Subaru Solterra Electric SUV to Arrive in 2022

What’s in a name? According to Subaru, the answer is a commitment to environmental responsibility and its first all-electric SUV, dubbed Solterra. The newly christened Solterra is a compact SUV developed in partnership with Toyota. In addition to the moniker, Subaru has revealed teaser photos along with scant details of the EV, which is set to arrive in 2022.

Related: Toyota’s All-Electric bZ4X Concept Launches ‘Beyond Zero’ Brand

The Toyota Connection 

The new Solterra shares the automaker’s global electric platform and several design elements with the Toyota bZ4X Concept, but unlike Toyota, Subaru takes a more conventional approach to naming its battery-powered SUV. A marriage of the Latin words “sol” (meaning sun) and “terra” (meaning earth) gives a nod to the upcoming EV’s earth-friendly intent. 

AWD Capability 

The Solterra also marries Toyota’s electrification technology with Subaru’s all-wheel-drive capability. Although Subaru is staying mum on the Solterra’s powertrain and performance specs prior to the official reveal, we do know the vehicle will be equipped with the automaker’s standard AWD found across its SUV lineup. 

Bringing Electric SUVs to the Masses 

Luxury automakers may have gotten a head start on all-electric SUVs (think Audi E-Tron, Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model X and Volvo XC40 Recharge), but the field is about to get much more crowded. Players like Nissan, Toyota and Subaru are all throwing their hats into the ring to give future SUV shoppers more electrified options.  

The Solterra will join Subaru’s lineup that includes the Crosstrek, Crosstrek Hybrid, Outback, Forester and Ascent. It appears to be comparable in size to the Forester and will go up against eco-friendly rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4. and Tesla Model Y.

More From Cars.com:

• • 2021 Best Eco-Friendly Car of the Year
  • Here’s What the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Costs
  • Subaru Crosstrek, Crosstrek Hybrid: Which Should You Buy, 2020 or 2021?
  • What’s New With Electric Vehicles for 2021?
  • Should I Buy an Electric Car or Plug-In Hybrid?

Related Video: 2021 Subaru Crosstrek: Review

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.