The Subaru Solterra SUV will be released in 2022 and will be powered by an electric vehicle architecture that Subaru has been working on alongside Toyota. Toyota BZ4X is built on the same platform, and the resemblance between the two cars is immediate. The name “Solterra” comes from a combination of Latin words for Sun (Sol) and Earth (Terra).
What can we expect?
For their first electric vehicle, Subaru’s not doing bad at all. An AWD drive powered by two electric motors on each axle for a combined 215 horsepower is as much as you need in a car of these dimensions. The delivery of the power can be tweaked through different driving regimes: Eco, Normal and Power. Regenerative braking is also available, something that has become standard for electric vehicles, and there is even a “Grip Control” feature that is actually a cruise-control feature.
There will be an FWD option with 204 horsepower, and both of these will have a 71 kWh battery, with the option of DC charging up to 150 kW. That means drinking one coffee on a break will take enough time for this car to charge up to 80% of the battery (it will take 30 minutes). The FWD version weighs 1,930kg, while the AWD crosses the 2-tonne mark at 2,020kg. Because of this, the range of Subaru Solterra will also vary – 540 km (330 mi) for the lighter and 500 km (310 mi) for the heavier version.
As for the dimensions, here come the numbers: 4,690 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,650 mm high. The wheelbase of 2,850 mm guarantees enough space, even for 5 adults.
A look at the interior
The Solterra’s interior has a high-mounted digital gauge cluster, a large 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, and an elevated center console with a rotary shift knob. The inside appears to be airy because of the panoramic sunroof and big side glasses. We are not a fan of the steering wheel, it could’ve looked better. But we do like the buttons that are light blue, a signature from Subaru. A pleasing look is further aided by the use of a variety of appealing textures throughout. Apple Car Play and Android Auto are standard, and we expect a wireless charging pod somewhere in the interior.
No safety features have been announced yet, but we can expect Lane Tracking Assist, Parking Assist and possible traffic-sign recognition, depending on the level of sophistication between the cameras in the car.
Release date and expected price
Both Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ are expected to hit the markets in mid-2022, in Japan, China, the US, Canada and Europe. We’re expecting a starting price point of $39,000, but we will update you on that as soon as we have the official information.
