Rivian just had one of the largest initial public offerings in automaker history. The 2022 Rivian R1T electric truck better watch out. There’s a new electric adventure vehicle coming to town: the 2023 Subaru Solterra.

The 2023 Subaru Solterra could have serious off-roading chops

The 2023 Subaru Solterra just made its official world premiere. Subaru President and CEO Tomomi Nakamura revealed the origins of the Solterra name as well as what the SUV means for the future of the brand. The Subaru Solterra is described as the “cornerstone” of a new generation of electric vehicles.

The electric SUV may be new and innovative, but it still aligns with the brand’s standards and values. President Nakamura promised that the electric vehicle is still a Subaru despite its innovative new powertrain. What does Nakamura mean when he insists that the electric SUV is still a Subaru?

Nakamura refers to the Solterra’s heritage and predecessors. Subaru SUVs like the Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback are known for high ground clearance, amazing traction control, and off-roading prowess. The Solterra’s world premiere displays the electric SUV taking drivers through nature in every scene.

Tomomi Nakamura himself test drove the Solterra and put the SUV through different types of terrain. Nakamura commended the Solterra’s all-wheel drive system and even took the vehicle down a steep dirt hill. The 2023 Subaru Solterra could have serious off-roading chops, and that’s a problem for Rivian.

The 2022 Rivian R1T is an electric adventure truck

The 2022 Rivian R1T is being marketed as an electric adventure truck. The truck is photographed in the great outdoors on the company’s website. If pictures of a muddy R1T aren’t enough of a giveaway, Rivian offers trim levels like the “Explore” and “Adventure” trims.

The Rivian R1T isn’t just a casual off-road either. It took on Hell’s Gate at Moab…and won. The Rivian R1T is responsible for a new type of electric vehicle subclass: the electric adventure vehicle. The R1T may be the sole occupant of this space at the moment, but the 2023 Subaru Solterra will present a serious challenge to the electric automaker.

Which automaker will win the electric adventure vehicle war?

With a whopping 800 horsepower, the 2022 Rivian R1T is certainly the more hardcore off-roading option for consumers. That being said, the electric truck will be practically double the price of the 2023 Subaru Solterra.

The 2023 Subaru Solterra will be a sufficient off-road vehicle because of its all-wheel drive system and X-Mode traction control system. Ultimately, there’s room for both electric adventure vehicles, and they target different consumer groups. The Solterra could convince some potential R1T buyers that it’s a more affordable alternative.

The Rivian R1T will be a much rarer sight. According to Car and Driver, it has a starting price of over $68,000 for the base model. The future is electric, and apparently, it’s off-road as well.