Subaru of America, Inc. debuted its first all-electric SUV, the 2023 Subaru Solterra, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The name Solterra was created using the Latin words for “Sun” and “Earth.”
Solterra’s high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack can be charged with its Level 2 AC and DC fast charging capability. With DC fast charging, Solterra is capable of charging up to 80% of total battery capacity in under an hour. Mobile apps work with the vehicle’s multimedia system to help locate thousands of charging options nationwide, including more than 3,000 DC fast-charging stations and 38,000 Level 2 charging stations. Charging at home is also possible with Level 1 or Level 2 compatibilities. The all-wheel-drive SUV has an estimated range of more than 220 miles.
Solterra comes standard with a new Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system that now channels smooth linear output from Subaru StarDrive Technology, providing traction and capability in all kinds of weather and terrain, the company says. Subaru StarDrive delivers substantial on-demand torque at all speeds with power and driver-selectable regenerative modes. Like other Subaru SUVs, Solterra is equipped with X-MODE, offering increased performance in low-friction and off-road conditions. The new model features Grip Control that incorporates Hill Ascent and Descent Assist. The vehicle has 8.3-in. of ground clearance and 215 hp from front and rear electric motors.
The Solterra has up to 126 cu. ft. of passenger and cargo space, and the five-passenger SUV offers up to 30 cu. ft. of useable cargo space behind the rear seats. It also features a 60/40 folding seatback and two-position load floor. The 41.3-in. rear gate opening with low liftover height allows easy loading and unloading. Available raised roof rails add more cargo-carrying options.
The new Subaru Solterra offers a suite of active safety technology, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology; Blind Spot Monitor with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Also standard is Parking Support Brake, which can apply the vehicle’s brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing. For the first time in a Subaru, a 360-degree Surround-View Camera system allows for better all-around situational awareness. Also new for Subaru, Solterra is equipped with standard Safe Exit Assist. The new safety feature notifies occupants, before exiting the vehicle, of approaching vehicles with an audible and visual warning.
Unique to Solterra is the new e-Subaru Global Platform. Standard multi-element LED Headlights include High Beam Assist, encouraging drivers to maximize the use of high beams without worry of impairing oncoming traffic. The new SUV comes standard with driver and front passenger frontal airbags, side curtain airbags, side pelvis/torso airbags, and a driver and front passenger knee airbag.
Solterra is equipped with a multimedia system with an available 12.3-in touchscreen. The new system comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available wireless charging phone dock in the center console. Smartphone app connectivity includes remote climate control and remote lock/unlocking. The remote climate control system can automatically warm-up or cool down the vehicle before departure, even when garaged.
The Solterra will go on sale mid-2022.
