Subaru Solterra (2022 - )

The Solterra is Subaru’s first foray into fully electrified driving and it is rather good. Boasting stylish looks, this five-door model offers 4x4 capability, is packed with high-end tech and is dynamic to drive.

On the downside, the driving range between charges is pretty woeful and you will need to keep a wary eye on the battery charge if covering motorway miles as it drops like a stone.

The Solterra bears a remarkable resemblance to the Toyota bZ4X which is built on an identical platform as part of a collaboration between the two companies. But with a nod to Subaru’s 4x4 heritage, the Solterra comes with all-wheel drive as standard whereas it is an option on the Toyota. And, if you’re wondering, the Solterra name has been created by merging the Latin words for Sun and Earth.

Customers can choose from two well-equipped trim levels called Limited and Touring with prices starting from £52,495. Both models feature a 218PS 71.4kWh battery and we opted for the range-topping Solterra Touring and that had a somewhat hefty price-tag of £55,495.

The Subaru Solterra is a great looking car that’s very easy on the eye without being too brash. So, no massive rear spoiler then! It features the company’s signature hexagonal grille that has been integrated into the front fascia and is flanked by slim, wide LED headlights. 
The low bonnet line accentuates the car’s SUV styling and there are short overhangs at the front and rear with bold wheel arch trimmings. The rear glass adds to the car’s aerodynamics with high-positioned, rear combination lamps and 20-inch alloys to complete the look. These are reduced to 18-inch alloys on the Solterra Limited model.
Moving inside, the interior has a minimalist, clutter-free appearance with synthetic-leather seats that can be powered and heated, along with memory functions to store favourite settings. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and outer rear seats can also be heated and there is a wealth of tech to explore.
The main focal point is a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen which comes equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto smartphone connectivity. There is a pitch perfect eight speaker Harmon Kardon sound system on the range-topping Touring model, with DAB radio, sat nav and Bluetooth, along with a digital rear-view mirror and a panoramic 360-degree view monitor. 
A separate panel of controls offers easy access to the climate settings and all the important driving data such as speed and range, can clearly be viewed on the seven-inch digital instrument cluster.
A Subaru Care app allows remote access via a smartphone to a number of functions, such as controlling the charging, checking the battery status and pre-cooling or pre-heating the cabin before setting off.
 

The Subaru Solterra features a 71.4kWh battery with two electric motors – one on each axle – to deliver all-wheel drive. With 218PS and 168.5Nm of torque from each of the dual electric motors, the five-door car can complete the 0-62mph dash in 6.9 seconds and tops out at 100mph. But possibly the most important figure is the 288 miles of range between charges.
The acceleration through the single-speed transmission is beautifully smooth and rapid, so expect to leave most ICE-powered vehicles standing at the traffic lights.
On twisting B roads the Solterra is confident with good levels of grip and no sign of body sway even when pushed hard into sweeping bends. It’s also nice and agile in busier town centre settings with a turning lock of 11.2 metres, along with a reversing camera, sensors and a 360-degree panoramic-view monitor providing all the assistance needed when parking. The all-round driver visibility impresses which is vital on a vehicle that most likely will be a regular on the dreaded school run.
The Solterra cruises with ease on motorways too with the cabin remaining nicely hushed and the highly effective suspension system smoothing out any unexpected potholes along the way. The range will start to drop quicker at 70mph, but some battery charge can be recouped in busier stop, start traffic with steering wheel paddles to alter the level of regenerative braking. And single-pedal driving is also a possibility for more relaxed city driving.
There are three drive modes called Eco, Normal and Power that alter the dynamics and handling of the car accordingly, but be prepared to watch the driving range drop in Power mode. 
The Solterra features an upgraded version of the company’s X-Mode AWD system that offers added confidence on steep or rough terrain. You simply press the X-Mode button and the vehicle will equip itself to navigate deep mud, snow and steep, slippery slopes with the driver just needing to steer.
 

The Subaru Solterra is a great looking car that stretches 4,690mm in length, is 1,860mm wide and 1,650mm tall with a wheelbase of  2,850mm.
With proportions similar to a family SUV, there is ample cabin space for five occupants to sit comfortably with impressive leg, elbow and head space in the back – even with the panoramic sunroof on our Touring model. Ideally the back seats are designed for youngsters, but a couple of six-footers can sit comfortably without too many complaints.
The boot is accessed via a powered tailgate and can swallow 441 litres of luggage (452 litres on the Limited model) with extra storage beneath the boot floor to keep the charging cables out of the way. There is no additional space beneath the bonnet though.
The capacity increases further by dropping the 60:40 split-folding rear seats and there are numerous practical storage options throughout the cabin, including deep door bins with room to store bottles, a huge area beneath the centre console, seat back pockets, a central cubby bin, practical front and rear cup holders and a wireless charging pad. Similarly to its sibling, the Toyota bZ4X, there is no glovebox.
When it comes to boosting the 71.4kWh battery, it can be charged at home or at the office via a 7kW wallbox and it takes 7-8 hours to reach an 80 per cent charge. The same range can be achieved in about 30 minutes if using 150kW fast charging facilities.
With family breaks in mind, the all-wheel drive Solterra is equipped for driving across boggy ground and can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 750kg.

Running Costs
The Subaru Solterra costs £52,495 for the Limited specification, increasing to £55,495 for the Touring model, as tested.
With its zero carbon emissions figure, owners will benefit from a number of financial incentives, including being exempt from road tax, Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone fees. And there is no penalty for buying a car costing in excess of £40k as is the case with ICE-powered vehicles where there is a hefty premium levy for five years.
However, the Government will start clawing back some of these EV savings starting next year when the financial rewards are being cut back or withdrawn completely.
While you can expect to pay exorbitant prices for fast charging at motorway service stations, the day-to-day running costs can be dramatically reduced by charging the car overnight at home using a wallbox. And it’s also worth trying to negotiate cheaper tariffs for late night charging too.
The Solterra comes with a standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty while the battery has eight-year, 100,000-mile cover.
 

Despite the inevitable move to electrification, Subaru has stayed true to its roots with the Solterra thanks to outstanding go-anywhere ability along with a raft of safety features.
The car was awarded the maximum five stars when tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating and boasts the likes of pre-collision systems, dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, safe exit assist, blind spot monitor, lane departure alert, e-Call, rear cross traffic alert and lots more besides.
So, the Solterra is a very capable EV that offers plenty in the way of performance, styling, safety and technology, but it is somewhat let down by that limited driving range.