San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Subaru introduces new all-electric Solterra model, has four other SUVs
Subaru, whose line of utility vehicles for the U.S. market always include standard all-wheel drive, has a full line of crossover models. New for 2023 is the Subaru Solterra SUV
($44,995), the brand’s first all-electric, batteryoperated vehicle.
Unlike some of the recently introduced electric vehicles, the Solterra will be sold in all 50 states.
There are four other SUVS in the Subaru stable already available for 2023 beginning with the full-size Ascent – the largest vehicle this Japanese brand has ever offered in the U.S.
Next is the midsize Outback, followed by the compact Forester and the smaller Crosstrek, which is based on the Impreza small sedan.
Subaru Ascent
With its three rows of seating and room for up to eight passengers, the Ascent is the largest Subaru vehicle ever offered in the U.S.
Recent new features include Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering and Lane Keep Assist added to the standard Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology on all trim levels.
Also now included across the board are the
Steering Responsive LED headlights with High Beam Assist for improved nighttime visibility, Subaru says, along with the new Second- and Third-Row Seat Belt Reminder, which prompts passengers to buckle up in the rear seats.
Trim levels for 2023 begin with the base Ascent eight-passenger model ($33,895), followed by the Premium ($36,495) and Limited ($41,595), available in seven- or eight-passenger versions; the seven-passenger Onyx edition ($41,295); the Onyx Limited seven-passenger ($46,295);and the Touring ($48,195, with seven-passenger configuration. Standard on all models are Subaru’s Symmetrical All-wheel Drive and a boxer-style (horizontally opposed) turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing a respectable 260 horsepower and 277 foot-pounds of torque.
Also standard is a continuously variable automatic transmission with simulated eight speeds that can be manually shifted using paddles on the steering wheel. Fuel-economy ratings for the base Ascent and Premium model are 21 mpg city/27 highway/23 combined; Limited and Touring trims with 20-inch wheels are rated at 20 city/26 highway/22 combined.
Subaru Forester
Now in its fifth generation, the popular Subaru Forester recently received updated exterior elements, improved technology, and a special new “Wilderness” edition. Subaru says the Forester is the latest of its SUV models to join the “adventure-ready Wilderness family.”
Designed with a rugged exterior appearance that suggests increased off-road prowess, the Forester Wilderness model ($34,320) combines Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with a specially configured drivetrain, standard X-Mode, 9.2-inch ground clearance, and exclusive wheels with allterrain tires.
Under the hood of all Forester models is a horizontally opposed 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer four-cylinder engine, paired with a Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission.
This direct-injection engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 foot-pounds of torque. Maximum trailer-towing capacity is 3,000 pounds, and Trailer Stability Assist is standard.
There are six trim levels in all for 2023. After the base model comes the Premium ($29,695), Sport ($31,265), Limited ($33,375), Wilderness, and Touring ($36,795).
Specific recent new features include a redesigned front fascia, grille, headlights and fog light covers, with each element varying to match the particular trim level.
The roof rails have also been redesigned to make them stronger and more functional. The roof rails are an important element on the Forester, as many owners use them to haul camping, water sports, and other outdoors-oriented gear, including kayaks.
Using a new ladder-type design, the improved rail system offers a higher load capacity -- 220 pounds vs. 176 pounds before -- and an 800-pound static load limit, up from 700. This allows for “safe use of a rooftop tent,” Subaru says.
Inside, there are two additional utility hooks in the ceiling of the rear cargo area, and a brighter LED interior dome lamp with off-delay is now standard.
Also standard is the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology. The changes were designed to improve overall performance and allow the system to operate under a broader range of conditions – made possible by a wider field of view and improved control software, Subaru says.
Forester’s standard safety features have earned it the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick-Plus rating for the past three years.