Test Car Specifications
Model: 2023 Subaru Solterra Touring
Price: Solterra from £52,495; Touring from £55,495
Engine: two 80kW electric motors
Transmission: single-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Battery: 71.4kWh lithium-ion
Power: 218hp
Torque: 336Nm
Emissions: 0g/km
Range: 257 miles
0-62mph: 6.9 seconds
Top speed: 100mph
Boot space: 441 litres
Styling
The relationship with the Toyota bZ4X is immediately apparent, because the Solterra is essentially a bZ4X with the badges removed. Of course, that's something of an over-simplification, because Subaru has changed the front bumper a bit and fitted a Mustang Mach-E-style hint of a grille, as well as slightly different headlights. Otherwise, though the two cars are pretty much peas in a pod. Not that there's much wrong with that. Both look smart in a futuristic sort of way, and we actually think the Subaru's nose is slightly more interesting than that of the Toyota.
Interior
If the Subaru looks like the bZ4X on the outside, the two cars are nigh-on identical inside. The only real differences are the badge on the steering wheel and the graphics on the touchscreen, and they have only changed for the welcome message. Otherwise, it's just the same, which means it's spacious and futuristic, as well as quite well built, although some of the materials leave a little to be desired.
The in-car technology is so-so, but it's better than most of the systems to have come from Toyota in recent years, with a cleaner and more modern touchscreen design. Most importantly, it works nicely with the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration systems, which you're more likely to use on the regular anyway.
Practicality
Although both versions of the Solterra have two motors, there is a discrepancy in boot space between the two models. This range-topping Touring version has a 441-litre load space, whereas the cheaper Limited version gets an extra 11 litres of capacity. That makes it less practical than a Skoda Enyaq, but it's still reasonably spacious. And rear space is even more generous, with more than enough space in the back for all but the very tallest passengers to get comfortable.
Performance
Every version of the Solterra comes with much the same all-electric powertrain, combining two electric motors with a battery pack to offer Subaru’s trademark all-wheel-drive traction. It also means there’s plenty of power, with 218hp at the disposal of the driver’s right foot. Obviously, that isn’t huge compared with some other two-motor electric cars, but it’s more than enough to be getting on with, permitting a 0-62mph time of less than seven seconds.
It also means the Solterra can squeeze reasonable range from its battery, which offers 71.4kWh of capacity. Again, that isn’t massive by the standards of the class – the Nissan Ariya’s largest battery has a usable capacity of 87kWh – but it’s enough. The 257-mile official range is, of course, unlikely in anything other than urban traffic, but you should manage about 200 miles on a longer trip, assuming some mechanical sympathy and a gentle right foot. It’s also worth noting there’s a bit of range left in the battery even when the car is crying out for a charge.
Ride & Handling
To the surprise of absolutely nobody, the Solterra rides and handles very similarly to the bZ4X. That's no bad thing, though, because the Toyota is quite pleasant to drive in a sensible, grown-up kind of way. Naturally, the promise of hot hatchback acceleration is appealing, but the Solterra also corners tidily, with light and numb steering but plenty of grip and very little in the way of body roll. It's more safe than spectacular, but that's no criticism in a family SUV.
It's also very refined, with a quiet and hushed cabin that's complemented by a plush ride. Sure, the weight of the battery pack makes its presence felt at low speeds around town, where bumps are often at their sharpest, but the Solterra doesn't feel too crashy or jarring.
And if you want it to go off-road, it will. It's no Land Rover, but it can get through half a metre of water and it has enough ground clearance to deal with your average farm track. The standard all-wheel-drive system means it has plenty of traction, too, and there's ample torque.
Value
Solterra prices start at £52,495 for the Limited, while the Touring comes in at £55,495. As a result, both versions are considerably more expensive than the basic bZ4X, although it's on a par with a comparable all-wheel-drive Toyota. That means prices are a bit higher than for an Enyaq, but the all-wheel-drive ID.4 GTX is a few hundred pounds cheaper.
All that being said, the Solterra comes with plenty of standard equipment, including heated front and rear seats, an electric driving seat and a power-operated tailgate. There's two-zone climate control and 12.3-inch touchscreen as standard, too, not to mention the rear-view camera. However, the Touring sets itself apart with leather upholstery, wireless phone charging and a Harman/Kardon sound system.
Verdict
The Solterra might not be the car to revolutionise electric motoring, but there’s nothing wrong with that. These days, this is perhaps the most competitive and compelling car Subaru makes – aside from the BRZ that isn’t on sale in the UK – and it’s easily a match for the bZ4X. For those who value a bit of off-road ability, it’s a really agreeable family SUV that slots into your life very neatly. Yes, the range might put some customers off, but those who don’t cover long distances will rub along nicely with it.
