Looking for an electric vehicle that can handle snow and mud and do some light off-roading? The Subaru Solterra is more rugged than most EVs and has a comfortable cabin and many standard features and tech. But its range is less than many rivals, its performance is not as peppy, and the interior is not as upscale.
Base Price: $51,995
As Tested: $54,558
Horsepower: 215
Mileage: 111 MPGe city/93 MPGe highway/102 MPGe combined
The Solterra is Subaru’s first all-electric SUV. It debuted for the 2023 model year and for 2024, the Solterra gets increased fast-charging times, more driver assistance technologies, and a redesigned steering wheel with regenerative braking force paddle switches.
The 2024 Solterra comes in three trims: Premium, Limited and Touring. Starting prices are $44,995, $48,495 and $51,995, respectively. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-wheel Drive system is standard on all trims. There’s room for five passengers in two rows of seating.
All three trims get the same powertrain: a 72.8-kWh battery and two electric motors with a total output of 215 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a single-speed automatic.
The Solterra is pleasant and easy to drive, making it great for commuting, running errands, shuttling kids and shorter road trips. Acceleration isn’t as brisk as other EVs but respectable – Subaru says it can go from zero to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. But it can dawdle when trying to accelerate at higher speeds. The Solterra feels planted when cornering with little body roll. Steering is nicely weighted and brakes are responsive. You can adjust the regenerative braking with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Standard AWD means the Solterra is ready for snow and slick conditions. There are four drive modes: Eco, Normal, Power, and X-mode (for slick conditions or uneven terrain).
If you want to venture off the beaten path, the Solterra has better off-road capabilities than most EVs with Subaru’s AWD system and 8.3 inches of ground clearance. All Solterra models are equipped with Dual-Function X-mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes with Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control for enhanced performance in low-grip and off-road conditions. No, you won’t be able to tackle extreme terrain, but light off-roading on dirt and gravel trails is a cinch.
The range of the Solterra is less than many rivals. The Premium trip has a range of 227 miles, while the Limited and Touring trims have a range of 222 miles.
Charging times are faster for 2024. Subaru says with a Level 3 DC fast-charger, the Solterra can go from 10% to 80% charged in as little as 35 minutes, and can also charge in colder temperatures much faster than its predecessor. With a Level 2/240-volt charger, it takes about nine hours to charge the battery. You can also charge with a regular 120-volt household plug, but this will only add 3-4 miles of range per hour.
Fuel economy scores are below average for an electric SUV. EPA ratings for the Limited and Touring trims are 111 MPGe (mile per gallon equivalent) city and 93 MPGe highway with a combined rating of 102 MPGe. The base Premium trim does a bit better at 114 MPGe city/94 MPGe city/104 MPGe combined.
The cabin is attractive and roomy with an airy feel. But materials aren’t as upscale as what you’ll find in many rivals – there are a lot of hard plastics. One nice feature is textured soft fabric on the dashboard. A digital gauge cluster and infotainment system dominate the dash. Seats are roomy and supportive. Front passengers have good leg- and headroom. The second row has decent legroom, but taller passengers may wish for more headroom due to the sloping roofline.
Standard features include keyless entry, push-button start, rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, cloth upholstery, six-way manual driver and front passenger seats, heated front seats, reclining second-row seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, seven-inch digital gauge cluster, infotainment system with eight-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, HD Radio, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt power outlet, automatic high beam headlights, and roof rails.
Available features include a digital key, surround-view camera system, synthetic leather-trimmed upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, infotainment system with 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, Harman Kardon audio system, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hot spot, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a panoramic moonroof.
Standard driver assistance technologies include Subaru EyeSight (semi-autonomous driving system for speeds up to 25 mph on some roadways), forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, emergency steering assist, intersection assist (uses sensors to help prevent crashes at intersections), pedestrian detection, vehicle exit warning (alerts passengers exiting the vehicle of other vehicles approaching from behind), and rear-seat alert.
Available driver assistance technologies include rear cross-traffic alert and park assist.
The infotainment system is the same one you’ll find in many newer Toyotas. Both the eight-inch and 12.3-inch touchscreens look great with sharp graphics, and both respond quickly to touch and voice commands. But touch-capacitive buttons are used for climate and audio settings and these touch-sensitive buttons can be annoying to use.
Cargo space is ok for an electric SUV. There are 23.8 cubic feet with both rows of seating in place, and 63.5 cubes with the second row folded. The liftgate is low, making it easier to deal with bulky and/or large items. The 60/40 split folding rear seats provide flexibility in hauling passengers and cargo. A power liftgate is available. Unlike many EVs, the Solterra does not have a frunk (front trunk).
The good:
Smooth ride
Suitable for light off-roading
Standard all-wheel drive
Comfortable and spacious cabin
Many standard features and tech
Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Mediocre range
Meh driving dynamics
No frunk (front trunk)
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $51,995. Elemental Red Pearl/Galactic Black are $890. All-weather floor liners are $187. The cargo tray is $141. Destination fee is $1,345 bringing the grand total to $54,558.
Bottom line:
The 2024 Subaru Solterra is a spacious and comfortable EV with all-wheel drive that can handle light off-roading. It has a long list of standard features and tech and is pleasant as a daily driver. But the Solterra’s range is less than many rivals and it has meh driving dynamics. If you want an EV that can so some light trekking off the beaten path, check out the Solterra. Otherwise, other EVs may be more suitable.
