California is one of the largest markets for electric vehicles in the States, so it comes as little surprise that Subaru has chosen the Los Angeles Auto Show to introduce the U.S.-spec Solterra.
Set to go on sale in the middle of next year, the EV was jointly developed alongside the Toyota bZ4X and features a similar design. However, the Solterra sports a more traditional front fascia with a fully enclosed grille that is flanked by LED headlights and prominent fog lights.
The rest of the design is virtually identical to the bZ4X, but the Solterra has revised badging and unique taillights. They’re joined by a split spoiler and options such as roof rails and a panoramic glass roof.
First Look: 2023 Toyota bZ4X Electric Crossover Debuts In U.S., Offers Up To 250 Miles Range
The feeling of déjà vu continues in the cabin as the interior is almost a mirror image of the bZ4X. As a result, it features a freestanding digital instrument cluster and a chunky steering wheel. However, Subaru provided a bit more information as they confirmed the crossover will be offered with a 12.3-inch infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Subaru also revealed the model will have a cargo capacity of up to 30 cubic feet (850 liters), which can be expanded by folding the rear seats down. Speaking of the latter, the Solterra promises to be spacious and that’s not surprising as the bZ4X offers a ton of rear seat legroom.
Getting back to equipment, the Solterra will have a host of driver assistance systems including auto high-beam headlights, a blind spot monitor with lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Other safety features include safe exit assist, a surround view camera system and parking support brake, which can automatically apply the brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing.
Standard All-Wheel Drive And 220+ Miles Of Range
While the Japanese version of the Solterra is offered with front- and all-wheel drive, the US-spec model is available exclusively with the latter. It’s a dual motor setup that produces a combined output of 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 248 lb-ft (336 Nm) of torque.
Power is provided by a “high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack,” which presumably has a capacity of 72.8 kWh. Regardless of the final number, Subaru said the crossover should have a range in excess of 220 miles (354 km) on a single charge. The company also said fast-charging technology will allow for the battery to be charged to 80 percent in less than an hour.
A number of questions remain, but we should learn more details closer to launch.
QUICK FACTS: 2023 Subaru Solterra
› What is the Subaru Solterra?
It’s Subaru’s first dedicated, mainstream electric model that was developed in collaboration with Toyota, which named its version the bZ4X. The compact electric crossover is about the same size as the Forester.
› What versions of the Solterra are available?
While other markets get a front-wheel drive version, in North America, Subaru will offer the Solterra exclusively with all-wheel drive. It’s a dual-motor setup producing a combined 215 horsepower.
› What is the driving range?
According to Subaru’s preliminary estimates, the Solterra will offer a driving range in excess of 220 miles (354 km) on a single charge.
› When will the Solterra go on sale?
The compact electric crossover will land in dealerships across the States in mid-2022
› How much will it cost?
While pricing will be announced at a later stage, we expect the Solterra EV to start from somewhere between $35,000 and $40,000 in base form
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