2026 Subaru Solterra vs. Toyota bZ: Are They Really the Same EV? If the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ (formerly the bZ4X) look strikingly similar under the skin, that's because they are. These two electric SUVs were co-developed by Subaru and Toyota and share the same platform, the same battery, and even the same top-trim power output. So what actually sets them apart? Here's an honest breakdown from the team at John Kennedy Subaru to help you decide which one belongs in your driveway. Quick Comparison: 2026 Solterra vs. 2026 bZ Starting MSRP Solterra: $38,495 bZ: $34,900 Standard Drivetrain Solterra: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, standard on every trim bZ: Front-wheel drive standard; AWD is always an optional upgrade, on every trim Power Solterra Premium/Limited: 233 hp (dual motor, standard AWD) Solterra Limited XT/Touring XT: 338 hp, 0-60 in under 5 seconds bZ: 168 hp (base FWD) up to 338 hp (top AWD trims) — identical peak output to the Solterra XT Battery Solterra: 74.7-kWh lithium-ion — identical to the bZ bZ: 74.7-kWh on most trims (smaller 57.7-kWh pack on base XLE) Range Solterra: up to 288 miles, with standard AWD bZ: up to 314 miles, but only in front-wheel-drive form Ground Clearance Solterra: 8.3 inches bZ: 8.2 inches Charging Solterra: NACS port, 10-80% in about 28 minutes, 150 kW max DC rate bZ: NACS port, similar fast-charge times, 150 kW max DC rate — effectively identical hardware Why These Two EVs Are So Similar The Solterra and bZ came out of the same joint development program between Subaru and Toyota, and it shows. Both ride on the same e-Subaru Global Platform, both use an identical 74.7-kWh battery pack on their higher trims, both offer a top-trim output of 338 horsepower with a sub-5-second 0-60 time, and both charge at the same 150 kW peak rate through a native NACS port. If you're looking for a meaningful hardware difference between these two, the honest answer is that there isn't much of one, at least not under the skin. Where the Solterra Actually Pulls Ahead: Standard AWD This is the real differentiator, and it's consistent with Subaru's entire lineup. Every 2026 Solterra comes with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard, on every single trim, no exceptions. The Toyota bZ takes the opposite approach: front-wheel drive is the default across all three trims, and AWD is always a paid upgrade, even on the range-topping Limited. For Plymouth Meeting and Montgomery County drivers who deal with real winter weather, that means every Solterra on the lot already has the traction you need, while bZ shoppers have to specifically seek out and pay extra for the AWD configuration to get the same capability. Subaru also points to the Solterra's 8.3 inches of ground clearance as class-leading among its EV peers, edging out the bZ's 8.2 inches by a small but real margin. To Be Fair: Where the bZ Holds Its Own The bZ isn't just riding on Toyota's badge. It starts about $3,600 less than the Solterra, and in its front-wheel-drive XLE Plus configuration, it can travel up to 314 miles on a charge, well ahead of the Solterra's 288-mile maximum with standard AWD. That's not really an apples-to-apples comparison, since the bZ has to give up all-wheel drive to hit that range figure, but for buyers who prioritize maximum range above all-weather traction, the bZ's FWD trims deliver genuinely impressive numbers. Toyota also offers a rugged bZ Woodland Edition with roof rails and a more adventure-focused look for buyers who want a different flavor of the same platform. The Verdict Since these two EVs share so much of the same hardware, the real decision comes down to drivetrain philosophy and price. If you want standard all-wheel drive built into every trim without having to seek it out, and a small edge in ground clearance for winter driving, the 2026 Subaru Solterra is the more straightforward choice. If you want the lowest possible starting price or the longest possible range and are comfortable sticking with front-wheel drive to get it, the Toyota bZ is worth a look. Either way, you're getting the same fundamentally solid EV platform underneath. See the 2026 Subaru Solterra for Yourself Visit John Kennedy Subaru to test drive the Solterra and see how it compares to the bZ in person. View Solterra Inventory Schedule a Test Drive Proudly Serving Plymouth Meeting and the Surrounding Communities John Kennedy Subaru is a convenient stop for Solterra shoppers throughout Montgomery County and the greater Philadelphia area. We're proud to serve drivers from: Plymouth Meeting, PA Conshohocken, PA West Conshohocken, PA Norristown, PA East Norriton, PA West Norriton, PA King of Prussia, PA Blue Bell, PA Whitemarsh, PA Ardmore, PA Philadelphia, PA No matter which of these communities you call home, our Plymouth Meeting showroom is just a short drive away. Browse our full new Subaru inventory or visit our homepage to learn more about financing, trade-ins, and current offers. Pricing, specifications, and third-party data referenced above are current as of publication and sourced from Subaru's U.S. Media Center, Toyota.com, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Consumer Reports. Specs and pricing are subject to change by each manufacturer and may not include destination fees, taxes, title, or dealer charges. See John Kennedy Subaru for current pricing, incentives, and availability.

2026 Subaru BRZ vs. Toyota GR86: Are They Really the Same Car? If you've ever cross-shopped the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GR86, you've probably noticed something unusual: these two sports cars are almost mechanically identical. They share the same engine, the same chassis, and even the same 0-60 time. So what actually separates them, and which one should you buy? Here's an honest breakdown from the team at John Kennedy Subaru to help you decide. Quick Comparison: 2026 BRZ vs. 2026 GR86 Starting MSRP BRZ: $37,055 GR86: $32,695 Engine BRZ: 2.4L Subaru Boxer H4, 228 hp / 184 lb-ft GR86: 2.4L flat-four (Subaru-built), 228 hp / 184 lb-ft — identical output 0-60 MPH BRZ: 6.1 sec (manual) / 6.6 sec (automatic) GR86: 6.1 sec (manual) / 6.6 sec (automatic) — identical Transmission BRZ: 6-speed manual (standard) or 6-speed automatic GR86: 6-speed manual (standard) or 6-speed automatic (+$1,100) Drivetrain BRZ: RWD with standard rear limited-slip differential GR86: RWD with standard rear limited-slip differential — identical Trim Levels BRZ: Premium, Limited, tS GR86: Base, Premium, Yuzu Edition (limited production) Why These Two Cars Are So Similar The BRZ and GR86 are the result of a joint development partnership between Subaru and Toyota, and the two companies didn't just share an engine platform — they built nearly the entire car together. Both use the same Subaru-designed 2.4L flat-four boxer engine producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, the same 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission, and the same rear-wheel-drive layout with a standard limited-slip differential. Performance figures are effectively identical: both hit 60 mph in about 6.1 seconds with the manual, and both top out around 140 mph. If you're looking for a meaningful power or performance gap between these two, you won't find one. Where the BRZ Actually Pulls Ahead: The tS Trim This is the real differentiator. The Subaru BRZ tS is a factory-built performance variant that the GR86 simply doesn't have an equivalent for. The tS adds STI-tuned suspension components and Brembo front brakes straight from the factory, sharpening the BRZ's already well-regarded handling into something genuinely track-capable without requiring aftermarket modifications. For enthusiasts who want the most focused version of this platform without a trip to a tuning shop, the BRZ tS is the only way to get there. To Be Fair: Where the GR86 Holds Its Own The most honest advantage the GR86 has is price. According to TrueCar, the GR86 starts at $32,695 compared to the BRZ's $37,055 starting point, a gap of roughly $4,000 that holds up across comparable trim levels. Toyota also offers the limited-production Yuzu Edition for 2026, giving GR86 shoppers a distinct special-edition option with its own unique styling touches. If getting into this platform at the lowest possible price is your top priority, the GR86 is the more accessible choice. The Verdict Since these two cars are mechanically identical, the decision really comes down to price versus factory performance hardware. If you want the lowest cost of entry into this platform, the Toyota GR86 saves you real money without giving up any of the driving experience. But if you want the option to step up to a factory-tuned performance variant with STI suspension and Brembo brakes, the 2026 Subaru BRZ tS offers something the GR86 lineup simply can't match. Either way, you're getting one of the purest, most affordable rear-wheel-drive sports cars still sold new today. See the 2026 Subaru BRZ for Yourself Visit John Kennedy Subaru to test drive the BRZ and see how it compares to the GR86 in person. View BRZ Inventory Schedule a Test Drive Proudly Serving Plymouth Meeting and the Surrounding Communities John Kennedy Subaru is a convenient stop for BRZ shoppers throughout Montgomery County and the greater Philadelphia area. We're proud to serve drivers from: Plymouth Meeting, PA Conshohocken, PA West Conshohocken, PA Norristown, PA East Norriton, PA West Norriton, PA King of Prussia, PA Blue Bell, PA Whitemarsh, PA Ardmore, PA Philadelphia, PA No matter which of these communities you call home, our Plymouth Meeting showroom is just a short drive away. Browse our full new Subaru inventory or visit our homepage to learn more about financing, trade-ins, and current offers. Pricing, specifications, and third-party data referenced above are current as of publication and sourced from Subaru.com, Toyota.com, TrueCar, Edmunds, and Kelley Blue Book. Specs and pricing are subject to change by each manufacturer and may not include destination fees, taxes, title, or dealer charges. See John Kennedy Subaru for current pricing, incentives, and availability.

Fall Foliage Drives Near Plymouth Meeting, PA As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, the parks, trails, and back roads around Plymouth Meeting transform into one of the best fall foliage destinations in the Philadelphia area. Pennsylvania has one of the longest and most varied fall foliage seasons in the country, and you don't have to travel far to see it. Here's a local guide to the best fall foliage drives near Plymouth Meeting, brought to you by John Kennedy Subaru. Wissahickon Valley Park Just a short drive from Plymouth Meeting, Wissahickon Valley Park is consistently ranked among the best places in the region to see fall color. The park spans 1,800 wooded acres across both Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties, with more than 50 miles of trails winding along Wissahickon Creek. The seven-mile Forbidden Drive is the easiest way to take it all in, leading to the Thomas Mill Covered Bridge, the last remaining covered bridge in Philadelphia and one of the park's most photographed fall spots. Peak color typically arrives in the last week of October through the first two weeks of November. Fort Washington State Park Continuing north from the Wissahickon, Fort Washington State Park connects to the same forested corridor via the Wissahickon Trail, also known as the Green Ribbon Trail. It's a great add-on stop for a longer fall drive, with wooded hiking paths and an easy-to-reach overlook that puts a wide sweep of Montgomery County's fall color on display. Valley Forge National Historical Park A quick drive toward King of Prussia, Valley Forge National Historical Park pairs Revolutionary War history with some of the most photogenic fall scenery in the area. Its rolling fields and monuments are just as striking from behind the wheel as they are on foot, making it an easy loop to add to any fall day trip from Plymouth Meeting. Evansburg State Park A bit farther out near Skippack and Collegeville, Evansburg State Park offers a mix of forest trails and open meadows along Skippack Creek. It's a quieter alternative to the more heavily trafficked Wissahickon, with plenty of picnicking spots to enjoy the season at a slower pace. Green Lane Park For a bigger day trip, Green Lane Park is the largest park in Montgomery County at 3,400 acres, with a trail network ranging from easy, flat walks to higher-elevation hikes with sweeping views. It's one of the best spots in the county for both fall color and birdwatching in the same trip. The Cross County Trail For something closer to home, the Cross County Trail runs from Conshohocken directly into Plymouth Meeting as a spur off the Schuylkill River Trail, making it one of the most convenient fall color walks for anyone right in our own backyard. The Best Way to Take In the Season Whether you're winding through the Wissahickon, looping Valley Forge, or heading out to Green Lane Park for the day, a fall foliage drive is a lot more enjoyable in a vehicle built for changing conditions. Every Subaru comes with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, so wet leaves on a shaded back road or an early frost won't cut your foliage tour short. Get Fall-Ready with a Subaru from John Kennedy Subaru Whatever your route this fall, our team can help you find the right Subaru for the drive. Browse New Subaru Inventory Schedule a Test Drive Proudly Serving Plymouth Meeting and the Surrounding Communities John Kennedy Subaru is a convenient stop for drivers throughout Montgomery County and the greater Philadelphia area heading out to enjoy the season. We're proud to serve drivers from: Plymouth Meeting, PA Conshohocken, PA West Conshohocken, PA Norristown, PA East Norriton, PA West Norriton, PA King of Prussia, PA Blue Bell, PA Whitemarsh, PA Lafayette Hill, PA Ambler, PA Fort Washington, PA Ardmore, PA Philadelphia, PA No matter which of these communities you call home, our Plymouth Meeting showroom is just a short drive away. Visit our homepage to learn more about financing, trade-ins, and current offers before you hit the road this fall. Park hours, trail conditions, and seasonal offerings referenced above are subject to change. Please check with each destination directly for current hours and availability before visiting.