2023 Subaru Solterra Features and Specs
Subaru has heeded the call to go greener and developed its first electric vehicle (EV) or battery-electric vehicle (BEV) – the 2023 Subaru Solterra. The Japanese car manufacturer has created an all-electric compact crossover that features the all-wheel-drive system, a standard for all its vehicles.
In true Subaru fashion, the Solterra is designed to go anywhere. Subaru discovered a niche market and have worked smart to produce the Solterra to cater to it. Currently, there are very few options for non-luxury BEV compact crossovers on the market, making it a perfect arena for the Subaru Solterra to be in.
Performance and drive
Subaru is pushing the boundaries of adventure with the Solterra. When EVs first debuted on the global car market, no one would have imagined that they could go off-road. The Solterra has two electric motors that produce 215 hp and 248 pound-foot of torque. One electric motor powers the two front wheels while the other powers the rear wheels, giving the car its off-road capabilities in what is known as the Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time AWD system.
Power is distributed and directed differently according to the four driving modes on offer in the Solterra. These are ECO, Normal, Sport, and X-mode. The X-Mode helps give you better traction and control on slippery or uneven terrain by independently modulating power to each wheel using a new feature called “Grip Control”. The off-road capabilities of the Solterra are increased by its 8.3 inches of ground clearance, making it easy to clear minor obstacles.
Battery and range
With the electrification of vehicles came more technology added to them to make them easier to control and a lot cooler. The Solterra has paddles on the steering wheel that adjust the regenerative braking system for more efficiency when you need it. Subaru is yet to release the actual range specifications of the battery of the Solterra, but the rumour mill has come up with some figures, and Subaru is aiming to surpass 220 miles on a single charge.
According to the car manufacturer, there are three levels of charging the high-capacity battery pack. You can plug the car into any 120V outlet for level one, or you can always install a 240V outlet at your home for a faster level two charging. You can also plug in your Solterra at a DC fast charging station for level three, and that will boost your battery to about 80% full charge in an hour.
The safety side
Subaru has taken great care to make the Solterra as safe to drive as possible, and it has a variety of the standard driving assistance safety features, including:
- forward collision warning and emergency brakes system
- rear cross-traffic alert and blindspot detection
- lane departure alert and lane-keeping assistance
- 360-degree camera system (a first for Subaru)
Interior and connectivity
The Solterra has a 12.3-inch touchpad with both Apple Carplay and Android Auto. It has a wireless phone charger and a neat smartphone app that allows you to control different settings in the car, like the aircon. The panoramic sunroof gives it a spacious feel, and the vehicle has great storage with compartments smartly placed around the interior.. With the seats folded, the cargo space increases to 30 cubic feet, making it great for travelling.