In November, Subaru revealed its first-ever crossover that is all-electric for the second time. 2023 Subaru Solterra electric crossover, a doppelgänger of the Toyota bZ4X, debuted in the United States at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The first subcompact crossover, which is all-electric like the Subaru BR-Z and Toyota 86 (previously the Scion FR-S) before it, is a joint effort, and the crossover is a close relative, almost twin-like, to Toyota bZ4X crossover, which was unveiled in April.
In the end, the Solterra satisfies Americans’ unquenchable appetite for crossovers while also providing Subaru with a foothold in the electric vehicle industry, thanks to Toyota’s assistance. Even with the chip shortages constraining the supply chain, Subaru has had a very good two years. In the United States, the carmaker has reported record sales.
The midsize Forester, which is known for the all-wheel vehicles, has been a sector leader in respect of volume, however, the small Crosstrek was the greatest seller in October 2021, according to the company (by volume). Dealers are having trouble keeping the higher off-road Wilderness versions of the Outback as well as Forester on the dealer lots, according to Subaru, with markups as great as $5,000 above sticker.
As of September 2019, Toyota possesses 20% of Subaru, however, the two companies have been working together since 2005, when GM discontinued its connection with Subaru. The Toyota-Subaru relationship has benefited both firms, as Subaru brings its experience in all-wheel-drive technologies to the table, while Toyota provides the smaller automaker with hybrid and electric powertrains. Both Japanese firms are more cautious and deliberate when venturing into new terrain, but the Solterra provides an intriguing glimpse into Subaru’s vision for the future of the electric crossovers featuring off-road capabilities.
The Solterra is another Subaru-Toyota collaboration, which means that parts of the design elements, particularly the inside, are quite Toyota-like, but the exterior, chassis, and all-wheel-drive system are all Subaru. Toyota was also in charge of battery procurement.
The battery is a lithium-ion battery unit, worth 71.4 kWh slung low between axles and powered by 2 electric motors, one in front and one in the back. The Solterra’s range is estimated to be around 220 miles, and it can be loaded from 0 to 80 percent in roughly 30 minutes utilizing DC fast chargers, according to Subaru. The engine produces 215 horsepower as well as 248 lb-ft of torque, with a lot of torque available at low speeds, making the Solterra a good soft-roader.