The Subaru Solterra marks an exciting milestone for the Japanese automaker known for its rugged all-wheel-drive vehicles. As Subaru’s first fully electric vehicle (EV), the Solterra combines the brand’s signature traits—such as durability, off-road capability, and advanced safety features—with the environmental benefits of electric mobility. With growing demand for sustainable vehicles, the Solterra is Subaru’s answer to the shifting landscape of the automotive industry, bringing together the brand’s experience in all-wheel drive (AWD) technology and the future of electric driving.
In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about the Subaru Solterra—from its design and performance to its innovative features and eco-friendly credentials. Whether you’re considering making the switch to electric or just curious about Subaru’s new electric SUV, the Solterra promises to offer something unique for eco-conscious driving enthusiasts.
What is the Subaru Solterra?
The Subaru Solterra is Subaru’s debut in the electric vehicle market, representing a bold step toward sustainability and electrification. Developed in partnership with Toyota, the Solterra shares its platform with the Toyota bZ4X, but Subaru has infused it with its own DNA, focusing on creating an electric SUV that reflects the company’s core values of ruggedness, all-wheel drive, and safety.
Positioned as a compact crossover SUV, the Solterra offers a blend of advanced technology, ample interior space, and Subaru’s iconic Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, making it ideal for drivers who want an eco-friendly vehicle without sacrificing the versatility and capability that Subaru is known for.
Design: Rugged, Stylish, and Functional
Exterior Design
The Subaru Solterra carries the distinctive design language that Subaru is known for, with a modern twist. The front of the vehicle is bold and assertive, featuring Subaru’s signature hexagonal grille, sleek LED headlights, and a well-defined bumper. The vehicle’s wide stance and sculpted lines give it a muscular and confident look, making it clear that the Solterra is built for adventure and utility.
The Solterra’s body is streamlined for efficiency, but it still retains the rugged aesthetic of Subaru’s SUVs. The compact SUV has an aggressive and athletic presence, designed to stand out while also offering aerodynamic benefits that contribute to the vehicle’s efficiency and range.
Dimensions and Practicality
The Solterra is designed to provide plenty of interior space while remaining a compact, manageable size. The dimensions of the vehicle are as follows:
- Length: Approximately 184.6 inches
- Width: About 73.2 inches
- Height: Roughly 64.0 inches
Despite its compact size, the Solterra offers ample room for passengers and cargo. The rear seats are spacious, and the vehicle’s flat floor enhances interior comfort. With the rear seats folded down, the Solterra provides generous cargo space, making it practical for carrying gear, luggage, or groceries.
Interior Design
Inside, the Solterra follows Subaru’s philosophy of creating comfortable, user-friendly cabins with a focus on practicality. The cabin features modern design elements and high-quality materials, with a focus on ergonomics and ease of use. The 12.3-inch touchscreen display serves as the central hub for navigation, media, and vehicle controls, while a digital instrument cluster keeps important information within easy reach.
Subaru has also incorporated sustainable materials into the interior, aligning with the brand’s commitment to eco-friendliness. The seats are designed to provide both comfort and support for long drives, and the vehicle’s intuitive layout ensures a pleasant driving experience for both the driver and passengers.
Performance: Electric Power Meets Subaru’s Ruggedness
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Capability
One of the standout features of the Subaru Solterra is its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. Unlike many electric vehicles, which only offer front- or rear-wheel drive, the Solterra’s AWD system ensures exceptional traction and stability, whether you’re driving on slippery roads, in the rain, or off the beaten path. This feature makes the Solterra ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, winter driving, or anyone who enjoys weekend adventures that may take them off-road.
The AWD system is powered by dual electric motors, one on each axle, delivering power to all four wheels for enhanced stability and performance in all driving conditions.
Powertrain and Performance
The Subaru Solterra offers impressive power and performance for an electric vehicle, making it both fun to drive and capable of handling a variety of driving situations.
- The dual-motor AWD configuration produces a combined output of around 218 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque.
- The 0-60 mph time for the Solterra is estimated to be around 6.5 seconds, which is quick enough to provide an engaging driving experience without sacrificing efficiency.
The Solterra’s electric powertrain provides smooth and immediate acceleration, which is characteristic of electric vehicles, and the dual-motor setup ensures that the vehicle has plenty of power for both city driving and off-road excursions.
Range and Charging
When it comes to electric vehicles, range is one of the most important considerations. The Subaru Solterra is equipped with a 71.4 kWh battery that provides a range of approximately 220 to 250 miles on a full charge, depending on the configuration and driving conditions.
Charging is made simple with support for both Level 2 AC charging and DC fast charging, allowing the Solterra to recharge quickly when needed. On a Level 2 charger, the Solterra can be fully charged in around 9 hours, while DC fast charging can recharge the battery to 80% in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for long road trips or quick stops.
Technology and Features: Subaru’s Commitment to Innovation
Infotainment and Connectivity
Inside, the Subaru Solterra comes with a range of advanced tech features aimed at enhancing convenience, connectivity, and entertainment. The 12.3-inch touchscreen serves as the main interface for accessing navigation, media, and vehicle settings. The system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to seamlessly integrate their smartphones with the vehicle’s infotainment system.
Additionally, the Solterra features a suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and automatic emergency braking, all designed to make driving safer and more convenient.
Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
One of the most notable safety features in the Solterra is Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This system includes several advanced features, such as pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, which work together to enhance driver awareness and minimize the risk of accidents.
The Solterra is also equipped with a 360-degree camera system, which helps drivers park and navigate tight spaces with ease. These technologies make the Solterra not only a great option for environmentally conscious drivers but also for those who prioritize safety and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
All-Electric Powertrain Technology
As a fully electric vehicle, the Subaru Solterra incorporates the latest in electric vehicle (EV) technology. The car features a highly efficient battery system, along with regenerative braking, which helps to recover energy during braking and improves overall efficiency. The Solterra is built on the e-Subaru Global Platform, which ensures stability, strength, and smooth driving performance, and has been designed to work in harmony with the electric powertrain.
Environmental Impact: Subaru’s Commitment to Sustainability
The Subaru Solterra is a part of the brand’s growing focus on sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint. The Solterra offers a cleaner and greener alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Subaru aims to play a key role in the transition to an all-electric future and has committed to offering more electric and hybrid models in the coming years.
By choosing the Solterra, drivers can reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying the performance, safety, and ruggedness that Subaru is known for.
Pricing and Availability: A Competitive Offering
The Subaru Solterra is positioned as a mid-range electric SUV, with a starting price around $45,000 for the base model. This pricing is competitive for an electric SUV of its size and capability, especially considering the inclusion of all-wheel drive, advanced safety features, and a respectable driving range.
The Solterra is expected to be available in 2023, with deliveries beginning in select markets in the U.S. and globally. As demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, the Solterra is expected to attract a wide range of customers, from eco-conscious buyers to outdoor enthusiasts seeking a versatile and capable electric SUV.
Conclusion: The Future of Subaru is Electric
The Subaru Solterra represents an important step forward for Subaru as it embraces electric mobility and expands its vehicle lineup to meet the demands of a rapidly changing automotive market. By blending electric efficiency with Subaru’s rugged AWD capability, innovative technology, and safety features, the Solterra is poised to become a popular choice among environmentally conscious drivers who don’t want to sacrifice performance or utility.
With its impressive range, advanced technology, and eco-friendly credentials, the Subaru Solterra is set to make a strong impact in the electric vehicle market. If you’re looking for an electric SUV that’s built to handle everything from city commuting to off-road adventures, the Solterra could be the perfect choice for you.
