZ4X offered in two model grades locally priced at $66,000 before on-road costs for the front-wheel drive version and an all-wheel drive flagship from $74,900. The 2026 bZ for the US has similar upgrades to those expected for the Australia-bound bZ4X, including a larger 74.4kWh lithium-ion battery. In the US, this will feature a NACS-type charger (North American Charging System) for the first time, allowing it to be charged using Tesla's charging network without requiring an adapter. Battery preconditioning has also been introduced, ensuring rapid charging capability even in extreme cold (under -10 degrees Celsius) temperatures. Additional changes for the US bZ include refreshed styling appearing near identical to the bZ4X update shown in Europe earlier this year including the Toyota 'hammerhead' front-end design and restyled wheel arches. The North American bZ also sees more power, with 165kW for front-wheel drive BZs and 252kW from dual-motor all-wheel drive versions – the same outputs set for Australia later this year. Toyota says the power gains are achieved by using silicon carbide (SIC) semiconductors. The interior changes are the same as the update shown in Europe – and expected here – including a redesigned centre console, 14-inch touchscreen (up from 12.3-inches) and 'slimmer' dashboard with new instrument cluster graphics. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters have also been added to enable adjustments to the level of braking regeneration. The related 2026 Subaru Solterra was unveiled at the 2025 New York motor show in April ahead of hitting US showrooms later this year. The bZ twin gains a new flagship XT model grade, but is yet to be officially confirmed for Australia. MORE: 2026 Toyota bZ4X: Model Y rival gets more range and power, Australian timing locked inMORE: Everything Toyota bZ4X Content originally sourced from: The Toyota bZ4X is no more in the United States – instead, the carmaker has announced its Tesla Model Y rival will be known as the Toyota bZ from the 2026 model year. The 2026 Toyota bZ is a facelift of the Japanese brand's first mass-market electric car and – in addition to the new name – brings tweaked exterior styling, more power, and battery upgrades. It's the first time the bZ name has been used, which the carmaker said is a way of "simplifying the name for customers" – understandable, given other bZ-branded Toyotas like the Chinese bZ3 sedan aren't sold in that market. However, Toyota Australia has told CarExpert there are no plans for a name change here, confirming it intends to stick with the bZ4X name for the time being. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While Toyota Australia is sticking with the bZ4X nameplate, the electric SUV – twinned with the Subaru Solterra electric SUV – could adopt the bZ name in other markets after its introduction in the US. The existing bZ4X name will be used for the updated version scheduled to arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2025 with revised styling and up to 573km of WLTP electric driving range – compared to the current best of 436km. Pricing and details are yet to be announced, with the current bZ4X offered in two model grades locally priced at $66,000 before on-road costs for the front-wheel drive version and an all-wheel drive flagship from $74,900. The 2026 bZ for the US has similar upgrades to those expected for the Australia-bound bZ4X, including a larger 74.4kWh lithium-ion battery. In the US, this will feature a NACS-type charger (North American Charging System) for the first time, allowing it to be charged using Tesla's charging network without requiring an adapter. Battery preconditioning has also been introduced, ensuring rapid charging capability even in extreme cold (under -10 degrees Celsius) temperatures. Additional changes for the US bZ include refreshed styling appearing near identical to the bZ4X update shown in Europe earlier this year including the Toyota 'hammerhead' front-end design and restyled wheel arches. The North American bZ also sees more power, with 165kW for front-wheel drive BZs and 252kW from dual-motor all-wheel drive versions – the same outputs set for Australia later this year. Toyota says the power gains are achieved by using silicon carbide (SIC) semiconductors. The interior changes are the same as the update shown in Europe – and expected here – including a redesigned centre console, 14-inch touchscreen (up from 12.3-inches) and 'slimmer' dashboard with new instrument cluster graphics. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters have also been added to enable adjustments to the level of braking regeneration. The related 2026 Subaru Solterra was unveiled at the 2025 New York motor show in April ahead of hitting US showrooms later this year. The bZ twin gains a new flagship XT model grade, but is yet to be officially confirmed for Australia. MORE: 2026 Toyota bZ4X: Model Y rival gets more range and power, Australian timing locked inMORE: Everything Toyota bZ4X Content originally sourced from: The Toyota bZ4X is no more in the United States – instead, the carmaker has announced its Tesla Model Y rival will be known as the Toyota bZ from the 2026 model year. The 2026 Toyota bZ is a facelift of the Japanese brand's first mass-market electric car and – in addition to the new name – brings tweaked exterior styling, more power, and battery upgrades. It's the first time the bZ name has been used, which the carmaker said is a way of "simplifying the name for customers" – understandable, given other bZ-branded Toyotas like the Chinese bZ3 sedan aren't sold in that market. However, Toyota Australia has told CarExpert there are no plans for a name change here, confirming it intends to stick with the bZ4X name for the time being. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While Toyota Australia is sticking with the bZ4X nameplate, the electric SUV – twinned with the Subaru Solterra electric SUV – could adopt the bZ name in other markets after its introduction in the US. The existing bZ4X name will be used for the updated version scheduled to arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2025 with revised styling and up to 573km of WLTP electric driving range – compared to the current best of 436km. Pricing and details are yet to be announced, with the current bZ4X offered in two model grades locally priced at $66,000 before on-road costs for the front-wheel drive version and an all-wheel drive flagship from $74,900. The 2026 bZ for the US has similar upgrades to those expected for the Australia-bound bZ4X, including a larger 74.4kWh lithium-ion battery. In the US, this will feature a NACS-type charger (North American Charging System) for the first time, allowing it to be charged using Tesla's charging network without requiring an adapter. Battery preconditioning has also been introduced, ensuring rapid charging capability even in extreme cold (under -10 degrees Celsius) temperatures. Additional changes for the US bZ include refreshed styling appearing near identical to the bZ4X update shown in Europe earlier this year including the Toyota 'hammerhead' front-end design and restyled wheel arches. The North American bZ also sees more power, with 165kW for front-wheel drive BZs and 252kW from dual-motor all-wheel drive versions – the same outputs set for Australia later this year. Toyota says the power gains are achieved by using silicon carbide (SIC) semiconductors. The interior changes are the same as the update shown in Europe – and expected here – including a redesigned centre console, 14-inch touchscreen (up from 12.3-inches) and 'slimmer' dashboard with new instrument cluster graphics. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters have also been added to enable adjustments to the level of braking regeneration. The related 2026 Subaru Solterra was unveiled at the 2025 New York motor show in April ahead of hitting US showrooms later this year. The bZ twin gains a new flagship XT model grade, but is yet to be officially confirmed for Australia. MORE: 2026 Toyota bZ4X: Model Y rival gets more range and power, Australian timing locked inMORE: Everything Toyota bZ4X Content originally sourced from: The Toyota bZ4X is no more in the United States – instead, the carmaker has announced its Tesla Model Y rival will be known as the Toyota bZ from the 2026 model year. The 2026 Toyota bZ is a facelift of the Japanese brand's first mass-market electric car and – in addition to the new name – brings tweaked exterior styling, more power, and battery upgrades. It's the first time the bZ name has been used, which the carmaker said is a way of "simplifying the name for customers" – understandable, given other bZ-branded Toyotas like the Chinese bZ3 sedan aren't sold in that market. However, Toyota Australia has told CarExpert there are no plans for a name change here, confirming it intends to stick with the bZ4X name for the time being. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While Toyota Australia is sticking with the bZ4X nameplate, the electric SUV – twinned with the Subaru Solterra electric SUV – could adopt the bZ name in other markets after its introduction in the US. The existing bZ4X name will be used for the updated version scheduled to arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2025 with revised styling and up to 573km of WLTP electric driving range – compared to the current best of 436km. Pricing and details are yet to be announced, with the current bZ4X offered in two model grades locally priced at $66,000 before on-road costs for the front-wheel drive version and an all-wheel drive flagship from $74,900. The 2026 bZ for the US has similar upgrades to those expected for the Australia-bound bZ4X, including a larger 74.4kWh lithium-ion battery. In the US, this will feature a NACS-type charger (North American Charging System) for the first time, allowing it to be charged using Tesla's charging network without requiring an adapter. Battery preconditioning has also been introduced, ensuring rapid charging capability even in extreme cold (under -10 degrees Celsius) temperatures. Additional changes for the US bZ include refreshed styling appearing near identical to the bZ4X update shown in Europe earlier this year including the Toyota 'hammerhead' front-end design and restyled wheel arches. The North American bZ also sees more power, with 165kW for front-wheel drive BZs and 252kW from dual-motor all-wheel drive versions – the same outputs set for Australia later this year. Toyota says the power gains are achieved by using silicon carbide (SIC) semiconductors. The interior changes are the same as the update shown in Europe – and expected here – including a redesigned centre console, 14-inch touchscreen (up from 12.3-inches) and 'slimmer' dashboard with new instrument cluster graphics. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters have also been added to enable adjustments to the level of braking regeneration. The related 2026 Subaru Solterra was unveiled at the 2025 New York motor show in April ahead of hitting US showrooms later this year. The bZ twin gains a new flagship XT model grade, but is yet to be officially confirmed for Australia. MORE: 2026 Toyota bZ4X: Model Y rival gets more range and power, Australian timing locked inMORE: Everything Toyota bZ4X Content originally sourced from:
