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.
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