Subaru's electric shake-up with a familiar face

Subaru's electric shake-up with a familiar face

29 July 2025

Ah, Subaru, the brand that's always prided itself on being the underdog of the automotive world, the one that sticks all-wheel drive into everything like it's sprinkling fairy dust on a muddy trail. Now, they're diving headfirst into the electric revolution with not one, not two, but three new models that promise to electrify your senses—or at least your garage socket. But hold on to your boxer engines, because these aren't exactly groundbreaking inventions from the depths of Subaru's secret labs. No, they're more like clever remixes, borrowing heavily from their chums over at Toyota, and slapping on that signature Subaru ruggedness. Let's dissect this trio, shall we? Because in a world where every carmaker is going green faster than a salad bar at lunchtime, Subaru's approach is both predictable and oddly entertaining.

First up is the Solterra, which isn't entirely new but has been given a facelift that's about as subtle as a rally driver in a china shop. This is the original fruit of Subaru's electric fling with Toyota, essentially a rebadged version of the bZ4X but with Subaru's all-wheel-drive wizardry thrown in for good measure. For 2025, it's beefed up with a stronger AWD setup pumping out 338 horsepower from dual motors, and a 73.1 kWh battery that squeezes out around 500 kilometers of range—enough to get you from the city to the countryside without stopping for a tea break every hour. The visuals? Minor tweaks like body-colored wheel arches on the five-door version, because apparently black ones are so last season. It's got that off-road cred with decent ground clearance, but let's be honest, it's more at home dodging potholes on the motorway than conquering Everest. If you're the type who wants an EV that doesn't scream "I'm saving the planet" too loudly, this one's your quiet accomplice.

Then there's the E-Outback, which sounds like something you'd order at a drive-thru in the Australian wilderness, but is actually Subaru's take on an electric estate car with a rugged twist. Think of it as the break version of the Solterra—longer, more practical, and ready to haul your kayaks or whatever outdoor nonsense you fancy. Powered by two electric motors delivering a whopping 375 horsepower, it zips from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, which is quicker than you'd expect from something that looks like it could tow a small house. The 74.7 kWh battery promises 450 kilometers of range, and with 21 centimeters of ground clearance, it's got genuine off-road chops, even if the Symmetrical AWD is now electric rather than the old mechanical magic. In the US, it's called the Trailseeker, which makes it sound like a lost Indiana Jones sequel, but over here in Europe, it's the E-Outback, set to hit roads early 2026. Prices? Still a mystery, but expect it to undercut fancier rivals while overdelivering on that Subaru quirkiness.

And now, the star of the show—or at least the one that's trying hardest to stand out—the Uncharted. Unveiled with all the fanfare of a New York launch, this compact crossover is Subaru's boldest EV yet, though "bold" here means they've taken Toyota's C-HR+ and given it a Subaru makeover, complete with a more angular front end and a steering wheel that's squared off like it's ready for a fight. It's shorter than the Solterra by nearly 18 centimeters, but somehow packs in over 700 liters of cargo space with the seats folded, making it a sneaky little hauler. Power options abound: a base front-wheel-drive with 167 horsepower and a 57.7 kWh battery for around 450 kilometers of range, a mid-tier 224 horsepower version stretching to 585 kilometers on the bigger 77 kWh pack, and a top AWD beast with 338 horsepower for those who want to pretend they're in a WRX rally. Fast charging gets you to 80% in 30 minutes at 150 kW, and there's even a 22 kW onboard inverter, which is handy for powering your campsite gadgets. It's the most Subaru-like of the bunch, with styling that's distinctly theirs, even if the bones are pure Toyota.

So, what's the verdict on this electric trio? Subaru's not reinventing the wheel here—they're just electrifying it and adding their trademark grip. These models are all about practicality with a dash of adventure, built on proven Toyota tech to keep costs down and reliability up. In a market flooded with EVs that feel as exciting as watching paint dry, Subaru's lot at least promises to get you stuck in the mud and back out again without a fuss. Whether it's the updated Solterra for everyday duties, the E-Outback for family escapades, or the Uncharted for zipping around town with style, they're a solid entry into the battery-powered future. Just don't expect them to outrun a proper petrol monster on a twisty road; electrics have their limits, after all.

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