Summary
- Toyota and Subaru will release a new jointly-developed electric SUV in 2026 sold in the U.S., Europe, and Japan
- Production will be handled at Subaru’s Yajima plant in Japan with an output of 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles per month
- The new electric SUV may reuse some parts from the Solterra and bZ4X to reduce production costs
- Subaru plans to introduce four additional battery-electric models by the end of 2028 with Toyota input
- Subaru will reintroduce the Crosstrek Hybrid and launch the 2026 Forester Hybrid, sharing its hybrid system
Article
Toyota and Subaru are set to launch a second jointly-developed electric SUV in 2026. This new model will be sold in the U.S., Europe, and Japan and will be produced at Subaru’s Yajima plant in Japan’s Gunma prefecture. The production output is estimated to reach between 15,000 and 20,000 vehicles per month. The new electric SUV may include some components from the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X models to keep production costs down.
According to reports, Subaru will be relying on Toyota for three more electric SUVs through 2026. One of these EVs is believed to be a Subaru version of the Toyota three-row electric SUV, initially scheduled to be built in Kentucky in 2025 but now postponed to 2026. Additionally, Toyota plans to manufacture a second three-row electric SUV at an Indiana plant in the same year. Subaru is also expected to revive the Crosstrek Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid model that was discontinued after the 2023 model year. The new Crosstrek Hybrid will share its hybrid system with the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid.
Subaru has announced an accelerated EV plan with the goal of achieving 50% EV sales by 2030. This plan includes the introduction of four additional battery-electric models by the end of 2028, with at least one of these models set to be manufactured in the U.S. Some of these models will include input from Toyota. The automaker has also adopted the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) port for future models, following the trend of major EV brands.
The collaboration between Toyota and Subaru has resulted in the development of several electric SUV models, with plans for more in the coming years. The partnership allows both automakers to leverage each other’s expertise and resources to accelerate their electrification efforts and meet the growing demand for electric vehicles. By sharing components and platforms, they can reduce development costs and bring competitive electric vehicles to market in a timely manner.
With Subaru’s commitment to introducing more electric and hybrid models in the next few years, the company is positioning itself as a major player in the electric vehicle market. By partnering with Toyota and incorporating their technology into their vehicles, Subaru is able to offer a diverse lineup of electric and hybrid models that cater to different consumer needs and preferences. This strategic approach will help Subaru stay competitive in the rapidly evolving automotive industry and meet the increasing demand for sustainable mobility solutions.
Overall, the collaboration between Toyota and Subaru in the electric vehicle space is a significant step towards achieving their respective electrification goals. By working together, they can leverage their strengths and resources to develop innovative and competitive electric vehicles that appeal to a wide range of customers. With a shared vision for a more sustainable future, Toyota and Subaru are poised to make a significant impact on the electric vehicle market and pave the way for a greener automotive industry.
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