Test Drive - Subaru Solterra

In 2022, Subaru, known for its all-wheel-drive SUVs and sporty vehicles, entered a new era by unveiling its first fully electric crossover SUV, the Solterra. The name, derived from the Latin words "sol" (sun) and "terra" (earth), symbolizes Subaru’s leap into sustainability and advanced technology.

Choosing Toyota as a partner for the Solterra’s development was a logical move, given Toyota's extensive experience with electric vehicles and the long-standing collaboration between the two companies. Toyota also holds a 20% stake in Subaru, further solidifying their partnership. The goal was clear: combine Subaru's expertise in all-wheel-drive systems with Toyota’s electric vehicle technology. The Solterra shares its platform with Toyota’s bZ4X, built on the e-TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture), a modular platform designed specifically for electric vehicles, allowing efficient use of space and flexibility in design. Subaru, however, is working on its own EV platform, expected to debut soon.

While Subaru entered the EV market in collaboration with Toyota, the Solterra retains the unmistakable Subaru DNA. The signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system delivers equal power distribution to the front and rear wheels. With multiple driving modes—Eco, Normal, Power, and X-mode—Solterra adapts to various road conditions, ensuring safety and performance even in challenging environments. The elevated ground clearance and innovative "Grip Control" feature make it a capable companion for off-road adventures.

Recently, the Solterra received a minor facelift, introducing key upgrades such as three-phase charging for faster and more efficient energy replenishment, an oval steering wheel, and enhanced safety features for increased protection. Despite the updates, the Solterra retains its modern and sporty exterior while offering a spacious and comfortable interior. Performance improvements have been made to extend driving range and refine driving dynamics. Pricing varies by trim and market, but the Solterra generally occupies a mid-range position within its segment.

The Solterra’s design makes an immediate impression. The sharp, futuristic LED headlights lend the vehicle a dynamic and powerful look. The traditional grille, unnecessary for an EV, is seamlessly integrated with the bumper, creating a unified front fascia.

The overall silhouette is sleek and aerodynamic, with a gently sloping roofline that evokes the design language of coupes. Meanwhile, the raised ground clearance and robust wheel arches hint at the Solterra’s off-road potential. Unpainted plastic cladding around the lower edges and wheel arches adds practicality and protection, underscoring Subaru’s rugged heritage. From the rear, the Solterra is just as captivating, with stylish, modern LED taillights and a sporty spoiler.

Inside, the Solterra's cabin is anything but ordinary. Upon entering, your eyes are immediately drawn to the driver’s seat, where a futuristic setup takes center stage. The digital instrument panel has been moved further away and elevated, offering a forward-thinking design. Paired with an oval steering wheel featuring integrated buttons, it feels like a scene straight out of a late-90s sci-fi movie. Dominating the center of the dashboard is a 12.3-inch touchscreen, uniting navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings in an intuitive and user-friendly interface. The system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity at your fingertips.

Premium trims offer leather-upholstered seats with electric adjustments, adding a touch of luxury. Beneath the floating center console, ample storage space enhances practicality. Subaru has also prioritized sustainability, using natural and recycled materials throughout the interior.

However, the Solterra lacks the front trunk, or "frunk," commonly found in many EVs for storing charging cables. The rear cargo area compensates somewhat with a dual-level configuration, allowing smaller items to be hidden from view. Folding the rear seatbacks creates a nearly flat load floor, significantly expanding the usable space.

Subaru's advanced EyeSight suite consolidates driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. An additional camera system mounted on the steering column monitors driver attention, issuing alerts if the driver becomes distracted. This system can even recognize the driver and activate their personalized settings.

Despite weighing just over two tons, the Solterra accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a respectable 6.9 seconds, thanks to its two 109-horsepower electric motors, one powering each axle. Combined, they produce 168.5 Nm of torque. However, its top speed is limited to 160 km/h, and at higher speeds, the range drops significantly, with real-world estimates suggesting around 150 km on a single charge. In urban driving, however, a range exceeding 400 km seems attainable.

The Solterra showcases Subaru's bold attempt to merge its renowned all-wheel-drive expertise with electrification. Powered by dual electric motors, the vehicle offers solid performance and traction. While it’s not built for extreme off-roading, it handles water crossings up to boot height and tackles steep slopes with ease.

The suspension strikes an optimal balance between highway comfort and off-road capability, although the added weight of an EV gives the driving experience a slightly different feel compared to traditional vehicles.

Measuring 4690 mm in length, 1860 mm in width, and 1650 mm in height, the Solterra offers a spacious interior for five passengers. Its 2850 mm wheelbase provides stability and comfort, while the cargo capacity ranges from 410 to 452 liters, depending on the seat configuration.

The Solterra is available in three trims, differing mainly in convenience features. Prices start at approximately €44,000, with top trims reaching €47,400. Subaru backs the vehicle with a five-year warranty, and the batteries are expected to retain around 70% of their capacity after eight years.