Subaru Solterra First Generation (2023-present)

Single generation since 2023. Co-developed with Toyota — Subaru's first BEV. Built at Toyota Motomachi, Japan under joint-development arrangement. Mechanically nearly identical to Toyota bZ4X with the key differentiation being standard AWD across all trims (Subaru's brand commitment to AWD applies to its EV — Subaru never sells a FWD-only or single-motor variant of the Solterra). 71.4 kWh battery (64 kWh usable), 400V architecture. Dual-motor AWD only, 214 hp / 248 lb-ft combined, ~228 mi EPA range, ~6.5 sec 0-60. DC fast-charging peak 150 kW with same charging curve issues as bZ4X — practical 10-80% takes ~30+ minutes. Cabin: shared platform with bZ4X — same 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, 12.3-inch optional on Touring, same high-mounted instrument cluster (which gets obscured by the steering wheel for some drivers). Subaru-specific touches: hexagonal Subaru-pattern grille, blue interior accent trim, Subaru badge throughout, standard Subaru EyeSight ADAS (vs bZ4X's Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 — different system, similar features). Trims: Premium (base), Limited (mid — synthetic leather), Touring (top — leather, panoramic roof). The Solterra was hit by the same wheel-detach recall as bZ4X in 2022/2023 — Subaru and Toyota issued joint stop-sales and recalled all early production. Subaru repurchased some early Solterra examples rather than repair them, particularly for buyers who lost confidence after the recall. Sales never recovered. The 2026 facelift addresses many launch issues: refreshed exterior styling (Subaru-specific updates differ from bZ4X), improved DC charging curve through software update, retuned dampers for better ride quality, updated infotainment software, and NACS port adoption (post-2026 facelift, matching bZ4X). Pricing $45k-$54k. The Solterra qualifies for federal EV tax credit if leased — purchase eligibility has been spotty given Japan build and battery sourcing. Subaru is exploring next-generation EV platforms with Toyota for 2027+ models — likely to move away from the cost-shared e-TNGA architecture toward a more capable purpose-built EV chassis.