Compared: 2024 Toyota bZ4x vs. 2024 Subaru Solterra

Toyota and Subaru's joint venture produced two remarkably different electric vehicles.

Brennan Sullivan | 

Jul 25, 2024 | 2 min read

Toyota | Subaru

Subaru and Toyota collaborated on developing the 2024 Solterra and 2024 bZ4x electric cars. The bZ4x and Solterra EVs have some distinct differences. Here's what you need to know if you're comparing the two.

Subaru

Standard All-Wheel Drive Helps Justify the Solterra's Higher Starting Price

The base bZ4x and Solterra start at similar price points, with Subaru's Premium trim set at about $46,000, while the entry-level bZ4x XLE starts at more than $44,000. On paper, this may give Toyota the advantage, but the notable difference lies in the inclusion of all-wheel drive on the Subaru. It comes standard on all versions of the Solterra, while Toyota charges $2,000 more to send power to the rear wheels.

Toyota

From there, Toyota offers just one other bZ4x trim, the sub-$49,000 Limited, which adds a hands-free liftgate and SofTex synthetic leather-upholstered power-adjustable seats. The Solterra has two upper trims: the $50,000 Limited and the top-of-the-line Touring, priced at about $53,000.

Subaru

The Subaru Is the More Capable EV, but the Toyota Has More Range

The Subaru is both slightly larger and more powerful than the bZ4x, boasting 63.5 cubic-feet of cargo space — as opposed to the Toyota's 56.1 cu-ft — and an output of 215 horsepower versus the Toyota's 201 horses. However, the Toyota touts a range advantage with the capability to do an estimated maximum of 252 miles on a single charge for the XLE trim (228 for the slightly heavier Limited), compared with the Subaru's 227 miles.

Toyota

Some of the Toyota's standard features are upgrades on the Subaru, such as Qi-compatible wireless charging or a panoramic glass roof with a power retractable shade. Likewise, some of the Solterra's standard equipment isn't present in the base bZ4x, such as heated front seats, which are only available as an option in the entry-level Toyota.

Both vehicles also offer stereo upgrades, with Toyota's available nine-speaker system having been designed by JBL, and Subaru's 11-speaker unit designed by Harman Kardon, which comes standard in the Limited and Touring trims.

Subaru

The Toyota's Available FWD Platform Makes It More Efficient

Thanks to its AWD powertrain, the 2024 Subaru Solterra's efficiency rates are simple. It achieves 114/94/104 MPGe city/highway/combined.

Toyota

Toyota's two available drive platforms give the 2024 Toyota bZ4x some variety. Front-wheel-drive models check in at an impressive 131/107/119 MPGe, while all-wheel-drive models predictably match the Subaru at 114/94/104 MPGe.

Brennan Sullivan

Brennan Sullivan is a writer and lifelong car fanatic. With an appreciation for all makes and models, Brennan is particularly passionate about the rich history of the automotive industry. In his spare time, he's the caretaker of a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine, and a Golden Retriever named Willow.