Toyota BZ4X vs Subaru Crosstrek

What's the difference?

Toyota finds itself in a very unusual position - playing catch-up.

Usually the Japanese brand dominates any market segment it is in - or at least has one of the more popular offerings. But when it comes to mid-size electric SUVs, Toyota finds its bZ4X trailing well behind several rivals including the BYD Sealion 7, Geely EX5, Kia EV5, Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X. 

There’s a very clear reason for this, too. Toyota was late to the party. The brand has taken a very slow approach to the electric vehicle (EV) market, launching its first battery-powered model, the bZ4X SUV, in early 2024.

Up until the start of 2026 and a price drop that coincided with surging petrol prices and a spike in EV demand, the bZ4X was something of a bit-player in the EV market. But with sales up more than 300 per cent in 2026 the time seems perfect to expand, with the bZ4X Touring reaching dealerships.

So is this the right SUV at the right time? Or is it too little too late?

Among the many strange new car brands and names we're increasingly confronted with Subaru is an established and trusted beacon along with Honda, Hyundai, Mazda and Toyota. And Subaru’s Crosstrek SUV competes against rivals such as the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30 and Toyota Corolla Cross. 

So, what does the Crosstrek give you for your money and what’s different or better about the Crosstrek compared to those rivals? 

We tested the mid-grade Crosstrek 2.0S and rediscovered what this small SUV does so well and what could probably be improved.