Toyota and Subaru announced a series of model year updates for the bZ4X and Solterra EV twins in Japan, highlighted by quicker charging capability in low-temperature environments. Additionally, the Toyota bZ4X expands its standard equipment, and the Subaru Solterra gains a more comprehensive safety kit.
Starting with the charging-related upgrades, the battery pack is the same 71.4 kWh unit but benefits from improved warm-up performance in cold weather conditions. This is said to reduce charging time by up to 30% when using a 90kW charger at a temperature of -10°C (14°F). Finally, more information on the vehicle charging status has been added to the instrument cluster.
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Furthermore, Toyota claims that the bZ4X now has a longer real-world cruising range. This is achieved by reducing power consumption thanks to the automatic activation of the ECO mode, and the optimization of the A/C by relying more on the heated seats and steering wheel and adopting a humidity sensor. The homologated WLTC range figures are between 540-567km (335-352 miles) depending on the powertrain type. Note that both the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra are available with either a single electric motor (FWD) producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS), or with dual electric motors (AWD) producing a combined 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS).
More Kit For The Toyota
In terms of standard equipment, the entry-level G grade now comes standard with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights with 4 beams, a 12.3-inch display for the infotainment, and flashing hazard lights when a vehicle is approaching from behind. The high-spec Z grade is further enhanced with heated rear seats, an 8-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat, and black-painted wheel arches on the exterior.
The updated Toyota bZ4X in Japan is priced between ¥5,500,000 ($36,690) and ¥6,500,000 ($43,360) depending on the trim (G / Z) and powertrain type (FWD / 4WD).
More Safety And New Steering Wheel For The Subaru
Subaru focused its model year updates for the Solterra on the expansion of the Safety Sense suite. The model now features the Advanced Drive Congestion Assistance and Lane Change Assist systems, together with a new collision avoidance function on the Front Cross Traffic Alert. Just like in the Toyota bZ4X, the Subaru activates its flashing lights when a vehicle is approaching from behind following an emergency stop. Finally, the new shape of the steering wheel is said to improve visibility on the digital instrument cluster and offer a sportier feel.
The pricing range for the updated Subaru Solterra in Japan is between ¥5,700,000 ($38,020) and ¥7,150,000 ($47,691).