'The Subaru of electric vehicles': Why the 2024 Subaru Solterra will shame the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5 in the rough stuff

Subaru Australia has promised its incoming Solterra electric SUV will be a "real Subaru" complete with AWD, off-road capability and a go-anywhere attitude, with the brand suggesting its rugged attributes will set it apart from the electric vehicle pack.

While the brand is yet to confirm pricing details, orders for the Solterra (Subaru's twin to the Toyota bZ4X) will open in October, ahead of deliveries kicking off later in the year.

Australian specification is yet to be revealed, but we now know that all Solterra models will be AWD, in keeping with the brand's ethos, meaning a twin-motor setup that should deliver around 460kms in driving range from its 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery.

In other markets, the twin-motor setup features an 80kW/168.5Nm motor at each axle, which is what is also expected to appear in Australia.

But what will really set the Solterra apart, says Subaru, is its go-anywhere spirit.

"What we are focusing on is what does an owner expect from a Subaru model? And that's core Subaru DNA," said Subaru Australia MD Blair Read.

"That's symmetrical AWD, good ground clearance – if this is a Subaru SUV, then does it meet that grade? That was the first box we checked.

Subaru Australia has promised the Solterra EV will be a "real Subaru" complete with AWD.

"A key role Subaru has played in the development was in the AWD drivetrain, and when you drive this, you can feel the distinct similarities to how the Outback drives, how the Forester drives, and that's what we're focused on –it feels and drives like a Subaru.

"X-Mode will be specific to us, and that same level of expectation (off-road) will apply."

According to Subaru, the Solterra's upgraded X-Mode AWD system allows you to "simply press a button to easily navigate deep mud, snow or even steep, slippery slopes—all in a controlled, calm, worry-free way", while also boasting of a minimum ground clearance of 210mm—so you can go places traditional electric vehicles typically can’t."

Subaru suggests the Solterras rugged attributes will set it apart from the electric vehicle pack.

If that's the good news, then the bad is that the Solterra will follow the now-expected EV pathway of limited supply, at least at launch.

While the brand says interest is already picking up in its first EV, it says supply will be limited at launch, though it won't be drawn on specific numbers.

"Given the interest we're seeing, it's fair to say supply will be tight initially, and then it will get better moving into next year," Read said.

"I can't comment on the volumes just yet, but we have a good-looking pipeline into next year. It will get stronger."