The All-New Subaru Solterra EV Won’t Be Your Typical Urban Commuter

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Subaru says the new 2022 Solterra EV SUV will be distinctly Subaru. Here is what will set Subaru's first-ever all-electric SUV apart.

Subaru just introduced its first-ever all-electric SUV called Solterra. The Japanese automaker also released its STEP 2.0 mid-term management progress report, and it gives us an idea of what the all-new Solterra all-electric model will be like when it arrives next year. The report says Subaru's core values are adventure, all-wheel-drive utility, safety, reliability and longevity, and capability.

The new 2022 Subaru Solterra won't be your typical urban commuter. Subaru says, "We will further enhance this "deep relationship between Subaru and our customers, making us different from other brands." What sets Subaru apart?

The automaker's values include safety, fun-to-drive, all-weather capable, off-pavement ready, and a low center-of-gravity. One look at the image released by Subaru Corporation reveals the Solterra with mud on the rear deck. The new all-electric SUV will be rugged and off-road ready.

The new 2022 Subaru Solterra will likely have additional features beyond all-wheel-drive. The new battery-electric SUV will come with the ability to get away from civilization and feature extra ground clearance. It could come with dual-function X-Mode with deep snow and mud settings, having a low center of gravity for improved performance while navigating steep trails.

The STEP 2.0 mid-term management progress report says, "With highly responsive electric motors, Subaru's all-wheel-drive capability and driving dynamics will be further enhanced."

Kazuhiro Abe, Subaru's vice president for product planning, says the new all-electric model will be about the same size as a 2021 Subaru Forester, and it will launch in the U.S. It will be developed as a global vehicle. He also revealed it could offer a front-wheel-drive model with one motor and an all-wheel-drive variant with two motors.

The all-new Subaru Solterra will have an all-wheel-drive as standard on one trim level, and possibly a front-drive model will also be available for urban commuters. Subaru's initial market will be in California, where there are mountains and warm weather. Some customers will want the off-pavement trim for off-road pursuits, and some will prefer front-drive for city commuting.

The new 2022 Subaru Solterra won't be your typical urban commuter. The all-electric SUV will be distinctly Subaru and incorporate its core values. Look for Solterra to have a rugged "go-anywhere" attitude for outdoor enthusiasts. Could Subaru also offer a Solterra EV Wilderness trim? Stay tuned.

You Might Also Like: The All-New Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness - When It’s Coming And What To Expect

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

Submitted by Al Gottlieb (not verified) on May 16, 2021 - 4:28PM

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Why doesn’t Subaru be the first EV to be able to be towed behind a motorhome with all four wheels on the ground?
I have enjoyed my manual 5 speed transmission 2000 Subaru Forester since new and it is my trusty reliable toad or towed vehicle behind my motorhome.
Subarus newer than 2014 or 2015 are no longer towable even with 5 speed manuals and no Subarus are towable since they switched to CV T transmissions.
There is a large population of Subaru owners and others waiting for a towable 4 wheel down car.
Seems like a towable EV would be a great product and would corner the RV market for RVers who don’t want a Jeep.
The benefit of being able to recharge your Subaru using the 30amp or 50amp RV site electrical hookup would be a huge benefit.
Thank you.
Thank you.

Submitted by paul holterhaus (not verified) on May 18, 2021 - 1:31PM

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Subaru and off road all wheel drive has been Subie's standard for MANY years............I do not want to hear the words FWD EVER attached to Subaru.........It will damage Their Image and appeal............PLEASE, Subaru.....Never again attach the words FWD to Your Company............Paul

Submitted by jg (not verified) on May 20, 2021 - 12:21AM

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The BRZ blazed the non-AWD trail for Subaru, and - surprise - it’s a joint project with Toyota just like the Solterra. So any combination of drivetrains you see on the Toyota EV version(s) have the possibility to make it to the Subaru(s).

People seem to have gotten over the uproar the BRZ caused.

Jeep had the same rhetoric with the Cherokee 2WD, and the Liberty having an independent front suspension was going to make the sky fall. Just because they are trying to appeal to a broader market doesn’t mean you need to buy the one that you don’t like.