Are Subaru and Toyota the same company?
Subaru and Toyota are not the same company. They are two distinct Japanese automakers with separate corporate structures, brands, and leadership. Yet they have a long-standing partnership that includes cross-shareholding and collaborative engineering on certain models.
Corporate structures and brands
Subaru is the automotive division of Subaru Corporation, a company that evolved from Fuji Heavy Industries. Toyota is Toyota Motor Corporation, an independent automaker. Each operates its own brand lineup—Subaru and Toyota—and conducts its own corporate governance and global strategy.
History of collaboration
The partnership between the two firms has deep roots dating back to the mid-2000s, expanding over the years to include joint development programs and technology sharing. The collaboration is best known for the co-development of the Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ, two sports cars built on a shared chassis but marketed under separate brands with distinct styling.
Beyond product development, the two companies maintain cross-shareholding arrangements, with Toyota identified as a significant shareholder in Subaru's parent company, giving Toyota influence without a merger.
Product implications of the partnership
For consumers, the alliance means some technologies and platforms appear across both brands, while the cars remain independently branded and marketed. A prominent example is the BRZ (Subaru) and the GR86 (Toyota), which are sister models born from a joint engineering effort but sold under different badges.
Both manufacturers continue to pursue their own electrification and vehicle-development agendas, leveraging shared knowledge where it makes sense while preserving distinct product lineups and brand identities.
Key facts about Subaru vs Toyota
These points summarize how the two companies relate to each other while staying separate entities. They capture the essential distinctions readers should know at a glance.
- Subaru is the automotive division of Subaru Corporation; Toyota is a separate company, Toyota Motor Corporation.
- Subaru Corporation originated from Fuji Heavy Industries and now focuses on the Subaru brand under its corporate umbrella.
- Toyota has been a major shareholder in Subaru's parent company since the mid-2000s, creating a cross-ownership relationship.
- The BRZ and GR86 are a product of joint development—two cars built on the same platform but sold under Subaru and Toyota badges, respectively.
- Both brands maintain independent product lines and markets, even as they collaborate on select technologies and platforms.
The collaboration enhances engineering capabilities and expands technology sharing, but it does not merge Subaru and Toyota into a single company.
Current status and outlook
As of 2024–2025, Subaru and Toyota continue to operate as separate automakers with a formal alliance that influences certain projects, supplier relationships, and development efforts. The partnership remains active, particularly in areas like shared sports-car platforms and future drivetrains, while each company pushes its own strategy for electrification and global expansion.
Summary
Subaru and Toyota are not the same company. They are two distinct Japanese automakers with a longstanding collaboration that includes cross-ownership and joint development of certain models, most notably the BRZ/GR86 sports cars. They share technology and platforms in parts of their product lines, but operate independently with separate brands and corporate governance.
Does Toyota use Subaru parts?
Not too much really. Some shared parts, even in the brz/frs they had different suspensions. Subaru is still considered a Independent auto maker. They dont share much of their stuff with anyone.
What Toyota is made by Subaru?
The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ are 2+2 sports cars jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, manufactured at Subaru's Gunma assembly plant.
Does Subaru and Toyota work together?
Yes, Subaru and Toyota work together through a deep and long-standing partnership that includes joint vehicle development, technology sharing, and a capital alliance. Their collaboration is evident in shared sports cars like the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ, and they are now jointly developing electric vehicles and sharing hybrid technology. Toyota holds a significant stake in Subaru, making them a key partner in both traditional and future vehicle technologies.
Key areas of collaboration
- Jointly developed vehicles: The most well-known example is the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ sports cars, which share a platform and engineering.
- Electric vehicles (EVs): They are collaborating on developing electric vehicles, including a shared battery-electric SUV platform and an upcoming three-row EV.
- Hybrid technology: Subaru is integrating Toyota's hybrid system technology into some of its models, such as the Crosstrek Hybrid, while still developing its own unique hybrid systems with a focus on its boxer engine and all-wheel-drive capabilities.
- Capital alliance: Toyota has increased its stake in Subaru to over 20%, solidifying their partnership and mutual investment.
- Technology sharing: Beyond vehicle platforms, the two companies are also working together on other technologies like driverless car systems and wireless communication technology.
Is Subaru owned by Toyota?
No, Toyota does not own Subaru, but it is the largest shareholder, holding a stake of just over 20%. While Subaru remains independently operated, the two companies have a close partnership that includes sharing technology, powertrains, and collaborating on vehicle development, such as the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X.
- Toyota's ownership stake: Toyota is the largest shareholder with just over 20% of Subaru's stock, but it is not a controlling, majority stake.
- Independent operation: Despite Toyota's large investment, Subaru Corporation operates independently, according to Sunset Hills Subaru and Facebook.
- Collaboration: The companies collaborate on a number of projects, including the co-development of the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X, and the Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86 sports cars.
- Technology sharing: This partnership allows both companies to benefit from each other's strengths, with Subaru providing its all-wheel-drive expertise and Toyota offering its electrification technologies.
