2023 Subaru Solterra EV revealed! New Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 rival looks awfully similar to electric Toyota bZ4X twin inside and out

Subaru has released the first images of its new all-electric model, the Solterra mid-size SUV, which is closely related to the previously revealed Toyota bZ4X.

The Solterra was teased in May, but now we have our first proper look at the zero-emissions crossover, and needless to say, the differences between it and its bZ4X twin are few and far between.

Much like the BRZ and 86 sports cars, the Solterra and bZ4X were born out of Subaru and Toyota’s ongoing vehicle development partnership, but in its second generation, the former set arguably has a higher level of differentiation than the latter.

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Based on what we can see now, the Solterra and bZ4X are visually identical inside and out, save for their unique headlights, tail-lights, steering wheels and, of course, badging.

It goes without saying, then, that the Solterra and bZ4X should be very similar under the metal, too, with both models naturally sharing their platform, which Subaru and Toyota call e-SGP and e-TNGA respectively.

2023 Subaru Solterra

2023 Subaru Solterra

Either way, both models will offer all-wheel drive, which all but confirms the availability of a dual-motor powertrain, although it and any potential single-motor options are yet to be detailed by Subaru or Toyota, outputs, batteries, ranges and charging times included.

As reported, an Australian launch for the Solterra isn’t currently planned, with China, Europe, North America and Japan set to be the first – and perhaps only – markets to get it from the middle of next year, so keep those fingers crossed, Subaru fans.

Conversely, the bZ4X has been confirmed for Australia, although local timing remains up in the air. Global sales will also begin in mid-2022, with Toyota keen to have it here within months, not years, of then – Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, beware.