Subaru Solterra

The Toyota bZ4x signaled the start of Toyota's electric offense with its concept-inspired looks, minimalist interior, game-changing electric powertrain, and advanced safety features. The main problem is you can't fully own it because you'll have to lease it to drive it for a month. If you want a bZ4x you can fully own, you'll have to make do with its Subaru equivalent, the Solterra.

2023 Subaru Solterra

Starting at 5,995,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever Subaru Soltera is the company's first electric vehicle, which is a nuisance for purists who are moaning over the death of the WRX STi. Because this is the latest vehicle to spawn from the Toyota-Subaru partnership since the defunct Ractis-Trezia and the recent GR86-BRZ, the Solterra features bits and bobs identical to its lease-only bZ4x twin.

2023 Subaru Solterra

With the name coming out from a Capcom video game, the Solterra's styling is hugely identical to its bZ4x twin except for the front view which differentiates it from its Toyota twin. As expected, both the bZ4x and the Solterra are like the coupe versions of the Toyota RAV4 when you look harder at their designs because of their sloping roofline and high ground clearance but needless to say, they're proof that they're ready to roam the open world like superheroes because SUVs and superhero movies sell big-time.

2023 Subaru Solterra interior

Like the bZ4x, the Solterra's interior is part minimalist and part user-friendly, meaning the dashboard's very easy to use despite being too small for drivers with cataracts to read it. The driver's side is positioned below the dashboard like a Peugeot but because this is bigger than the Peugeot, it almost doesn't feel cramped. The addition of paddle shifters is a bit of a show-off inside because why would you need one in an electric car that has one working gear? No one knows.

While it can accommodate up to five people, the boot space is good for up to 475L for the entry-level ET-SS variant, meaning it's good enough for almost all walks of life, be it for work or for road trips with family or friends as long as nothing's ruining its sweet spot. There's even an electrical outlet to plug in your everyday devices like your laptop or your tiny HD TV you bought from the flea market.

2023 Subaru Solterra

Running on the new e-TNGA platform and a 71.4kWh battery, the Solterra, like the bZ4x, is offered in two different configurations; with the front-wheel-drive variant producing 150kW of power and has a range of 567km while the four-wheel-drive variant, armed with X-MODE which is almost useful for tarmac, gravel, and snow, features two 80kW electric motors that powers both front and rear wheels and they're good for 542km based on WLTC mode standards.

For a car that weighs over two tons, the Solterra behaves like a normal crossover on a daily basis thanks to its Rack and Pinion steering, front struts, rear double wishbones, and ventilated disc brakes. It's not an enjoyable ride as expected but it feels nice to drive and downright as regular as a regular show.

In terms of safety, the Solterra, like the bZ4x, is packed with safety features such as Pre-Crash Safety, Blind Spot Monitor, and Toyota Teammate Advanced Park, among many others.

The Solterra may have the same bits and bobs as the Toyota bZ4x but unlike the Toyota equivalent, you can fully own the Solterra if you really want to. Despite bearing a Capcom-ish name and being another treason to the Subaru heritage like the rear-wheel-drive BRZ, the Solterra is proof that Subaru is ready for the age of the new society.

Available colors: Black, Platinum White Pearl Mica, Dark Blue Mica, Emotional Red 2, Precious Metal, Hyper Mist Gray Pearl, Platinum White Pearl Mica/Black, Dark Blue Mica/Black, Emotional Red 2/Black, Precious Metal/Black, and Hyper Mist Gray Pearl/Black.

Photo: Subaru Corporation