Toyota will build a bigger three-row SUV for Subaru and itself in the US

 Toyota is gearing up to expand its electric vehicle (EV) lineup with a bigger three-row SUV, not just for itself but also for its subsidiary, Subaru, in the United States. According to reports from knowledgeable sources cited by Automotive News, the production is set to commence in 2025 at Toyota's Kentucky factory.

The first of these three-row EV SUVs, tentatively named the bZ5X, will roll off the assembly line for Toyota. Shortly after, production for Subaru's own three-row EV SUV will begin. While it remains uncertain whether these two vehicles will share a common base, akin to the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X, there is a possibility, given Toyota and Subaru's existing joint EV platform.

Toyota has selected its Georgetown plant in Kentucky for the assembly of these electric SUVs. This facility currently handles the production of popular models like the Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, and the Lexus ES. To facilitate EV production, Toyota will invest a significant sum of $461 million in upgrading the plant.

The batteries for both the Toyota and Subaru EVs are likely to be sourced from Toyota's Liberty, North Carolina plant. Toyota has ambitious plans to invest around $5.9 billion in this plant to enable EV battery production, incorporating six production lines in total - four for hybrid vehicles and two dedicated to EVs.

One noteworthy advantage for customers considering these upcoming SUVs is that they will qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, something that the current Solterra and bZ4X models are not eligible for.

As for Subaru's overall electric vehicle strategy, the company has committed to introducing at least four electric crossovers in the US market by the end of 2026. Additionally, Subaru aims to make 40% of its global sales come from electric vehicles by the "early 2030s."

With this collaboration between Toyota and Subaru in the EV segment, customers can look forward to a broader range of eco-friendly SUV options in the near future. The joint efforts of these two automotive giants are set to play a significant role in driving the adoption of electric vehicles in the United States and beyond.