Subaru of America has just released the first set of teaser images of their upcoming fully electric SUV called the Solterra. It is a big departure from the current generation of vehicles, as it will be built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform and shared development with Toyota.
Toyota earlier previewed the bZ4X concept in April at the Auto Shanghai 2021. Similar to the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 project, the Subaru Solterra / Toyota bZ4X products seem to share the majority of the styling, both inside and outside.
Subaru Solterra Toyota bZ4X Concept
While the front is darkened, both cars probably feature a slightly different final bumper design to keep consistent with their own brand’s design languages, much like the sportscar twins. The rear of the Subaru Solterra looks almost like the final production car, with detailed lighting and reflectors units. The ‘EV’ emblem looks oddly designed though.
Inside, a circular steering wheel can be found in the Subaru Solterra, unlike the yoke-like rectangular-shaped unit in the Toyota. Both dashboards are similar, with a large central infotainment display and wide lower console close to the driver, while an instrument cluster is placed farther away, almost next to the windscreen.
Subaru Solterra Toyota bZ4X Concept
Unlike the current model names derived from English, the Solterra name is a combination of Latin words- ‘Sol’ for sun and ‘Terra’ for earth. According to Subaru, the name Solterra was meant to appreciate mother nature and further advance the form of coexistence with it.
No technical information has been shared, with Subaru saying it is built on the new e-Subaru Global Platform and offers plenty of back-seat and luggage room. It will be the most technologically advanced Subaru yet and includes Subaru’s legendary symmetrical all-wheel drive system.
The Subaru Solterra is set to go on sale in the US in mid-2022, a similar timing with the Toyota bZ4X.
GALLERY
2023 Subaru Solterra
Toyota bZ4X Concept
