Subaru Solterra Review: A Comprehensive Look at This AWD Electric SUV

Introduction

With the introduction of the Solterra for the 2023 model year, Subaru cautiously entered the increasingly competitive electric vehicle (EV) landscape. Designed in collaboration with Toyota, the Solterra shares much of its foundation with the Toyota bZ4X. While it embodies the rugged, adventure-ready personality Subaru is known for, it struggles to stand out against competitors in terms of range, performance, and pricing. Despite some refinements for 2024, it remains an option that may appeal more to Subaru loyalists than those seeking cutting-edge EV technology.

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Subaru Solterra: What You Need to Know

Unlike a completely original design, the Solterra's development was a joint effort with Toyota, resulting in shared mechanicals and aesthetics with the bZ4X. Subaru, however, has infused its characteristic design language and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) to maintain its brand identity. Yet, when stacked against competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Tesla Model Y, the Solterra falls short in key areas such as charging speeds and overall range.

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Pros of the Subaru Solterra

1. Well-Equipped Across Trim Levels

The Solterra offers three trims—Premium, Limited, and Touring—each with a solid list of standard features. Even the base Premium trim comes with keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a suite of advanced safety features. Higher trims add premium touches like a panoramic moonroof, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a digital rearview mirror for improved visibility.

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2. Peppy and Responsive Performance

Equipped with dual electric motors and a 72.8-kWh battery pack, the Solterra delivers 215 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque. While not the fastest in its class, it provides smooth and responsive acceleration suitable for daily commutes and highway driving.

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3. Improved Fast Charging

For 2024, Subaru enhanced the Solterra’s DC fast-charging capabilities, reducing the 10%-80% charge time from around 60 minutes to approximately 35 minutes under ideal conditions. Though this is an improvement, it still lags behind class leaders like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, which can achieve the same charge in under 20 minutes.

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4. Spacious and Comfortable Cabin

The Solterra offers a roomy interior with comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers. Its cargo space is generous, made even more practical with a low load floor and nearly flat-folding rear seats, making it suitable for weekend adventures and road trips.

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5. Smooth and Composed Ride

Despite its hefty battery weight, the Solterra delivers a composed and cushioned ride. It absorbs road imperfections well and remains stable in various driving conditions, making it a comfortable cruiser for both urban and highway driving.

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Cons of the Subaru Solterra

1. Limited Range Compared to Rivals

With an EPA-estimated range of around 228 miles, the Solterra falls behind competitors such as the Tesla Model Y (up to 330 miles) and the Ford Mustang Mach-E (up to 312 miles). This could be a dealbreaker for buyers who prioritize long-range capabilities.

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2. Slow Charging Relative to Competition

Although improved for 2024, the Solterra’s charging speed still lags behind the fastest-charging EVs on the market. Many competing models can add significant range in half the time, making them more convenient for long-distance travel.

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3. Higher Price Point

With a starting price that sits above several key rivals, the Solterra doesn’t offer the best value proposition. More affordable models in the segment provide better range, quicker charging, and a similar feature set, making it a tough sell for budget-conscious EV buyers.

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Final Thoughts: Is the Subaru Solterra Worth It?

The Subaru Solterra brings all-wheel drive and a comfortable ride to the electric SUV market, making it a solid choice for those who appreciate Subaru’s reputation for reliability and adventure-ready vehicles. However, its shortcomings in range, charging speed, and pricing make it less competitive against other electric SUVs.

If you’re a die-hard Subaru fan looking for an electric alternative with AWD, the Solterra may still be a viable option. But if range and charging speed are top priorities, exploring alternatives like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, or Tesla Model Y might be the better route.

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