Subaru and Toyota plan new ‘joined’ EV for 2026

Another Toyota and Subaru co-developed electric SUV is coming to the US, Europe, and Japan. The new electric SUV will join the current bZ4X and Solterra in the Japanese automaker’s global lineup.

Toyota and Subaru worked together to launch the bZ4X and Solterra models in May 2022. These electric SUVs are based on the e-TNGA platform, and each automaker includes its own unique branding.

In 2026

According to a new Nikkei report, Toyota and Subaru will launch another co-developed electric SUV in 2026. The new electric SUV is expected to be sold in North America, Europe, and Japan as the Japanese automakers look to gain global market share.

Subaru announced in May that it would team up with Toyota to launch three new electric SUVs by 2026. CEO Atsushi Osaki explained, “There is a massive risk for us to go it alone in this field. “

The report claims production will begin in January 2026 at Subaru’s Yajima plant in Japan. Subaru plans to raise production capacity by 15,000 to 20,000 per month.

Subaru and Toyota’s new electric SUV will retain some parts from the bZ4X and Solterra models to reduce costs. Under its latest plan, Subaru aims for 50% of its global sales (600,000) to be all-electric vehicles by 2030. The update significantly shifts from its previous 40% HEV and EV target.

Meanwhile, Toyota is delaying plans to build its three-row electric SUV in Kentucky until the first half of 2026. Initial plans called for production to begin in 2025.

Too little, too late?

Through the first nine months of 2024, Toyota sold 13,577 bZ4X models in the U.S., and Subaru sold 9,137 Soltera models. Several U.S. automakers have already delayed or canceled major EV projects, opening the door for overseas brands to gain market share.

Ford, for example, is no longer planning to build a three-row electric SUV, which could help attract buyers to Toyota’s upcoming model. However, after its plans have been revised, that’s not due out until 2026 (at the earliest).

Meanwhile, the specialized American website Electrek notices several automakers, like Kia, are already stealing market share. Kia sold nearly 16,000 EV9 models in the U.S. through September, topping both the bZ4X and Solterra. Kia sister Hyundai will shortly unveil its first three-row electric SUV, the Ioniq 9. It will be built in the U.S.. at its new Georgia EV plant.

Volvo is another brand launching a new three-row electric SUV in the U.S. this year as the EX90 finally rolls out, as does its technical brother, the Polestar 3. Brands like GM and Honda are also finally gaining steam in their electric sales in the States. Another Toyota and Subaru electric SUV may sound promising, but it could be too little, too late.