Toyota and Subaru, renowned automobile manufacturers, are set to introduce three-row electric SUVs in the United States, thanks to their collaborative efforts that began in 2019. The move comes as both companies aim to capitalize on the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and make a mark in the expanding SUV market.
As per insider sources cited by Automotive News, Toyota is scheduled to commence production of its own three-row electric SUV, tentatively named the bZ5X, in 2025. Around the same time, Subaru will also start manufacturing its version of the electric SUV. This project is part of the automakers’ joint development of the e-TNGA platform, specifically tailored for launching electric SUVs under both Toyota and Subaru brands.
The e-TNGA platform has already powered the first electric SUVs of both companies, the Toyota bZ4X, and the Subaru Solterra. However, production at Toyota’s Motomachi assembly plant in Japan faced a temporary suspension last year due to a wheel hub bolt issue. After resolving the problem, sales resumed in October.
Although further specifics about the new three-row electric SUVs remain undisclosed, Subaru has committed to introducing at least four electric crossovers in the US market by the end of 2026. To power its electric SUV, Subaru will source batteries from Toyota’s battery factory in North Carolina. The facility received a substantial investment of nearly $6 billion to support the production of lithium-ion batteries for hybrids and electric vehicles.
By having the final assembly of the electric SUVs in Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Georgetown, Kentucky, and utilizing battery packs from the North Carolina factory, both Toyota and Subaru hope to qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit. Presently, the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra EVs do not meet the requirements for the tax credit.
These upcoming three-row electric SUVs are crucial elements of Toyota and Subaru’s broader electrification plans. Toyota aims to release ten new electric models with an ambitious target of 1.5 million EV sales by 2026. The automaker is actively advancing EV initiatives, focusing on dedicated EV platforms, next-gen batteries, manufacturing improvements, and other innovations to enhance competitiveness.
Meanwhile, Subaru is determined to achieve 40% of global sales from electric vehicles by the end of the decade, setting its sights on an all-electric lineup by the early 2030s. This joint venture presents a strategic move for both manufacturers to cement their positions in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market and cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly SUV options in the United States.