Today, the launch of new electric SUVs is not uncommon, but the Toyota bZ4X in 2023 and the Subaru Solterra in 2023 are still worthy of attention. Brother electric cars based on Toyota's e-TNGA platform promise affordability and flexibility when they arrive halfway through next year.
For Toyota, this will be the first fully electric model it offers in the United States. This has been a long time, and the automaker has been trying to maintain the electrification momentum of its hybrid and plug-in hybrid models after the Prius. The bZ4X may not have the longest range or maximum power of an electric SUV, but if Toyota can set a price for it, that may not be a problem.
As for Subaru, its contribution to Solterra may not be as obvious as Toyota, but this is not to say that it is not an important model in the automaker's lineup. Crucially, it will not break Subaru's record of only offering all-wheel drive on its cars. Although you will sacrifice a little range for dual-motor traction, this may be a compromise that most company fans would agree to. 2023 Toyota bZ4X
It may take most of the time to adapt to Toyota's strange naming scheme: bZ4X will be the first in the new electric car series under the "bZ" or "Beyond Zero" umbrella. The automaker promises that by 2025 there will be 7 models, which are part of a portfolio of approximately 70 powerful electric models.
At the same time, the second most challenging aspect is design. Toyota attributed the bZ4X's wedge-shaped and angular appearance to the aerodynamic requirements, name check hammerhead shark and other inspirations. It is definitely not as smooth, polished pebbles like some electric cars, with hints of the latest RAV4 and bold trapezoidal arch cladding.
There will be two versions of bZ4X, the main difference lies in their drivetrain. Entry-level models will use front-wheel drive (FWD), equipped with a 150 kW electric motor, powered by a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. It is estimated that the total cruising range can reach 250 miles, and provide unspecified DC fast charging support. Toyota said it takes about an hour to charge 80%.
At the same time, those who want more traction can have bZ4X AWD, which is equipped with electric motors on the front and rear wheels. Each of these two motors is actually weaker than the single version in the FWD EV, 80 kW each, but the result is still a slight increase in total power, reaching 160 kW. The battery is also slightly larger, reaching 72.8 kilowatts, although Toyota has not yet made any exact range estimates.
Inside, there will be a sizable central touch screen with optional cloud-based navigation and numeric key functions. Support OTA software update, including infotainment system and Toyota Safety Sense system. Both USB Type-A and Type-C are standard configurations, and Toyota will also provide panoramic sunroofs.
Although HVAC may not be as exciting as full EV speed, it can have a greater impact on factors such as overall range. Toyota is using heat pump systems for heating and air conditioning, for example, using ambient temperature to help avoid excessive battery consumption. There will be seat and steering wheel heaters, just like in other electric cars, as well as front seat radiant foot and leg heaters. The principle is to apply heating in a targeted manner than to simply increase the temperature of the entire car More effective and more effective. cabin.
Toyota said that 2023 bZ4X will arrive at US dealers in mid-2022. Pricing will be confirmed when this point is approached. 2023 Subaru Soltera
There is really nothing wrong with where Subaru gets the 2023 Solterra. There may be aesthetic adjustments everywhere, but it is difficult to hide Toyota's angular shape. Perhaps the biggest change Subaru made was the grille: the bZ4X did not bother, its fascia on the left nose bridge, and Solterra got a more framed design, at least in my opinion a hint of the Mustang Mach-E.
Like other Subaru vehicles, Solterra will be equipped with all-wheel drive as standard: if you only need the front drive, you need to go to a Toyota dealer. This may make Solterra's base price higher than the bZ4X, but it will also make SUVs more popular in areas where severe weather is more common.
Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive includes X-MODE and has a ground clearance of up to 8.3 inches. This includes grip control, combined with ramp ascent and descent assistance. The dual electric motors are expected to have the same 160 kW, or about 215 horsepower. Blind spot monitoring with lane change assist, rear intersection warning and parking assist brake are all standard features, as are multi-element LED headlights with high beam assist. A 360-degree camera is also provided.
Subaru did fill in some details about Toyota's gaps. Solterra-and bZ4X presumably-will have up to 126 cubic feet of passenger and cargo space, with 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats. These seats will be folded at a 60/40 ratio, and the trunk has a two-position load floor and a 41.3-inch rear door opening. Subaru will also provide roof rails.
As for the range, Subaru says about 220 miles. This is what we expect from 2023 bZ4X AWD. In the cabin, it will be equipped with a 12.3-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Wireless phone chargers will be an option.
Like Toyota, Subaru said that the 2023 Solterra pricing will be determined after the electric SUV is launched. It is expected to be in the middle of 2022.
Story timeline Toyota bZ4X EV will be launched in the middle of 2022 with a wing-shaped steering wheel. 2023 Subaru Solterra debuts in Japan before its official appearance in the United States