If you’re looking to reserve a 2023 Subaru Solterra, you can now do that because the preorder banks have officially opened this week. Those interested in the electric crossover can put down a refundable $250 deposit after selecting their preferred dealer. However, there are only a limited number of reservations available at each retailer. You then select from the three trims available: Premium, Limited, and Touring. Following that, you can then pick your interior and exterior colors plus whatever available options and accessories you might like.
Once pricing has been released for the 2023 Subaru Solterra, you will get an email to contact your preferred dealer to finalize your order. You can then choose to apply the $250 deposit to your order or have it refunded to you. Final orders, pricing, availability, and financing will be done between April and May between you and your preferred Subaru dealer. Unlike some of its competitors, the Solterra will be available in all 50 states. Deliveries are expected to begin this summer.
The 2023 Solterra is Subaru’s first battery-electric vehicle and it was codeveloped with Toyota. It rides on Subaru’s version of Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, which it calls the e-Subaru Global Platform. With up to 8.3 inches of ground clearance, the Solterra should be able to go farther off the beaten path than key competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4, and Kia EV6. Subaru engineered its version of the platform to maximize stability, handling, and improved safety. It also added a new version of its X-Mode system on the Solterra, which now has hill ascent and descent assist.
In the U.S., the Solterra will only be offered in a dual-motor configuration. The two electric motors make a combined 215 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. The two electric motors are also tuned to provide superior torque management and improved traction on all road conditions. Although Subaru hasn’t revealed the battery capacity, it’s likely the same 72.8-kWh unit found in the dual-motor Toyota bZ4x. Other markets are getting a single-motor version of the Solterra with a smaller 71.4-kWh battery and a 201-hp electric motor. Subaru says that on a single charge, the Solterra should be good for over 220 miles. That puts it in the lower end of the spectrum because dual-motor competitors have more power and can travel at least 240 miles per charge.
Subaru has also announced that it has partnered with EVgo to give Solterra owners access to an extensive network of DC charging stations. It could also form another agreement with Electrify America to provide owners free charging for a certain amount of time while enabling them to charge at more locations. Like the bZ4X, the Solterra should be able to DC charge at peak rates of over 150 kW, allowing it to go from 0 to 80 percent in less than an hour.
The 2023 Subaru Solterra will be the first model to get the new suite of driver assistance features. This now includes Safe Exit Assist, which warns you of oncoming traffic and pedestrians before you exit the vehicle. The Solterra is also the first Subaru to get a surround-view camera system. It will also get a version of Toyota’s latest infotainment system, which is already in use in the Tundra.
