The 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show will feature the US-spec version.
This is a huge day for Subaru. This is the company’s first venture into all-electric technology. The Subaru Solterra is a full-fat electric vehicle wrapped in a five-passenger SUV. It was co-developed by Toyota. This is provided that the crowd does not include the Toyota. We’ll get to that later.
Although the Solterra has made its world debut, there is still much to learn about this model. The Solterra will be sold in international markets by Subaru, but this introduction focuses only on the Japanese-spec model. Next week, we’ll have a glimpse of what US buyers can expect at the Los Angeles Auto Show. However, you can bet that any differences in aesthetics or mechanicals will be minimal.
Here’s what you need. The Solterra is powered by two electric motors for each axle. Each motor produces 107 horsepower (80kilowatts), resulting in a total output of 215 HP (160 kW). This configuration is the only one available due to Subaru’s preference for all-wheel-drive vehicles. The new Grip Control feature provides additional stability and control at speed.
The Solterra’s electric power comes from a 71.4 kWh lithiumion battery pack. This gives the SUV a range approximately 285 miles (460 km) per Japan’s WLTC standards. The history of the Solterra’s L.A. debut has shown that EPA ratings are lower than usual. The SUV can be charged at 150 kW, although Subaru does not provide time estimates. This should take about half an hour to recover 80 percent of the range.
It shouldn’t surprise that the Solterra’s exterior styling is so impressive. The Solterra, aside from the many teasers leading up to its debut, is almost identical to its brother, the Toyota Bz4x. Subaru has changed the front fascia to give it a Subie-esque look. The lower fascia, with its prominent intakes and round driving lights, is more aggressive. It is very similar to the Solterra’s taillight design, but the lense on the rear liftgate are unique to Subaru. Standard wheels are 18 inches, but you can opt for 20-inch wheels.
You’ll be more familiar with the bz4x inside, down to the same central touchscreen layout and digital dash layout. Subie trim changes should make it stand out from its Toyota counterpart. You’ll also see Subaru logos everywhere. All-wheel drive is standard on the Subie, while front-wheel drive can be found on the Toyota. This will give it a more outdoorsy and rugged flavor than the bz4x. The dimensions are also comparable to Toyota’s, measuring in at 4,690mm (184.6 inches) in length, 1,860mm (73.2in) in width, and 1,650mm (65in) high. The Solterra weighs in at 4,453 pounds (2.020 kilograms).
The Solterra will be offered by Subaru in many markets around the world starting in the middle of 2022. Prices will be revealed closer to the Solterra’s on-sale date. Also, as previously mentioned, the Solterra will make its US debut at the L.A. Auto Show on November 17th.