The 2024 Subaru Solterra is a straightforward electric SUV. It's comfortable and spacious, and there's a decent amount of available tech and driver aids. But it's not particularly fun to drive and its range is lackluster. Unless you absolutely have to have a Subaru, there are better options in other showrooms.Read full review
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.
Pros
Standard all-wheel drive
Comfortable ride
Light-duty off-road ability
Several advanced driver aids come standard
Cons
Not much range compared to rivals
Bland personality and driving experience
Difficult to find a natural-feeling driving position
What's new
Faster charging times
Limited hands-free driving capability
Standard roof rails
Part of the first Solterra generation introduced for 2023
Overview
It took a while for Subaru to join the EV ranks, and it took a partnership with Toyota to make it happen, but the 2024 Subaru Solterra is a decent first foray into electric motoring. Now in its second year of production, the Solterra gets a few upgrades to boost its appeal, including quicker charging and extra driver assist features. The Solterra's limited range still relegates it to a mid-pack EV choice, useful for local driving but limited in all-around utility. But uniquely Subaru priorities — standard all-wheel drive, off-road capability, advanced safety tech — give the Solterra an edge that most of its largely pavement-bound rivals lack.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Subaru Solterra EV Insights
Trim:
Solterra Premium
Range
227 miles
EPA Estimated Range
EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 193 miles after 8 years.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.
Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Ashburn, Virginia. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.
SAE ComboStandard port for most electric models. Supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast charging.
Plug Type
11 hrs
240V Home ChargingEstimated total charging time when using a 240V outlet. This is either a 3-prong or 4-prong outlet used for appliances, for example a clothes dryer.
EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.
8 yrs or 100,000 milesThe federal government requires that EV batteries be warrantied for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. The EV battery warranty includes replacement if your battery capacity drops below a certain percentage of the original capacity.
According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.
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Cost to Drive
$62/mo
Solterra
vs
$170/mo
SUV Avg.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
Am I Ready for an EV?
EV ownership works best if you can charge at home (240V outlet) This typically means a 240V home installation, or other places your car is parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice.
Adding a home charging system is estimated to cost $1,616 in This is an estimate for your area. Using your address and the answers you provide, Treehouse can provide a more accurate price.
Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Learn moreEdmunds customers receive a 10% installation discount and 4% smart charger discount. Discount excludes permit, hosted inspection, and load management devices. Valid for 30 days.
Among its notable changes for 2024, the Solterra cuts fast-charging time nearly in half. The wait to refill the battery from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger now takes around 35 minutes, down from nearly an hour. Improved battery conditioning also allows for faster charging at below-freezing temperatures. And while it shortens the wait, the 2024 Solterra may also extend your patience. New driver assistance features include hands-free driving at up to 25 mph with automatic lane changing (just activate the turn signal), ideal for maintaining sanity in stop-and-go traffic. Front cross-traffic warning now also comes standard. Alas, the Solterra doesn't get any battery upgrades to extend past its 227 miles on a full charge. That's similar to the base range of several rivals, but most offer upgrades for more distance.
Competitors to consider
The field of electric hatchback-SUV mashups is getting crowded, led by models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y. Most offer more range than the Solterra, at least as an option. But the Solterra offers something most don't. With 8.3 inches of ground clearance and very capable traction modes for dirt, mud and snow, the Solterra serves up the same adventurous, trail-ready spirit as gas-powered Subarus. The new Chevrolet Blazer EV is similarly tall, with almost 8 inches of clearance, but lacks the Solterra's sure-footed ability in rough stuff. For a Toyota flavor of the Solterra, see the bZX4, borne from a development partnership between Subaru and Toyota.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Average
7.5
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2024 Subaru Solterra is a straightforward electric SUV. It's comfortable and spacious, and there's a decent amount of available tech and driver aids. But it's not particularly fun to drive and its range is lackluster. Unless you absolutely have to have a Subaru, there are better options in other showrooms.
How does the Solterra drive? The Solterra isn't the most exciting EV on the road. Acceleration is quick enough at city speeds for a crossover SUV, but it's off the mark for what we look for in an EV. Power is smooth, and the Solterra has no problem keeping up with traffic, but it lacks the oomph you find in rivals from Tesla, Hyundai and Ford.
Braking performance is fairly average too. And while the Solterra allows for some level of regenerative braking, it won't bring the car to a complete stop and as a result the Subaru lacks true one-pedal driving. The Solterra's handling doesn't add any sportiness to the experience either. This EV is easy to park, but the small steering wheel can feel a bit awkward in your hands.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Solterra? The Solterra has a smooth ride quality and is pretty comfortable over bumps. The front seats are also nice thanks to soft padding, sufficient support to keep you secure when cornering, and enough adjustments to suit most people's preferred driving position. The rear seat is comfortable as well, with a nicely padded bench that should keep backseat passengers happy.
On the road, the Solterra is fairly quiet, though other EVs do a better job of keeping wind and road noise out of the cabin. The Solterra also goes overboard with all types of warning beeps. And unfortunately you can't turn many of those off.
The climate control system is easy to use, and it quickly heats or cools the cabin. We also like the button on the key fob that can get the climate control going remotely, something other automakers usually leave for a smartphone app. Our test vehicle had heated and ventilated front seats, both of which worked well.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? The Solterra's interior is conservative in terms of design and innovation, though that's not necessarily a bad thing. The touchscreen interface is borrowed from Toyota, and it's better than what's available in some other Subarus. The screen isn't as big as what some rivals offer, but it's sharp and responsive, and the menu structure itself is easy to navigate. Not everything is tied to the touchscreen, and we're happy that Subaru uses actual buttons for some of the controls rather than putting everything into the touchscreen.
Based on specs alone, the Solterra's interior isn't as spacious as those of its rivals, but in reality there's plenty of space in either row for all but the tallest of passengers. The space and tallish ride height make getting in and out easy, though some of our drivers found the seat positioning and the location of the instrument panel odd. Outward visibility is good thanks to tall windows and large mirrors.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $9,889 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $9,889 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Touring trim.
MSRP is subject to change and varies based on availability, trim level, option packages, and retailer-installed accessories. MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, registration, and other fees. Retailer sets actual price. See your retailer for details. 2024 Subaru Solterra Touring shown has an MSRP of $51,995.
How’s the tech? The navigation system is responsive and easy to operate, and it uses Google-derived info for points of interest and other locations. Over-the-air updates make sure the information stays fresh too. You can input navigation directions either manually or with the built-in voice commands. Voice controls can also be used to adjust the climate control system, audio and more. Our test Solterra had the premium Harman Kardon audio system, but we were underwhelmed with its sound quality.
There are plenty of ways to connect your phone. The Solterra has four USB-C ports, one USB-A port and a wireless charging pad. Subaru also offers wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
The Solterra's advanced driver aids all work well and are easy to operate. The adaptive cruise control changes speeds smoothly and can maintain a tight gap behind the car in front. Other driver aids, such as lane keeping assistance, work well too. Our only major complaint is about the overly eager parking sensors that beep incessantly in parking lots.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? There is 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat (or 25.8 cubic feet when the Solterra is equipped with the premium audio system). That's an average amount for the class, but the space itself is wide and usable. The load floor can be lowered, too, which is helpful given that the sleek roofline limits how tall items can be. There's also no front trunk like you get with the Tesla Model Y or Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Storage for smaller items in the cabin is so-so. The center console is smaller than those of some rivals, and the storage shelf beneath the shifter isn't deep enough to keep taller items in place. The door pockets are decently sized but, somewhat oddly, the Solterra lacks a glovebox for closed storage. Got small kids? The spacious rear seat should make installing a child safety seat relatively easy. There's plenty of room for a rear-facing seat, and the anchors themselves are easy to access.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Range and Efficiency
7.5/10
How are the range and efficiency? The Solterra has an EPA-estimated range between 222 and 227 miles, a disappointing figure in a class where the leaders can eclipse 300 miles on a single charge. In the Edmunds EV Range Test, the Solterra did outperform its EPA estimate, driving 249 miles on a single charge. Notably, it nearly matched its single-motor Toyota twin in our same range test despite the Toyota's higher EPA estimate.
The EPA says the Solterra should use about 33 kWh of electricity for every 100 miles of driving. On our dedicated EV test route, we measured 27.8 kWh used, which is pretty efficient for a dual-motor EV. (Remember that the higher the kWh number, the less efficient the EV is.) For comparison, a Volkswagen ID.4 dual motor we tested used 31.4 kWh/100 miles.
For DC fast charging, Subaru says the Solterra should be able to charge from 10% to 80% in 35 minutes when in ideal conditions. That's decent though rival SUVs, such as the Ioniq 5 and Model Y, can be even quicker to charge.
Value
7/10
Is the Solterra a good value? The Solterra is priced higher to start than many rival electric SUVs. And while the Solterra has a standard dual-motor setup (which means standard all-wheel drive), that's not unique among electric SUVs in this class. The interior doesn't feel as premium as some rivals' cabins, and the range is lackluster compared to what's available in the class leaders.
The Solterra includes a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty as well as a five-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty and eight years of coverage for the battery. All are about average for the class. The automaker also includes three years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance and two years of included service visits.
Wildcard
7/10
The Solterra is light on personality. It's obvious at even a glance that it's a twin of the Toyota bZ4X, with a handful of changes to give it a bit of a Subaru vibe. We wish Subaru and Toyota had done more to differentiate the vehicles both inside and out. In contrast, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are closely related, but they don't feel like the same car.
Which Solterra does Edmunds recommend?
While the base trim comes nicely equipped, the Limited offers the better value. For a few thousand more than the base Premium, the Limited adds upgrades including a larger touchscreen, power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a surround-view camera that make the drive just a little nicer. There's a small sacrifice, though. The Premium's 20-inch wheels reduce total electric range to 222 miles, compared to the base trim's 227 miles.
2023 Subaru Solterra Limited 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
Dual electric motor drivetrain (AWD) gives the Solterra instant traction and torque, allowing for a quick hole-shot, while also being very smooth (acceleration/braking) and comfortable (suspension damping). Leased the poverty (base) "premium" trim, because in addition to the $7500 instant credit, the dealer also discounted the price by $1500 off MSRP. The manual cloth seats are … comfortable for the Florida climate. Air conditioning (HVAC) works well, and the visibility is good. Biggest disappointment is the infotainment system. Coming from the iDrive system in our BMW, the Toyota/Subaru software/hardware is a huge letdown. Toggling between touchscreen menus is cumbersome (versus BMW's round dial and controls), and there is no one-pedal driving feature. The S-Pedal button on the console will slow the Solterra fairly well, but not to a complete stop. Also, the S-Pedal feature can't be used when the battery is nearly full. The steering wheel paddle controls for braking (deceleration) give mild regeneration... wish the paddles could give true one-pedal drive.
Our dealership (salesman) wasn't knowledgeable about the Solterra's battery and infotainment systems. Make sure to do your own extensive research on the vehicle's features and functions before buying. Hopefully our dealership experience isn't common across the USA. Don't let the salesperson connect your phone to the Solterra (using the "Connect" app). We regret this. It is extremely difficult to reverse this decision. If you have an iPhone, just connect it yourself and use the CarPlay app. No need to use the Solterra Connect app, unless you want those specific functions. Please research first!
Concerning the exterior design, I'm not a fan of the big, black plastic panels that Subaru is using on many of their models. However, we like the Solterra for its functionality. It is extremely comfortable to drive, has plenty of cargo room in the hatch (even though our "premium" trim has a manual liftgate!), gives smooth and quick acceleration, and most of the safety features can be customized/adjusted to your preference. For example, you can turn down the volume level or mute most of the safety "nannies", and some of the functions can be turned off if you don't like them. One downside to the controls... every time the vehicle is powered on, you have to select brake regeneration/S-Pedal functions, the Solterra doesn't remember your previous choice. Also, the pre-collision feature defaults to "on" at every startup. In order to eliminate the "reverse warning buzzer", the Solterra has to be taken to the dealer service for "mute" setting (we will be doing this). Subaru/Toyota should allow the driver to select/deselect this function. I don't want to hear a backup beeper inside the cabin every time I drive in reverse!
Our "Premium" trim Solterra came with wheel covers, which I removed because I prefer to see the dark gray/black alloy wheels underneath instead. However, the decorative center caps are missing, which I'll need to order (this should be a standard inclusion by Subaru!).
One feature I really miss from our BMW X3 is the Harman Kardon audio system. In order to get the HK audio, you will have to buy/lease either the "Limited" or "Touring" trim of the Solterra. The base 6-speaker system in our "Premium" trim is adequate, but not up to this audiophile's standards. I wish car manufacturers would include a wide spectrum equalizer in every (audio system) head unit.
Overall, I really enjoy driving the Solterra. My main gripe is with the lackluster infotainment/audio system. However, I'm excited for the future of EVs. This Solterra is our first EV, and I hope that the Subaru/Toyota joint venture will listen to customer feedback during development of future models.
FYI: this is my initial first week review. Updates to come on range and efficiency...
Update 7/12/2023: Returned "Premium" trim because of dealer error on lease contract. Leased "Limited" trim from a different dealer. So far, electricity cost is $0.03 per mile to power Solterra (strictly charging at home with supplied 120V cable). Enjoying the Limited trim upgrades: Light Gray & Blue interior, Power Liftgate, 12" screen, Surround View Camera system and Harman Kardon (HK) audio. However, the HK system isn't as high quality as the BMW X3 HK system because of different DSP/amp and the failure to include a full-spectrum equalizer to fine-tune the audio output. In addition, I've noticed a firmer ride and elevated noise levels attributed to the 20" wheels on the Limited trim. My previous "Premium" trim lease Solterra had the 18" wheels, which gave a notably softer and quieter ride. This is the typical trade-off between trims when upgrading to the larger wheel/tire package. Although I prefer the look of the 20" wheels, my ride preference is the 18" size. As for the EV battery range shown on the driver display: at full charge, the display will show 277 miles of range with the HVAC off. However, when I turn on the HVAC air conditioning, the range immediately drops to 205 miles on the display. Since my vehicle is driven in Southern Florida, the 205 miles has been a fairly accurate range with the AC running constantly every day. Although, I have not tested the limits of the range displayed by running the battery down to 0% charge. Typically, I keep the battery range available between 50 and 200 miles. If you regularly drive long distances of 200 miles or more, then the Solterra is probably not the best fit for convenient transportation. However, if the majority of your driving is short commutes and trips of less than 100 miles, the Solterra is a relatively efficient EV choice.
One pet peeve: at startup, the display always asks for "Profile" settings, which I "Dismiss" and let the system default to "Guest" settings. This may be due to the fact that I don't use the Solterra Connect app. However, the infotainment system does hold the settings I have previously programmed. Toyota/Subaru needs to improve the user experience with their new infotainment software. Specifically, the display takes too long to refresh at startup, and the vehicle owner/user should not have to subscribe to their app in order to program/save individual settings and use the OEM navigation software. Full capability to customize the display interface and user settings should be available to the owner/customer without an app subscription and constant prompts to change user settings.
Overall, I'm happy with my Solterra experience. Toyota/Subaru needs to improve the following:
1. Infotainment software usability and startup speed
2. HK audio system quality (need better DSP and full-spectrum equalizer)
3. Noise level in Limited trim (need acoustic glass and more sound-deadening materials)
4. Ventilated seats should be included in Limited trim
5. Discontinue requirement of app subscription to use full capability and customize settings
6. Replace "piano-black" trim with wood-grain veneer and/or matte finishes
7. Increase battery range for long-distance trips
8. Add battery charge percentage indicator on driver display
9. Allow S-pedal to be true one-pedal driving (more aggressive braking control) w/full stop
10. Update software to allow full-range brake regeneration with paddles on steering column
A fine entry into the EV arena
4 out of 5 stars
Buck, 09/28/2023
2023 Subaru Solterra Touring 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
Have had a touring model for 9 months. It has performed flawlessly. Have set charging to 80%. Without Ac we experience 220 miles per charge. Live in Florida, so air conditioning is a must. With AC we get 170 miles per charge. As we use this car for inner city to close regional purposes, we do not use fast chargers. At home we use a level 1 charger, which is really a trickle charger. We … charge overnight and find the long charge time not inconvenient. When purchased, the car came with a charging cable. Some manufacturers want the customer to purchase the cable separately, which I liken this as someone wanting me to buy a toaster without the cord to make it work.
The 360 feature along with other safety features is very helpful, particularly in close quarter parking lots. The two person driving seat position feature is well liked by both me and my wife. We are of different heights. The driver’s seat adjusts to our needs with no effort.
If there is any complaint, it does not have anything to do with the quality of the car. Any car that I have owned that had built in navigation I did not have to pay to continue use of that feature. This car came with a 1 year introductory subscription for use of the navigation feature. I understand I will need a further subscription after the end of the year and that it will cost a healthily sum of $16/month.
We charge at home and find it costs about 3.5 cents per mile to operate. A car getting 30 miles per gallon at $3.00/gal is 10 cents per mile, if I have my math right.
Subaru has a good reputation for taking care of its customers and my experience so far is along that line. For those interested in an EV, I recommend the SOLTERRA for consideration.
A honest review by someone who never wanted an EV
4 out of 5 stars
Mary H., 07/10/2024
2024 Subaru Solterra Premium 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
Let me start by saying I never wanted an EV. I had no interest in an EV... at all. My lease on my 2021 Kia Sportage S AWD was ending so I started to look around online. I couldn't believe how high car payments have gotten. At this time many people are losing interest in EVs so car dealers were offering great deals on them. I did a little research and with my driving habits I … thought maybe I'd look at them. I chatted online with a Subaru dealership who was offering a $199/mo lease with no money down 10K/36mo. I stopped on my way home that day and test drove it.... I loved it. Now it was only the base/premium model and I have always picked a higher trim but now that I'm older and have a short commute to work leather seats and a moon roof didn't seem that important if I could save money every month. I did look up reviews and they all said the same thing... It was a good car but underwhelming as an EV... now I've never had an EV so I wasn't familiar with all the technology available in other EVs, so I thought what do I have to lose... it has remote start, wireless Carplay, decent sound system and space, I didn't have to worry about oil changes, so I signed my lease the next day. I was unsure what to expect with an EV so I did keep my other car for another month just in case as that lease didn't end for another 30 days. And to be honest people had me worried with horror stories... I now realize these people probably didnt actually own an EV or had other needs than I did.
I have owned my Solterra for over 3 mos. now. I can't express how happy I am with it. I haven't installed the level 2 charger at home yet but I will before the fall. I do use the Level 1 charger at home mixed with an occasional fast charge. Charging at home costs me nothing because I have solar panels. An occasional fast charge may cost me $15 and is about 2 miles away from my house and takes between 15-30 mins depending on my start range. The dealer lists the range at full charge at 222 miles. If I fully charge the battery its closer to 250 miles. I'm not sure why. Either way I have never had to worry about my battery not being charged enough.
I do have access to a gas car if I was going on a long road trip (which I have no intention of doing).
As far as the exterior goes, like with any car, it's a personal preference if you like it or not. I have the dark grey and I think it looks great. I also get a lot of compliments in person despite the reviews I read giving the styling negative comments.
Now for the interior... again it's going to be a personal preference. I see reviews how the interior is cheap and the screen is too small, blah blah blah.... I don't know what people do with their screens but mine is more than adequate even though it's on the smaller size. I haven't had fabric seats in over a decade and I'm not sure why... I love them. I don't burn my legs on hot days or have the weird ventilated seats that never feel good for some reason. The fabric on the dashboard is also going to be a personal preference. I like it, others may not. People complain about the touch screen getting fingerprints but to be honest most things once you get driving can be changed from the steering wheel, which i prefer.
This car doesn't drive itself, but it doesn't not drive itself either. I find when I hit a curve, it turns itself. When I want to change lanes without turning on my blinker, it assumes I'm drifting and doesn't let me.... which is annoying at first until you realize what good safety features they are. I'm sure I can turn them off but I like them now.
I usually keep the car in ECO mode; however Sport mode feels good when I use it. And its Subaru AWD so no complaints there. I also hear people complain about battery range if you have to use your air conditioning, but it's honestly not that big of a difference for the few months out of the year I need AC and gas cars also get lower mpg when the AC is on so I don't understand why people make it seem like that's an EV problem only.
Overall, I love this car. The price makes it even better. It drives very smooth and quiet. It accelerates quickly and despite complaints about range I have had no issues. I love not going to the gas station and just plugging in my car overnight.
I have no complaints at this point. I recommend it to anyone interested in transitioning from a gas car who doesn't need a long range battery. I love my Solterra and glad I made the jump to an EV.
Fantastic EV that works great within limitations
5 out of 5 stars
krissbell, 04/12/2024
2023 Subaru Solterra Touring 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
I change cars quite frequently and this is my third EV after Bolt EUV and Mini Cooper SE. Have elderly parents(>70) living with me now and needed something that works for them and their knees. My other car is a GR Corolla despite being a hatchback is hard for older folks. With 2023s having great deal(in April 2024), I decided to lease a Touring. I was aware of range and slow charging. I … am very happy with the vehicle given the ride and handling is great for a EV and steering is precise(albeit feel is low). The Bolt EUV had terrible handling and Mini EV had great go kart like handling, and Solterra tends towards the Mini. Wet weather traction is true Subaru like and light years better than any EV(incl. Teslas) and gives you lot of confidence. Ground clearance is a big factor for EVs especially on bad roads and this is the highest riding EV(>8 inches) around. Although lot of fuss is made about range, the vehicle is more efficient than Bolt and if you are not using climate control(has heated/cooled seats,steering wheel and precondition before drive) the efficiency is phenomenal for a car this size(4 to 5 miles/kWh). Highways do take a toll on efficiency(3.5-4 miles/kWh), but that is consistent with most EVs. So 240- 250 miles in North Texas is certainly doable with mild terrain. As for infotainment, the Harmon Kardon is great for a change and 12.3 inch screen is great for Carplay. Not going to buy Toyota Connected services after trial. As for charging, I have L2 charger at home and hence I never charge outside(where Level3 and Fast DC chargers pose a problem with low charging speeds). As long as you dont expect this to be a roadtrip warrior, I believe with the current lease deals(300-350/month with 0 down), there is nothing better put there as long as you are aware of the limitations. Lots of space, comfort and refinement for 4 or 5 passengers. Only thing I wish it had would be powered passenger seat and brown interior like with other Touring trims. Subaru did this one right by infusing right amount of Subaru-ness in a Toyota. Also, please lease since I believe it is not worth buying over long term since things will definitely improve over next 4 years with hybrid/hydrogen/solid state batteries.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Subaru Solterra, so we've included reviews for other years of the Solterra since its last redesign.
2023 Subaru Solterra First Look | Subaru's First All-Electric Vehicle | Price, Range, Interior & More
NOTE: This video is about the 2023 Subaru Solterra, but since the 2024 Subaru Solterra is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
MSRP is subject to change and varies based on availability, trim level, option packages, and retailer-installed accessories. MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, registration, and other fees. Retailer sets actual price. See your retailer for details. 2024 Subaru Solterra Touring shown has an MSRP of $51,995.
Safety
Key safety features on the Solterra include:
Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
4 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
11.6%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Subaru launched its first all-electric vehicle, the Solterra, just last year in collaboration with Toyota. But neither the Solterra nor its Toyota bZ4X counterpart has been flying off dealer lots, so it comes as no surprise that Subaru is introducing new upgrades that make the 2024 version even more enticing.
At the top of the list is improved charging performance; Subaru says the lithium-ion battery can now charge from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes. The 2023 model would take roughly an hour at a fast-charging station for the same result. Solterra owners in colder climates will also benefit from an updated battery conditioning system that can help charge the car up to 80 minutes faster in below-freezing temperatures, says Subaru. The Solterra's unique regenerative paddles remain, now framed by a redesigned squared-off steering wheel.
Edmunds spotlight: More upgrades than you might think
But there are even more changes that you can't see. The Solterra's EyeSight driver-assistance system adds a front cross-traffic alert this year, along with "driver-supported, hands-free” driving at speeds of 25 mph or lower. In hands-free mode, drivers can activate a turn signal and the EV will change lanes automatically. This isn’t just a first for the Solterra, but a debut feature for Subaru's entire lineup.
Another new feature that matches the Subaru brand quite well is the addition of standard roof rails rated at up to 700 pounds of static load capacity. Subie fans who like to take their vehicles out overlanding could potentially assemble a tent on top of the roof and camp off the ground.
For a base Premium version of the Solterra, pricing starts at $46,430, including destination fees. Working up the trim range, the price of the Limited and Touring variants will retail for $49,840 and $53,340, respectively. Subaru says the 2024 Solterra qualifies for federal tax credits of up to $7,500 for some owners, a nice carrot to attract new customers that wasn't available on last year's model.
Competitors to consider
The Solterra's upgrades for 2024 undoubtedly make it more competitive than last year's model, but there are numerous electric vehicles in this price class that give you more bang for your buck. Our favorite is the retro-inspired Hyundai Ioniq 5, though the Ford Mustang Mach-E is a close second. The Kia Niro EV is also worth a look and costs a bit less, and the related Hyundai Kona Electric is new for 2024.
Edmunds says
Subaru has a handle on its customer base, and these improvements to the 2024 Solterra match the brand's target market very well.
FAQ
Is the Subaru Solterra a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Solterra both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.5 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Solterra gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 22 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Solterra has 23.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Subaru Solterra. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Subaru Solterra?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Subaru Solterra:
Faster charging times
Limited hands-free driving capability
Standard roof rails
Part of the first Solterra generation introduced for 2023
To determine whether the Subaru Solterra is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Solterra. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Solterra's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Subaru Solterra a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Subaru Solterra is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Solterra and gave it a 7.5 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Solterra gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 22 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Solterra is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Subaru Solterra?
The least-expensive 2024 Subaru Solterra is the 2024 Subaru Solterra Premium 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $44,995.
Other versions include:
Premium 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) which starts at $44,995
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) which starts at $48,495
Touring 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) which starts at $51,995
If you're interested in the Subaru Solterra, the next question is, which Solterra model is right for you? Solterra variants include Premium 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD), Limited 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD), and Touring 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD). For a full list of Solterra models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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