It’s been two and a half years since I first drove the then-new Subaru Solterra electric crossover at its press preview in California. It was quiet on city streets, peppy on the highway, and proved its off-road chops on Catalina. But it has taken all that time to get one back in Indiana. It was short on range, long on recharge times, and a bit pricey, but charming. It’s appreciably better for 2024.
If you think it looks like a Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback had relations, you’re not loco. The Solterra was co-developed with Toyota, which offers the similar bZ4X. Styling is more Toyota than Subaru with roof and pillars reminiscent of the RAV4, but Subaru clearly influenced final details. The front facia outline echoes Subaru’s trademark grille, black wheelwell cladding is pure Subaru, and the roof rack supports 700 lbs. of tent and campers. Check the 20” wheels and Wilderness-style black patch on the hood.
There’s a lot of Toyota inside, but it works. The intuitive 12.3” widescreen infotainment system could have come from a Camry, but the flatscreen gauge cluster is placed high and deep for a heads-up effect. Seats come in cloth or StarTex vegan leather, but I prefer the latter for their stylish two-tone gray and easy cleaning with kids and outdoor endeavors. Storage abounds with the flybridge console, door cubbies, and roomy luggage compartment, but don’t look for a glovebox because there isn’t one.
Our car was loaded like a Lexus with heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon audio, panoramic sunroof, and wireless phone connections. While the glass roof has power shades, it does not open. Bummer. A full suite of crash avoidance systems includes automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and safe exit assist to keep passengers from stepping into traffic. Drivers can relax a little with adaptive cruise and Traffic Jam Assist that allows hands-off driving at low speeds.
Big drawbacks for the Solterra were 222 miles driving range and needing an hour to charge 80%. Given those numbers, sales were not exactly brisk. To truly compete, it needs close to 300 miles range and ability to recharge 80% in under 30 minutes. Range hasn’t improved for 2024, but a re-engineered charging system brings the 10-80% replenishment down to 35 minutes. That’s considerably more livable.
Fortunately, the Solterra is a joy to drive between stops. Its electric system routes 215 horsepower and 249 lb.-ft. of torque through dual electric motors all-wheel-drive. It glides through the city and whooshes onto freeways with total grace. Subaru claims 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, but it feels faster. One-pedal driving engages regeneration early and often to maximize range and ease city driving.
One expects an EV to be efficient and serene, but the Solterra is also a Subaru. At its California introduction on Catalina, we abolished miles of unpaved roads and drove straight-up rough trails. Class-leading 8.3” of ground clearance is no match for a Crosstrek Wilderness, but Dual Function X-Mode with Grip Control used all of the electric torque to scurry up trails and creep down the other side. Apply power whenever and wherever you want with zero drama.
It may not be your first choice for a long-distance road trip, but the Solterra would be super convenient and a joy to own with a home charger. Charging time is about half what it used to be, which is greatly appreciated. Prices start at $44,995, rising to $54,558 as-tested. Competitors include the Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevy Equinox Electric, Hyundai IONIQ5, and similar Toyota bZ4X.
Storm Forward!
Send comments to Casey at [email protected]; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey