Subaru's first all-electric vehicle, the Solterra debuted for the 2023 model year. It shares chassis and mechanicals with the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ. Like its siblings, Solterra is offered only as an 5-passenger, 4-door wagon with standard through-the-road all-wheel drive. Changes for 2024 include a bump in charging rate, standard roof rails and an available limited hands-free cruise control. Competitors include the Chevrolet Blazer EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, Nissan Aryia, Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4.
Trim levels include Premium, Limited and Touring. All models get a two-motor electric drive system that has a combined output of 215 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque. They are powered by a 72.8 kWh battery that for 2024 gets an improved maximum charge rate. Subaru claims that the battery can now be charged from 10 to 80 percent in about 35 minutes, down from nearly 1 hour.
Prices ranger from $46,000 to $53,000. The Solterra is not eligible for the $7,500 EV purchase incentive. All Solterra models are equipped with Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology, which includes forward-collision warning with automatic brake assist, emergency steering assist, intersection collision avoidance, lane-departure warning and assist, leading vehicle alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and panoramic view monitor. Other standard features include wireless support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, LED headlights, automatic climate control and heated front seats.
While Solterra isn't exactly slow, it's one of the slowest accelerating crossovers - on par with the single-motor Volkswagen ID.4. That's not to mean Solterra is slow, just don't expect to get thrown back in the seat in hard acceleration like you might in the Mustang Mach-E or IONIQ 5.
The through-the-road all-wheel drive system does not have a low range and is not intended for severe off-road use. However, Solterra offers better ground clearance than most competitors and should be plenty capable of handling Chicago's snowy winters.
Though the Solterra is EPA rated at 104 MPGe overall, which is better than many of its competitors, the small battery holds it back. Even in the longest range model Solterra only offers a maximum EPA range of 227 miles. Thankfully Subaru bumped DC fast charging rates for 2024, which makes Solterra a little more road-trip friendly. There are several regenerative braking modes.
Solterra offers a fine ride and handling balance, though current Subaru owners may be shocked at the overall firmness in the suspension. It's not that Solterra is sporty, there is just more road harshness than the typical Subaru - WRX excluded. Still, the suspension does an excellent job of softening large impacts and controlling excess body motions.
From a dynamic perspective, Solterra isn't as sporty or nimble as you would expect. The smallish steering wheel lacks any road feedback and takes a while to get use to in highway driving. Braking performance is middling, especially with more than a few passengers aboard. Solterra also lacks a true one-pedal driving mode, which may be frustrating to some EV buyers.
One thing Solterra is, is quiet. There's no noise when accelerating and wind and road rumble are kept in check on the highway.
Climb inside Solterra and you might be reminded of Subaru models from the 1980s, which had funky and fun interiors that excelled at being different. There's a squared-off steering wheel, a driver information pod and a sweeping center console topped by a large infotainment screen. There's also buttons and knobs everywhere and a fabric-covered passenger-side dash cover. It's a lot to take in, but it is functional and achieves its goals of being "Subaru different."
The front seats are softly padded and provide sufficient support to hold you in place on the twistys. There's also plenty of adjustment and ample head and leg room. The rear seat is comfortable and roomy as well, though the bench seat is flatter than expected. Getting in and out is a snap and Solterra offers good outward visibility.
From a driver comfort aspect, Solterra offers heated and ventilated front seats and a quick acting climate control. It's easy to keep the cabin at a great temperature, but like in most EVs, using the heat or AC reduces driving range noticeably. One nice touch is a button on the remote that allows owners to pre-condition the interior (something that oftentimes is an extra-charge smartphone function on other EVs).
From a technology perspective, Solterra offers all of the goodies most buyers would expect. There's wireless charging and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A full suite of effective driver safety aids. And a large and responsive touchscreen infotainment system.
Solterra offers 28 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats. Flip those seats down and capacity grows to 63.5 cubic feet. That's on par with others in the class. The load floor is flat but the sloped hatch precludes loading bulky items that might fit in more boxy crossovers. Interior storage is modest due to the dashboard and center console's unique design.
Bottom Line -- Though a fine EV, Solterra's Achilles's heel is range. With just 230 miles of overall driving range, in perfect conditions no less, it's not a match for competitors. Still, Solterra makes for a perfect urban grocery getter. It's nimble, compact, roomy and zippy around town. Prices are on the high side and there's no federal tax incentive -- unless you lease.
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