2023 Subaru Solterra electric SUV has standard AWD, of course

LOS ANGELES — Subaru is finally taking its first step into the world of electric cars with the launch of the Solterra. The amped crossover is positioned as the EV that will do everything a petrol Subaru does, including ferry its nature-loving occupants to the great outdoors. As such, it's built with light off-roading in mind, something not many other EVs have addressed.

Subaru isn't shy about the fact that the Solterra was developed jointly with Toyota, their second joining of forces since the BRZ and 86 sports coupes. In fact, the Solterra and Toyota bZ4X are nearly indistinguishable. Subaru representatives say that the two forged a natural partnership, with Subaru contributing its all-wheel-drive and chassis expertise, and Toyota supplying its hybrid and battery know-how.

Subaru being Subaru, however, the Solterra is only available with the dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, while the Toyota is offering both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations (at least in Japan, where both have been revealed; we'll know more about the U.S. bZ4X later this month). With its twin mills, the Solterra puts out a combined 215 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.

Of course, the main question when it comes to EVs is one of range. Subaru is still awaiting final numbers from testing, but estimates over 220 miles in the EPA's driving cycle. That puts it between the Hyundai Ioniq's 208 and the Nissan Leaf Plus' 237. The battery pack can be charged with Level 2 AC and DC fast charging, but as far as charging times go, Subaru would only say that it's capable of "a significant charge in under an hour."

Subaru is adamant that the Solterra is just as durable as the other AWD trail dogs in its lineup. Engineers capitalized on the EV's lack of a motor to build in an extremely short front overhang, with an equally pithy one at the rear. They also gave the Solterra an 8.3-inch ground clearance, which is 0.4 less than the Subaru norm but still greater than most compact SUVs. It's designed to accommodate kayaks, bikes, and other outdoor gear with the addition of optional roof racks as well.

Subaru still calls its enhanced traction system X-mode even though with no throttle or transmission to manage, it's vastly different from its gasoline cars' X-modes. It has both hill descent and and ascent assistance, and Subaru says that in some ways this AWD system is more controllable because with the electric motors all the torque is available down low.

Indeed, Subaru showed us some fairly impressive videos of the Solterra in low traction situations. Some of them included an offset contact test where only tires on kitty corner from one another touched the ground. The Solterra was able to claw its way over these obstacles from a stop with no problem while a Jaguar i-Pace struggled to gain traction like an overturned turtle. Other testing clips showed the Solterra climbing a set of steep wet concrete stairs with little issue and, naturally, drifting through gravel like an WRC racer.

Cabin-wise, the Solterra offers a decent environment. Materials don't look bargain-basement, but they don't look nearly as swanky as a Mazda MX-30's, either. Seating is generous, with enough room for one 6-footer to sit behind another without banging their knees. An available panoramic roof lends to the airy feel.