Toyota and Subaru have been closely collaborating in a number of vehicles and technologies over the years. Perhaps the most famous of these is the Toyota GR 86 and Subaru BRZ sports car twins. Their most recent partnership, however, has resulted in an electric crossover SUV. Say hello to the 2023 Subaru Solterra.
In terms of styling, there are no surprises here. The Solterra is the Subaru end of the electric SUV joint venture between the two companies. It looks similar to the Toyota bZ4X, which was recently unveiled in production form about a week ago. In order to bring the electric SUV more in line with Subaru’s design language, the Solterra differs itself from the bZ4X with its enclosed hexagonal grille, unique LED headlights with C-shaped LED daytime running lights, a revised front bumper design with integrated foglights, and new C-shaped LED taillights.
The interior, however, looks almost unaltered compared to the bZ4X, at least in terms of styling. The only differences that Subaru made are in terms of the colors and trim choices, along with most likely a slightly different user interface and graphics for the Solterra’s screens.
Since this car is built with the e-TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) that’s co-developed by the two brands, the two vehicles share the same dimensions. While it measures closely with the Subaru Forester at 4,690 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,650 mm tall, its second-row space is nearly as roomy as three-row midsize SUVs such as the Evoltis. This is thanks to the bespoke electric car platform having no need to accommodate an engine, and this lets the Solterra have a long wheelbase measurement of 2,850 mm, nearly identical to the Evoltis.
Just like the Toyota bZ4X, the Subaru Solterra uses the same electric motor that’s available in two configurations. The base version is a front-wheel drive (FWD) model that produces 201 hp, while the all-wheel drive (AWD) version with twin electric motors produces 215 hp. Both configurations come with a 71.4 kWh battery pack that provides up to 530 km of range for the FWD model and 460 km for the AWD model.
Just like the bZ4X, Toyota touts that its battery pack will come with the assured quality and reliability from the two brands. As a matter of fact, the Japanese automaker claims up to 90 percent battery capacity retention during the vehicle’s first 10 years.
The 2023 Subaru Solterra, just like the Toyota bZ4X, will go on sale in mid-2022 in global markets worldwide.
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