As electric cars come to the forefront of everyday vehicles, it is always exciting to see car manufacturers debut their new EV models. We are seeing more electric models on the market than ever before, all being so unique in their way. Many manufacturers are debuting EVs from sedans, SUVs, trucks, and various luxury vehicles; every brand has specific traits and qualities… or so I thought.

While checking out the upcoming EVs debuting on the market, I came across the 2023 Subaru Solterra and the 2023 Toyota bZ4X. After tackling both, checking out the look, the interior, etc. I realized that both of these EVs looked precisely the same! I compared them side by side and was in complete disbelief. How could these two companies sell the same car? How could they sell the same car at different prices?

Is the Subaru Solterra and the Toyota bZ4X the same car?

I took a deep dive into it. I wanted to know how this came to be. After some research, I discovered that Toyota has a 20% stake in Subaru Corporation. Due to this, the two companies have teamed up and “jointly-developed” to fast-track EVs for both companies. According to Beyer Subaru, “This new battery-electric SUV is projected to be a similar size to the Forester compact SUV and represents a seriously star-powered collaboration between two all-star manufacturers. This all-electric Subaru car is built using design notes from Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, an electric-focused derivative of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA).” Noting from motorbiscuit.com, Subaru paints a picture of the partnership stating Subaru claims the slogan “Let’s make ever-better cars together.” It seems that the two companies coming together and debuting the same models with their unique distinctions to their brand will help the manufacturing and production of these vehicles now and in the future.

So what are the differences?

The Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra resemble the overall architecture but distinguish themselves equally when it comes to the equipment and refined design elements. So, what are the key differences? According to Subaru, the characteristics are as follows:

Subaru Solterra vs. Toyota bZ4X Specs

Although both are so close to identical yet unique to their brand, as you can see, they have a few minor traits that set them apart. So, in addition to what's listed above, here are some additional facts for you to consider:

1. Both vehicles will offer DC fast charging, meaning that both cars can reach an 80% charge within an hour with access to a supercharger.
2. Hotcars.com states that the electric motor these cars will possess will produce 215 HP and 248 lb-ft of torque, making these "better than any other internal combustion engine vehicle in this class." In addition, both manufacturers are debuting new, high-end tech, including a 360 bird's eye view cam and many other high-end features.
3. Subaru and Toyota are known to make sustainable, reliable cars. Will this live on through their EV cars as well?
   

To check out a complete list of detailed specifications on both, check out:

Each model has designs and characteristics that make the car fit into the standards that each manufacturer holds for themselves, their brand, and their customers, which brings me to my next question; How will the similarities impact sales? I think that several things will be taken into consideration when deciding on which model to buy:

1. Every company has loyal customers that will buy their cars only. I think that will be a play here.
2. The price will play a factor when deciding which car will give them the best bang for their buck.
3. Safety rating will play into this for families.
4. Features and versatility in the ability to have an option on design.
   

I am curious to see how these EVs will sell once they hit the market.

These cars are closer than you think

So, when will you have the opportunity to purchase one of these? According to caranddriver.com, both EVs will hit the lots, in limited quantities, in the summer of 2022. Both companies are working on being able to provide reservations to help with the few cars on the lots. It is said that these two models of EVs are sought-after and will be expected to sell in high numbers. I will be curious to see if we will see more manufacturers teaming up in the future to speed up the production and accessibility of EV cars.