2024 Subaru Solterra: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

The Solterra is Subaru’s inaugural EV, which consumers have met with harsh criticism and low interest since its arrival in 2023. The Solterra is based on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform and shares almost all of its parts with the bZ4X, as part of the brands’ joint venture strategy. This also includes the GR86 and BRZ. The Solterra competes in the mid-size EV SUV market, which is currently the most contested one. The brand introduces some changes for 2024 without any price increases, but we question whether this will improve its success in the U.S.

The Solterra is available in three different trims, but they all feature the exact same powertrain, resulting in it being a very focused configuration that aims to appease traditional Subaru fans. It’s an active lifestyle SUV built for challenging urban and wilderness environments. Unfortunately, like Toyota, Subaru takes a conservative approach to the EV market, resulting in its limited popularity.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Subaru’s websites and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver, the EPA, the NHTSA, the IIHS, and J.D. Power. Each model score is determined by Top Speed’s rating team, which factors in five different metrics. You can
read our Methodology page
for more information about our rating system.

What’s New For 2024?

The 2024 Solterra model year is the recipient of some much-needed refinements. The most important alteration is the new steering wheel design with a squared-off top, affording the driver a better view of the instrument cluster. The wheel also introduces some rear paddles, which the driver can use to adjust the regenerative braking system. Subaru improves the standard safety level by including a low-speed hands-free driving mode, automatic lane-changing capability, and an intersection collision detection system as standard. There’s also a new battery warming system to improve charging in cold weather conditions.

2024 Highlights

• Squared-top steering wheel design
• Regenerate brake control paddles mounted to the steering wheel
• Low-speed hands-free driving mode
• Automatic lane-changing
• Intersection collision detection
• Battery warming system

Exterior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Subaru)

Specifications And Performance

You can only get the Subaru Solterra with Toyota’s dual-permanent-magnet motor configuration, resulting in a combined 215 horsepower and 249 pound-feet output. The result is a claimed 0-60 MPH time of 6.4 seconds, but independent reviewers have indicated 6.5 seconds to be more realistic in real-world conditions. Subaru limits the top speed to a modest 110 MPH. These tests also indicate the EV covers a quarter mile in 15.2 seconds.

The dual motors run on Aisin and Denso’s BluE Nexus motor technology. Subaru includes its coveted X-Mode, sourced from the Subaru Forester, granting it some impressive off-roading abilities that fans of the brand have come to expect from its products. The e-TNGA construction means the model sits on a front MacPherson strut and rear double wishbone suspension, affording it a plush and sharp ride.

Performance Specifications

(Data sourced from Subaru)

The EPA estimates the base Premium trim returns a 104 MPGe energy consumption figure in its combined cycle. The Limited and Touring trims are marginally less efficient, with a 102 MPGe estimate. This is because they ride on larger 20-inch alloy wheels.

Subaru Solterra Charging Time And Range

The Subaru Solterra is only available with CATL’s 64 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This grants the Premium derivative a 227-mile EPA-estimated range claim, while the higher trims return slightly lower 222-mile estimates. Using a Level One household plug at 120 volts will recover the battery’s full charge in 50 hours via the Solterra’s 6.6 kW onboard charger. A Level Two 240-volt fast charger drastically lowers the time to 11 hours. DC Level Three fast charging recovers 10 to 80 percent of the charge in 35 minutes, as it is limited to just 100 kW.

(Data sourced from Subaru)

The Solterra comes with a Level Two-rated charging cable with NEMA 5-15 and 14-50 adapters if you pay $651. You also get a $400 charging credit at EVgo stations, whether you buy or lease a new Solterra. It is highly recommended that you have a Level Two wallbox fitted at your home if you plan to frequent the Solterra as a daily driver. These range between $649 and $1,000 depending on your desired output. Installation costs vary between $800 and $2,000 depending on your location.

Interior Technology, Luxury, And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The Year Make Model

• Front seat heating
• 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• Dual-zone climate control
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Six-speaker audio system

The Premium Subaru Solterra may be a base-level configuration, but it comes standard with a fair level of features. These include manually adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a manually adjustable leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and all-electric windows with auto up and down functions for all doors. This trim features black cloth upholstery and silver metallic-finish accent trims.

You also get an anti-glare rearview mirror. The Limited adds power adjustments to the seats, heating for the rear outer seats, an electronic tailgate with auto-close, height memory, and vehicle locking functions. The Touring is the most comprehensive offering in the range, with its ventilated front seats and retractable cargo area cover. Both the Limited and Touring feature gray and blue or black StarTex synthetic leather upholstery with satin chrome-finish accent trims.

Subaru offers a plethora of interior cargo solutions, all-weather surfaces, exterior panel moldings, and more, via its comprehensive accessories catalog.

Technology

The Solterra Premium trim comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system connected to a basic six-speaker audio system. This smaller screen features wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but if you want navigation, you’ll have to get the Limited or Touring trim.

These feature the larger 12.3-inch screen with an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. All cars come standard with 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity and front and rear USB charging ports. The Limited and Touring models grant you access to the Solterra Connect Digital Key smartphone function, a wireless smartphone charger. The Limited features an electrochromatic rearview mirror with HomeLink, while the flagship incorporates a digital rearview mirror.

Interior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Subaru)

Safety And Reliability

One area where the Solterra range shines bright is the standard safety equipment. All trims come standard with airbags covering the driver, front passenger, front knees, curtains, and sides. You also get whiplash-protection front seats with height-adjustable head restraints and the Solterra Connect Enabled service. This includes an automatic collision notification system, SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, a vehicle health report, vehicle charge status monitoring, and remote climate control.

The Solterra’s high specification level earns it a five-star overall crash test rating and the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ award. The NHTSA doesn’t list any recalls for the Solterra, but there are two recalls for the 2023 model related to a detaching wheel. J.D. Power gives the model a Fair 67/100 rating for quality and reliability.

Driver Assistance Features

All Solterra derivatives come standard with a host of advanced driver assist systems. These include dynamic radar cruise control, pre-collision detection and intervention, emergency steering assist, front cross traffic alert, lane departure warning and intervention, lane tracing and change assist, traffic jam assist, and low-speed hands-free driving.

• Dynamic radar cruise control
• Pre-collision detection and intervention
• Emergency steering assist
• Lane departure warning and intervention
• Lane tracing and change assist
• Traffic jam assist

You also get a blind-spot monitor, front and rear cross-traffic alert system, and a driver distraction mitigation system included as standard. The Touring and Limited derivatives benefit from a panoramic view monitor, but all models feature a rear-facing camera.

IIHS Crash Testing

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

• Recalls (NHTSA): 0
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0
• Awards:Top Safety Pick + (2023)

Warranties

All Solterra derivatives come standard with Subaru’s comprehensive standard EV warranty package, which includes a 36-month and 36,000-mile basic coverage, a 60-month and 60,000-mile powertrain and corrosion perforation warranty, and a 96-month or 100,000-mile coverage for all-electric drive components. Subaru also covers the first two scheduled maintenances within 24 months or 25,000 miles, and roadside assistance for 24 months over unlimited miles.

(Data sourced from Subaru)

2024 Subaru Solterra Versus Its Competitors

The Solterra competes in the compact EV segment, but its high pricing strategy means it has to fight off some compelling market-leading rivals, most notably the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5. These two options consistently dominate the quarterly sales charts, thanks to their great value proposition, versatile derivatives, and impressive energy efficiency returns.

How The Subaru Solterra Compares To The Tesla Model Y

• 	2024 Subaru Solterra	2024 Tesla Model Y
  Model	Subaru Solterra	Tesla Model Y
  Engine	Dual-Permanent-Magnet Motors	Single- or dual permanent-magnet motors
  Transmission	Single-Speed Automatic	Single-speed automatic
  Horsepower	215 HP	295-456 HP
  Torque	249 LB-FT	310-487 LB-FT
  Driveline	All-Wheel Drive	Rear- or all-wheel drive
  Range	222-227 Miles	260-330 miles
  MSRP	$44,995	$43,990
  Fuel Economy	102-104 MPGe	111-123 MPGe
  Charge Time	11 Hours At 240V	8-10 hours @ 240V
  0-60 MPH	6.5 Seconds	6.6-3.5 seconds

Based on performance alone, the Solterra doesn’t offer anything over the Tesla Model Y. Tesla’s power outputs are far higher, but interestingly, the Solterra bests it in the 0-60 MPH sprint, thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive configuration, but it fails to return better energy consumption figures. The Dual-Motor derivatives offer far superior performance abilities, while remaining equally efficient. All Model Y derivatives cover much further distances on a single charge thanks to its larger battery pack.

The Solterra’s value factor is also limited, as the Model Y’s pricing starts at a slightly lower figure, while offering an equally competitive specification. Those wanting an all-wheel drive model with some multi-terrain prowess will prefer the Solterra over the Tesla, which specifically caters to urban and tarmac driving conditions. Tesla has a poor quality and reliability reputation, while the Solterra benefits from Toyota’s impeccable build quality.

How The Subaru Solterra Compares To The Hyundai Ioniq 5

• 2024 Subaru Solterra

  Model

  Subaru Solterra

  Engine

  Dual-Permanent-Magnet Motors

  Transmission

  Single-Speed Automatic

  Horsepower

  215 HP

  Torque

  249 LB-FT

  Driveline

  All-Wheel Drive

  Range

  222-227 Miles

  MSRP

  $44,995

  Fuel Economy

  102-104 MPGe

  Charge Time

  11 Hours At 240V

  0-60 MPH

  6.5 Seconds

• 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5

  Model

  Hyundai Ioniq 5

  Engine

  Single- or dual-permanent-magnet motors

  Transmission

  Single-speed automatic

  Horsepower

  168-320 HP

  Torque

  258-446 LB-FT

  Driveline

  Rear- or all-wheel drive

  Range

  220-303 miles

  MSRP

  $41,650

  Fuel Economy

  99-114 MPGe

  Charge Time

  6-7 hours @ 240V

  0-60 MPH

  7.4-4.5 seconds

The Ioniq 5 is a much more compelling EV crossover option for a multitude of reasons. The Ioniq 5’s base rear-wheel drive model returns interior acceleration and range figures, because of its low-powered single motor, but its energy consumption returns are noticeably better. Dual-motor derivatives with the extended battery back are far more competitive across all parameters.

Hyundai has a slight upper hand with its pricing across the range, while offering a close specification level. Several reviews and comparisons also declare Hyundai’s interior quality and design to be superior to Subaru’s. The Ioniq 5 N is a twist in the mix, as it promotes high-performance electric mobility. Despite Subaru’s extensive history of developing fast cars, it has no plans to introduce a more exciting edition for this EV.

How Much A 2024 Subaru Solterra Costs

The 2024 Premium trim costs $44,995, while the Limited will set you back by $48,945. The top-of-the-range Touring costs $51,995. Subaru attaches a $1,345 destination and delivery charge to all Solterra models. This car is not built in the U.S., so it doesn’t qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit.

(Data sourced from Subaru)

Efficiency

(Data sourced from Subaru)

Is It Worth Buying The Subaru Solterra?

The Solterra caters to a very select clientele that wants to stay in the Subaru brand but requires an electric car. The brand sold a total of 8,872 units in 2023, but just 446 cars in the first quarter of 2024, reflecting a 13 percent decline year-on-year, despite a host of new and compelling alterations. It’s good to see the brand is working on resolving some design flaws, but unless it implements better drive units and battery technology, these sales are unlikely to improve.

Unfortunately, the Solterra just doesn’t have what it takes to justify its premium over better-value electric SUVs from competing manufacturers. Like Toyota, Subaru takes a much more conservative approach to electrification. We can expect its EV offerings to become truly competitive once the global infrastructure and development costs make EVs more viable products for the masses.