Will the new 2023 Subaru Solterra be fast, or will the heavy batteries weigh it down? Check out how it performs against the Subaru Forester. The answer may surprise you.
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Customers ask how much will the 2023 Subaru Solterra cost? Or how much range will the Solterra have? And how big is the Solterra? They also ask how fast is the Solterra is or how the Solterra accelerates? The answer about acceleration may surprise you. Last week, Subaru Corporation Solterra Project General Manager, Daisuke Ono, showed just how quick the Solterra EV is.
At the 4:17 mark of the Solterra’s world premiere (YouTube video below), Ono talked about the new EV’s acceleration and showed it testing against a new 2022 Subaru Forester compact SUV on Subaru’s test track in Japan.
Both compact SUVs are similar in size, and the Forester weighs 3,449-3,589 lbs depending on trim level. The new Solterra, with its batteries, weighs significantly more at 4,453 lbs.
That makes the Solterra’s acceleration even more impressive. Subaru says the Solterra’s eAxle creates a new dimensional driving that demonstrates maximum torque with a great response at low speeds. Subaru says the Solterra offers driving enjoyment as an EV characterized by a fast start, with a more significant response from the accelerator and seamless acceleration from zero to 60km/h (37 mph).
The new Subaru Solterra overtakes the Forester in acceleration in the video below and beats the similarly sized compact SUV impressively. Both models feature Subaru’s all-wheel-drive hardware, but the Solterra has extra weight with front and rear AC synchronous electric motors and the Lithium-ion battery.
Subaru says there are three drive modes with different acceleration characteristics and drive power. The Solterra comes with Power, Normal, and Eco Modes. The strength of the regenerative brakes can also be controlled with the steering wheel paddle shifters to adjust acceleration characteristics or extend the coasting range.
Subaru says it’s another example of where they ensured the Solterra responds to driver input.
The new Subaru Solterra makes its U.S. debut at LA Auto Show next.
EV shoppers can see the 2023 Subaru Solterra EV at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Friday, November 19, 2021, through Sunday, November 28, 2021. Subaru of America will unveil its first all-electric 2023 Solterra compact SUV in Los Angeles on Wednesday, November 17, and streamed live. Stay tuned.
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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 Global
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Which is one of the reasons I
Which is one of the reasons I won't buy the current Forester. I have the 2.0L Turbo XT from 2015, running to over 175kW. The current ICE Forester is 2.5L with around 130kW and is a real slug in comparison.
The EV might be worth looking at...
As John, I drive the 2.0l
As John, I drive the 2.0l turbo XT 2014 Forester. It has 240 HP, torque of 263 lb-ft both are better than those of the Solterra's 215 HP and 248 lb-ft, respectively. The turbo Forester is lighter and quicker: 7.5 seconds , 0 to 62 mph. It is a heavy drinker though, its range per tank is about 350 miles. Scenic roads might have gas stations here and there, but probably no BEV charging stations. My Forester has been extremely reliable, 0 problems in more than 7 years. Thus, until Subaru provides a longer range and stronger Solterra, I'm going to sit on the fence and wait for a faster, longer range EV Subaru to emerge.
A very big potential problem
A very big potential problem with that video is that the JDM spec Forester Carrie’s a 2.0 liter 154 hp engine, vs the U.S. spec 2.5 liter 182 hp engine. So, while the 215 hp and 250 lb foot of torque will beat the US model as well, with. A Thousand more pounds to carry it’ll be a much closer race.. anyway Toyota has screwed up the whole Subaru ease, convenience and sensibility philosophy of designing a car.