2023 Subaru Solterra | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports

[@__-im2se]

That Solterra does not look like a $54,000 vehicle. Mid $30k max.

[@paulholterhaus7084]

Can still get a very nice Forester for $30..............Paul

[@Demobot1]

Just know you're not paying for looks. Your paying for the tech.

[@lighttheoryllc4337]

Extra 25k is for those starving CEO's bro come on... LOL 😆

[@mikekwan2402]

Over priced, yet the waitlist for this is all the way to 2024 right now. Lol

[@ItsAlive111]

It’s like a cheap toy. Batteries cost a lot!

[@adriancooper78]

NO THEY MISSED THE TRAIN ON THIS. ONE THIS IS A HALF MEASURED ATTEMPT TO PUT AN ELECTRIC CAR ON THE MARKET. (1) Where is the 800 volt architecture we see in the other cars? (Kia/Hyundai) Slow damn charging. (2) Hell to the NO on the range. Give is at least 300 miles on range. THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE AN OUTDOOR VEHICLE? Right!!! (3) Give us a true Subaru Hybrid Outback Wagon.

[@paulholterhaus7084]

Or just an $30k electric Forester..............Paul

[@AnalogueKid2112]

I actually had a reservation for the Solterra, but I ended up canceling it due to the very underwhelming specs. Correction on DCFC, it’s only 100kW max due to sub standard CATL batteries, and that’s only for a *very* brief time. The slow “fast charging”, relatively low range, yet a high price makes this a loser. This is not a go anywhere vehicle given it’s limitations

[@brucec954]

Too bad I can only thumbs up once on your comment. Looks like Toyota and Subaru just took an ICE car and slapped together whatever they could find for batteries and charging components so they can say they have an EV.

[@toobigtofit3584]

Price Performance Frunk Charge Speed Range If Subaru compromised some of those, to excel in the other places on that list, they'd have something more compelling. Instead, they compromised ALL of those.

[@pilot1226]

If you are driving long distances where you need to dcfc regularly, a PHEV would probably be a better option

[@Demobot1]

​@@pilot1226No a regular Hybrid is better.

[@MechayaAlta]

I’m sorry but Subaru, Toyota and CR missed what the average Subaru owner would want. I’ve owned 5 Subarus and live in the PacNW. This EV only has 220 mile range in nice weather! I would rather have a Subaru Outback Wilderness hybrid, with the latest Toyota hybrid technology. We currently have a Subaru Legacy for road trips and a Nissan Leaf SV for around town.

[@danhoang6335]

I'm a long-time Subaru owner here and would rather have an Outback with hybrid technology than an electric any day. I have an Outback for camping/long trips and a Prius for everything else.

[@Doc1855]

We too live in north central WA. We use our Outback as our road car (our chocolate lab weighs 120# & we need the room for him and our luggage). My car is a 11 Rav 4WD Limited with a V6. And of course we have an old Ford Ranger 4X4 when needed for around our property. We’re thinking about a Soltera for my wife to use to commute to work

[@ji3200]

Im going for Cadillac Lyriq

[@cjwilson54]

We also currently have a Subaru Legacy with Eyesight which is a great road trip car. For around town we have a Kia Soul EV. The Solterra might have been viable 5 or 6 years ago but not today.

[@chriszawertany5242]

Toyota owns 20% of Subaru-they do not offer no hybrids worth while-only one is the Crosstrek which is a joke.

[@saintsubie6661]

Reminds me of the original B9 Tribeca. I think this will be a flop. Would’ve been better for Subaru to lean into hybrid tech on their ICE cars. Subaru has never been very competitive on gas mileage, so this seems like a weird jump to a niche vehicle instead of adding hybrid tech to the existing high volume models.

[@truckerrickakamanowar]

Agree with you completely. Hybrid vehicles make way more sense for range and where we are now battery wise and infrastructure wise...which is a whole other discussion.

[@adj2]

I was looking at getting a BZ or Soltera. After doing some research the SolterrA and AWD BZ was a charging rate of 100 not 150, killed it. The FWD has a 150 rate but not the AWD. Unless something change but I don’t think it has. People underestimate what a pain it the butt Slow Fast Charging and Slow onboard charger will on a TV long timed road trip especially with the SUV limited range. Has anyone told a Solterra AWD or BZ AWD on a timed road? The other thing I am trying to get is verified information on the charging curve, ei: what is the actual charging rate over time? My calculations are that it will take well over 8 hours with the onboard charger. And pre info is the charging rate drops to much lower than 100 on DC fast chargers early on is the charging curve. Leading to very charging sessions DC fast charger. Right now even if they cut the price a slow charging EV is a no. Have they put the same one for charging rate for the BZ the same as a Rav 4 Prime which has a tiny battery? I see issues a head when owners realize the limited slow charging.

[@tomeisenmenger7048]

Agreed. I had really been looking forward to the Solterra (we currently have a Legacy and a Forester), but the slow charge rate has convinced me to look elsewhere when that time comes.

[@paulholterhaus7084]

Another issue........Few potential customers are going to pay more for electric than for ICE......I can almost buy 2 Foresters for the price of one of these.......Also, Annual licensing in Iowa will so be $1000 annual......$600 basic plus $400 additional planned for electric..........A retiree can pay this................Paul

[@paulholterhaus7084]

Meant CANNOT pay this.............Paul

[@RChyshkevych]

Imo, Toyota/Subaru weren't really trying with this car. For the Price of the Solterra, the Mach-E, Ionic 5, Kia EV6, and even the ID.4 (though not my choice) are a better value. All of them have faster charging and better range

[@emiliorescigno]

You guys really really really need to test these EVs a bit more comprehensively. DC Fast Charging? Real world range? Battery preconditioning? Route planning? These are very important aspects of EVs that are totally missed.

[@davidmccarthy6061]

Solterra is a half hearted attempt from Toyota and Subaru is too small to develop their own now in the beginning. But its charge rate is so low with a charge curve that doesn't make it viable for long road trips, we'll be keeping our Forester for a good five years yet. We'll see what's available then.

[@RChyshkevych]

I feel as if Toyota either did not put in the effort into this car, or purposefully made it underwhelming with a high price so they can go "see, people don't want to buy EVs, but they buy our hybrids instead". This is a perfectly decent car, but at $35k before incentives, not $45-$50k. At those prices pretty much any of the competitors (Mach-E, Ioniq 5, EV6, ID.4, Tesla 3/Y) offer better range and faster charging

[@bigcjm]

Why is even consumer reports presenting the tax credit like its a discount. If you buy the car the loan will be msrp plus tax. It wont be msrp minus 7,500, plus taxes. The tax credit should not at all factor into you purchase because most adults wont be to redeem all 7500 anyway.

[@StevenHoagland]

You're saying most adults don't have at least a $7500 federal tax obligation in a year?

[@tomeisenmenger7048]

Most adults who can afford a $40K vehicle are most assuredly paying at least $7500 in federal income tax, especially if filing jointly.

[@penneya3911]

Why did they not make an electric Outback? That’s what their customers really want. People shopping for an EUV have better options, but there are no station wagons.

[@davetravels9273]

You need to talk about battery chemistry. The AWD models have different chemistry, i.e. all of the Solteras, and they charge much slower at 100 kW. It's 5 years behind and dead on arrival. For a city car that is fine, but for a car that has off-roadability, I expect a faster charging time and more range. I am an Outback owner with an ID.4 on order.

[@bigskygeneration4474]

Reason for the smaller battery pack? My theory is they will be launching solid state batteries in the very near future. They won't have to redesign these platforms in two years.

[@paulholterhaus7084]

I doubt it...............maybe 5----10 Years...........Paul

[@seanashford7122]

You say that for DC fast charging, the car is competitive and has an acceptance rate of 150kW. Haven't we already established that the Solterra has a DC charging acceptance rate of 100kW due to the CATL batteries? That immediately made me question the validity of this review.

[@RezandJen]

This is a "Weak" first effort. No solid state battery pack, no OTA updates, slow 32amp charging and only 225 miles of range. It's already 5 years behind any other EV. The value quotient is gone. Do your research if you've never owned an EV and are considering this or the Toyota.

[@markplott4820]

4680 Nickel cells are better than ANY Solid State in development. the NEW Tesla model Y " 50D " weighs 350 lb less than Fremont model Y.

[@RezandJen]

@@markplott4820 I agree, that's if they can get enough of them. I guess my point is I have a Model Y and I would never even consider this car. The Mach E and Ioniq 5 are the only other cars I would consider.

[@mattheviewer]

Solterra is supposedly sold out for 2022 via pre-orders.

[@CookiePepper]

Chevrolet Astro is the most American car ever.

[@judih.8754]

While I can appreciate "airy" cockpits I actually prefer "close coupled" interiors that surround me as a driver. This sounds interesting. The new tech is not always to my liking, it's a car not a video console.

[@paulholterhaus7084]

Take out all the flat screens and I'll be happier...........Paul

[@paulholterhaus7084]

And give Me an ordinary key with an xtra that I can hide under the hood.........I have been looked out of Both of My Subaru's with the engine running.............Paul

[@listofromantics]

The Subaru Solterra is such a half-hearted first attempt at a BEV, especially from a juggernaut / the world's largest automaker Toyota, and a "green" car brand like Subaru. The world of BEVs is several steps beyond this underwhelming showing. Given Toyota's stance on hydrogen, this really feels like a product designed to fail, so Toyota can point at it and say "See! We tried... Oh well." Any success that comes from the Solterra will come despite Toyota's / Subaru's half-hearted efforts.

[@jimwatchyyc]

Definitely better to buy the Subaru rather than Toyota BZ4 because of US federal government tax incentive being $3,750 more.

[@Tonga2]

Great review, just NOT interested in Either of these EVs. Range and charging is not there. Love my Outback XT

[@arkrainflood]

PROBLEM: there is a shortage of all ev's. many dealerships show "in transit" for their inventory search.

[@stephenwinter8892]

Greetings from southern Ontario Canada my sister is considering both the solterra and the bz4x she lives in Vancouver where gasoline in Canada prices are $2.25 a litre the bz4x starts at $46,000 Canadian

[@lighttheoryllc4337]

Looks like a Subaru trying to be a Toyota Rav4

[@TealSide]

Yeah that instrument panel is not pleasant to look at. Hopefully the next year model changes it. Pretty crazy they can get all the hard parts of the car mostly right but can't pinpoint a proper speedometer.

[@hereigoagain5050]

Keith is rocking jazzy glasses! Very disappointed in Toyota/Subaru's EV compared to the competition. No doubt it will improve over time. Kaizen!

[@fabou3]

Many Subaru drivers are older. Many of my friends (I'm 58) drive foresters. Think it might be a try to get us into an ev

[@Steve_in_NJ]

I'm with you! I'm 62. I drove Subarus from 1981 until 2013. Now, I drive a Hyundai Kona, as I found the Forrester to get larger and larger and then I felt it was too big for my needs (and I don't need AWD like I used to).

[@paulholterhaus7084]

I am 80 and the finest car I have owned was a forester.............Paul

[@georgejesson1944]

Mileage range is too short. Sorry no sale....

[@LionRunner]

Toyota Tundra is the most epic American vehicle to me, hitting million miles of reliability built in TX (Yes, i'm very proud of that Team, love to visit if possible / allow visitors). I do like Honda Pilot / Passport / Ridgeline / Odyssey line for the top list for the most American vehicle nowadays just behind the most American vehicle the Dodge Grand Caravan taking the #1 spot in 2020. I think around the same time Acura MDX was so close to be the most American vehicle 75% just short of Grand Caravan 76% American made.

[@davidm5707]

This is the first I've heard of these sister vehicles, but the Subaru sounds like it's truly half-baked, unfortunately. Subaru and Toyota could do better without thinking about it. Apparently, they didn't.

[@paulholterhaus7084]

They are ALL overly modern for Me........Just give Me a key and NO onboard Laptaps......Paul

[@seanashford7122]

@@paulholterhaus7084 ok boomer

[@joeb4294]

I like the other Toyobaru better (86/BRZ) but I am happy to see an attempt at electrification. Subaru would be better off using Toyota's plug-in hybrid tech in more vehicles, with EV range of at least 50 miles on a full charge.

[@pushslice]

the Subaru "Single Lady" ??? as in, the stereotypical Subie buyer just....'hasn't found the right guy..' ?? Okayyyyyy lol. very clever, Subaru of America ;-)

[@Noah_E]

I like Subaru and we currently have two, but the Solterra is a HUGE disappointment. Toyota needs to get serious about BEVs and give the triplets more range and better performance. They are a generation behind the Koreans. 215 HP and less than 300 miles of range is pathetic for a 2023 model. Also, I may not NEED a rear wiper, but I want one along with a glove box. If X-Mode is the only real difference between the Solterra and the Toyota, they need to make it function better. X-Mode would be nice if it operated at higher speeds. I own a tree farm and my parents have a cabin on 50 acres of woodland. Both have steep spots I've tried to use X-Mode, but I end up turning it off after a few seconds because it creeps too slowly. That was the case with our ‘13 and ‘21 Crosstreks and ‘15 Forester XT. It just doesn't operate well or at high enough speeds to be practical.

[@charlespinto4608]

Subaru makes a lot of junk and I don't know why it gets any kudos what soever. I purchased a 2020 Outback touring model new and to say I am disappointed would be an understatement. The engine is a total dog. Unrefined noisy with the worst turbo lag I have ever experienced but the numbskulls at CR praised this piece of junk. Nothing about this car is appealing at all from the infotainment system to the horrible shifting CVT. I developed an motor oil leak at 7900 miles which turned out to be a pan gasket. I think your videos show your lack of REAL knowledge about these cars. I'm loosing my faith in consumer reports.

[@chaso4937]

HI "MOUNTAIN MAN" KEITH, GABE, AND ALEX, GOOD SHOW!! UH, DOES THIS CAR COME WITH BINOCULARS OR BIFOCALS, SO YOU CAN SEE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL?? HOW MUCH EXTRA WOULD I HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE FRONT AND REAR FENDERS PAINTED TO MATCH THE REST OF THE CAR, SO I DON'T LOOK LIKE I'VE JUST BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT?? SUBARUS HAVE NEVER BEEN VERY PRETTY CARS, ( except maybe the SWX??) ALWAYS A LITTLE WEIRD, AND QUIRKY LOOKING, BUT SOLID, RELIABLE, LONG LASTING, LOYAL AND DEVOTED TO YOU, KINDDA LIKE YOUR PET BULLDOG OR SHAR PEI, BUT THIS THING IS JUST PLAIN DUMB LOOKING, INSIDE AND OUT!! AND IT DOESN'T EVEN HAVE A FRUNK!! I KNOW A LOT OF THIS CAR WAS DESIGNED AND DEVELOPED BY TOYOTA, BUT, FOR SUBARU'S FIRST EVER EV, YOU'D THINK THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE PLAYED IT SAFE AND GONE WITH A NICER, MORE MAINSTREAM DESIGN, NO?? MY WIFE AND I ARE CURRENTLY DRIVING A SUBARU FORESTER, AND WE LIKE THEIR CARS A LOT; JUST NOT THIS THING, EVER!! THANKS GUYS!! CHAS ORVIS, PLAINVILLE, CT.

[@davidlemieux615]

Btw, as I watch the review, my first for the Solterra, all I see is the Toyota EV but someone but Subaru badges on it… Since Subaru 4 wheel drive expertise is nearly irrelevant and this is a Toyota, why would it interest a Subaru person. As for attracting “green” folks… it’s a TOYOTA. See how Norway and other investors are putting huge pressure on Toyota inc for being so anti green.

[@marekw.9816]

Hi Keith's cat!

[@rayjohnson8512]

Mr. Shenhar - Toyota has not begun it's USA federal tax credit phase out yet. Some speculation that they may hit 200k EV sold this quarter. Nothing official yet from either Toyota or the IRS. If so, than phase out would start in Q4 2022.

[@seymorefact4333]

🇺🇸 I buy from anyone who makes a good product for my dollars! THATS AMERICA. IF MADE USA is crap... not buying. Just sponsoring more crap.

[@tomeisenmenger7048]

There's nothing more American than a 1970 Olds Vista Cruiser 455 with the skylights! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp2mmpaLmpZ8jaM

[@davidlemieux615]

Does Subaru X drive really matter in an EV? We’re talking 2,3 or 4 motors and algorithms… not one source of power which is distributed to 4 wheels via mechanicals. Can someone explain how 4 wheel drive is different with Subaru?

[@zogadwoe]

Long time subaru owner. Hybrid would've been better for subaru. Solterra and bzx4 are no passed. Subaru should learn from Kia or Hyundai. For now I'm enjoying my 2022 ascent limited.

[@SteveSmith-wv8ug]

Too much $$$$ Some car manufacturer will hopefully come to realize that around $45,000 + isn't going to sell a lot of cars. $30,000 to $35,000 is what the consumer desires.

[@atmartens]

It’s so interesting to see how every manufacture approach electric cars. You’d think that Subaru, partially owned by Toyota, would do hybrids but they seem to be similar to Honda and going full electric. I personally think this is an extremely safe option, but nothing that would make me want to drive to a dealer and get it. Yes, sure, it’s important the car and battery last a long time. But it comes across as being a compliance vehicle more than anything. I think the price and range are off. Cylinder deactivation is 100% a win. I feel like a read and hear about so many engines that fail earlier because of that “feature”. Kind of like stop/start, the wear that gets added is not worth the .5 mpg you gain.

[@paulholterhaus7084]

Cylinders period are obsolete...........Paul

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

The Soltara has such a bad range, and long charging time, Subaru is offering a few times a year for a user to rent a gas powered Subaru (for a long trip) for up to a week. The Crosstrek hybrid that Subaru has is based on Toyota's first generation hybrid system, which is all Toyota will allow Subaru to use so that Toyota has a much better hybrid system. This is a loser for anyone who wants to go off road - not happening with this car's range and charging. I don't know what they are talking about going on a trail with it - unless it is close to a charging outlet it won't be going on trails anywhere. It cannot compete on price or performance. Their title says it all - "It's Battery Is To Small."

[@donaldwilson2620]

Jennifer might agree with me on this. For me, the most "All American" car is the Ford Mustang. It's been built in the U.S. since the beginning in 1964 and a high percentage of parts content is also U.S made.

[@genericreference6969]

Was thinking, if we are talking about most American *vehicle* it has to be the F-150, but most American *car* then the Mustang (or maybe Corvette - which has been around since 1953!)

[@paulholterhaus7084]

Model A Ford was true American..........ALL parts built here...........Paul

[@Supernaut2000]

No glove box! I cancelled my order. Seriously why no glove box? I really use it in my other cars.

[@DashCamera]

Triple the range half the price, might give it second look.

[@Doc1855]

Maybe the EVs need to install a gasoline powered generator to charge the battery so people don’t have to stop to recharge. Yes I’m being sarcastic

[@nitroman58v90]

I saw it today for the first time. It’s a big car, similar to the Toyota Venza. It makes the Forester look small.

[@ricric8348]

With the economy hitting the bricks a lot of pre orders will fall out. Higher Interest rates don't help sell cars either

[@Blue2950]

The car comes with a gun 🇺🇸

[@davidlew1390]

Does it come with a body bag too?☹

[@darkroastlefty2803]

What?! No comparison against the Model Y by Tesla fanboys? lol ;)

[@BC-wq5tf]

Is it easier to change the Cabin filter in the Solterra vs Model Y vs Ioniq 5? Since I am interested in reducing the maintenance costs. I noticed in the Model Y, you need to take off about 2 panels and unplug 3-4 cables.

[@labornurse]

Old elon isn't going to make any maintenance easy 4 you

[@212driller]

Gonna be a while before electric becomes affordable. We are going to need next gen battery tech.

[@bjs2022]

Keith’s bad sound makes good video look bad.

[@tomeisenmenger7048]

He's running it through his Apple ][c (check it out behind him!) 😆

[@Doc1855]

The interior colors were popular in 1990 and it is FUGLY

[@stevemiller9480]

This will work for some who can charge at home and not take it too far out of town.

[@seanashford7122]

I have one on order. I work at a power plant and can charge at work for free. I rarely take any road trips so I'm thinking it will work well.

[@paulholterhaus7084]

I love Subaru's, But having to look over the wheel OR put the wheel in My lap is a big turnoff for Me......I greatly Prefer Mazda's headsup display.......Also prefer Their simple on the dash Small flat screen display.......Am very much turned off by all car companies bolting a lap to the dash top.............Am waiting to see the coming Equinox........Am retired and budget limit is $30 to $35k.........Paul

[@Tonga2]

Yes, you are so right, this is the worse time to be buying a new car !!

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

But it’s also the best time to be selling a used one.

[@scottokeefe]

Like Subaru and what they are doing. However what’s with the mismatched unpainted front fenders it looks like they forgot to paint some thing. I know it’s a cosmetic choice but people often buy cars on LOOKS !

[@wainwrights2744]

If the Solterra had faster DC charging (under 30 minutes 10 to 80%) and a starting price under $42,000 I would buy it.

[@ms-jl6dl]

So in 23 minutes nobody even mentions battery size?

[@waynerice4918]

It looks attractive. Toyota is running out of tax credits already and Subaru will have lots of tax credits. And Toyota might possibly re badge their vehicles as a Subaru in other Toyota models.

[@mast3397]

Tesla is the most American car company! The cars are manufactured in America AND the company is based in the U.S. It would be a patriotic trifecta if it was U.S. Union made!

[@acsmoothing2262]

The gauge cluster design is very odd, but certainly not the only change to standard features in cars. This EV also does away with the glove box! Even though it seems to have been a clean sheet design, the designers omitted this obvious storage solution that virtually all other cars have. Why? Did the lack of the glove box bother the CR test drivers? Where did you store the owners manual during your rental?

[@winghosamLeung-ff3bu]

The CATL Chinese made battery is used.

[@anotheran]

Are used car buyers discerning buyers? Doubt it. Most used car postings don't go into the details of all the options say split folding seats or alarms.

[@Ducatista10]

There is suspension differences between the twins. The Solterra has slightly higher ground clearance. So how can there be no differences? 8.1” vs 8.3” I believe.

[@dcbel]

Really interesting conversation, the Solterra doesn't seem to be the expected outdoor Subaru EV that fans of the brand are expecting! Thank you for sharing! 🔌⚡🚘

[@Life2race]

This car is called a toyota with subaru awd

[@jonm3255]

I like "80's boom box." Doesn't seem like they put a lot of design effort into this car, especially compared to the Ioniq 5 and EV6. Toyota and Subaru sell a lot of cars based on reliability, is that reputation going to carry through on their significantly new all electric technology platform? Will consumers make the leap of faith?

[@Dragon-yw4xw]

"almost identical Toyota bZ4X". I though I was looking at a bz4x...

[@dandydoc8386]

Looking for Audi Q3 that dealer was willing to sell for MSRP. All available vehicles had small credit for Audi side assist, meaning no blind spot warning. Salesman and sales manager never mentioned this until I saw it myself in fine print on the sticker.

[@lighttheoryllc4337]

It's Literally a Rav 4

[@alexanderh.999]

As a current subaru owner I am not ready to make the jump to ev. Evs are like cell phones. Newer ones make older ones obsolete

[@gman9543]

These days in the world of infinite customizability, they should just have shift and telescoping for the cluster like they do with the steering wheel. So you have the cluster close or far away, above the steering wheel or inside the steering wheel.

[@sidneyrobinson9186]

Mustang all the way

[@wrav47]

looks like my Rav 4

[@rogerthat117]

My first electric,hopefully only, will be a Jazzy.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

Holy cluster-f**k!!! I was sold on Solterra, until you guys started talking about the steering wheel blocking the instrument cluster! Well, maybe by the time my 2022 lease ends in 3 years, I can revisit Subaru, or else it's back to my Hyundai Kona (EV next time?) for 2025. Whatever vehicle I get in the future, I'm one of those who would NEVER get a Tesla just because I don't want to be "one of those guys".

[@matthewjohnson1211]

I’m with you…was strongly considering this car for variety of reasons: price, (with tax credit) handling, ground clearance, A.W.D. System, -but whole driving position really turned me off! This car can be “futuristic” with out feeling like your crammed in a space capsule.

[@pilot1226]

Would the Solterra work to replace a 2021 Outback XT? How would the back seat and cargo area compare between the two. $80 every week to fill my Outback is getting annoying, fast! I am thinking cost parity is probably around 3 years when you factor in gas savings after federal tax credit (spending around $4000 per year in fuel)

[@Noah_E]

You can't just consider $/mile for the cost of "fuel." Non-Tesla EVs depreciate horribly. My Forester XT cost 22 cents per mile running premium vs 5 cents for the Solterra if charged at home during off-peak hours. BUT my Forester has more power, better acceleration, much more cargo space, and in this crazy used car market actually appreciated last year. Over 60k miles that would save at most $10k at the pump and maybe $1k in maintenance. If you frequently used more expensive fast charging the savings would be much less. Enough to make up for the higher depreciation, more frequent expensive tire replacements because EVs are HEAVY and wear tires faster, and higher registration fees because of the higher MSRPs, and higher insurance cost because often what would be a $5k fender bender in an ICE means the entire car is scrapped due to fire liability concerns and parts unavailability. Maybe not. Plus the Solterra and Toyota and Lexus variants are just ugly and less than 300 miles per charge is pathetic for a 2023 model.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

I think these two EVs just are "too little too late." With relatively high cost for lowish range and more problematically slow charging architecture, I just don't see these vehicles making sense for today's market place. If you are coming out with an EV now, and you don't have the 800v charging infrastructure like the Hyundai/Kia EVs, that allows DC fast charging "fill ups" in about 18 minutes, you aren't really going to tempt me away with a little extra ground clearance. Now if Subaru made a proper Outback Plug- In Hybrid, I'd be throwing money at them now!

[@deborahharewood4566]

I think that Toyota/Subaru have low expectations sales wise for these two, and realistically given supply chain issues and growing demand which > supply, they (and all the other EV makers) will probably sell all they can make anyway

[@bradrhgeezer]

The big plus for this is the ground clearance, there isn't another EV that does this well, and only a couple come close. The slow DC fast charging is a problem. The deal killer is the minimal hitch tongue weight capacity, it's limited to 100 lbs. That would be exceeded with a sturdy hitch and 2 heavy mtn bikes. No towing capacity at all for the US model, but 750kg (1650lbs) for the UK model??

[@labornurse]

Who tows less than 100 lbs? They want a suitcase back there, that's all?

[@Wasabi9111]

Just want to correct the misstatement that the solterra dc charge speed is only a max of 100 (not 150) kw. This is grossly underwhelming for a brand new ev. The overall specs of the solterra is underwhelming in general.

[@StevenHoagland]

Not necessarily a misstatement. It actually agrees with the owner's manual.🤞🙏 Specs don't matter, as evidenced by the actual 0-60 times being 6.2 seconds and not the expected 7.4 seconds that the specs led people to believe.

[@shibainu5075]

Solterra is a good car developed with a focus on off-road driving, but early adopters of electric cars only care about charging speed compared to Tesla and 0-60 mph and range, so focusing on off-road driving performance is useless lol. In fact, they didn't mention off-road performance at all during this video and ended up saying they don't like it because it doesn't have a cockpit like Tesla or Kia lol.

[@Demobot1]

Your assessment is way off. I don't care about 0-60 or charging speed. But these are factors when shopping for an EV. As far as off-roading is considered, most people that would buy this type of product don't go off-road.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

The pre-ordering for the Solterra has been closed for months now, so no, Keith, you can't pre-order one now.

[@LlyleHunter]

I think that most people want EVs and most people like crossovers because they’re comfortable and flexible but until their average range is much greater than four hundred miles or ideally five hundred miles to a charge and charge times are under fifteen minutes they won’t take over the majority of the market.

[@DJTFan2024]

“I think most people want EVs” HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Says the idiot who is falling for the liberal government’s climate alarmism scam.

[@rogermartinez78]

Exactly what ICE car or crossover gives you 500 miles, probably zero! You are correct most people are sheeps to crossovers , but I am not.

[@paulholterhaus7084]

The early buyers will pay $60k.......But the majority never will.............Paul

[@rightlanehog3151]

I am confident many CR subscribers look forward to more Subarus built in Toyota factories by Toyota ;-) In so far as "more power and torque" is concerned, has CR looked at the increasing death rate on US roadways? Does CR have evidence that average drivers have the skills to handle more power and torque?

[@ronh2660]

Rav4

[@PatrickBeeson]

I'm a former Subaru Outback owner. I sold it back in 2020 anticipating the purchase of an EV. The pandemic had other plans (doh). After test driving every EV available here in the PNW, I've put my money on a Rivian RT1. It was either that or a Tesla, but I needed more off-road capabilities for getting through the snow and to trails. Subaru's EV effort looks DOE in comparison.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

The Rivian is also twice the price. 😉

[@deborahharewood4566]

Personally I would be wary putting down money on any new entrant without a track record e.g. Rivian. They have been constantly putting back the EIS of their product.

[@StevenHoagland]

Please tell me the 150 kW acceptance rate on a DC fast charger is not a mistake. 🙏That would also agree with the owner's manual.

[@tomeisenmenger7048]

It's a mistake. For the Solterra (and AWD Toyota bz4x), it's actually only 100 kW. Only the FWD Toyota gets 150.

[@dwcanker]

Well you are in luck it is a mistake. The correct DC fast charging speed is even worse at 100kw. The FWD version of this platform have a different battery and they top out at 150kw.

[@StevenHoagland]

@@tomeisenmenger7048 Source?

[@ejstreasurehunting6627]

I would choose the solterra over the bZ4X because it has a normal name. 😂

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

It’s short for Beyond Zero 4x4.

[@jamespaul2587]

A car's name is irrelevant

[@Al-thecarhistorian]

The qualification, in my opinion, for a car to be American is for the company to be founded and established in the USA. GM, Ford, Chrysler, AMC, Studebaker, Nash, Hudson, etc. Honda and Hyundai build excellent cars in America, but they are not American car companies. At one time Volkswagen and Rolls Royce built cars in the USA, but neither are domestic car companies. While many cars can be considered iconic American cars, I feel Jeep should be recognized as representing the USA. Although Jeep has grown and matured since its humble roots in the early 1940's, no brand in America has better followed its philosophy as Jeep.

[@jameswitte5676]

Jeep is owned by Stellantis, a European company.

[@radudeATL]

Yay!

[@ItsAlive111]

Given that the soltera doesn’t compete with the front runners out there, is it better or worse than a VW ID 4?

[@paulholterhaus7084]

None are as nice as an equally priced ICE.............Paul

[@Demobot1]

It's below the ID.4. And I consider the ID.4 to be the baseline for what a EV should be.

[@Doc1855]

I’m sorry but $45K for a car with no spare and no glove box and can only go 220 miles on a charge is stupid. I paid $55K for my first house. I’ll be damned if I’ll pay $45K for a car

[@labornurse]

Yes, another crossover thingie.. but I give Subaru a pass. They were kinda an OG crossover.

[@mdavid1955]

The big con with EV's is that they are "green" and will save us and the "happy motoring" era.

[@davidmccarthy6061]

Extra education starts at 1:35 kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5yQfaGLjqqLq68