2024 Subaru Solterra

Now in its second year, the Subaru Solterra is a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru that also produced the very similar  Toyota bZ4X. For the EV curious within Subaru’s wildly devoted owner base, the Solterra is a prayer answered. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard, as is a comprehensive bundle of advanced safety technologies. High ground clearance and several driving modes, including X-Mode for more aggressive treks off-road, all add up to the degree of capability Subaru owners have come to expect. Roomy, comfortable, and competent, the Solterra brings the EV experience to Subaru. With many competitors offering closer to 300 miles of driving range on a full charge, however, the Solterra’s maximum range of 227 miles can be a shortcoming for some.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact electric SUVs, including the Subaru Solterra.

Not allowing any grass to grow under its wheels, the Solterra rolls into 2024 with a new steering wheel design, allowing a clearer field of vision to the gauge cluster. Furthermore, it now hosts paddles to adjust the degree of brake regeneration. Addressing one of our gripes from last year’s model, Subaru has shortened the public DC fast charger time to 35 minutes to get from 10% to 80% charge. Last year’s model could get to 80% “in approximately an hour,” according to Subaru. Drivers with slow, tedious commutes will be interested to know the Solterra now offers hands-free driving at speeds up to 25 mph.

Before buying the Subaru Solterra, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay, as well as our guide to related federal tax credits. Solterra resale values are running about typical for the segment. Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

Solterra generates thrust with two electric motors: one on each axle. The total output is 215 horsepower. Because the peak torque is immediately available, acceleration is brisk, but not crazy. And the new Solterra electric SUV has a sporty driving mode for quicker responses. Even then, the fun pedal isn’t too sensitive. A new feature for 2024, paddles mounted on the back of the steering wheel allow the driver to adjust the level of regeneration. We wish the Solterra offered one-pedal driving, with which you can drive around town without ever hitting the brake pedal.

Driving the Solterra SUV is generally pleasant, with a comfortable ride and predictable handling. If there’s some mild off-roading in a Solterra owner’s future, the abilities are here. The X-Mode all-wheel-drive (AWD) system uses the brakes to simulate the kind of torque distribution achieved by a limited-slip differential. The system has Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes. And the standard-issue Grip Control is a low-speed cruise control of sorts. Ground clearance of 8.3 inches is useful, and perhaps a symbolic advantage of 0.2 inches compared to its Toyota counterpart.

Other advantages of electric power in these unpaved situations include the abundant torque available at low speeds, the lack of engine noise (all the better to hear the birds singing), and no spewing of hydrocarbons over the sagebrush. Just make sure there’s enough juice in the battery to reach the next charger.

There are arguably better-looking dashboards, but the one in the Solterra follows the usual Subaru approach of simple and functional, while also fitting digital gauges. Things like big door pockets and a flat load floor contribute to the Solterra’s overall practicality. Rear legroom is 35.3 inches — not as much as, say, a Honda CR-V (40.4 inches), but still sufficient for most adults. Luggage space behind the 60/40 split/folding rear seats measures 27.7 cubic feet. That’s about the same as the bZ4X, Kia EV6, and Hyundai Ioniq 5, and generous enough.

Time and again, Subaru owners have demonstrated that they’re not shallow — loving their Foresters or Outbacks or whatever for what’s beneath the surface, regardless of looks. We argue that with the new Solterra, no justifications are necessary. There’s every chance that some buyers might be walking into a Subaru dealership for the first time, attracted not just by the idea of a new compact electric SUV, but also drawn to the styling. The Solterra goes lavish with the obligatory SUV black plastic cladding right underneath the headlights, which then accentuates the wheel arches before creating a large rear valance. But other features bring more vibrancy, like the headlights and taillights, and the unusual rear spoiler. Roof rails, strong enough to handle a rooftop tent, come with all trim levels.

Fast(er) charging
Using a Level 3 fast charger, the Solterra’s battery can now be charged from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes. This still lags many competitors, but makes the 2024 model far more competitive than the 2023 version.

Hands-Free Driving up to 25 mph
Just keep an attentive hand on the wheel and the Solterra can practically drive itself down the highway (within reason and limits, of course). New for 2024, you don’t even have to keep a hand on the wheel when driving at speeds below 25 mph. It’s part of Subaru’s robust EyeSight collection of safety and assistance tech.

Easy Regen Control
You can now control how much the Solterra slows when lifting off the accelerator via paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

X-Mode
An enhanced feature of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, X-Mode increases control and stability in a variety of driving conditions on varying surfaces.

Digital key
Using the Subaru Solterra smartphone app, several people can access one Solterra without any of them needing a conventional key. This becomes standard in the mid-level Limited trim.

Advanced Park: Driver Parking Assistance
It’s a clumsy title, but it should bring a little more elegance to slotting into parking spaces. This is a self-parking function, the kind of thing often found in luxury vehicles, now becoming available to more drivers. Also standard in the Limited model.

Every Solterra SUV is propelled by dual electric motors, one for each axle, and all-wheel drive. Combined output is 215 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, with each motor generating equal amounts of muscle.

The floor-mounted lithium-ion battery pack requires about nine hours for a full charge from a 240-volt source like a home charging setup. A DC fast charger can bring the battery from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes. Some rivals enjoy faster charging times, like the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The federal government puts the maximum range at 227 miles for the Premium version. The Limited and Touring trims, with larger wheels, are rated at 222 miles.

Using the government’s miles-per-hour equivalent protocol for comparative EV mileage, the Solterra Premium delivers 104 MPGe in mixed city-and-highway driving. The Limited and Touring trims get 102 MPGe. This is a bit better than some other all-wheel-drive competitors, like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Kia EV6.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

As with most mainstream carmakers, Subaru offers bumper-to-bumper limited warranty protection for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Powertrain coverage is for five years or 60,000 miles. Additionally, Subaru covers the EV components for eight years or 100,000 miles.

Safety

Earning a perfect score in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s battery of tests, the Solterra was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It also earned the top 5-Star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.