Toyota bZ vs. Subaru Uncharted, Solterra and Trailseeker: Which $35K–$45K Electric SUV Should You Buy?

Last updated: November 11, 2026 · By EVHQ (Dan) · Sources: Toyota USA Newsroom, Toyota.com, Subaru U.S. Media Center, Subaru trim and spec sheets, FuelEconomy.gov, Electrek / Cox Automotive

Short answer: Toyota and Subaru now sell six electric SUVs on the same platform, from $34,980 to $45,380 before destination. For most people, the best value is either the Subaru Uncharted Premium FWD ($34,995, 308 miles EPA) or the Toyota bZ XLE FWD Plus ($37,980, 314 miles). If you need all-wheel drive, the Toyota C-HR SE ($37,080, 338 hp, 287 miles) is the cheapest way in. If you tow or go off pavement, the Subaru Trailseeker ($39,995, 375 hp, 281 miles, 8.5 inches of clearance) gives you the same power as Toyota's bZ Woodland for $5,385 less. The one to watch out for is the base $34,980 bZ: it only goes 236 miles.

Why these six SUVs matter right now

Toyota and Subaru were late to EVs, and it has turned into an advantage. Electrek reported today, citing Kelley Blue Book and Bloomberg, that outside of Rivian they are the only brands with higher U.S. EV sales this year than last, even though the $7,500 federal tax credit is gone. Through the third quarter:

• Toyota sold nearly 35,000 EVs, up 183.4% year over year, and the bZ was the No. 4 best-selling EV in America behind the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y.

• Subaru sold 14,630 EVs, up 46.7%. Lexus added 12,676 more, up 137.4%.

• The whole U.S. EV market sold 262,649 units in Q3 by KBB's estimate, its best quarter of 2026.

The reason is price. Cox Automotive's Stephanie Valdez Streaty called the $35,000 to $45,000 range the "sweet spot" of the U.S. market. Every one of these six starts below the average new-vehicle price, which KBB put at a record $51,109 in October. They all also have a NACS (Tesla-style) charging port, so they can use Tesla Superchargers without an adapter.

All six side by side

Starting MSRPs exclude destination. Range is the best EPA or manufacturer estimate for that model's base trim unless noted. Check the window sticker for the exact trim you're looking at.

Sources: Toyota bZ, Toyota C-HR, Toyota bZ Woodland, Subaru Uncharted, Subaru Solterra, Subaru Trailseeker. The bZ FWD Plus price is from Electrek's report; the 236-mile base bZ rating is from FuelEconomy.gov.

Which one should you buy?

Best value overall: Subaru Uncharted Premium or Toyota bZ XLE FWD Plus

These two are the range champs. The Uncharted Premium gets 308 miles for $34,995, which is about as much range as you can buy for the money in America right now. The bZ XLE FWD Plus goes a little farther, 314 miles, for about $3,000 more. Both are front-wheel drive. If you live somewhere without snow, like most of Arizona, FWD is all you need, and it's the most efficient setup.

The trap: the base $34,980 Toyota bZ

The headline "starts at $35,000" bZ uses a smaller 57.7 kWh battery and is rated at 236 miles. That's fine for a second car or a short commute with home charging, but for $15 more the Subaru Uncharted Premium gives you 72 more miles. Don't let the ad price pick your trim.

Cheapest all-wheel drive: Toyota C-HR SE

The 2027 C-HR SE costs $37,080 and comes standard with dual-motor AWD, 338 horsepower, a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds and 287 miles of range. The Subaru Uncharted Sport has the same horsepower and the same 287-mile rating but costs $39,795, so the Toyota is $2,715 cheaper for nearly identical hardware. The trade-off is space: the C-HR's coupe roof gives you 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Best for snow and families on a budget: Subaru Solterra Premium

The Solterra Premium is $38,495 with standard AWD (233 hp) and 288 miles. It's not quick, but it's the roomier, more traditional SUV of the AWD options, with 23.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 with them folded. Step up to the Limited XT ($42,895) if you want 338 hp.

Best for towing and adventure: Subaru Trailseeker

The Trailseeker is the standout. For $39,995 you get 375 horsepower, 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, 8.5 inches of ground clearance, a 3,500-pound tow rating, 32.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and an estimated 281 miles. Subaru says it charges to 80% in as little as 28 minutes at up to 150 kW. Toyota's bZ Woodland has the same 375 hp, the same 281-mile rating and the same 3,500-pound towing, but starts at $45,380. Unless you have a Toyota dealer you love, the Subaru is the better deal.

What to check before you sign

• Trim, not model, sets your range. Bigger wheels and AWD cost miles. The Uncharted drops from 308 miles (Premium FWD) to 273 (GT), and the bZ Woodland drops to 260 with the optional all-terrain tires.

• Add destination and dealer fees. Every price above is MSRP before destination and dealer charges.

• Ask about 2026 leftovers. The 2027 bZ, C-HR and bZ Woodland are unchanged from 2026, according to Toyota, so a discounted 2026 is the same car.

• Plan home charging first. Every one of these SUVs is cheapest to run on a home Level 2 charger. See our Phoenix home charger install guide and run your numbers in the EV cost calculator.

• Know your charging network. All six have a NACS port. Check the stops on your regular routes with the Arizona EV charging map.

What's coming next

Both brands will add a three-row electric SUV next year, the Toyota Highlander EV and the Subaru Getaway, per Electrek. If you need a third row, it may be worth waiting. If you don't, the current six are mature, priced below average, and selling well enough that deep discounts aren't guaranteed.

Not sure an SUV is the right fit? Take the Which EV quiz, compare every model in our 2026 EV rankings, or see our best electric SUVs list.

FAQ

Are the Toyota bZ and Subaru Solterra the same car?

They share Toyota's e-TNGA platform, battery sizes and much of their hardware, but trims, pricing and tuning differ. The Solterra comes standard with AWD; the bZ starts with FWD.

Which Toyota or Subaru EV has the longest range?

The Toyota bZ XLE FWD Plus, at 314 miles. The Subaru Uncharted Premium FWD is close behind at 308 miles and costs about $3,000 less.

Can these SUVs use Tesla Superchargers?

Yes. All six have a NACS charge port, so they can plug into compatible Tesla Superchargers directly. Charging speeds vary by model and conditions.

Is there still a federal tax credit?

No. The $7,500 federal clean-vehicle credit ended for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. Check our state EV incentive tracker for local rebates and utility perks.

Which one can tow?

The Subaru Trailseeker and Toyota bZ Woodland are each rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

EVHQ editorial standards: we use manufacturer and government sources for prices and range, and we don't take payment for rankings. Spot an error? Contact us and we'll fix it and note the change.