Image: Youtube via Motor Trend Channel
About This Quiz
Toyota and Subaru are two of the most iconic Japanese car brands, but each has its own very distinctive identity. Can you tell them apart? In this quiz, we'll put your auto identification skills to the test to see if you can tell one brand from the other in a set of 50 pictures.
Toyota is probably the most well-known Japanese car maker. It has a history almost as long as American car companies, having started in pre-war Japan in 1937. Naturally, the war delayed its introduction to the American market a few decades, but when gas prices skyrocketed in the '70s and the reliability of American cars became suspect, the smaller, fuel-efficient Toyotas gained a market toehold.
Subaru came along a bit later, evolving out of a Japanese heavy equipment maker. In the '70s, it rode Toyota's coattails into the American market, quickly establishing a niche as the "Japanese Volvo," known for making ultra-safe, tremendously reliable cars that, while they weren't exactly sexy, would get you where you were going and make sure you arrived there alive. During the '80s, they became a favorite of young urban types who liked to hit the trails on the weekend, with model names like the Outback evoking an outdoorsy vibe.
So, can you tell these two apart? Put on your seat belt and start the engine on this quiz!
Youtube via American Motors Custom & Classics
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
The Stout, a light truck, was part of the Toyota fleet from 1954 till 1989. The first models were only powered by a 1.5-liter gas engine but by the third generation, the largest engine available was now a 2.2-liter petrol powerplant. The Stout was marketed between 1979 and 1989.
Subaru
Youtube via JapAutoAgent
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
Toyota
Made mostly for the Japanese market, the Alphard is named after the brightest star in the Hydra constellation. This luxury MPV, first marketed in 2002, is still in production. It features 3 different models and is available as either a seven- or eight-seater. Now in its third generation, the Alphard's top of the range model is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine.
Youtube via Petrolicious
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
This small city car was manufactured by Subaru from 1958 till 1971. This was the first model produced by the company and over 392,000 were manufactured. The 360 came in a number of body shapes including 2-door sedan, 2-door convertible as well as a 3-door station wagon.
Toyota
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Youtube via Gold Pony
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Derived from the Tundra pickup, the Sequoia is a full-sized SUV first introduced by Toyota in 2000 and still part of the fleet. It is currently in its second generation, with the top of the range model powered by a 5.7-liter V8 motor.
Subaru
Youtube via WasabiCars
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
Marketed in the compact car segment, the Leone was manufactured between 1971 and 1994. During this time, three generations were produced. The Leone (meaning lion) was powered by a range of Boxter engines and owners also had the option of four-wheel drive. This vehicle came with a number of body options including a station wagon and hatchback coupe as well as a sedan.
Toyota
Youtube via B Channel
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Subaru
This funky-looking Kei-class vehicle was first introduced by Subaru in 2005 and continued in production till 2010. Essentially, this is a two-door version of Subaru's R2, which is powered by one of three 650cc engines, one of which is supercharged.
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Youtube via piipaa1
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Subaru
Powered by either a 1.0- or 1.2-liter engine, the Sumo was a microvan released by Subaru between 1983 and 1998. With a five-speed manual gearbox, some even had the option of four-wheel drive.
Youtube via Carbuyer
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
Toyota
The Verso is a compact MPV first introduced in 2009 and still in production today. According to Eurocap testing, this is the safest MPV available in Europe. It has a range of engine options including gas and diesel while it is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Youtube via A Runto
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
The Rex, a microcar from Subaru, was produced between 1972 and 1992. Unbelievably, early models were powered by a two-stroke 350 cc engine although larger engines were made available including a 750cc option in second generation export versions of the car.
Toyota
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Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
Subaru makes awesome performance cars noted for their incredible handling. So how does their off-roader fare? Well, it’s pretty incredible, in fact. Not only good value for money, the Outback offers symmetrical all-wheel drive, excellent ground clearance and an impressive power plant. The vehicle is currently in its fifth generation.
Toyota
Youtube via EverydayDriver
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
Toyota
With performance on par with many far more expensive supercars, the Supra became a popular performance vehicle option for the man in the street. Powered by a 3.0-liter Twin-Turbo engine, the Supra produces 276 brake horsepower.
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Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
Toyota
The best selling car in the world, the Toyota Corolla was first introduced in 1966. During its lifetime, it has had 11 redesigns. Over 300,000 units of the Corolla were sold in the United States alone.
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Youtube via OsbornTramain
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Subaru
Produced between 1969 and 1973, the FF1 Star was a development of Subaru's 1000 model. Powered by a 1.1-liter engine, the FF1 Star was even released in the United States in 1970 and 1971.
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Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
The Legacy is a 4-door sedan first released in 1989, originally in the compact car segment, but now as part of the mid-sized segment. Not only does it offer all-wheel drive but it includes a boxer engine, which provides excellent power and improved handling as well.
Toyota
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Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Marketed in the large car segment, the Avalon regularly sells over 50,000 units a year in the United States. First marketed in 1994, this is the company's largest sedan model in America.
Subaru
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Youtube
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
Toyota
This front-engined, four-wheel drive (in some models) SUV is popular in many countries around the world. It was first released in 1992 and is currently in its fourth generation. Its popularity in the United States, in particular, continues to grow.
Youtube via \Winding Road Magazine\
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Subaru
A prototype of sorts, the 1500, also called the P1, was Subaru's attempt to see how their production lines would handle producing a car as opposed to the scooters they were producing. Only 20 were made with six serving as taxies for testing purposes.
Youtube via Saabkyle04
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Competing in the subcompact car class, the Yaris was first released in 1999. Currently in its third generation, it is available in a hatchback and sedan and is powered by a range of engine options from 1.2 to 1.5-liter gas as well as a diesel option.
Subaru
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Youtube via BANKAKUEMIKO
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
The Subaru 1000 formed part of the Japanese government's classification for compact cars. The 1000 became the first model from Subaru to use the famed Boxster engine, although this small 977cc motor only produced 55 brake horsepower. The 1000 was available in a number of body formats including a 2-door and 4-door sedan as well as a station wagon.
Toyota
Youtube via Motormouth Canada
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
Toyota
Produced between 2008 and 2015 in the United States and up until 2017 in the rest of the world, the Venza is a mid-size crossover SUV. It is related to the Lexus RX. Top of the range models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine in conjunction with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Youtube via Pacific Coast Auto
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
This medium duty truck has been produced by Toyota since 1959. In that time there have been eight different generations.
Subaru
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Youtube via Motor Trend Channel
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Subaru
This export only coupe-utility was never sold in Japan, although bizarrely, many were imported into the country. The BRAT was sold in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Engine options were either a 1.6 or 1.8-liter flat four engine with either a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission with four-wheel drive.
Youtube via RegularCars
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
Toyota
Seven generations of the Toyota Celica were produced between 1971 and 2006. This very popular sportscar had some excellent racing pedigree and took awards in both track racing as well as rallying.
Youtube via Lisabank Repo Warehouse
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Specially designed for the South African market, the Quantum is used as a mini-bus taxi, transporting much of the population to and from work each day. It holds 12 passengers and is powered by either a 2.5 liter diesel or 2.7-liter gas engine.
Subaru
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.Youtube via WorldAutoMotors
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Subaru
This small microcar was an update from the Subaru 360 and produced from 1969 to 1972. Over 25,000 orders were placed in the first month of the car having been released in 1969. The R-2 was powered by a 350cc engine.
Youtube via Angeloti Palirno
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
Marketed over a six-year stretch from 1985 to 1991, this two-door coupe was also known as Alcoyne and Vortex. Powerplant options included either a 1.8 or 2.7-liter gas engine and certain models even had four-wheel drive. Interestingly, the XT was incredibly aerodynamic and had one of the lowest drag coefficients of all the production cars produced at that time.
Toyota
Youtube via EddieX
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
The Toyota Master Ace is known by many names around the world including the Lite Ace, Van, Space Cruiser and Tarago. This is a light van that can be used to transport people or goods.
Subaru
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Youtube via Daniel Semon
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Subaru
Also known as the Tutto or Trendy, this three or five-door hatchback was marketed from 1984 to 2010. Engine options on the Justy included either a gas-driven 1.0 or 1.1-liter capable of producing around 50 brake horsepower. Justy's marketed in the United States included a 4WD option.
Youtube
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
Toyota
A Toyota pickup available in the United States till 1995 and still sold in world markets, the Hilux went into production in 1968 and is currently in its eighth generation.
Youtube via amagasakimotor
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Subaru
As with many Japanese manufacturers, Subaru are certainly experts when it comes to producing Kei cars. The Vivio, marketed between 1992 and 1998, is just another example. It was powered by a 650cc motor and had a number of body style options including two- and three-door hatchbacks as well as Targa tops. Vivios even entered a number of rally events in the early 1990s!
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Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Currently in its third generation, the Highlander is sold in markets around the world, including the United States, Australia and China. No matter where it is sold, it remains extremely popular.
Subaru
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Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Subaru
Known for its incredible handling and punchy performance, the Subaru Impreza was first introduced to the Japanese market in 1992. This car is now in its fifth generation and remains an excellent seller worldwide.
https://www.youtube.com
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Subaru
First launched in 1997, this compact cross-over from Japanese car maker Subaru is currently in its fourth generation. With seating for 5, impressive cargo space and above average gas mileage figures, the Forester is not be overlooked in the cross-over segment.
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Youtube via Carbuyer
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
Toyota
This seven-seat MPV also known as the Ipsum, Sports Van or Avensis Verso was marketed over three generations from 1995 to 2009. The second generation of this vehicle was based on the Toyota Avensis.
Youtube via Carbuyer
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
This mini MPV entered the Toyota fleet in 2005 and remains a current model to this day. By the time the second generation was released in 2010, another name had been adopted for the model, the Verso-S, although it would only be sold in Europe under that marque
Subaru
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Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Subaru
Built between 2002 and 2006, this all-wheel-drive utility vehicle certainly had a unique look. Baja's were powered by a 2.5-liter gas engine with the top of the range model including a turbo. Sadly, this unique car only managed to sell 30,000 units in around four years.
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Toyota Previa . Youtube via HadesOmega
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
A long-serving model in the Toyota lineup, the Previa has been in production since 1990. This three-door minivan is now in its third generation, which was introduced as far back as 2006 although the Previa did receive a facelift in 2016. The Previa is known as the Estima in Japan as well as the Tarago in Australia.
Subaru
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Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
Toyota
Called the Fun Cargo in Japan and the Yaris Verso in other markets, this mini MPV was a Toyota model from 1999 to 2005. It was initially available with either a 1.3 or 1.5-liter engine until 2001 when a diesel-powered model was introduced.
Youtube via TheSmokingTire
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
Toyota
Available in Japan only, the Chaser was produced between 1977 and 2001, first as a compact car and then from 1988, in the mid-sized car segment. The Chaser shared the same chassis with two other Toyota models, the Cressida/Mark II, and the Cresta. Interestingly, thanks to its front-engined, rear-wheel drive layout, the Chaser became a popular car to use in drifting.
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Youtube via Drivers High Channel
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Subaru
The Exiga is a crossover utility vehicle (CUV) which has formed part of the Subaru fleet since 2008. Essentially a wagon, the Exiga carries five passengers and cargo with ease. The top of the range model is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo engine capable of producing 221 brake horsepower.
Youtube via Saabkyle04
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Subaru
Marketed between 2005 and 2014, the Tribeca is a crossover SUV in the mid-sized range. Only 76,000 units were sold in the United States over a 10-year period despite 50,000 being sold in the first three years!
Youtube via PDriveTV
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
This mid-sized station wagon forms part of the Subaru fleet since 2014. The top of the range model is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine. The Levorg is sold in Japan as well as in Europe.
Toyota
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Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Manufactured under license by Yamaha, the 2000GT sports car was a model offered by Toyota between 1967 and 1970. Essentially, this was the first supercar built by a Japanese firm. The 2000GT was powered by a 2.0-liter straight six engine capable of producing 150 brake horsepower. Only 351 were built.
Subaru
Youtube via Redline Reviews
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Subaru
A joint venture between Toyota and Subaru, the BRZ is exactly the same vehicle as the Toyota 86. First produced in 2012, this two-seat sports car is powered by a 2.0-liter gas engine coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox.
Youtube via WorldAutoMotors
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
The first prototype vehicle produced by Toyota was the A1. When put into production, it became the AA. Over 1,300 were produced in the period from 1936 to 1943. The AA was available as four-door sedan or convertible.
Subaru
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Youtube
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Subaru
With its very different looks (strange for the '90s and even to this day), the SVX immediately made heads turn. This 2-door coupe grand tourer was produced between 1991 and 1996.
Youtube via EdwardLees SunriseCars
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Subaru
Toyota
Marketed in the subcompact class, the aim of the Publica was to give the Japanese public a cheap family car. Available in a number of configurations, including a station wagon, convertible, coupe and pickup, the Publica was built from 1961 to 1978. The last version, known as the Toyota 1000, was also marketed outside Japan.
Youtube via WasabiCars
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
Subaru
Built between 1971 and 1972 the FF1 G was a subcompact vehicle available in a number of body styles including a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan or 5-door wagon. It was the brainchild of Shinroku Momose who had designed the Subaru 360 and 1000.
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Youtube via DriversHighChannel
Toyota or Subaru: What am I?
Toyota
This tiny sports car, with a 700cc engine, was marketed in Japan between 1965 and 1969. It was also one of the first cars to make use of a roof panel that could be lifted out. This was known as a Targa top. Around 3,400 were built.
Subaru
You Got:
/50
Youtube via Motor Trend Channel