Subaru Goes EV with the 2023 Solterra

Photo By: Subaru

Subaru is jumping into the EV market with the 2023 Subaru Solterra, the first offering from the Japanese automaker built on a fully-electric platform.

2023 Subaru Solterra driving offroad
2023 Subaru Solterra. Photo by Subaru

Those with an eagle-eye might say, “Well that’s just a rebadged Toyota RAV4!” and those folks wouldn’t be entirely incorrect. Subaru teamed up with Toyota to conceive the new EV platform, which will be shared with the 2023 Toyota bZ4X. The Solterra will feature Subaru’s capable Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and come standard with 8.3-inches of ground clearance to get a little further into nature.

Solterra’s Offroad Performance

While some might scoff at this all-electric vehicle’s offroad capabilities, the Solterra is poised to deliver decent offroad performance due to its ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and its dual electric motors that generate 215-horsepower and 248-pound-feet of torque. Being entirely electric that power is available to the driver on-demand at the touch of the pedal. The Solterra employs four drive modes: Eco, Normal, Power, and X-mode providing outstanding traction and capability on all kinds of road and trail surfaces and in almost any weather condition.

Solterra Styling

The 2023 Subaru Solterra will come from the dealer in three trim models; Premium, Limited, and Touring, each offering upgrades to the driver experience . For all models though, one can expect traditional Subaru styling including; a large touchscreen and digital gauge cluster, an open and airy cabin with plenty of visibility, seating for four with Star-Tex upholstery. Abundant charging outlets are abound throughout the vehicle. The rear gate opening hatch provides 30-square-feet of cargo storage, more than enough for camping and sporting gear.

READ MORE: The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness is Everything We Wanted

Solterra Range and Charging

EV Charging of the 2023 Subaru Solterra
Photo by Subaru

The StarDrive powertrain gives an estimated range of over 220 miles with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as well as a variety of options for fast and convenient charging, both at home and on the go. Subaru states that a driver can achieve an 80% charge in less than an hour as long as you have access to charging stations or outlets.

EV is the future, whether those of us with petrol engines want to accept it or not. Of course, the range and charging infrastructure needs to be improved, but that will come. Until then, the Subaru Solterra is a great vehicle to get you out exploring.

2023 Subaru Solterra Pricing

The 2023 Subaru Solterra should retail for $35,000 – $38,000. You can learn more here: https://www.subaru.com/solterra-ev.html

Photo by Brett Willhelm

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