Louth Motoring: Last, but not least - Toyota BZ4x and Subaru Solterra

Isn't nuance everything? Before I'd have told you that Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra simply shared a platform, the e-TNGA BEV-dedicated platform in this case, and swapped the badges.

The most recent example of that was the Toyota Corolla Estate and the Suzuki Swace which, badges aside, were identical.
But not here. You see this is a "co-developed" car with both brands identities delivered in the same car. The logical conclusion is that the cars get the best of both company's traits.

The Toyota was launched a bit ahead of the Subaru giving it a bit of a head start but the Subaru comes with their X-Mode AWS system which is typical Subaru.

Both cars are the first all-electric cars offered by both brands which is hard to believe that it has taken to 2023 for this to happen.

Toyota have been pioneers in the hybrid space and have really honed this technology delivering tremendous sales. Subaru would be a brand associated with pure petrolheads but even they have embraced the migration/race to all electric.

In the metal they look very alike with the backs and sides practically identical with subtle changes only noticeable at the front.

If they both had the same brand badge, you'd think the front looks were minor changes that manufacturers make to differentiate different trim levels. It would be awfully hard to pick one over the other in an old-fashioned beauty pageant.

I'd opt for the Solterra because it is not trying to look how we expect an electric car to look and has a conventional grille for aesthetics rather than function.

^{Above: Subaru Solterra}

The black wheel arches are making a landgrab from the body panels and are very sizeable – they must be trying to save a bit of paint.

The looks convey one thing to me – size. The car really looks big, and it is, being 200mm longer than the current Hyundai Tucson.

On the inside you appreciate this as it is a very spacious car with a decent 452litre boot that has a proper tailgate – electrified of course.

Comparing the interiors would make an excellent spot the difference competition as they are so similar.
It is my job to tell you what they are but if I did, you'd be none the wiser and I'd have wasted your time.

It looks different to a lot of other cars on sale but isn't something that others will be rushing to copy. A pass with merit if you like.

Power comes from a 71kWh battery that feeds an electric motor. It feeds one on the front axle for FWD (Toyota) both axles for AWD (Subaru). That battery gives a range of approx. 465kms in the Solterra and 505kms in the Bz4x.

That's explained by the Solterra having more performance ability thus more battery power used as it must power the second electric motor. 0-100km/h is 7.5s v 6.9s in favour of the Solterra.

The Solterra has higher ground clearance at 211mm v 206mm in the BZ4x which makes off-roading that bit easier and supports the Subaru DNA.

The recharge max. rate is 150kW in both allowing a 20%-80% recharge time of 30mins – very liveable with. There is an 11kW onboard AC charger in both.

I found driving both equally similar. Ok, there is a bit more performance on paper from the Solterra, but would I notice this in a blind test?

Subaru claim the suspension is stiffer and sportier. I'd need back-to-back driving on the same road to verify that and again I wonder would the difference be noticeable?

Power delivery in both is moderated from the all-out go go go you get in other electric cars and is quite refined in both.
They are both incredibly quiet and smooth which makes sitting in them very comfortable indeed.

Overriding everything is the sense that you are driving a big car and there is no escaping it.

The steering feedback is closer aligned to how Toyotas are typically setup and not the feel every pebble manner that Subaru drivers prefer. Technology is bang up to date as are the safety systems which are noteworthy.

I experienced the Rear Automatic Braking when reversing and whilst you could level the overenthusiastic charge at it, it is a most welcome feature.

There are two Subaru Solterra models. The Limited at €51,495 and the Touring at €56,495 both are AWD.

There is currently only one Toyota Bz4x model for sale which starts at €50,075 for the 2WD.

As with all badged engineered car, I mean co-developed cars, the decision which to choose comes down to loyalty, price, needs, and specification – in that order too I reckon.

If you need a 4WD electric crossover you'd be drawn to the Solterra based on Subaru's history of 4WD finesse. If you want a 2WD electric crossover then with the number of dealers and familiarity you'll be in a Toyota dealership in nanoseconds.

For what it is worth I'd be leaning towards the Subaru for two reasons. Reason one is it has a name that won't have me explaining what it is to everyone that asks [Beyond Zero, 4 (for Rav4), x (denoting crossover) ] and two, there will be less of them on the road which has, for me, that little bit of added cache and exclusivity.

Pricing is at the higher end of the EV market and there are some equally compelling rivals.

These two, for distinct reasons, will fancy their chances against them all. Both Subaru and Toyota were last to the EV party, but the wait has been worth it with two very compelling offerings.