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I didn’t expect Toyota to be such a team player. Instead of minding their own business, Toyota SUVs are getting into bed with Mazda, Subaru, and Suzuki to help them build hybrid and electric vehicles. 

Toyota SUVs share the love with Mazda, Subaru, and Suzuki 

Toyota SUVs are pretty popular, especially the Toyota RAV4, which is the third best-selling vehicle in America. You would think that Toyota would want to keep its cards close to its chest to continue defeating the competition. 

However, Toyota is helping multiple other brands get started in the hybrid and electric SUV space. For example, Toyota developed the powertrain for the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. 

Toyota is also helping Mazda develop a powertrain for the upcoming Mazda CX-5 Hybrid. Both of these SUVs could steal drivers away from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. 

The CX-50 Hybrid even uses the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with two electric motors as the RAV4 hybrid. The powertrain cranks out 219 hp in both vehicles. 

Plus, the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X are basically the same electric SUV. The Solterra just has more of a rugged, off-roading personality. 

The 2024 Subaru Solterra on the road
2024 Subaru Solterra | Subaru

Both of these EVs were developed together as Toyota helped Subaru out. They share the same platform and batteries. The AWD models have an EPA-estimated range of 228 miles. 

These SUVs are so identical that they even suffered the same recall related to loose bolts and the wheels falling off. 

The CX-50 Hybrid is built in America. Now, Subaru and Toyota are teaming up to build a second electric vehicle in Kentucky and Indiana. The new models are expected to have three rows and will use carryover parts from the Solterra and bZ4X to save money. 

Toyota and Suzuki have been long-time partners, and are working to build a nimble SUV. However, it probably won’t come to America as Suzuki isn’t our biggest fan. The model will be offered globally and most likely manufactured in India. 

Toyota SUVs are helping Japanese automakers all over the world! Toyota doesn’t own these companies but does have a stake in each one.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.