Solterra vs bZ4X
They are built on the same shared Toyota and Subaru platform.
Toyota does owns 20% of Subaru after all.
These two share a lot in common.
Lets take a look.
This is both brands first EV in most countries.
The Toyota and Subaru benefit from the same aerodynamic work.
Both have the same unique plastic wheel arches
that stretch forward to the area formerly known as the grill.
Also each have a large black section
on the hood up next to the windshield.
With up to 150 kw charging
this provides 80% charge of the 68kWh
usable part of it’s battery
in 30 mins.
Not the best but not the worst either.
Looking to alleviate fears of needing to replace it in a few years.
Both stress the longevity of the battery.
Saying it will retain a 90% charge after 10 years.
Both brands improve their efficiency
by using a heat pump to warm the cabin.
8 in or more ground clearance is also unique for the segment.
Both offer Subaru's X-Mode.
Allows drivers to cycle through AWD control options
like mud and deep snow.
The Toyota and Subaru offer a glass roof
with retractable sunshade.
Both have fabric on the dash instead of leather or plastic
and lack a glovebox.
Possibly to make room for the optional radiant heat
directed at your knees and legs?
The bZ4X and Solterra will offer
a 360% camera system from Toyota.
This will be a first for a Subaru.
Both have been delayed due to issues with wheels potentially falling off.
At least for Toyota.
Since they are made on the same platform
I’d assume the Solterra had to be checked as well.
Both are reaching dealers now though.
That’s the similarities
but each company has taken this
shared approach in a little different direction.
Subaru Solterra
First the name
Sol = Sun
Terra = Ground
Kind of fits Subaru.
The front design focuses on C shaped running lights
and the Subaru logo in an outlined grill.
The Subaru is all wheel drive only
via 2 (80kw) motors
with 220 miles of range.
The Solterra gets an EV badge
on the charge door and other side
which is missing from the Toyota version.
Subaru also offers the Crosstrek
in a plugin hybrid version.
As for the Toyota
it's name means
BZ = beyond zero
The 4 denotes the size of the vehicle
and X stands for suv or crossover.
The front focuses on a thinstrip running light
and the Toyota logo on the top of the leading edge of the hood.
Offering both front wheel drive
via 1 (150kw) motor
or all wheel drive
via 2 (80kw) motors.
Getting either
250 miles or 220 miles of range.
The bZ4X will offer a yoke in place of a steering wheel
as an option
but now the Solterra.
An optional solar roof has been mentioned as well.
Toyota also offers the RAV4 Prime
plugin hybrid if that's more you speed.
So the Toyota bZ4X
and the Subaru Solterra.
While not leaders in range
or charging times
the range they do have
should remain for years to come.
They have more rugged looks than most competitors.
They focus on ground clearance and off road capability
is different than other brands.
And they come from reliable
legacy brands with large dealer networks.
Which of the quirky SUVs would you choose?
Let us know down in the comments.