Introducing the Solterra 2023, Subaru’s first electric vehicle
You don’t have the fad, you’ve already seen the Subaru Solterra in the form of the 2023 Toyota bZ4X. Like the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86, these electric SUVs are the result of an extended partnership between the two Japanese manufacturers.
The partnership between Toyota and Subaru is taking a giant leap forward. We already know the association for the manufacture of the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86, but these two small coupes remain niche models with a fairly limited distribution. By revealing a few weeks apart the Toyota bZ4X and now the Subaru Solterra, the two manufacturers make a very strong statement because we are targeting a segment that appeals to many more consumers, that of compact electric SUVs.
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Same not the same
The Solterra is no more, no less the Subaru version of the bZ4X. Moreover, like the BRZ and 86 duo, the aesthetic differences between the models are quite limited. A discerning eye will distinguish that the Solterra offers a grille shape in a more defined structure than that of the bZ4X. We also opt for fog lights at the bottom of the body. The headlights have exactly the same shape at Toyota, but the internal structure varies, the same goes for the composition of the lights at the rear. Finally, the only other distinction will be the choice of rims according to the manufacturer. Otherwise, the two products are absolutely identical.
Futuristic interior
Same approach for the design and configuration of the passenger compartment, it is identical. This is certainly good news, as this interior presentation is one of the most daring. Everything is extremely clear with large windows and a very low dashboard. The digital instrumentation is pushed far in front of the driver. It is not yet known whether, like the bZ4X, the Solterra will have an optional “yoke” type steering wheel. At the console, we find the new infotainment system from Toyota initially introduced in the Tundra with its 14-inch screen.
What size?
Under the body, we get the Toyota e-TNGA platform. The Solterra obviously keeps the exact measurements of the bZ4X. The length is 4,690 mm and the wheelbase is 2,850 mm. We can compare ourselves with the Ford Mustang Mach-E to better understand its size: 4,724 mm long and 2,971 mm between axles.
215 horsepower, 460 kilometers
It is not yet known what the official configurations will be in North America. It is hard to imagine that Subaru offers the front-wheel drive version like the one unveiled in Japan. In Canada, standard all-wheel drive is expected from two electric motors giving a combined output of 215 horsepower. The size of the lithium-ion battery is yet to be confirmed for North America, but in Japan it has 71.4 kilowatt-hours. Therefore, still according to Japanese data, the announced autonomy is 460 kilometers.
Confirmations next week
We’ll have more details next week at the North American unveiling of the Subaru Solterra at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The prices will also be known closer to the market date.
