Toyota and Subaru Strengthen Ties with Trio of New EV SUVs

The Upcoming EV SUVs

Subaru’s ambitious plan to expand its electric vehicle lineup by 2026 includes the introduction of three additional EV SUVs. The Subaru Solterra, already on the market, marks the first of these innovative models. The next in line will be manufactured in Subaru’s Yajima factory, while another is slated for production in a Toyota facility in the United States. Notably, Toyota has announced plans to build a three-row battery-electric SUV in its Kentucky plant, starting in 2025. This move suggests a possible shared platform or model variant between the two brands, particularly for the increasingly important three-row SUV market—a segment where Kia has recently made significant inroads with its acclaimed EV9.

The third upcoming model remains more mysterious, with little information available regarding its size or target market. Subaru has stated its intention to have a range of battery EVs produced in the United States, but it is unclear if this future model falls within the scope of the 2026 timeline.

Strategic Partnership Benefits

The rationale behind the Toyota-Subaru partnership is clear. For Subaru, teaming up allows for minimized investment risk in the costly and currently volatile business of EV production. Toyota benefits similarly, leveraging successful past collaborations, such as with BMW on the Supra, to mitigate the risks and costs associated with bringing niche vehicles to market.

Moreover, Toyota’s ample production capacity in the U.S. complements Subaru’s limited production capabilities at its Indiana facility, making the partnership strategically advantageous for both.

Learning from Past Experiences

As Subaru and Toyota forge ahead with their new electric SUVs, lessons from their first electric venture—the bZ4X and Solterra—remain pertinent. The initial response to these models was tempered by concerns over their charging speed and reliability. Enhancing the charging architecture could significantly boost the appeal of the upcoming models, attracting consumers loyal to both brands who might be hesitant to transition to electric vehicles.

Looking Ahead

As the automotive industry shifts increasingly towards sustainability and electrification, collaborations like that of Toyota and Subaru are likely to become more common. By combining resources, expertise, and production capabilities, these partnerships can mitigate risks and capitalize on the growing demand for electric vehicles.

With a solid track record and a strategic vision for the future, Toyota and Subaru’s expanding alliance not only promises exciting new products but also sets a benchmark for collaboration in an industry that is rapidly evolving. As 2026 approaches, the automotive community eagerly anticipates the fruits of this partnership, ready to see how these new EV SUVs will reshape the landscape of electric mobility.