Overview
The 2024 Solterra is an electric vehicle (EV), but it’s still a Subaru electric car, so it shares traits with its tough brothers, including basic all-wheel drive and a reasonable amount of off-road performance. Its style may differ from everyone’s taste, but it combines the platform-sharing Toyota bZ4X’s flavor with the appearance of other Subies. Similar to its Toyota counterpart, the inside of the Solterra is spacious enough to accommodate four passengers and offers ample cargo capacity. Many features for driver assistance are also included as standard. The Solterra’s 215-horsepower dual-motor powertrain provides adequate acceleration, but its 227-mile driving range is not particularly noteworthy.
What’s New for 2024?
Subaru electric car has made several improvements for the Solterra’s second year on the market. The driver may adjust the SUV’s regenerative braking system on the fly with new paddles positioned on the rear of the spokes, and the steering wheel has been squared off to improve the visibility of the digital gauge display. The driver-assistance features of the Solterra include an automated lane-change function, an intersection collision detection system, and a low-speed hands-free driving mode. Additionally, according to Subaru, upgrades to the battery warming system facilitate charging in colder climates.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The starting price of the 2024 Subaru electric car Solterra ranges from $46,340 to $53,340, contingent upon the chosen trim and optional features
The trim to choose, in our opinion, is the mid-range Limited. It has 20-inch stylish alloys, a power-operated liftgate, rain-sensing wipers on the windscreen, in-dash navigation, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, parking sensors, and more.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The Solterra is an all-electric vehicle with two electric motors providing a combined 215 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque. It is powered solely by electricity. There are four driving modes available to choose from: Eco, Normal, Power, and X-mode, which modifies the power distribution to each wheel independently to assist in slick or uneven terrain. These modes determine how that power is applied.
The Solterra boasts 8.3 inches of ground clearance and a “Grip Control” option, which is like a low-speed cruise control, for individuals who want to go off-road. The steering wheel’s paddles enable you to modify the regenerative braking force. The version we tested on some ORV trails in Arizona proved to be more than capable; in fact, we were able to spin a doughnut on an unpaved surface by completely disabling stability control and utilizing Solterra’s 60 percent torque distribution to the rear axle.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
According to Subaru electric car reviews, the battery pack of the Solterra has a gross capacity of 72.8 kWh. The Limited and Touring trims have an estimated range of 222 miles, while the Premium trim has an EPA-estimated range of 227 miles. Subaru claims that the inbuilt 6.6-kW charger in the Solterra can fully recharge the battery in nine hours when plugged into a Level 2 charging station. It is stated that an 80 percent charge will take roughly 35 minutes when connected to a 100 kW DC fast charger.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The 2024 Solterra has achieved a combined fuel economy rating of up to 104 MPGe according to the EPA. We can evaluate its actual MPGe once we have a chance to test one on our 75 mph fuel efficiency route, which is a part of our rigorous testing program.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The inside of the Solterra has an elevated center console with a rotary shift knob, a large touchscreen for the infotainment system, and a high-mounted digital gauge cluster. The panoramic sunroof, big side glass, and high windscreen seem to make the cabin feel roomy. The appealing appearance is further enhanced by the variety of appealing materials used throughout. The Solterra is a practical travel companion because of its several storage spaces, which include a sizable bin beneath the center console, and it has up to 30 cubic feet when the back seats are folded flat, of load capacity.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system of the Solterra is situated in the middle of the dashboard. All models come equipped with wireless phone charging, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay as standard features. Users can remotely operate the HVAC system to accomplish various tasks, such as pre-conditioning the cabin or locking and unlocking the doors, thanks to the integration of a smartphone app. Additional features include a Harman/Kardon-tuned enhanced sound and built-in navigation.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every Solterra comes equipped with an array of standard driver-assistance features, such as a 360-degree camera system, which is a first for a Subaru, and automatic high-beam headlamps. Visit the websites of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for additional details regarding Solterra’s crash test results. Important safety elements probably consist of:
- Automated emergency braking and standard forward-collision warning
- Regular lane-keeping assistance and lane-departure warning
- Hands-free driving at low speeds is possible with standard adaptive cruise control.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Subaru provides mediocre warranty coverage. That being said, the brand does not provide free planned maintenance, in contrast to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
- A limited warranty is valid for 36 months or 36,000 miles.
- A powertrain warranty is valid for 60,000 miles or five years.
- Electrical components are insured for eight years or 100,000 miles.
- No free planned maintenance