Not bZ4X: Subaru reveals 2022 Solterra as first EV

Confidence in electric motion

Today is an important day for Subaru. For the first time, the automaker will be dipping its toes in the electric vehicle market. Following its twin brother's debut, the Toyota bZ4X, the Japanese automaker has officially revealed the 2022 Solterra EV.

The electric Subaru Solterra looks nearly identical to the Toyota bZ4X. However, Subaru did make a few changes to their EV, most of which can be found at the front. Compared to the Toyota, the Solterra comes with a closed-off grille design similar to other Subaru models. It also adopts a different set of headlights featuring the brand's C-shaped LED signature. The lower half of the fascia has then been tweaked to make it more aggressive and comes with round fog lights.

Along the side, it's virtually the same as the bZ4X apart from the Subaru-exclusive wheels. It's the same story for the rear. However, the Solterra does have a different set of taillights with a C-shaped design as with other Subarus.

Step inside, and you'll find more familiarity with its Toyota twin. The layout of the dashboard, buttons, and even the touchscreen is the same. There are a few minor differences in trim to help distinguish the two models apart.

On the topic of powertrains, the Solterra uses a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that gives the crossover around 460 km of range using Japan's WLTC standard. Subaru says the EV can charge at 150 kW. As with all other Subaru vehicles, the Solterra comes standard with all-wheel drive, utilizing the brand's X-Mode system. It uses two electric motors, one on each axle, to send power to the ground and has a combined output of 215 horsepower.

Interestingly, a front-wheel drive version of the Solterra is also available. That version only produces 204 horsepower but has a longer range, rated at 500 km. 

With the 2022 Subaru Solterra officially revealed, we wonder if Motor Image Pilipinas has plans to offer the EV in the country.