2024 Subaru Solterra Touring
Specs
Class: Compact crossover
Color: Machine Gray
Miles driven: 343
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Battery capacity: 72.8 kWh
EPA-estimate MPGe: 111 city/93 hwy/102 combined
EPA-estimated driving range: 222 miles
Consumer Guide range estimate (ideal conditions): 222+ miles
Snow Performance: N/A
Base price: $51,995 (not including $1345 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($890), cargo tray ($141), floor liner ($187)
Price as tested: $54,558
Pros and Cons
The great: Impressive ride and handling, better-than-expected range
The good: Comfortable cabin
The not so good: Too-high list price
Overview
At first blush, the Subaru Solterra is something of a disappointment. It’s a little expensive, it’s battery range is mediocre, and it isn’t even built by Subaru. Indeed, new for 2023, the Solterra was designed and assembled by Toyota, with Subaru responsible only for design, trim, and chassis tuning. In fact, the Solterra is very much a clone of Toyota’s own BZ4X.
The most cynical interpretation of all this is that Subaru, feeling the need to have an EV in U.S. showrooms, took the easiest road to that end. The good news is that, as a compact crossover, the Solterra is positioned in the EV market’s hottest segment, and to some degree competes for sales with well-regarded Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Tesla’s hot-selling Model Y.
All is not doom and gloom, however, as we’ve found a great deal to like about the unassuming Solterra, including real-world range which exceeds the crossover’s modest EPA estimates, and arguably best-in-class ride quality. We’ll get to our subjective analysis in a moment.
Prices and Trim Levels
For 2024, Subaru’s only EV is offered in three trim levels: base Premium ($46,340), mid-level Limited ($49,840), and top-of-the-line Touring ($53,340).
Moving from the Premium up to the Limited gets shoppers, among other things, 20-inch wheels, , power seats, and Subaru’s Advanced Park Assist. Moving from there to the Touring adds such niceties as a glass-panel roof, digital rear-view mirror, and ventilated front seats.
Engines
Because it is a Subaru, the Solterra is offered only with AWD, a thing which accounts at least in part for its elevated base prices. All Solterras feature a pair of electric motors mated to a 73-kWh battery. Total system output is 215 horsepower.
Range
For 2024, Limited and Touring models are EPA rated to travel 222 miles on a full charge, while the Premium as rated at 227 miles.
While big changes are expected for the 2026 Solterra, the vehicle will be little changed for 2025. Note that, because it is not assembled in the U.S., the Solterra does not qualify got the EV federal tax credit for outright purchase, but can be leased to access those funds. Ask your Subaru dealer for details.
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2024 Solterra Touring in Harbor Mist Gray. Including destination charge, our test car came to $54,558.
Cabin
Inside the Solterra presents well. Though not exactly premium in feel, things like a padded, carpet-trimmed dash top and apparently excellent assembly quality give the electric Subaru a modern, upscale ambience. And while the infotainment system’s large, easy-to-read touchscreen is a plus, we bristle at seeing Toyota’s low-dash instrument panel, which is viewed over the top of the steering wheel. This setup is also seen in the similar BZ4X, and the Toyota Prius. While drivers quickly acclimate to the setup, it feels unnecessarily Quirky to us, and not in a good way.
Room and Comfort
Large door openings make for easy entry and exiting of the Solterra, and there is a generous amount of front-seat space, even for larger adults—such as this author. Rear seat space is similarly generous, and legroom is adequate even aft of taller front-row passengers. Outward visibility from the driver’s seat is also very good, though the over-the-shoulder view to the left is obscured somewhat by the Solterra’s thick rear pillar.
Power and Performance
Though not a powerhouse by EV standards, the Solterra is among the quickest vehicles in the Subaru portfolio. Throttle responses is immediate, and the ‘Terra bursts away satisfyingly from stops, offering up plenty of passing and merging muscle. Though we did not have an opportunity to evaluate the Solterra in snow, Subaru does brand the little crossover’s AWD setup with its own “Symmetric AWD” moniker, suggesting the maker has faith that the electric AWD system will approximate the performance of its own—historically excellent—mechanical system found on brand models.
Also, though rated at just 222 miles of range, this author enjoyed nearly 260 miles of real-world travel between charges—with a little juice remaining in the battery. This was admittedly on a battery-friendly temperate summer day; however, we suspect the Solterra’s EPA estimated range is at least a little conservative.
Ride and Handling
Where the Solterra shines is ride and handling. While many EVs suffer from a certain amount of secondary motion after a large impact—an issue related to the weight of the battery—the Solterra demonstrates surprising composure over especially rough surfaces. Handling, too, is impressive. The Solterra feels almost sporty around corners, and there’s more steering feel than generally found in an electric vehicle. Also, even at highway speeds, the cabin is quiet enough for regular-volume conversation between the seating rows.
Value
While pricey at first glance, and range limited, the accommodating and refined Solterra is worth a look. We were most impressed by the electric Subaru’s premium-feel ride and handling, and long-distance comfort. As this review is posted, Subaru is offering Solterra lease deals starting at $329 a month. And, again, by leasing the Solterra—or any EV—you become eligible for the federal tax credit, this due to a commercial-vehicle exemption—again ask your dealer for details.
We like the Solterra. It doesn’t try too hard to look or feel electric, and its core performance is generally impressive. If interested, we suggest checking a couple of Subaru stores to see what kind of deals are available in your area. We’re pretty sure dealers are ready to negotiate. Listen to our podcast review of the Solterra here.
Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast
2024 Subaru Solterra Touring Pictures
Click below for enlarged images
