[Damon D.]

What do you all think about the Solterra apparently not including a rear wiper on a car obviously designed and built for the rugged (and often wet and muddy) outdoors and especially, snow country? I find this to be a serious misstep.

The way I drive is very focused on what’s around me, my mirrors are adjusted correctly to minimize blind spots and I am always scanning what’s ahead and behind me. Not having the ability to easily wipe away muck and grime that accumulates in even the best of conditions to keep my 360° scanning visibility of the dynamic conditions around me while driving makes me feel a little hamstrung.

 

[Peterd15]

My thoughts on the rear wiper is that since the window is very slanted, you won’t need it. Just like in most coupes the wind will blow off all water within seconds. Now I do see your point about driving in muddy conditions though. That might be a problem.

 

[Damon D.]

My thoughts on the rear wiper is that since the window is very slanted, you won’t need it. Just like in most coupes the wind will blow off all water within seconds. Now I do see your point about driving in muddy conditions though. That might be a problem.

Yeah, we’ll have to see if those twin roof spoilers do the job with air flow management over the expansive glass at the rear hatch.

 

[jmajid]

While i agree with the sentiment that "we will have to see the results", the two "horns" or spoilers are not the only features on the top of the Solterra. There are also other smaller features up there to disrupt the airflow.

 

[WBF25]

My concern is road spray/salt build-up in the wonderful upstate NY winters. Not sure I think I'll be able to see out of it driving around in heavy snow. Had a few slushy inches fall this morning and was running my Outback rear wiper a fair bit. Granted, it's designed like the Solterra's to not need one (hopefully) but it's definitely a concern. Have had issues in the past in sedans with no rear wiper.

 

[Ducatista]

judging by my latest post of the snow test drive. It looks like with the top spoiler and bottom spoiler design it might be ok without a wiper.

 

[JayEM]

@Ducatista, I was just going to say that!

Then again... look at the 4:40 mark... Hmmm.

 

[192]

Hell, look at 2:03 too. No way anyone in a snowy climate is going to be able to see out of the rear window. Aero won't do any good stopped in traffic. My Impreza has a more vertical rear window and the rear wiper is indispensable.

 

[jmajid]

So, does nobody use the rear defroster in snowy conditions?

 

[192]

So, does nobody use the rear defroster in snowy conditions?

Yep, but a wiper is still necessary.

 

[jmajid]

I'm still in the "lets wait and see" about how this all works out.
From that video at 4:40 onwards, the snow is really coming down and his front wipers werent keeping the front shield that clean either... and later on the 210mm snow test with ice on one side and snow on other was impressive.

 

[JayEM]

So, does nobody use the rear defroster in snowy conditions?

Sure, a defroster helps melt frozen stuff on the rear window, but it does nothing to remove non frozen debris, like saltspray. Or dust/mud.

The one thing I hated about my 2014 Legacy was that, unlike all my cars before and after it, it had no rear wiper. Yeah, sedans generally don't have rear wipers, but I felt powerless when anything would accumulate on the rear window while driving.

 

[MaiTaiMatt]

I think the no rear wiper is a ploy to get everyone to upgrade to the Touring model. Only the touring model has the “Display Rearview Auto-dimming Mirror” that used the backup camera as the rear view mirror.

 

[JayEM]

I think the no rear wiper is a ploy to get everyone to upgrade to the Touring model. Only the touring model has the “Display Rearview Auto-dimming Mirror” that used the backup camera as the rear view mirror.

Yeah, looks like the rear-view camera will get MORE obscured than the rear window... Not seeing a camera-washing feature listed....

 

[Peterd15]

Has anyone used one of the display rearview mirrors before? I’m worried it might be strange. I’ve never seen one.

 

[JayEM]

Has anyone used one of the display rearview mirrors before? I’m worried it might be strange. I’ve never seen one.

I haven't, but several other cars have/offer that feature (e.g. Chevy Bolt...). Sometimes "strange" is actually "better".

 

[Ducatista]

Yep, but a wiper is still necessary.

is it though? With the sloped profile, what’s the difference from a sedan? None of those have rear wipers and people drive them just fine. Oncethe car is cleaned off, the combo of aero and defroster should be fine during a snow fall.
However, it will definitely get “dirty” like a sedan and require more frequent cleaning by hand. I suggest a ceramic coating (or other glass coatings) and this will be almost a non issue.
Don’t get me wrong, I still prefer a rear wiper. But I think this issue is blown out of proportion and if a rear wiper is a “deal breaker” for anyone that’s an insanely picky individual

 

[JIm_in_PA]

Has anyone used one of the display rearview mirrors before? I’m worried it might be strange. I’ve never seen one.

I use the video rear view on my Ascent 100% of the time. I love the feature.

 

[jmajid]

Has anyone used one of the display rearview mirrors before? I’m worried it might be strange. I’ve never seen one.

I also have used this in our Ascent Touring.
It's a little strange as the perspective is a little different; my daughter on the other hand likes to look through it as she sits right behind me!
It will take some getting used to though.
But, if the rear windshield is dirty, it also does get obscured... but like others have said, its going to be a case of clean it, then use the aero effect and defroster when required along with other coatings. NBD.

 

[Reknid]

Has anyone used one of the display rearview mirrors before? I’m worried it might be strange. I’ve never seen one.

I, as well, use the display mirror on our Ascent quite a bit. I use it due to third row passengers obscuring the normal rear view. It can be adjusted through the software but it did take a little of use to get adjusted to the look of it. But it’s second nature for me now. And yes, my kids love looking at it as well since they can see exactly what I’ve always seen from my viewpoint looking behind.