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Subaru Trailseeker

Subaru Trailseeker
Photo: Raszbeary · CC BY 4.0 · source ↗

The Toyota bZ4X (marketed as simply the Toyota bZ in North America and Ireland since 2025) is a battery electric compact crossover SUV manufactured by Toyota. A Subaru version is marketed as the Subaru Solterra. Lexus also offers a sibling model of the bZ4X, the Lexus RZ. The vehicle debuted in April 2021 as the "bZ4X Concept". It is the first vehicle to be based on the e-TNGA platform co-developed by Toyota and Subaru, and the brand's first model to be part of their Toyota bZ ("beyond Zero") series of zero-emissions vehicles. Worldwide sales of the bZ4X started out in mid-2022, with production planned in Japan and China. Sales in the United States also started in 2022. When first introduced, Toyota said it would be the first of seven "bZ" models to be launched globally by 2025; however, the company fell far short of that goal and began to move away from the bZ naming convention in 2025. The model received a major refresh in 2025, initially for Europe and North America, with design updates and major mechanical improvements such as more efficient motors, improved cooling, and higher power output. For North America and Ireland, the model was renamed to Toyota bZ. An extended length, station wagon-like version was also introduced as the bZ Woodland in North America, and as the bZ4X Touring in Europe. A Subaru version of the extended length version is marketed as the Subaru Trailseeker (Japanese: スバル・トレイルシーカー, Hepburn: Subaru Toreirushīkā), and as the E-Outback in Europe.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

All Subaru Trailseeker data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Name

According to Toyota, the meaning of the "bZ4X" nameplate breaks down into: "bZ": for "beyond Zero" emissions, representing the nature of a battery-electric vehicle by going "beyond Zero" emissions, "4": from the equivalent-sized Toyota RAV4 and the "X": describing it as a compact crossover ('X') SUV.

Overview

The design of the bZ4X was previewed by pictures of a series of electric concept vehicles released by Toyota in June 2019. The company highlighted the plan to release six electric vehicles between 2020 and 2025, using the e-TNGA platform. The vehicle was also previewed by Subaru, which is developing the vehicle with Toyota as a concept mockup showcasing a similar concept design in January 2020. The bZ4X Concept was revealed on 19 April 2021 and was presented at Auto Shanghai the same day. While it is revealed as a concept vehicle, the vehicle appeared to be nearly production-ready. The bZ4X is similar in size to the RAV4, but stood lower with sharper styling and a longer wheelbase that matches the larger Highlander's. The vehicle has been developed in conjunction with Subaru, which is said to have had input into the car's all-wheel drive system.

Design

The total length 4,690 mm (185 in) is comparable to a RAV4 (XA50), but the wheelbase of 2,850 mm (112 in) is similar to that of the Land Cruiser (J300), giving the bZ4X a large interior space. The e-TNGA platform was jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, with Toyota receiving credit for battery and eAxle development and Subaru for the all-wheel-drive control and collision safety. In some markets, the bZ4X is available with an optional steer-by-wire system. The steer-by-wire system was developed for the Chinese market and will be available with a yoke in lieu of a conventional steering wheel. Combined with the low instrument panel, Toyota stated the yoke provides a more open interior. Original models. The bZ4X is powered by an e-Axle unit that integrates the electric motor, gears, and inverter, manufactured by BluE Nexus, a joint venture between Toyota Group companies Aisin and Denso, with investment from Toyota. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) models use a single 1XM e-Axle rated at 150 kilowatts (201 hp; 204 PS), while all-wheel-drive (AWD) models use dual 1YM e-Axles rated at 80 kW (107 hp; 109 PS) each, for a combined output of 160 kW (215 hp; 218 PS). FWD models have an estimated range of 510 kilometers (317 miles) and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. AWD models have an estimated range of 460 km (286 miles) and a 0–100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds. AWD versions feature the 'X-MODE' all-wheel-drive system, sourced from the Subaru Forester. FWD variants are equipped with a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack supplied by Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES), a joint venture between Toyota and Panasonic. AWD models for the North American market use a 72.8 kWh pack supplied by CATL. Both battery types operate at 355 volts and support DC fast charging: up to 150 kW for

Markets

=== Japan === The Japanese market-spec bZ4X was announced in April 2022 and launched on 12 May 2022. The model is only available for lease through the company's Kinto service to "eliminate customer concerns" regarding battery electric vehicles while "taking the environment into consideration". In the first phase, up to 3,000 lease applications will be accepted starting from 12 May; a second phase will follow in fall 2022, and Toyota/Kinto plan to lease up to 5,000 vehicles per year thereafter. The bZ4X is available in one grade, Z, with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. Specific packages include a choice of roof (standard or panoramic moon roof) and wheel size (18- or 20-inch diameter). The car is available with one of two interior colors and one of eleven exterior colors. The facelifted bZ4X was launched in 9 October 2025, with two grades: Z and G. The G grade is only offered in front-wheel drive. Since October 2025, the facelift bZ4X is also produced by the Takaoka Plant. North America. The North American market-spec bZ4X was unveiled at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, with its specifications also detailed by that time, including its on-sale date set in mid-2022, for the 2023 model year. Toyota-estimated range for the front-wheel-drive XLE model is up to 400 km (250 miles). At launch, American buyers qualify for the full US$7,500 federal tax subsidy for purchasing an electric vehicle; each automobile manufacturer may sell up to 200,000 cars that qualify for the tax credit. Because Toyota plug-in hybrid vehicles also qualify for the tax credit, the credits are anticipated to be exhausted shortly after the launch of the bZ4X. The bZ4X is not eligible for electric vehicle incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act because it is made in Japan, not the US,

Subaru Solterra

The rebadged version of the bZ4X is sold by Subaru as the Subaru Solterra (Japanese: スバル・ソルテラ, Hepburn: Subaru Sorutera). The name Solterra derives from sol and terra, Latin words for 'sun' and 'earth' respectively. The Solterra features minor design changes on the interior and exterior, including regen paddles, a squared steering wheel, and a tweaked frontend and rear lights. It uses the same e-TNGA platform rebranded to "e-Subaru Global Platform" (e-SGP). The Solterra went on sale in mid-2022 in Japan, US, Canada, Europe, and China. In Japan, the Solterra is offered in ET-SS (FWD and AWD) and ET-HS (AWD only) grade levels. Unlike the bZ4X in Japan, the Solterra is available for purchase. The Solterra STI Concept was introduced at 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon. The Solterra STI Concept equipped with STI parts has already been released. The lower end of the body is vibrant with a cherry red front lip spoiler, side steps, and rear under spoiler, and the upper rear end is equipped with a large roof spoiler. Solterra vehicles use the same Toyota Safety Sense collision avoidance system, even though it is rebranded as Subaru EyeSight. They also use the same Toyota connected services for in-car navigation and entertainment, with branding removed. Facelift. The facelifted Solterra was unveiled at the April 2025 New York Auto Show for the 2026 model year. It received a new front end and a 25 percent range improvement over the pre-facelift model. Power was also increased to 233 hp (236 PS) thanks to stronger front and rear motors. The battery size was also increased to 74.7 kWh. A new Solterra XT trim added more powerful dual electric motors, producing a combined power output of 338 hp (343 PS).

bZ4X Touring / bZ Woodland / Subaru Trailseeker / Subaru E-Outback

A lengthened version of the bZ4X/bZ was introduced as the bZ Woodland (North America) and the bZ4X Touring (Europe) on 15 May 2025. A Subaru version called the Subaru Trailseeker (North America, Japan and Australia) and the Subaru E-Outback (Europe) were introduced earlier, on 16 April 2025. It is based on the refreshed version of the bZ4X/bZ (2026 model year for North America). Compared to the standard bZ4X, the bZ4X Touring / bZ Woodland is 140 mm (5.5 in) longer, 20 mm (0.79 in) taller for additional cargo space, and has standard roof rails. It has a single battery option, the 74.7 kWh pack. The vehicle's AWD system includes driving modes for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud. It is also equipped with hill descent control and 8.3 inches (210 mm) of ground clearance. Towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds (1,590 kg). The interior features a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. There are two 15W wireless smartphone chargers upfront and two fast USB-C chargers for the rear occupants. Markets. ==== Australia ==== The Trailseeker went on sale in Australia on 10 April 2026, it is available with AWD and AWD Touring variants. The bZ4X Touring went on sale in Australia on 15 April 2026, in the sole AWD variant. Europe. In Europe, the extended-length model is marketed as the bZ4X Touring. It will be released in 2026 with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The Subaru version is marketed in Europe as the E-Outback, as Subaru chose to not continue to market the internal-combustion Outback model in Europe due to its high CO2 emissions, as it is unable to meet the Euro 7 emissions standards. Japan. The Japanese spec bZ4X Touring was launched on 25 February 2026. The bZ4X Touring is available in a sole variant, Z, with front-wheel d

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name
Toyota bZ4X
Manufacturer
Toyota
aka
Toyota bZ (North America and Ireland, 2025–present), Subaru Solterra
Production
April 2022 – present
Model years
2023–present
Assembly
Japan: Toyota, Aichi (Motomachi plant), China: Guangzhou (GAC Toyota); Tianjin (FAW Toyota until 2023), Indonesia: Karawang, West Java (TMMIN, 2025–present)
Designer
Katsuhiro Suzuki (chief designer), Hirotada Kobayashi, Nobuhiko Honda, Tsuyoshi Oba, Junya Ono, and Hiroyuki Tada
Class
Compact crossover SUV
Body style
5-door SUV
Layout
Front-motor, front-wheel-drive, Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive
Platform
e-TNGA
Related
Lexus RZ, Toyota bZ3, Toyota C-HR+/C-HR / Subaru Uncharted
Transmission
BluE Nexus "eAxle"
Battery
50.3kWh CATL NMC, 66.7 kWh CATL NMC, 71.4 kWh PPES lithium-ion, 72.8 kWh CATL lithium-ion, Facelift:, 57.7 kWh LGES LFP, 73.1 kWh PPES NMC, 74.7 kWh PPES NMC
Charging
6.6–11 kW AC, 150 kW DC CCS (FWD & European AWD), 100 kW DC CCS (North American AWD)
Wheelbase
2850 mm
Length
4690 mm
Width
1860 mm
Height
1650 mm
Kerb weight
1910 –
Predecessor
Toyota RAV4 EV
sp
us

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

US EPA fuel-economy records

YearEngineDriveTransmissionFuelMPG (US) comb.CO₂ g/miEV range miSource
2027 All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1)Electricity117—281EPA ↗
2027 All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1)Electricity114—274EPA ↗
2026 All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1)Electricity117—281EPA ↗
2026 All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1)Electricity114—274EPA ↗

US EPA test figures (US MPG, US test cycle).

Sources

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