Joining the EV crossover SUV class this year for the first time is the all-new 2023 Subaru Solterra. The brand’s entry into this newly-minted class of EV’s comes by way of corporate family member Toyota who will market the same vehicle as the bZ4X.
While nearly identical to the Toyota bZ4X down to every nut and bolt, the Subaru Solterra will come with its own unique exterior styling and trim treatments, interior and infotainment details and will have standard AWD with X-MODE.
While it looks compact, the Subaru Solterra is a pretty substantial vehicle with a 112-inch wheelbase and overall length of 184.6-inches. This makes it slightly longer than a Subaru Forester but not as tall, 2-inches shorter to the ground. The Solterra however is 7-inches shorter than a Subaru Outback.
The interior features a modern flair with rich textures and a cockpit that definitely stands apart from other Subaru models. A large digital instrument cluster is well ahead of the driver and center stage is a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that will feature an expanded array of Starlink technological content with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A tall center console is simple and purposeful with a high-mounted gear selector at the bottom of the center stack controls. Passenger space is well generous with a nearly flat floor ans seating for five. With seats folded there is 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear and its accessed easily with a relatively low lift over height.
Powering the Subaru Solterra are two electric motors, one at each axle for a total of 215 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Each motor unit features a single speed transmission and the system features a full array of drive modes for both on and off-road driving
X-MODE offers increased traction for slippery roads and off-road environments. There’s also Grip Control which encompasses Hill Ascent and Descent Assist. With its large Lithium-Ion battery pack mounted under the passenger compartment, it has a standard range of up to 220 miles.
Continuing a Subaru tradition, the Solterra has a generous 8.3-inches of ground clearance and a fully independent suspension. The body structure is built with generous amounts of high-strength and high-tensile steels for rigidity and safety strength.
The battery pack itself mounted outside the passenger compartment underneath the floor features steel cross-bracing inside for additional crash safety as well as structural integrity in an off-roading world.
And to safety, the Solterra will as all Subarus do now, a full suite of active and passive safety technology including EyeSight, Blind Spot Monitor with Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert just to name a few. Standard is forward and rear emergency assist braking.
The all-new 2023 Subaru Solterra will go on sale later this year.
