Is the 2024 Subaru Solterra a Good Electric SUV?

The 2024 Subaru Solterra is a competent but unremarkable entry into the electric SUV market. As Subaru's first all-electric vehicle, it serves as a pragmatic stopgap rather than a groundbreaking model. It shares its core design with the Toyota bZ4X, offering standard all-wheel drive and decent daily driving manners. However, its below-average driving range and slower charging speeds place it behind key rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Tesla Model Y. Based on our assessment experience, it's a reasonably well-rounded compact SUV for Subaru loyalists making the switch to EV, but it faces stiff competition.

How Does the Subaru Solterra Perform and Handle?

The Solterra's sole powertrain consists of dual electric motors producing a combined 215 horsepower and 249 pounds-feet of torque. This provides respectably zippy acceleration, making it easy to merge onto highways and navigate city traffic. The instant torque delivery typical of electric vehicles is present and effective.

The vehicle features driver-selectable regenerative braking intensity. This system captures kinetic energy during deceleration and feeds it back to the battery. The strongest setting nearly allows for one-pedal driving, where lifting off the accelerator significantly slows the car, though you'll still need the brake pedal to come to a complete stop. A notable quirk is that the system defaults to the weakest setting every time the car is started, requiring the driver to readjust it via steering-wheel paddles.

In terms of driving dynamics, the suspension is tuned for comfort, not sporty handling. You feel the vehicle's considerable weight in corners, but the handling remains composed and predictable. Ride quality is decent, even with the available 20-inch wheels, though some tire roar on certain freeway surfaces can be intrusive.

What Are the Solterra's Range and Charging Capabilities?

This is the Solterra's most significant drawback. Its 72.8-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery delivers an EPA-estimated range of 227 miles for the base Premium trim and 222 miles for the Limited and Touring trims. In real-world testing, a fully charged Touring model displayed a range between 217 and 225 miles, confirming the EPA rating.

The following table illustrates how the Solterra's range compares to all-wheel-drive versions of its main competitors:

For 2024, Subaru improved the DC fast-charging performance. The company states the time to charge from 10% to 80% battery capacity is now as little as 35 minutes, a significant improvement from the previous 60 minutes. However, this is still slower than rivals with 800-volt architecture, like the Ioniq 5 and EV6, which can achieve the same charge in under 20 minutes under ideal conditions.

What Are the Solterra's Interior Pros and Cons?

The cabin is spacious for both front and rear passengers, and cargo space is generous with a low, wide load floor. The rear seats fold nearly flat for larger items. However, the interior has several distinct quirks.

• Unconventional Gauge Cluster: The digital instrument panel is mounted high and far forward on the dashboard, designed to be viewed over the steering wheel. Its effectiveness heavily depends on the driver's height and seating position.
• Squircle Steering Wheel: New for 2024, this squared-off wheel improves the view of the gauges and increases legroom for taller drivers.
• Notable Omissions: The Solterra lacks a glove box and, more critically, a rear window wiper, which is sorely missed during rain.
• Awkward Features: The wireless charger is housed under a lid in the middle of the console, taking up valuable space. The climate controls are a mix of physical knobs and capacitive touch buttons that work well, but the ventilated seats were found to be ineffective.

Is the 2024 Subaru Solterra a Good Value?

Pricing is competitive with similar AWD electric SUVs, but you get less range for your money. The lineup is simple:

• Premium: Starts at $46,340 (including destination) and is well-equipped with keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a comprehensive suite of standard safety features.
• Limited: Priced from $49,840, adding a power liftgate, heated steering wheel, and a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen.
• Touring: The top trim at $53,340 includes a panoramic moonroof, ventilated front seats, and a camera-based rearview mirror.

The Solterra's value proposition hinges on its standard all-wheel drive and Subaru's reputation for practicality. It is a capable daily driver with sufficient space for families. However, its compromised range and charging speed are significant factors to weigh against competitors that offer more advanced technology and superior efficiency.