Subaru Solterra Review - Sun and Earth combine for a serious EV option
Okay, let’s explain the headline. Those of you who did Latin at school will instantly know that sol means sun and terra means Earth.
Put it together and you get Solterra, the brand new EV from Subaru.
The Name Explained
Let’s be honest here, I suspect that when the time comes to change your car, the name Subaru doesn’t instantly spring to mind. That doesn’t apply, of course, if you live out in the sticks, tow a horsebox, have a farm or smallholding, regularly travel across wet or muddy ground or enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.
Or you already have a Subaru.
Subaru's Market Perception
That little list is actually part of the reason why a Subaru dealer might not be your first port of call. On the other hand, if you do fall into that category, Subaru is probably one of the first brands you think of. Subaru regulars love them. They like the reliability, edgy styling and of course the go-anywhere(ish) convenience.
But, things are changing at Subaru and the Solterra represents a bit of a re-focussing. It should also see more ‘mainstream’ buyers potentially consider going for a Subaru.
A New Direction for Subaru
The other models in the Subaru range - Outback, Crosstrek and Forester - are very much from the Subaru mould, but the Solterra is new territory as Subaru’s first-ever all-electric car.
It might be their first effort but I have to say it’s a good’un.
Enter the Solterra
Subaru knows when it needs help. It doesn’t have the resources to do everything on its own, so like a lot of the world’s motor manufacturers, they’re collaborating with others.
In this case they’re working closely with Toyota and, with the Solterra, it shares a lot with the Toyota bZ4X. Subaru used a similar ploy with the BRZ. That car shared almost everything with Toyota’s GR86.
But don’t assume that the Solterra is just a Toyota clone because it really does have an identity of its own. The most obvious one being that, because it’s a Subaru, it has an electric motor on each axle to provide permanent all-wheel drive which, let’s face it, is part of the Subaru DNA. Subaru was also involved in the development of the car, especially how it would perform on difficult terrain.
On-Road Performance
For the majority of its life, every Subaru will spend most its time on the tarmac and this is where the Solterra really hits the mark. It’s great to drive. When it comes to electric cars, this is one of the most involving EVs I’ve driven.
Driving Experience
For a medium-sized crossover that weighs two tonnes, you’d expect it to be a bit leaden. Wrong. On motorways, it feels extremely poised and, when you head onto the country lanes, the body is nicely controlled. If you venture onto mud / snow / sand or any steep or rough terrain, you simply hit the X MODE button and the transmission will take care of everything including Descent Control. I’ve tried it and it works really well, seamlessly shifting power from one wheel to another to find grip. Clever huh? And because the AWD system is permanent it means that you get an added dollop of safety in all conditions without knowing it.
Technical Specifications
Power and Range
In terms of techy details, power equates to 215bhp which means the car is good for a 0-60mph time of 6.9 seconds. What are the all-important range figures? Subaru reckons you’ll manage 289 miles. That figure drops to 257 miles if you go for the top of the range Touring model. This is down to the car having larger wheels. A 20-80% charge will typically take 27 minutes. Subaru also fit regeneration paddles to the Solterra (Toyota don’t on the bZ4X) which you can use when braking to put some power back into the battery. It’s just a pity the paddles have an irritating click when you use them. Oh, and there’s also a button if you want to select one-pedal driving.
Talking of irritating, I can understand why there’s a pinging noise outside when reversing, but do we need one inside the cabin too? Perhaps you’ll like it.
Interior Experience
Life inside the Solterra is otherwise really good. It’s smart and feels well screwed together. Subarus are designed to be able to cope with a bit of rough and tumble so I’d expect the Solterra to be ideal for anyone who may need to chuck muddy boots or wet clothing into it. There’s plenty of room for 5 adults.
Cabin Comfort and Design
Something I particularly like is the driver’s info screen, which is mounted ahead of you and above the steering wheel (like the latest Peugeot models). It works well and looks good.
Technology and Features
In the centre of the fascia you’ll find a 12.3-inch touchscreen which controls the usual stuff like sat nav, audio, phone mirroring etc. Thankfully there’s a row of buttons which allow you manually to control the climate.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Only two specs are available - Solterra Limited and Solterra Touring. The big difference is that the Touring gives you a panoramic sunroof, an upgraded audio system, bigger alloys and fake leather upholstery. The Limited starts at £52,495. Add three grand for the Touring model. I’d stick with the Limited version if given the choice.
I'm really impressed with the exterior design. It stands out from an increasingly anonymous bunch of SUVs. What do you think?
Final Thoughts
If you are considering an EV, make sure you try the Subaru Solterra. It’s a surprisingly engaging car to drive. Make sure you compare like for like as well because the starting price for the Solterra may look a tad high, but remember this is an AWD car and it’s well equipped.
A surprising Subaru? I’ll take that.
words: Graham Courtney
pictures: Subaru
