[jg.]

This is the first image of the Subaru model family I have seen that includes the Solterra.

Seems like a pretty good indicator of how the Solterra compares size-wise to the other models, so I thought I'd share in case it hadn't been seen by people.

 

[StevenH]

Cool, thanks! ✨

 

[Ducatista]

right between the forester and outback pretty much.

 

[bob E]

This is the first image of the Subaru model family I have seen that includes the Solterra.

The rear pillars on the Solterra seem to be much fatter than on the other Subaru models. It makes me wonder what visibility to the rear is like compared to, say, the Crosstrek.

 

[jg.]

The rear pillars on the Solterra seem to be much fatter than on the other Subaru models. It makes me wonder what visibility to the rear is like compared to, say, the Crosstrek.

You can see in all the YouTube review videos that Toyota made huge blind spots in the rear with this vehicle, it definitely doesn't have the normal Subaru rearward visibility.

 

[StevenH]

You can see in all the YouTube review videos that Toyota made huge blind spots in the rear with this vehicle, it definitely doesn't have the normal Subaru rearward visibility.

There is a small window behind the rear door that helps a little, but yeah there's a little bit of a blind spot. However, unique to the Solterra (not available on the bZ4X) is the digital rear-view mirror that eliminates all blind spots to the rear. Not surprised that Subaru insisted on that, if only on the touring trim.

 

[jg.]

There is a small window behind the rear door that helps a little, but yeah there's a little bit of a blind spot. However, unique to the Solterra (not available on the bZ4X) is the digital rear-view mirror that eliminates all blind spots to the rear. Not surprised that Subaru insisted on that, if only on the touring trim.

I'd say (without having been in the actual car) there's a larger blind spot in the Solterra than any other vehicle I've ever owned, and the little windows in the back are mostly to make the back seats seem more spacious.

I'd also argue the side view mirrors (if adjusted properly) are your main source, in any car, to eliminate blind spots, but you really should be able to turn your head to double-check what's beside you. Unfortunately, you really can't see out of those tiny windows from the driver's seat to help reduce the blind spots.

<rant>
I also have a bit of a pet-peeve about blind spot warning lights because most people don't adjust their side view mirrors to properly reflect what's beside the car (their blind spots) and instead just look back behind the car (that's what the rear view mirror is for). So they rely on the light more than actually seeing the vehicle. I always look for eyeballs in side view mirrors of cars I am driving past, but sadly in most cars I see the top of the steering wheel instead of someone seeing me in their blind spot.
</rant>

So despite the digital mirror having no obstructions (headrests) and a much larger field of view than the optical mirror (I wish I knew some actual numbers), a rear view mirror is only to see behind you and can't see beside you in your blind spots.

Sadly, the digital rear view mirror is one of the main reasons I reserved the Touring instead of the Limited, mostly because of the lack of a rear wiper more than the other visibility issues.

Tunnel vision using optical rear view mirror

 

[jg.]

Here's a great comparison of the optical and digital rearview mirror.

Optical mirror blocked by inside equipment as well as headrests:

Digital view provides HUGE unobstructed field of view:

 

[frankamartin]

Subaru Family of 5 SUVs (including Solterra)

In case you want to see the original image

 

[CTValleySubaruGuy]

While the technology of the digital rearview mirror is slick, that's why the vehicle also comes with side mirrors. And blind spot warning system, at least on the upper tirms. I'd also note that for seeing the necessary parts of the road behind you, the optical mirror appears to be fine. Maybe for seeing people approach you in a parking lot, this is an jmprovement, but my impression (never having sat in one) is that the effect is much less significant.

I'm not sure how that picture of the "blind spot" was taken, but since I see what appears to be the steering wheel and part of the driver's face in that picture, it appears to have been taken from a good 3 feet in front of where the driver's head would actually be, and therefore not an accurate representation. I will also say that blind spots are exactly the kind of thing that Consumer Reports likes to comment on, and they actually liked the outward visibility.

For me, I will reserve judgment on visibility issues until I can test drive one for myself.