Is the Subaru Solterra built by Toyota?
The Solterra is built by Subaru, not Toyota, though it was developed with Toyota and shares the same e-TNGA platform as Toyota's bZ4X.
Subaru and Toyota collaborated on the Solterra as part of a broader electrification partnership. Subaru handles the manufacturing, assembling the Solterra at its Ohira plant in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Toyota supplied the shared platform, engineering input, and the technology strategy that underpins both that model and Toyota's own bZ4X.
How the collaboration is structured
Here are the essential facts about the joint development and production arrangement behind the Solterra and bZ4X:
- Solterra manufacturing is performed by Subaru at its Ohira Plant in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.
- The Solterra and Toyota bZ4X were developed together using Toyota's e-TNGA platform, enabling shared engineering and components.
- Toyota produces the bZ4X in its own manufacturing network (for example at the Motomachi plant in Aichi Prefecture), separate from Subaru's Solterra production.
These points illustrate that while Subaru builds the Solterra, Toyota remains a partner in the development and platform-sharing effort, and both vehicles are siblings under the broader electrification program.
Where the Solterra sits in the lineup
Understanding the Solterra's place in Subaru's lineup and how it relates to Toyota's model helps explain why this question matters for buyers and enthusiasts alike:
- The Solterra embodies Subaru's emphasis on all-wheel drive and practicality in an electric SUV, with design and interior packaging tailored to Subaru customers.
- The Toyota bZ4X, while a sister-model to the Solterra, carries Toyota's branding, infotainment and configuration options designed for Toyota's global market.
- Both share the same underlying platform and many components but are built in different plants and marketed under separate brands, reflecting the collaboration between Subaru and Toyota rather than a single-brand production model.
In short, the Solterra's production is Subaru's responsibility, but it stands as a product of a joint development with Toyota, offering a shared technological foundation alongside distinct brand experiences.
Summary
The Subaru Solterra is not built by Toyota. It is produced by Subaru at the Ohira plant in Miyagi, Japan, as part of a joint development with Toyota that also spawned the Toyota bZ4X. The cars share the e-TNGA platform, but they are manufactured by different companies and marketed under separate brands, reflecting the collaboration between Subaru and Toyota rather than a single-brand production model.
Who makes Subaru Solterra?
The Subaru Solterra is made by Subaru, but it was jointly developed with Toyota. The two companies collaborated on the vehicle's platform, and the Solterra is very similar to Toyota's bZ4X. The vehicles are produced at a Toyota plant in Aichi prefecture, Japan.
- Joint Development: The Solterra is the result of a partnership between Subaru and Toyota, utilizing the e-SUBARU Global Platform co-developed by both companies.
- Manufacturing: Both the Subaru Solterra and the Toyota bZ4X are built at a Toyota manufacturing plant in the Aichi prefecture of Japan.
- Brand Differences: While the underpinnings are shared, the two vehicles have different styling and branding, catering to their respective audiences.
Is the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra the same?
Yes, the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X are essentially the same vehicle, as they were co-developed by Subaru and Toyota and share the same electric powertrain, battery, and platform. The main differences are in standard features, branding, and tuning. The Solterra includes Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard and has a higher ground clearance, while the bZ4X offers a front-wheel drive option.
Similarities
- Platform and Powertrain: Both vehicles are built on the same platform and use the same electric powertrain architecture, resulting in similar performance and efficiency.
- Battery and Range: They have an identical 72.8 kWh battery and an EPA-estimated range of around 227 miles for AWD models.
- Dimensions: They share the same body style, size, and passenger dimensions.
- Charging and Efficiency: They have similar electricity efficiency ratings (up to 104 MPGe combined for AWD) and comparable DC fast charging capabilities.
Key Differences
| Feature | Subaru Solterra | Toyota bZ4X |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on all models | Available with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 inches | Lower ground clearance |
| AWD System | Subaru's standard, performance-tuned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with X-MODE | AWD is optional |
| Standard Features | Heated seats are standard on all trims | Heated seats are only standard on the Limited trim |
| Interior/Technology | Base trims have an 8-inch touchscreen; higher trims have a 12.3-inch screen | Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. Some trims offer a steer-by-wire system. |
| Price | Starts at a slightly higher MSRP | Starts at a lower MSRP, especially for FWD models |
| Cargo Space | Slightly more cargo volume behind the rear seat | Slightly less cargo volume behind the rear seat |
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Does Toyota make Subaru Solterra?
A Subaru version is marketed as the Subaru Solterra. The vehicle debuted in April 2021 as the "bZ4X Concept". It is the first vehicle to be based on the e-TNGA platform co-developed by Toyota and Subaru, and the brand's first model to be part of their Toyota bZ ("beyond Zero") series of zero-emissions vehicles.
Is Subaru owned by Toyota now?
No, Toyota does not own Subaru, but it owns just over 20% of the company, making Subaru an affiliated company. This strategic partnership allows them to share technology and collaborate on vehicle development, such as the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ sports car. Subaru still operates independently with its own branding and operations.
- Ownership structure: Toyota is Subaru's largest shareholder with a stake of slightly over 20%, but Subaru remains an independent company.
- Strategic partnership: The two companies have a close partnership and collaborate on various projects.
- Shared projects: Notable examples of their collaboration include the co-development of the Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X electric crossover and the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 sports car.
- Technology sharing: They share technology, particularly in areas like hybrid systems and electric vehicle development, and plan to collaborate on future EV platforms.
- Independent operation: Despite the significant ownership stake and collaboration, Subaru maintains its own management structure and brand identity.
