Subaru Solterra: A Game-Changing Electric SUV

Henry Gibson

subaru solterra

The Subaru Solterra combines Subaru’s tradition of all-wheel drive with cutting-edge EV technology to make a striking statement in the EV revolution. Subaru’s dedication to all-wheel drive and off-road-ready advancements, such as the X-Mode system, is on full display in the Solterra, which will debut in the latter half of 2022. The Solterra has two exterior colours and two different trim levels to suit a wide range of preferences and price points. The Touring trim adds a panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and an electric passenger seat to the standard Limited’s 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, heated seats and power tailgate. The Solterra has a range of up to 289 miles thanks to its battery, but its performance suffers in the cold. The Solterra comes with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty and an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, both of which attest to its dependability.

All-Wheel Drive Dominance

Subaru’s reputation for all-wheel drive excellence is legendary, and the Solterra continues that tradition with pride. In contrast to certain rivals, this EV comes equipped with all-wheel drive as standard equipment. The Solterra’s two electric motors, one for each axle, make for a powerful all-wheel-drive system that can handle any terrain. The Solterra stands out in a market that is increasingly moving towards electrification because to its dedication to all-wheel drive supremacy. Subaru’s all-wheel drive pedigree shines through in the Solterra, appealing not only to the eco-conscious but also to the adventurous spirits seeking off-road escapades. Competitors like the Nissan Ariya, Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq iV, Volkswagen ID.4, Kia EV6, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 also offer dual-motor versions. Let’s look into the details that make this EV a formidable rival in the electric SUV market.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The Solterra comes in just two trim levels, and you can only have it in a handful of different colours. Features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, heated seats and a motorised tailboard are included on the basic Limited model, which starts at £49,995. For an additional £52,995, you can upgrade to the Touring trim and enjoy such extras as a panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon audio, wireless smartphone charging, and an electric passenger seat. It now competes head-on with Tesla’s Model Y Long Range.

Electric Performance

The Solterra, from Subaru, manages to provide a pleasant driving experience without sacrificing its handling prowess. It’s a great option for long trips and highway cruising thanks to its ability to absorb shocks and give a calm, relaxed driving experience.

The car’s two electric motors deliver 215 horsepower and 337 Newton-meters of torque smoothly. Even if it’s not as fast as the Nissan Ariya or the Tesla Model Y, it still manages to get from 0 to 62 mph in a respectable 6.9 seconds.

Range and Charging

The Solterra’s standard Limited trim comes with a 289-mile range thanks to its electric motor and its 71.4 kWh battery. The range of the Touring model, which has larger 20-inch wheels, is reduced to 257 miles. This puts it in the same ballpark as the base Model Y, Enyaq iV, and Ford Mustang Mach-E, all of which can go between 250 and 280 miles between charges.

It’s important to remember that the Solterra only gets 2.5 miles per kilowatt-hour when it’s really chilly outside. Its 178-mile maximum range under these conditions is significantly shorter than that of some of its rivals.

Interior and Technology

The Solterra’s interior is well-designed for passengers, with both buttons and touchscreens for your convenience. It’s unique in a market where touch-screen displays are rapidly proliferating. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen is particularly impressive due to its intuitive interface and rapid response times. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard on all trims, whereas wired Android Auto and wireless phone charging are limited to the Touring trim.

Practicality and Comfort

Rear passengers of the Solterra have plenty of legroom and headroom, and the seat backs recline. The high floor, however, makes leg resting difficult. The glovebox and back windscreen wiper are missing, however the storage area under the centre console is useful.

The Solterra has 452 litres of storage space in the Limited model and 441 litres in the Touring model. This is passable without being particularly outstanding. The Skoda Enyaq iV and the Tesla Model Y are two good options for shoppers who need a lot of trunk space.

Towing and Reliability

When compared to rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Nissan Ariya, which can tow up to 1,600 and 1,500 kilogrammes, respectively, the Solterra’s 750-kilogram towing capacity falls short.

The simpler powertrains in electric vehicles make them more reliable, which is an important consideration. Although Subaru isn’t known for producing reliable vehicles, the Solterra is an electric vehicle and thus has the added reliability that comes with that.

Warranty and Servicing

The battery in a Subaru Solterra is guaranteed for eight years or 100,000 miles, and the vehicle itself is insured for three years or 60,000 miles. Subaru owners may rest easy knowing their vehicles are serviced every year or 9,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Conclusion

The Subaru Solterra is a groundbreaking SUV that combines classic and modern features, offering all-wheel drive excellence and eco-friendly commuting. Despite facing competition from other SUVs, the Solterra’s competitive electric performance and user-friendly interior make it a promising choice for those seeking a combination of classic and modern vehicles.

Read More: Formulasun.org


FAQs

Is the Subaru Solterra a fully electric vehicle?

Yes, the Subaru Solterra is, in fact, an all-electric crossover vehicle.

How does the Solterra’s range compare to its competitors?

The Solterra’s base Limited trim delivers a range of up to 289 miles, which is competitive but shorter than some competitors.

Can the Solterra be charged at fast-charging stations?

The Solterra can be charged from empty to 80 percent full in about 28 minutes using appropriate ultra-rapid charging stations.

How does the Solterra’s towing capacity compare to other electric SUVs?

When compared to rival electric SUVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Nissan Ariya, the Solterra’s 750-kilogram towing capability is below average.

Is the Subaru Solterra a reliable vehicle?

It’s too soon to tell how reliable the Solterra will be, but in general, electric vehicles are more dependable than gas-powered ones because of their simpler powertrains. Subaru also ranks highly in customer satisfaction polls, which suggests that owners are pleased with the servicing they receive.

The Subaru Solterra, a pioneer in electric vehicle innovation, showcases its all-terrain capabilities and dedication to the automotive industry’s ongoing electrification journey.

Leave a Comment