2023 subaru solterra

Performance: 12/15

All three Solterra trims use a pair of independently controlled 80 kW motors—one on each axle—rated at a combined output of 215 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. That’s the same as the AWD version of the bZ4X, but other competitors offer more. The dual-motor, 320 horsepower Ioniq 5 and EV6 lead the pack.

Subaru estimates a zero-to-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds, which is slower than most competition. But its torque is available instantly, so the Solterra still rockets off the starting line.

On paved roads, the ride is quiet and comfortable. Braking with four-wheel discs and four levels of driver-selectable regeneration is fairly linear. Electric power steering is pretty numb, though. A “one-pedal” driving feature blends regenerative and mechanical braking to bring the Solterra to a near stop before requiring use of the brake pedal.

Off-road, the Solterra handles light- to mid-grade trail duties like a champ. Its StarDrive electric all-wheel drive system functions as well as Subaru’s trail-proven mechanical “Symmetrical AWD” system and 8.3 inches of ground clearance (the Forester has 8.7 inches) lets it easily handle a variety of surfaces.

Cargo Space & Storage: 10/15

The Solterra is in the middle of its segment with 27.7 cubic-feet of cargo area behind the rear seats. That grows to 56.9 cubic-feet when the rear seats are folded flat. Lowering the adjustable floor board creates a shallow well that adds 1.3 cubic-feet.  

Category leaders for cargo space are the VW ID.4, at 30.3 and 64.2 cubic-feet, and the Mustang Mach-E, with 29.7 and 59.7 cubes. The Solterra isn’t rated for towing, but all of its competitors except the bZ4X and Mach-E can pull small trailers.

The Solterra’s also missing a glove box, but its dual-level console has two cupholders and a lidded cubby on the upper level and a large open bin on the lower level. The doors have map pockets with bottle holders and the backs of the front seats have storage pockets. 

The 40/20/40 back seats provide additional cargo flexibility as the backs of the two wider outboard seats and the narrow center seat can be folded in any combination.

Subaru warranties the Solterra for rooftop tent use, as long as total load—including people—doesn’t exceed 700 pounds when the vehicle is parked.  

Subaru Solterra 2023 Outlook

Considering that Tesla has a than Ford, while producing six times fewer vehicles, surely any automaker would want a piece of that success. 

It’s also no surprise that Subaru and Toyota worked together on this project. The pair worked together on the GT86 and BR-Z twins back in the late 2000s, bringing a fun and affordable real-wheel drive sportscar to driving enthusiasts. And if governments are mandating that automakers all switch to electric, then why not work together again and split development costs?

The Solterra will try and fit somewhere in the market for traditional car buyers that may not want to spend the cash on a Tesla Model X, but also want the reliability of a Japanese off roader. Likely, buyers will choose between the Solterra and the Toyota BZ4x, both of which will be very similar.

More: Toyota bZ4X concept SUV looks wild — but can it take on Tesla?

Infotainment: 14/15

A 12.3-inch touchscreen—an 8-incher in the base trim—running Subaru’s version of the new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system dominates the Solterra’s dash. It sits atop a center console that houses physical switches and knobs for audio and climate system controls and for the various driving modes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual smartphone pairing and over-the-air software updates are standard. The two upper trims also get wireless phone charging, navigation and a premium Harman Kardon audio system.

A pair of USB-C charging ports and one USB-A media port up serve front seat occupants and there are a pair of USB-C ports in the rear seating area. Solterra Connect, Subaru’s version of Toyota’s connected services, is available by subscription for remote phone-connected features and Wi-Fi connectivity.

A floating console and a dash dominated by a center-mounted infotainment touchscreen are classy and modern, but one oddity is the location of the 7-inch digital driver information screen. Some drivers will have to lower the adjustable steering wheel to keep the screen in the driver’s line of sight. Some taller drivers may feel they are looming over the wheel and steering with their hands in their laps. 

The Solterra’s cargo bay has a 41.3-inch opening and a flat floor for easy loading. There’s no “frunk,” but the cargo bay floorboard lifts up reveal a storage well. Subaru

Poised for Incentives

All Solterras will be AWD, and Subaru intends to launch mid-year in all 50 states, then let the market decide which dealers should get the highest allocations. Only 6,500 units will come stateside for 2022, and Goh said that all have been reserved since online ordering opened in February.

Another 13,000 have been earmarked for the U.S. in 2023 and Subaru is hoping that demand and production capabilities will be in sync for even expanded availability thereafter.

One significant long-term advantage the 2023 Solterra holds over bZ4X is that the federal clean car tax credit for Toyota EV buyers is about to start phasing out and could be gone by late 2023. Subaru’s eligibility should continue for years, making the Solterra considerably cheaper.

Solterra Limited and Touring trims go bigger with their central touchscreens and add navigation, but the underlying multimedia and vehicle settings system is the same across all three trims. Subaru

Solterra shortcoming

I can’t dance around it: The major drawback I see is the combination of unimpressive range and a slow max charging speed. The EPA range is 222 miles for the 20” wheel version, and 228 for the 18” wheel version. Charge rate caps at 100kW and we’re told it has a fairly flat curve at that rate. This puts the Solterra at a disadvantage when comparing these specs to pretty much every other major contender in the “E-CUV Class of 2022.”  For charging and range, I was expecting much more from a brand with lifestyle imagery that evokes long trips to escape the city.

Subaru was eager to mention that battery lifespan can be improved by slow charging, and that the smaller pack enables a lighter weight platform. I see this as less of a silver lining, and more of a consolation prize. If Subaru was concerned with battery longevity, they would use the higher shelf Panasonic batteries that Toyota puts in the FWD BZ4X. I don’t know why, but Toyota uses the Chinese made CATL batteries in the AWD models of the BZ4X, as well as inside all of the Subaru Solterras, and all trim levels are AWD. While the Solterra is lightweight for its class, it doesn’t translate into range or acceleration. Perhaps it benefits in off-road performance, but I’ve never tried others in that environment.

Subaru Solterra production

The Solterra’s production takes place alongside the bZ4X at the Toyota Motomachi Plant in Japan.

One would think that the joint development with Toyota, plus the Toyota plant-based production would ensure the Solterra’s reliability. Unlike Subaru, Toyota is among the top 3 reliable brands in the U.S., as per a recent Consumer Reports study. Moreover, Toyota has already developed and is making several partially electrified (hybrid and plugin) cars that are impressive in the reliability aspect. The bZ4X and Solterra twins could be such high-quality products eventually, but initially, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Recall

The Solterra has faced an embarrassing recall already. On June 23, 2022, Subaru announced in Japan that the hub bolts used on the Solterra may loosen due to repeated sharp turns or sudden braking, which could cause abnormal noise, and in the worst case, detach the tire. The company recalled 10 units with chassis numbers falling between XEAM10-0001021 and XEAM10-0001051 and 82 units with chassis numbers in the YEAM15-0001032-YEAM15-0001190 range in Japan.

The same day, there was a 2023 Subaru Solterra recall announcement in the U.S. as well. According to the Defect Information Report Toyota filed with NHTSA, this recall has affected 403 U.S.-spec Subaru Solterra units and 258 U.S.-spec Toyota bZ4X units manufactured between March 30, 2022, and June 3, 2022.

Toyota first received a field technical report from Taiwan indicating the separation of the front left wheel. Then, there were two similar incidents in the U.S., one indicating loose hub bolts of the front left wheel and the other indicating the front left wheel getting detached from the vehicle.

On September 9, 2022, Subaru announced a new recall for the Solterra in Japan. It said that the control program for the EV’s Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) is inappropriate. Depending on the deviation of the neutral position of the steering wheel angle sensor, the correction of the steering wheel’s steering angle while the function is in use may be insufficient. The company said that it will modify the control program to fix this issue.

On October 6, 2022, Subaru announced yet another recall campaign for the Solterra in Japan, this time regarding the curtain airbags that are integrated into the A-pillar. Below is what Subaru said (translated):

Subaru plans to inspect the assembly status of straps and curtain shield airbag deployment aids and correct any inappropriate ones.

Resumption

The day Subaru announced the second recall in Japan, Toyota announced in the U.S. that it wants to start offering a solution for the affected customer units of the bZ4X by November 2022. The company said that it will fit newly designed hub bolts with washers for free. Automotive News had reported that production of both bZ4X and Solterra has resumed, although it didn’t mention if it includes U.S.-bound units.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 11/15

The Solterra gets the automaker’s well-regarded EyeSight package of advanced safety and driver assistance technology. It includes forward collision avoidance and braking with bicyclist and pedestrian recognition, lane departure alert and lane keeping assist, intersection collision avoidance assist and adaptive cruise control. Blind spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, front and rear parking alerts with automatic braking, and safe exit assist also are standard.

Automated parallel and perpendicular parking and a 360-degree surround view camera system are features on the two upper trims.

Lack of crash-test data from either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hurts Solterra’s overall safety score, dropping it below tested competitors such as the ID.4. But EVs with similar skateboard-style platforms have done well. The rear-wheel-drive ID.4 and all versions of the Tesla Model Y have received 5-star NHTSA ratings and the Mustang Mach-E won a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS. 

It’ll be a bit pinched in back for three adults.  Subaru

Subaru Solterra media impressions

According to Motor1.com’s review, the Subaru Solterra’s electric powertrain delivers ample power on highways to keep up with the traffic flow. There’s enough power in reserve for overtaking as well. What might disappoint customers is that the Soleterra’s drive modes only alter the throttle response—the steering and brake feel don’t change.

The Solterra also comes with Dual Function X-Mode and a new low-speed cruise control-like function christened Grip Control. Grip Control auto-adjusts speed while driving off-road and comes with three settings; Low, Medium, and High. With 8.3 inches of ground clearance, the Solterra can easily reach the far end of the trails. Active Cornering Assist and Vehicle Stability Control are standard.

Car and Driver says that customers can switch off stability control completely, after which the EV is happy to drift around on low-grip surfaces. CNET‘s review suggests that the Solterra doesn’t deliver the outright performance like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the Ford Mustang Mach-E. It could have been more fun to drive if the electric motors were tuned for more power and torque. However, the Solterra makes up for this by outperforming rivals off the beaten path thanks to its more rugged demeanor.

X-cellent AWD

The AWD system, which Subaru is sharing with another automaker for the first time, is an electronic version of Subie’s renowned Symmetrical AWD, called StarDrive for the EV. It features X-Mode, Grip Control, and both Downhill and Hill-Start assist. 

X-Mode is an electronically controlled torque, brake and throttle management system that gives the compact crossover Velcro-like grip, tank-line traction and off-road cruise-control (Grip Control) over different (and selectable) surfaces. It maintains low speeds with the precision of the U.S. Army Drill Team to prevent jerky acceleration when easing over rocks and through mud wallows and over unstable terrain. 

We had no problem climbing any of the steep, deeply rutted and rock-strewn sections of our uncharted trail and never lost footing in the thick loose dirt and gravel on the flatter portions of the trail. The Solterra was just as sure-footed rolling along the highways and winding paved roads north of Santa Barbara.

Like all Subarus, the Solterra looks good in a coat of dust. The split spoiler atop the rear window and mid spoiler above the taillights work to reduce turbulence and flow air over the rear glass to sweep away rain, mist and most dust without a rear window wiper. John O’Dell

Салон

Subaru Solterra 2023 года будет доступен в комплектациях Премиум, лимитированной и туристической, и с самого начала он будет хорошо оснащен. 8,0-дюймовый сенсорный экран входит в стандартную комплектацию, а лимитированные и туристические модели получили больший 12,3-дюймовый дисплей. Независимо от размера, оба экрана работают с новейшей информационно-развлекательной системой Toyota, которая поддерживает навигацию по картам Google и совместима с беспроводным Apple CarPlay и Android Auto. Система проста в использовании, имеет приятную графику и предлагает «интеллектуального» помощника, который реагирует на команды, когда ему говорят «Привет, Субару». Помощник может изменять некоторые настройки, такие как температура, и может включать дворники, но подключение к облаку для навигации по картам Google осуществляется по подписке. Первый год эта услуга предоставляется бесплатно, но после владельцам придется платить ежемесячную плату.

Основываясь на нашем первом опыте вождения, мы бы выбрали подписку. Например: «Эй, Субару, отвези меня к зарядному устройству», и на экране появится список ближайших зарядных станций. Если отказаться от подписки, функция отключится, а также не будет оценки расстояния до места назначения при использовании встроенных карт Google. Subaru не объявила, сколько она планирует взимать за использование облака, но Toyota оценивает свой сервис в 16 долларов в месяц или 160 долларов в год. Мы ожидаем, что цены Subaru будут аналогичными.

Салон хорошо оборудован, помимо забавных технологий. Мы поездили на базовой модели Solterra Premium и были довольны количеством функций, которые она имела — сиденья с подогревом, двухзонный кондиционер и четыре USB-порта входят в стандартную комплектацию (в том числе два для второго ряда). Мы не большие поклонники управления кондиционером через сенсорный экран, а ценим жесткие кнопки для повышения или понижения температуры и регулировки скорости вентилятора. В целом салон просторен как для пассажиров, так и для багажа. Мы обнаружили, что места во втором ряду немного низкие, но огромное пространство для ног компенсирует высокое положение колен. Сиденья складываются в ровный пол, можно разместить более высокие предметы в багаж. Также можно использовать небольшой отсек под грузовым полом для хранения вещей. Однако Solterra не хватает места, так как Subaru использовала пространство для установки инверторов и кабелей EV под капотом.

Небольшая жалоба: комбинация индикаторов расположена на приборной панели, но далеко от водителя, а рулевое колесо частично закрывает обзор. В отличие от большинства автомобилей, где спидометр видно через рулевое колесо, эта компоновка разработана таким образом, чтобы водители могли его видеть над рулем. Но в нашем случае это не сработало. Кроме того, мы не являемся поклонниками черной отделки «пианино», используемой на центральной консоли: как обычно, она блестящая и легко пачкается отпечатками пальцев.

When twins wear the same outfit

The Subaru Solterra is made in partnership with Toyota, and the Solterra is unmistakably similar to the BZ4X in many, many… many ways. Both have the same exterior in almost every way, the same dashboard, infotainment, and basic drivetrain. Both of these companies use the same motors and same CATL batteries (for AWD models). I’m making a safe bet that the vehicle is primarily led by Toyota, and the Subaru side was tasked with adapting this platform. Or at least putting logos around the car. Here’s a look at the two:

The plastic trim around the wheel wells, and in the back of the hatch looks… weird to me. Unfortunately, Subaru was leaning on these trim pieces for some connection to their brand and design language, and for me, it really missed the mark.

I could harp on Subaru for making an uninspiring EV, but in the era of shortages, I can’t fault them for relying on Toyota to get something out the door as fast as possible. Subaru plans on making around 7,000 of these vehicles this first year of production, and they have already amassed reserves for all of them. In 2023, they hope to jump to the production of 13,000. That’s a few days of Tesla production.

Solterra off the beaten path

I was very impressed by the off-road capabilities. During the time-constrained off-road section of the drive, we got to see a bit of the picturesque Catalina Island off the California coast. Perhaps subconsciously I missed the turn and strayed into an hour-long detour of the beautiful scenic island. Finally, we retraced our steps and found the intended path. At this point, we were still likely to make our return flight back to the mainland. While getting some extra time behind the wheel, I really enjoyed the automatic off-road features of Subaru’s “X-Mode.” Despite my personal reservations of ascending up steep, uneven inclines, the X-Mode gave me a sense of control I wouldn’t have otherwise. Cresting the hill was not only relieving from the accomplishment, but also allowing me to put more trust in the vehicle.

Flat tire

At the top of this short and intimidating climb, we found the Solterra tire was completely flat. As anticipated, the Solterra doesn’t come equipped with a spare tire, or even a donut. At this point we certainly would miss our scheduled flight, but there was more in the afternoon queue. Fortunately, we had enough cell signal to alert the event team of our predicament. While patiently waiting, I got the chance to break out some binoculars and reminisce about my youth spent on the Oregon coast. Now in the throes of adulthood, I’m hearing louder and louder the primordial call of nature. 

Solterra lookout

The support team arrived with a spare tire, and we were ready to resume our adventure. Time must have slipped by faster than I realized, gazing longingly into the comforting rhythm of the waves, as we were obliged to turn around and head back to the airport before we missed the last scheduled flight off the island. Turning around and coming down was frightening indeed. Going up, I didn’t realize that a bad spill looks like it could drop us into the ocean itself. The below press photo, taken at the same event, properly illustrates the surreal feeling of driving into the watery horizon.

Aye, a watery grave indeed

As it turns out, a bit of caution was plenty enough. Crawling down at about 1 mph, I carefully chose my lines and the downhill descent mode automatically applied the brakes. Subaru’s X-Mode was very impressive, it really felt like an electric bike, suddenly gaining powers I know are beyond my experience. After landing back on the main dirt road, we broke the island’s speed limit racing back to the small airport. One wrong turn and we would be stuck on the island overnight. Of course, I had to stop for a selfie with the resident buffalo.

Airplane can wait.

With 15 minutes to spare, we made it to the plane, and back to the mainland to regale the event staff with our heroic tale.

Solterra Pricing and Trims

For now, the 2023 Solterra is available in three trim levels with the two top trims each running several thousand dollars more than their corresponding Toyota twins.

The base Solterra Premium trim, which doesn’t have a bZ4X counterpart, starts at $46,220 before incentives and includes a $1,225 destination fee. It comes with 18-inch alloys, cloth upholstery, manual seats and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen.

But the Solterra comes standard with several features that are either options or not available on the Toyota. Among them are heated seats, a “power” drive mode for sportier accelerator pedal response and paddle-activated regenerative braking with a one-pedal mode that rapidly slows it to a near stop before the brake pedal is needed.

Also reserved for the upper trims—the $49,720 Solterra Limited and $53,220 Touring—are goodies such as 20-inch alloys, roof rails, a power-adjustable driver seat, faux leather upholstery, heated rear seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a Harmon-Kardon audio system. The Touring trim gets a glass roof, cooled front seats and a few appearance amenities.

All 2023 Subaru Solterra trims also get Subie’s well-regarded “EyeSight” driver assistance package with lane keeping and lane centering assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and front and rear collision avoidance with emergency braking and pedestrian and bicyclist recognition.

The Solterra uses a version of development partner Toyota’s infotainment system. It includes Wi-Fi-based music streaming, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual smartphone pairing, over-the-air software updates and, in the two upper trims, cloud-based navigation with real-time traffic information.  

The Solterra has less power than many of its competitors, but most Subaru buyers are more likely to be found in this kind of outdoorsy idyll than at a drag strip. The crossover delivers on the brand’s off-road reputation. Subaru

The Way Forward

Many other automakers have embraced the transition to EVs, but Subaru has set a rather modest goal of just 40% electric and gas-electric hybrid vehicle sales globally by 2030 with a 90% reduction in total CO2 emissions from its vehicles by 2050. Nor has the company announced any intent to do away with internal combustion engines any time soon. That would be a costly goal for this relatively small automaker.

However slowly it inches toward electrification, though, the Solterra is a good first step. It is a dedicated EV, not a conversion of an existing gas-engine model, and it is built on a platform that can easily be adapted for other all-electric models in both crossover and sedan styles.

Like its Toyota twin, the Solterra is a competent EV that a few years ago would have been considered a very good one. Subaru will have to get moving on subsequent EVs if it hopes to stay competitive, but the Solterra carries the best off-road qualifications of any of the AWD electric crossovers in its class. It’ll also continue to enjoy federal incentives for years to come, a big boost to its value proposition.