The 2023 Subaru Solterra makes its dealer launch this summer. Check out a few quirky and fun facts about Subaru's first all-electric compact SUV.
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The 2023 Subaru Solterra will begin to arrive in June or July in the U.S. Unfortunately, it's already sold out. Subaru of America says its allotment for the first year sold out within the first seventy-two hours after opening the reservation system.
Here is what's coming for the lucky customers who get the first models. Check out thirteen quirky and fun facts about Subaru's first all-electric compact SUV. Automotive News (by subscription) receives credit for a few of the facts in this report.
1. There is no rear wiper, helping reduce weight and improve aerodynamics which allows the SUV to get the most extended range possible, estimated to go 228 miles for the Premium trim and 222 miles for Limited and Touring models.
2. Subaru also nixed a frunk to avoid compromising crashworthiness and maintain some front-end styling cues standard to the brand. Look for the Solterra to earn a Top Safety Pick+ score from the IIHS.
3. There is no glove box, but Subaru says there is plenty of storage in front and back to keep valuables out of sight.
The firsts for the Subaru Solterra
3. A 360-degree panoramic view monitor provides an overhead look at the vehicle for better all-around visibility. No other Subaru vehicle offers this feature.
4. A new standard safety feature called Safe Exit Assist warns occupants, before exiting the vehicle, of approaching vehicles with audible and visual cues.
5. Subaru's first application of wireless Apple Carplay offers an available, factory-installed wireless charging dock for smartphones. No other Subaru vehicle provides this feature.
There are some unique tricks from the Subaru toolbox on the new Solterra:
6. The roof can accommodate up to 700 pounds of gear for outdoor enthusiasts to carry a small boat, kayak, snowboards, cargo carrier, or bike carrier.
7. An activity mount under the rear bumper accommodates hitch-mounted racks and cargo carriers.
8. There are no painted surfaces in the lower liftgate area to prevent scratches as pets and cargo are loaded and offloaded.
9. There are 8.3 inches of ground clearance for off-pavement capability, and admirable approach, and departure angles to navigate steep terrain.
10. There are 19.7 inches of water-fording ability when navigating a stream or run-off from melting snow in the mountains.
11. Subaru's dual-function X-Mode found on the Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek trim levels can tailor power delivery for the situation, permitting some wheel-spin in the sand and loose gravel surfaces.
12. The Solterra's brake-based torque vectoring sends power across the axles, similar to locking differentials, so adventure enthusiasts can place two corners of the Solterra in the air on steep terrain while still maintaining forward motion.
The 2023 Subaru Solterra will arrive in June or July in the U.S., and it's designed for those with active lifestyles. It looks like it's already a success before it makes its retailer launch.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Subaru USA
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Don’t forget that if you don
Don’t forget that if you don’t pay Toyota continuously for their connectivity service, your maps won’t work.
A good first effort, but you
A good first effort, but you did not point out that it does not have a spare tire. That makes no sense to me and is a huge issue/miss. I have been driving in the mountains for over 30 years, and I would never go onto mountain roads without a spare--I guess you will have to carry one on a roof basket, I suppose.
Two observations on the lack
Two observations on the lack of a rear wiper: The recent videos of snow testing in Japan and the media event in Arizona both show the back window COMPLETELY covered in snow and dirt, so if anyone thought they figured out some weird way to manage airflow with those goofy airfoils to reduce accumulation on the rear window -- they didn't; and the design all along was probably to mitigate anything obscuring the rear window with the digital rear view mirror, which likely dribbles water over it to clean while driving giving a clear rearward view regardless of how much stuff obscures the rear window, inside or out. The caveat is, the digital rear view mirror is only available on the Touring (without knowing what pay-for options Toyota/Subaru will offer).