What's the difference?
Car companies don’t normally overhaul a vehicle so rapidly and comprehensively. But the updated Subaru Solterra EV is an exception. It had to be done and this isn’t just an update, it’s an act of survival for Subaru… and Toyota.
You knew the Solterra’s identical twin is the Toyota bZ4X, right? Together Subaru and Toyota developed an electric SUV. Subaru’s is the Solterra, Toyota’s is the bZ4X - same car, different styling, mostly.
The problem was the vehicle couldn’t compete with rivals like the Zeekr 7X and Tesla Model Y on price, driving range, power or charging speed.
Subaru and Toyota knew this had to be fixed ASAP. And so we now have the new Solterra. But is this revised version good enough? Read on to find out.
In 2023 Peugeot commands around 50 per cent of sales in Australia’s small (under 2.5-tonne GVM) commercial van segment with its Partner range, which offers a choice of wheelbase lengths and model grades.
The French marque has recently introduced its first fully electric variant to the Australian market called the e-Partner, even though this van has been on sale in Europe since 2021.
We recently put one to work for a week, which included loading it up to the max, to see how it compares to its petrol-powered sibling.
The updated Subaru Solterra is now good enough to compete with rivals such as the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X. The price is right as are the driving range and motor outputs.
There's room for improvement in terms of cabin packaging. The car doesn’t cater for taller, larger people up front, with the steering wheel placement and wide centre console. Cabin storage could also be much better.
Still, the Solterra is superb to drive. One of the best EVs I’ve piloted at this price.
It’s a lot of money for a small commercial vehicle that’s well into its current model cycle in Europe, falls short on benchmark safety and requires convenient charging infrastructure to minimise inconvenience for owners. However, its emissions-free drivetrain is quiet and competent under load, with a range that should comfortably cater for the daily urban use small van operators typically require. Whether those positives outweigh the negatives, only a potential buyer can decide.