Subaru are renowned for their rugged demand and ability no matter the terrain, hugely popular with those in the farming and equestrian community, its trio of offerings now become four thanks to the addition of the Japanese makers first electric vehicle.
In conjunction with Toyota, the two manufacturers have come together to design and develop this electric mid-size coupe-SUV. The badge adorning the front and rear of the vehicles is the easiest giveaway between the Subaru Solterra and the Toyota bZ4X. Some design changes of bolt on parts between the two brands feature, but to most they would not be noticed.
One massive difference when browsing is that the start price of the Toyota is significantly cheaper than that of the Subaru. The main reason for this is that there is no entry level Soltera. Meaning the Subaru, available in just two guises, is hugely equipped and available with only all-wheel-dive. Ensuring the brands off-road ability.
Standard equipment includes 100% Electric (Dual Motor), Permanent All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Range up to 289 miles (WLTP Combined), 30 Minute Fast Charge, 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds, X-MODE with Hill Descent Control, Subaru Safety Sense Technology, 210mm Ground Clearance, 12.3″ Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-Degree Panoramic Monitors, Pre-Collision Braking, and Heat Pump.
Priced from £52,505 the ‘Limited’ model is the most affordable of the brace on offer from Subaru, with the ‘Touring’ as tested and pictured priced from £55,505. It features a useful wireless phone charging pad on the centre console and a high-quality Harmon/Kardon stereo. It also adds memory function for seat, steering wheel and mirrors. As well as Faux leather upholstery and a panoramic glass roof.
Powering the Subaru Solterra is a 71.4kWh battery and two electric motors. One on each axle. Producing 215hp, a dash from 0-62mph takes just 6.9 seconds. The big advantage for Solterra is the all-wheel-drive X-Mode system, combined with 210mm of ground clearance which will see the Subaru drive over terrain many rival’s dare not. A low towing weight of just 750kg rules out ownership for anyone actually needing to tow something other than garden waste.
Recharging your Subaru Solterra SUV is simple and convenient, with a variety of options, both at home and on the go. When you’re out and about, use rapid public charging points to reach 80% charge in around 30 minutes with a 150kW fast-charging system. Back at home, you can opt to charge at a cost-effective time through a wall-box to reach 80% charge in 7-8 hours or simply plug your Solterra car into an available mains socket. Similar to when you plug in your mobile phone, the battery will charge fastest up to 20% and then slow down after 80% to protect its longevity.
After a week with the Subaru Solterra, I struggled with its poor driving position, the steering wheel being in the way of the cluster screen – obscuring the information it provides, the infotainment system not being user friendly, and it is more utilitarian than I expected.
Featuring a less than average real-world range of just 200 miles on full charge, it’s around 100 miles short of most rivals. As well as the usual EV handling due to the sheer weight of the vehicle which, when driving on a typical NI backroad, doesn’t inspire any confidence at all.
On the up-side, the Solterra is spacious, the double sunroof making it feel even roomier, heated front and rear seats and steering wheel perform well, and the boot is fairly spacious.
Subaru offer a three-year, 60,000 mile warranty. With the battery covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. The Toyota badged car receives up to ten year/100,000 mile warranty under Toyota’s Relax plan.
