The Toyota bZ4x has just received a mid-cycle update, and it looks like its Subaru twin, the Solterra, may soon follow suit. But these two crossovers won’t be the only EVs born from the Toyota-Subaru partnership. In 2026, the automakers are reportedly planning to expand their lineup with a pair of new compact SUVs.

More: Toyota’s New C-HR+ EV May Launch In The US Next Year

In an effort to keep research and development costs manageable, these new compact SUVs are expected to share key components with the e-TNGA platform already used by the bZ4x and Solterra. This includes components like battery packs and electric motors. This collaboration allows both Toyota and Subaru to cut costs and allocate more resources to other projects.

New EV Models Teased by Toyota

Earlier this week, Toyota teased three new EVs that will launch by 2026. These will join the ranks of the bZ4x, C-HR+, and Urban Cruiser in Toyota’s lineup. Two of the teased vehicles seem to be production versions of the EPU pickup and the Land Cruiser SE, both of which were shown as concepts in 2023. This has led to speculation that the third teaser might be the compact SUV that Toyota and Subaru are working on together.

If this is indeed the case, the new EVs are expected to adopt a more traditional SUV shape compared to the bZ4x and Solterra crossovers. The design hints at a profile similar to the upcoming Toyota RAV4, with a sharp nose, roof rails, and a more upright rear end. While the Toyota and Subaru versions will likely share much of their exterior and interior design, each will probably feature a distinctive front end to help buyers tell them apart.

Expanding the EV Market in Key Regions

According to Best Car, these new compact SUVs will be available in Japan, Europe, and the U.S., broadening both Toyota and Subaru’s zero-emission offerings in the compact SUV segment. Unlike the bZ4x and Solterra, which are currently produced at Toyota’s Motomachi Plant, the new jointly-developed models will reportedly be built at Subaru’s Yajima plant in Japan, with production set to start in January 2026.

While Toyota already offers three EVs (bZ4x, CH-R+, and Urban Cruiser) in Europe, the Solterra remains the sole zero-emission offering in Subaru’s global lineup. That will soon change, with this new SUV being one of four electric models Subaru plans to launch in collaboration with Toyota.

Subaru’s Own EV Ambitions

In addition to the jointly-developed vehicles, Subaru has its sights set on launching its first in-house-developed electric vehicle by 2028. These launches are part of a broader effort to have battery-electric vehicles account for half of Subaru’s global sales by 2030, a goal that will likely require a mix of joint and solo ventures, with both Toyota and Subaru continuing to expand their electric offerings over the next several years.

The Toyota bZ4X was supposed to be the brand’s answer to the Tesla Model Y, and the slew of other similarly-sized electric SUVs on the market, but it’s never really taken off the way Toyota would have hoped (although sales did double last year in the US). Not dissuaded by this, Toyota has updated it for the 2026 model year in Europe, and it promises to be better in all areas. This new model will also be available in the US.

The most significant changes come on the battery front. New to the bZ4X range is an entry-level 57.7 kWh battery pack. This lithium-ion pack is the same one available in the new C-HR+ and available exclusively in the base front-wheel drive model. This version has a 165 hp (123 kW) electric motor and promises a WLTP range of 276 miles (445 km).

Read: Toyota And Subaru’s Next Joint Electric SUV Coming In 2026

Two other versions of the bZ4X have been announced, both with a new 73.1 kWh battery pack. The lesser of these models packs 221 hp (165 kW) and can travel 356 miles (573 km) on a charge, while the flagship all-wheel drive model has 338 hp (252 kW) and a quoted range of 323 miles (520 km). Perhaps most impressive is that this version needs just 5.1 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) – not bad for an unassuming Toyota SUV.

Toyota says it’s improved the energy density of both packs and also increased the number of cells used in each. Improvements have also been made to the electric motors and they now include silicon carbide semiconductors.

Charging Improvements

Several other improvements have been made. For example, the new bZ4X comes equipped with battery pre-conditioning that will allow for more efficient high-speed charging in cold conditions. The onboard AC charger on high-spec models now sports 22 kW, rather than 11 kW, but peak DC charging speed remains capped at 150 kW, which is less than some of the competition. Toyota is aiming for a 10-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. Shoppers will also be pleased to hear the bZ4X’s towing capacity has been doubled to 3,306 lbs (1,500 kg).

Few changes have been made to the exterior of the EV, other than some minor tweaks to improve aerodynamics at the front end. Plenty of alterations have been made to the cabin. Key upgrades include a simplified digital instrument cluster and a new 14-inch screen that ditches the separate climate control switches of the old model.

The new Toyota bZ4X is poised to amaze, as the all-electric vehicle makes its way to Madison roads. Get a closer look at the exciting new vehicle and how it stacks up against the competition with Smart Toyota today.

Is the Toyota bZ4X Better than the Tesla Model Y?

As all-electric models, the bZ4X and Model Y make for an intriguing matchup. While the Tesla brand may be more of a hot topic surrounding all-electric vehicles, the truth of the matter is that Toyota’s longtime reputation of reliability can even the odds.

While the bZ4X may come up short in horsepower and torque, the motif of reliability returns when it comes to fuel economy. The new bZ4X features EPA estimates of 131 MPGe in the city, 107 MPGe on the highway, and up to 119 MPGe combined. In addition to efficiency, the EPA electric range between the two models are incredibly close: 260 miles for the Model Y and 252 miles for the bZ4X.

The Toyota model also features a 6.6 kW on-board charger, which the Model Y lacks, and charges from zero to 80% in approximately 30 minutes when using a DC fast charger. What’s more, the bZ4X yields a better battery capacity (71.4 kWh) compared to the Model Y (60.0 kWh).

Are you interested in a new Toyota bZ4X? Schedule a test drive with the all-electric model at our Toyota dealership in Madison. If you have any questions about the new Toyota bZ4X in comparison to other vehicles, contact us at Smart Motors Toyota today.

About Smart Motors

Founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart, Smart Motors is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer, is Wisconsin’s Largest Toyota Certified Used Vehicle dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume new Toyota dealers. Located in Madison Wisconsin, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. More about Smart Motors.

The post Toyota bZ4X vs. Tesla Model Y appeared first on Smart Toyota Blog.