Subaru Solterra revealed

The 2022 Subaru Solterra has broken cover in Japan, showing off a rugged exterior design backed by what Subaru says is genuine off-road capability for its all-new battery-electric mid-size SUV.

Revealed in a livestream event ahead of its world public debut at the 2021 Los Angeles auto show next week, the Solterra’s exterior is almost identical to its twin-under-the-skin Toyota bZ4X.

The major differences are the front and rear bumper and LED headlight and tail-light designs.

A quick peek inside shows Subaru’s first mass-market EV shows a similar cabin design too, with the digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch central touch-screen virtually identical.

Expected to roll into showrooms around the world from the second half of next year, with an Australian launch likely but still not confirmed, the Solterra will be offered with a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack delivering a maximum cruising range of “approximately” 530km (WLTP), says Subaru.

That would put the five-seat SUV significantly ahead of rivals such as the Hyundai IONIQ 5, which offers a claimed 451/430km (2WD/AWD) range.

In terms of charging performance, however, the new Solterra EV cannot match the Hyundai’s 800V charging systems and 350kW charging rate. The Subaru is able to draw 6.6kW from an AC charger and a maximum of 150kW from a DC fast-charger.

The Solterra’s 500km-plus range is for a single-motor, front-drive variant, while the dual-motor all-wheel drive version has a circa-460km range.

Single-motor variants will send 150kW of power to the front wheels, while dual-motor versions have 80kW for each axle, for a combined 160kW output.

Maximum torque, acceleration and other figures remain undisclosed at this stage.

Measuring 4690mm long with a 2850mm wheelbase, Subaru’s new EV was co-developed with Toyota and is slightly longer than a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

With 210mm of ground clearance, which is 10mm lower than a Subaru Forester, the new Solterra will, according to the car-maker, deliver “peace of mind in any environment”.

Development chief Daisuke Ono talked up its new AWD ‘eAxle’ system, which “maximises grip to all four tyres” and can apportion instant torque to individual wheels at will.

Footage of the Solterra climbing steep and rough inclines and blasting through muddy terrain was shown during the livestream, during which Subaru outlined that its X-MODE AWD system now features adjustable grip control for improved off-road performance.

In terms of safety and technology, the Solterra offers semi-autonomous steering, braking, acceleration and parking, the latter achieved via smartphone while outside of the vehicle.

A digital key function, where a smartphone becomes the car key, can be used, along with several other remote car functions, such as manipulating windows, door locks and climate control.

The 2022 Subaru Solterra comes with three drive modes (Eco, Normal and Power) and brake regeneration adjustability.

It also offers a power-operated tailgate and has a big boot that can fit three suitcases or a mountain bike.

Based on the new e-Subaru Global Platform that was co-developed with Toyota, the Solterra is the first of many new EVs to come from both brands.

The battery pack is slung low in the floor between the axles and, as Ono-san explained, the Toyota-Subaru tie-up will see the brands “engage in friendly rivalry”.

Closer to home, Subaru Australia general manager Blair Read said he was amped to see the new EV but stopped short of confirming local availability.

“Whilst Subaru Corporation are yet to confirm a timeline for the Solterra in Australia, we are working very closely and future electric projects form part of ongoing dialogue between Subaru Australia and the factory.”