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2023 Subaru Solterra. The planned 2023 Subaru Soltera has received new details, and the all-electric SUV will be available next year. In case you missed it, Subaru revealed this vehicle back in May, and we now have our hands on the first photographs. The future SUV is appealing due to its coupe-like design and sharp lines.
From what we know, this model will compete with electric SUVs of a similar size, including the new Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. We still don’t know much about the upcoming Solterra, but thanks to some photos, we can see some hints of what’s to come.
2023 Subaru Solterra Design
At first glance, the new 2023 Subaru Solterra reminds us of the upcoming Toyota BZ4X. Reportedly, the two models will share many of the same elements and platforms. Subaru is working with Toyota to jointly develop the upcoming Solterra platform, and we also expect the same platform to support other future models.
The Solterra looks attractive and will be visually and mechanically similar to the upcoming Toyota bZ4X. However, it will certainly have some Subaru/Toyota embellishments to entice even more fans. Overall, expect it to be fully revealed in the coming weeks.
2023 Subaru Solterra Interior
At this point, Subaru hasn’t released much information about the Solterra’s interior. However, they released one photo that shows what we can expect. First of all, the cabin looks more sophisticated than we thought with a neat dashboard and a self-contained digital gauge cluster.
Also, there is a spacious infotainment system, and a tall center console with what looks like a rotary gear knob. Comparatively, we think the Subaru Soletra will be a two-row SUV with a cabin spacious enough to accommodate five passengers. In addition, Subaru will make this SUV extremely safe by adding several driver assistance features.
2023 Subaru Solterra Engine
The new 2023 Subaru Solterra is an all-electric SUV that, as far as we know, will include all-wheel drive as standard. Subaru recently started its partnership with Toyota, and the plan is to make a highly efficient car with excellent mileage.
According to some gossip, the upcoming Subaru Soltera will use the same battery capacity as the Tesla Model X. That means we’d expect at least 300 miles on a single charge. As you might not know, Subaru is best known for its standard all-wheel drive system, but Toyota has had a great all-electric experience since the Prius debuted. Unfortunately, we don’t know much about its performance but we expect more news in the coming months.
2023 Subaru Solterra Release Date And Price
Subaru recently stated that it is working on a new all-electric SUV called the Solterra. Yesterday we got some new pictures of the upcoming model and we have to admit it looks great. As we wrote, this model has many similarities in design with the latest Toyota bz4x.
Of course, this we saw only at first glance. Subaru hasn’t announced Solterra pricing yet, but we expect it to be in the same range as the upcoming Toyota bZ4X, which we think will start at $35,000.
Also Read: 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Release Date Price And Redesign
2023 Subaru Solterra Update
The upcoming 2023 Subaru Soltera is the first compact electric crossover and EV. Fittingly, it features standard all-wheel drive, which Subaru is a mainstay. The company is working with Toyota to jointly develop the platform for this SUV, which is also set to support other future models. The Solterra is visually and mechanically similar to the upcoming Toyota bZ4X, but it has a more acoustically pleasing name and some subtle Subaru-style trim. Combined with some neat off-road tricks and plenty of standard driver assistance, it has an estimated range of 220 miles. While the bZ4X and 2023 Solterra don’t currently face much competition in the non-luxury compact electric vehicle segment, the landscape could change dramatically by the time they hit showrooms next year.
What’s New In 2023?
The Solterra crossover will be Subaru’s first electric vehicle when it goes on sale in 2022 as the 2023 model.
Subaru hasn’t announced pricing for the 2023 Solterra yet, but we expect it to be matched by the Toyota bZ4X, which we think will start at $30,000. Once you know how much Subie costs and learn more about the different trim levels and features available, we can recommend which ones to buy.
Engine, Transmission And Performance
Besides the fact that the Solterra is exclusively electric, it has an all-wheel drive system that uses two electric motors that produce a combined 215 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. This power can be used differently depending on the driving mode, of which there are four: Economy, Normal, Power and X Mode, which are intended to assist in slippery conditions or on uneven terrain by independently adjusting the power to each wheel. For those interested in taking the Solterra off-road, it has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches and features “Grip Control” which is essentially a low-speed cruise control. The paddles on the steering wheel allow you to adjust the regenerative braking force.
Range, Charging And Battery Life
While Subaru hasn’t revealed the size of the Solterra’s battery pack, or how much capacity it can use, the company estimates a driving range of more than 220 miles on a single charge. Subaru was equally tousled when it came to charging times, saying only that the Solterra is compatible with DC fast chargers and “capable of charging significantly in less than an hour.”
Interior, Comfort And Shipping
Solterra’s interior features a high-mounted digital instrument cluster, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and a raised center console that looks like a turntable. The steeply pitched windshield, large side mirrors and a panoramic sunroof seem to add a feeling of spaciousness to the cabin. An interesting overall mix of textures also contributes to an attractive aesthetic. Along with a variety of storage areas, including a large trash can under the center console, the Solterra makes a handy travel companion with up to 30 cubic feet of storage space and with the rear seats folded flat.
Information, Entertainment And Communication
The Solterra infotainment system is available with a 12.3-inch touchscreen located in the center of the dashboard. Each model has standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger. The inclusion of a smartphone app allows users to remotely control the HVAC system to preconfigure the cabin or lock and unlock the doors, among other things. We also expect a built-in navigation system and possibly an improved stereo option on the menu.
Safety And Driver Assistance Features
Every Solterra is equipped with a number of standard driver assistance technologies including automatic headlights and – for the first time on a Subaru – a 360-degree camera system. For more information about Solterra crash test results, visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Key security features will likely include:
Also Read: 2022 Subaru Outback Release Date Price And Redesign
2023 Subaru Solterra News
Just as the jointly developed Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 models display a popular style inside and out, Subaru’s new Solterra battery-powered crossover was revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show that matches Toyota’s development side-by-side model, the BZ4X. Both cars will arrive in US showrooms in mid-2022 with 2023 models.
While the BZ4X name refers to Toyota as a new member of the BZ family of electric vehicles, the Solterra name is a combination of the Latin words meaning “sun” and “earth.” We got a chance to get up close and personal with the new electric SUV last week before the show and even saw Solterra do some off-road highlights.
Subaru Soltera 2023
Located near the Forester, the Solterra is 184.6 inches long, 73.2 inches wide, and 64.9 inches high. It’s about two inches longer and wider than Subaru’s popular compact crossover, but it has a 7-inch (112.2-inch) longer wheelbase. This gives the Solterra excellent rear seat space and mostly flat meals, making it easy to fit five passengers.
Solterra and BZ4X support a dedicated EV platform. While Toyota has been leading the development of the platform, Subaru has benefited from its expertise in all-wheel drive systems. Therefore, both cars will feature the “X-Mode” terrain selector familiar to all-wheel drive models. Subaru branded its version of the platform as the e-Subaru Global Platform, or eSGP for short. Toyota calls its version the e-TNGA.
Aside from the common platform, the two have a very similar exterior design. Some details such as the grille and headlights differ, but the shape is almost identical to the sharply tapered rear window and sloping nose. The black trim on the fenders is so big, instead of making the Solterra look sturdy, it makes the side profile more difficult.
The announced powertrain and battery specifications are in accordance with Toyota’s. Each has a 71.4-kW battery pack and buyers can choose from a 201-hp front-wheel drive powertrain or a 214-hp all-wheel drive system. It doesn’t mention US specs for Subaru FWD, so it looks like an AWD-only version of Subaru will make its way to the US. Subaru didn’t mention acceleration numbers or top speed, but we do know that the BZ4X delivers 0-62 mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds with FWD and 7.7 seconds with AWD. Expect like Subaru.
Subaru estimates its range at more than 220 miles, but it doesn’t go into detail about charging other than potentially fast charging. Once again we can conclude from Toyota that charging up to 150 kW is possible, which will allow to charge 80% in 30 minutes. Subaru did not mention roof-mounted solar panels, a feature that will also be offered on the BZ4X in some markets that could expand the range slightly or power various vehicle features.
Inside, the two cars again look very similar with the same upholstered dashboard and a large 12.3-inch touchscreen located above the center console that hangs over the top of the dashboard. The raised digital instrument panel is located behind the steering wheel, a problem where the top of the steering wheel intersects with the bottom of the panel. On the BZ4X, the optional steering yoke would solve this problem by removing the top of the wheel, but Subaru hasn’t mentioned a yoke yet.
Production will be handled in factories in China and Japan. We’ll get more details on pricing, official EPA range and trim details closer when the Solterra goes on sale next year.
