Two electric SUVs, but should we go to Toyota or consider Subaru?

It’s an understatement to say that the bZ4X’s career has been eventful even though the SUV had yet to be delivered to France. Toyota immediately identified many development problems to be solved for the 100% electric family model, especially in terms of autonomy. So Toyota has worked since 2021 (already!) to rectify the situation and finally launch its first electric SUV at the deep end. But we had to wait until the end of last year to see its twin brother land on the French market.

This Solterra could be a breath of fresh air for Subaru which sold fewer cars than Ferrari in 2023 in France. In total, Subaru registered less than 40 vehicles last year. The damage penalty for hot or hybrid models with flat four cylinders is clearly irrelevant, even if Subaru’s stealthy image, limited network and high prices for certain models don’t help.

One or bZ4X?

Toyota and then Subaru recently announced big price cuts on two electric SUVs. Can Subaru finally claim to be competitive against the most established brands in Europe, including against its technical “cousin” from Toyota? It would have been nice of Subaru to have a small tech bonus on the Solterra to differentiate itself from the bZ4X and appeal to drivers who value certain features like all-wheel drive.

But considering the 4×4 problem, Subaru didn’t use its special lineup. Even if Subaru uses its term “Symmetrical AWD” on the Solterra, there’s clearly nothing like true all-wheel drive for hot models.

The only available Solterra is identical in every way to the bZ4X four-wheel drive: power, 71.4 kWh battery capacity and design.. Can Soltera make a difference in pricing? Nothing more, but the gap is narrowing! Recent adjustments on both sides have allowed bZ4X to temporarily relaunch against the Europeans with a huge current discount for any order placed before the end of March. But then, the bZ4X AWD will be only €2,000 cheaper: €48,900 for the Solterra, €46,900 for the Toyota.

Soltera remains in the race

But you have to look at the equipment list to understand the difference of 2000 €. The Solterra has standard electric and heated seats, automatic LED headlights, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity. The warranty will not allow you to distinguish between the two as they are the same: 8 years or 160,000 km for the battery. If you prefer the “foreignness” of Subaru, then it may be worth trying to negotiate a discount at a dealer that will probably make a bigger sign than a Toyota distributor.