2023 Subaru Solterra: A Class-Leading Compact Electric SUV
The electric vehicle market continues to advance in leaps and bounds, with almost every major manufacturer making its move toward a fully EV future over the next few years. Subaru is no exception, having announced an exciting range of new EV models under development. However, it's the imminent release of an all-new electric Subaru SUV that has excited the most interest across the auto industry.
The 2023 Subaru Solterra is built to a compact crossover design and is one of the first SUVs to bring EV technology to the mainstream market. As you'd expect from a Subaru, the new model carries many more advanced features than are often found in its price bracket, and the newly revealed specifications are set to place the model at the forefront of the compact EV pack. Here's what to expect from a Solterra test drive at Docksteader Subaru.
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Advanced Design - Inside and Out
The Solterra is built around a brand-new platform developed in partnership with Toyota, and the combined expertise of the two automakers shows through in the advanced design. The electric status of the vehicle is announced from the start with the body-coloured solid grille, creating a striking tone from the front.
The confident outline continues through slanting LED headlights and a low-slung sloping windshield, leading to a chunky rear with very little tail overhang. Combine all this with a healthy ground clearance of 21cm, and the overall result is an assertive but streamlined compact SUV that's ready for all-terrain adventures as well as smooth highway cruising. With gas-powered models from Subaru, the Solterra makes an excellent family driving choice. The spacious cabin provides plenty of storage bins and cubbies for convenience, alongside a maximum of 850L of cargo space for versatile everyday driving.
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Performance, Range, and Charging
It's with the all-electric powertrain that the Solterra really starts to shine. The new SUV is powered by dual electric motors making a combined 215 horsepower and 248lb-ft of torque, passed to symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard.
Four selectable driving modes are available, with Normal, Power, and Eco, the most used in regular driving conditions. The final X-Mode option makes full use of the strong linear torque from the engines, distributing power to each wheel independently for excellent all-terrain traction and handling. Add in the unique Grip Control feature that automatically adjusts the throttle and braking at low speeds, and the Solterra creates a fully electric option for off-road adventure devotees.
For the powertrain, the generous range of up to 350km means the Solterra can take you wherever you need to go, especially when combined with fast DC charging capability that delivers 80% battery capacity in less than an hour.
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Interior Technology
Subaru vehicles are renowned for the amount of technology and comfort they supply as standard, and the Solterra firmly continues in this tradition. Every model in the range is fitted with a 12.3" touchscreen display to access the infotainment features, including navigation, cloud-based apps, and smartphone integration through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Selected models also feature a wireless charging facility, while a linked smartphone app allows remote access to climate control, engine start, door locking, and more.
To complete the advanced interior tech options, a cloud-based voice control assistant is available to allow hands-free operation of navigation and other functions.
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Unmatched Safety and Driver Assistance
The Solterra is built on exceedingly strong foundations, with the all-new e-Subaru Global Platform combining a rigid base, reinforced structure, and carefully placed crumple zones to provide an unprecedented level of crash protection.
What's more, the physical safety is backed up by an extensive suite of electronic systems to reduce the risk of collision. Based around the Subaru EyeSight system and a 360-degree camera, all models in the 2023 Solterra lineup feature the following key highlights:
• Automatic pre-collision braking to safely stop the vehicle in an emergency.
• Lane departure warnings and lane keep assist to control sideways drift.
• Blind spot monitoring that illuminates a side mirror when an unseen vehicle is detected.
• Rear cross-traffic alerts to make reversing safer and easier than ever.
• Rear automatic braking when an obstacle is detected while reversing.
• Adaptive cruise control to lower stress levels and fatigue in both city traffic and long highway journeys.
Ready to see more? Experience the electrifying future of compact SUVs by booking a test drive of the 2023 Subaru Solterra, available in June 2022 at Docksteader Subaru.
