2024 Subaru Solterra | MotorWeek Road Test

[@wkaldes]

Going on three months with our Solterra. Very first week I went from west side of Atlanta up to Bowling Green, Kentucky with no fear, found two electrify America charging station to stop at on the way up. I was a little conservative on the first trip trying to stay within 150 miles between charging sessions, but on the way back, still stretched it a little too far and pulled into an electrify America station at one percent. It charged from one percent to 80% and 35 minutes at 150 MW so I do believe the review only stated 100 at the top end I think that’s incorrect. I love the interior, but I do have the touring trim level with the cooling seats. I like the look of the outside of the vehicle, but that is subjective. Things to keep us from wanting a Tesla is just a stark interior. Didn’t like using everything off of just the screen. Actually having some buttons is familiar having a screen behind the steering wheel feels like a regular vehicle honestly, the only turn off about this vehicle to me the range, but we used to go back-and-forth to work and use it on the weekends around town where the range is fine. Being in a more rural area, we still encounter gravel and dirt roads which is Solterra handles wonderfully a lot better than a Tesla. Speaking of a Tesla the cabin is so much more quiet than a model three or a model Y, interior built quality is also way better in the Solterra. I put a level two charging station in garage and we happen to be the perfect case for this vehicle. It helped no one wanted them, the price on lease is beautiful.

[@vikass-x8l]

This is Awesome!. I live in Louisville KY and just got Touring for my Wife in July and we both loves it, it is just a super intelligent vehicle. we got EVIQO L2 charger instaled, she already put 1400 miles on it and we charged so far 2 times in EA with .40cents a minute total 12.34 and something like the same on 2nd time and we charged 2 times to 100% at home. she use to spend 250-300 on gas and was mad with me for getting another car and now I asked her madam hows your new car she said quietly "I love it" lol all haters, please go and do the test drive, this is so called TOYOTA BZX ( I hate this comparison) but Subaru have done trenmendus job putting their native technology and safety and SAWD. I got jealous so I got myself EV9 2 weeks back and boy beautiful 3 row SUV.

[@BobNarz]

After two hours and 21 comments, on this video I'll put the ONLY positive comment so far. We've owned a Solterra for a little over a year. The Solterra is a very awesome car that happens to be an EV. I believe it is a great entry into the EV market for people who what something that functions like a normal ICE vehicle....that is with physical buttons and normal performance. Indeed it does not have a huge range, extremely fast charging, nor insane acceleration. But for us, none of that matters and we have had no issues with anything. I'm glad there are EV choices since Subaru/Toyota made this vehicle for people who wanted a Subaru/Toyota that happens to be an EV -- like us.

[@rushmatic]

Nice to see a positive comment. I think it looks better than the bz4x plus it has an actual name rather than alphanumeric gobbledygook.

[@SkaBob]

That is true. We do 95% of our charging at home with our Ioniq 5 and whatever the range is more then enough for daily driving. It's a few times a year when we take long trips range is more important.

[@earthisflat1411]

I just got one today. I’m really excited. Thanks for lifting my spirit haha

[@BobNarz]

@@earthisflat1411 Congratulations. If you take the Solterra for what it is, just like I do in most everything in life, it really is a wonderful EV. I see this Subaru/Toyota vehicle to be almost exactly what their target and regular Customers want from their brand. Think of the Solterra as the Camry of EVs. The only somewhat significant things real owners have been complaining about on forums are the 2023's DCFC charge rates (was significantly improved for 2024) and the Connect software usefulness/functionality. To us, and I believe most people who would buy the Solterra, these are insignificant concerns.

[@rushmatic]

I found a ‘23 Soltera Touring with 2k miles on it for $26k. I’m gonna buy it!

[@brucewayne2773]

I get 275 miles per charge on my 2024 bZ4X 2wd, I have just over 1200 miles on my new car. So mileage has been consistent. I am in California and do not use a/c or heater. Got my new car for $27k plus tax and license back in April. It was a no brainer purchase. I love it more than my 2023 Tesla model 3 performance. Build quality is superior over Tesla.

[@User.2024.1]

27k for bz4x? I doubt this car ever went down that low.

[@brucewayne2773]

@@User.2024.1 it was a $16,250 off lease special. APR is very close to . 02 %, in three years time buyout is $21,000 if I choose to do it.

[@cardo1111]

John Davis is the O.G. of vehicle reviewers. Still going strong, I never tire of his voice and analysis 👍🏽

[@daison96]

With such a pathetic range, and everything else being so underwhelming, I'd say it should be priced in the lower to mid $20k range--but $46k starting? That's insulting to every consumer.

[@stevemcgowen]

Most Americans drive 40 miles or less per day.

[@allentoyokawa9068]

There is NOTHING wrong with the range, and there is NOTHING wrong with the price

[@SkaBob]

I wouldn't buy one but there are some good lease deals, I think $199 a month recently. It would be a good daily driver replacement for a Leaf or Bolt for that price, it would likely save more in gas costs every month that the payment. But for trips and adventures not so much, the range is on the short side and our ioniq 5 has charged as fast as 242kw and this maxes out at 100. What takes this 45 minutes of charging ours will do in 15 minutes.

[@connorPiper0]

@@allentoyokawa9068 It's more expensive than the competition that have more range and more power

[@scottvickery2057]

@@allentoyokawa9068 Which Subaru dealership do you work for?

[@quitsevensix]

All 9 owners worldwide will appreciate this review, also all 6 Bees Forks owners will love it

[@landark1967]

I have a bz4x as a work car and I don't know why someone would buy these. They are ugly, boring, and not all that competitive for the money. It's a fine car to putter around in, but if you're putting your own money down it would be better spent elsewhere. And I just looked at prices for them and you lose $20k as soon as you drive off the lot. Holy cow!

[@717dash_cam]

Range is perfectly acceptable, especially as a second car in the house. 200 highway miles seems pretty consistent in SCPA/CMD, with AC set to Eco/Auto at a comfortable 70. Would it benefit from more range and faster charging, yes.... but that will come eventually. Doing 150 mile round trips on weekends as needed for 12 bucks versus 30 in an Ascent or Outback XT. The price is high for buyers, especially knowing it doesn't qualify for the tax credit.... the sweet spot is to lease it, or find a used one for well under 30k and low mileage. 1300 miles on mine in a very busy month, soon to return to below 400 miles per month... it's perfectly fine for around town, and with Subaru offering 10 days of dealer rentals (that don't have to be done all at once) included for the first 2 years it's easy enough to make work for someone who just uses it as a commuter/grocery getter. This is going to serve its purpose of forcing me to complete a lease, instead of trading in 12-18 months. I don't regret trading my Outback for it... except maybe for some upright cargo storage... but I have an Ascent in the house if that's needed. Would I recommend it as your only car, probably not, especially if you take longer trips that would need more than 2 DC charging sessions in a day. So, you're basically limited to about 500/day.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

That's the nastiest dash in the industry. And I don't mean that in a positive attribute.

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Get your eyese checked there is NOTHING wrong with this

[@betterdeadthanred839]

​@allentoyokawa9068 you might wanna check yours. That entire car is atrocious.....in each and every single way....

[@Grahame1975]

Obviously, that wasn’t meant to be positive

[@vikass-x8l]

@@allentoyokawa9068 exactly.

[@vikass-x8l]

seriously. lol it is outstanding Cockpit style dash everything within reach the new style dash has cloth like material which doesnt heat up the car at all.

[@trwent]

That short range of only around 200 miles is an absolute killer.

[@davidaubin3902]

3:34 John: THOUGH THERE IS NO TRADIONAL GLOVEBOX! LOL

[@mumwifeteacher]

At least seats are standard

[@fastr450]

The car has radiant heaters in both underside panels. I have the Solterra and miss the glove compartment dearly. Lol

[@SirZeusor11]

$46340 or $44000 for a Tesla Model Y that has more room, range, speed, charging, autopilot, OTA updates just can not come close to competetive.......not a Tesla fanboy, but as a consumer, these are a hard hard pass

[@Noah_E]

My local Toyota has a Bzwhatever with a MSRP over $50k. It's parked in the middle of the lot with nothing near it. Maybe that's so it's goofy styling and poor use of space isn't so obvious next to a 'normal' models. My Forester is within 1% in all external dimensions, but has so much more usable space and utility.

[@jrmt6]

This was Toyota's sorry excuse to put out a terrible EV that'll sit on lots for them to turn back around and say "See! No one wants full EVs!" You'd have to be either a die hard Toyota/Subaru fanboy or horribly misinformed to buy one of these over almost any other new EV except maybe the Nissan Leaf.

[@tenofdiamonds6440]

Exactly. I mean, there are probably a dozen more compelling options in this market segment. I do not understand the point of this vehicle. It doesn’t do a single thing better than any other car of its kind. All they had to do was electrify the Crosstrek and give it 300 miles of range and it would have sold well.

[@volnutt1609]

But.. you're ignoring the literal deficient telsa is facing right now. Not to mention build quality is subpar in areas you expect it should be stout. Other manufacturers EV are outselling telsa period now. People realize how awful the vehicle is now more than ever.

[@SirZeusor11]

@@volnutt1609the other manufacturers are canceling and shutting down lines.....the lots are full, go look, I did, and thats how i came to the conclusion....also....look at the EV sales overall, and then tell me Tesla isnt leading them

[@trekster9269]

I actually like it. Except it will be priced $10k over what it should be

[@SkaBob]

Overall it's pretty dated for a 2024, it would have been acceptable maybe 5 years ago. They said 45 minutes for a 85% charge ? Our Ioniq 5 did 4% to 82% in 21 minutes two weeks ago on a trip. But they do have some really cheap lease offers and it would be a good replacement for a Bolt or Leaf for daily driving if someone charges at home, then range and charging speeds aren't important.

[@blakestebbe7937]

This was a really generous review. 220 mile range for 46k? Subaru mailed it in on this one.

[@MrCrfressh]

USPS mail?

[@cvtechreview]

Looks similar to a Mach E in the front, and I don't say that like it's a good thing. Just my opinion.

[@pault477]

Can I put a hitch on it for a bike rack?

[@717dash_cam]

Yep, they have an accessory mount for it

[@tgoldtooth]

Coming up on 11 months with my 2023 SOLTERRA. My experience is that I got about 170 miles on a full charge, but if I really try I can push that to 220 with no A/C on. The charging speed is slow. It takes an hour to get to 80% for the first two charges within the day. After it’ll charge slow. Finally, I wish the charge port door would lock. It opens when I take it to a car wash. I love the way the vehicle handles. It speeds up fast, but not obnoxious fast. The number one reason I went all electric is because I also notice wildlife will get closer to the vehicle, and this has Apple carplay.

[@sjhudon386]

Seems like a good car. If it was 25k it would make more sense.

[@DaleWilly]

Def one of the best EVs out there

[@chrisa.8175]

No way! Longer range needed 300miles or better.. a no buy!! 😢

[@KRAMITDFROG]

Even 300 isn't 300. They usually come in quite a bit lower and then there is the issue of the top and bottom ~15% of the battery being no-gos if you want the battery to last.

[@allentoyokawa9068]

We don't care; range is good

[@allentoyokawa9068]

We don't care, range is good

[@vikass-x8l]

@@allentoyokawa9068 me too.

[@Trashed20659]

two motor systems in a car that size are typically getting a little over 200 miles range in two motor modes. The difference is that you cannot switch to a single motor mode because Subaru is dedicated to AWD systems only. If you intend to use AWD all of the time, and the range covers you ( for anything other than unusually long trips it should), this Ev can make good sense. My Ioniq 5 gets over 300 miles range because I purchased the long range version which only has a single motor, albeit a slightly larger one than the rear motor in the AWD version. I find the trade off good because I am not going off-roading in my car, though it handles dirt and gravel roads just fine. What aggravates the issue is the slow DC charge rate of the battery pack in the Soltera. If you are going to have to charge more frequently on long trips, the charge time should be minimal. Thankfully, 2025 models are getting an improved charging system that should reduce DCFC charging time significantly.

[@Sqeptick]

Huge battery considering the paltry range. Subaru and Toyota are bad at EVs.

[@scottvickery2057]

But how will it do in Maine and Colorado?

[@mbox314]

If you are going to have an LCD instrument panel this one looks pretty decent, devoid of frivolous graphics and distractions. The infotainemt screen is a huge distraction still.

[@Trashed20659]

you may be able to turn it off, as in may other EVs.

[@BobNarz]

I'm taking a break from beating my head again a brick wall to suggest to the people who have posted the overwhelmingly negative amount of comments to build opinions based upon meaningful and factual information rather than sensationalization of nuance.

[@Subie-Driver]

This essentially a Toyota….and not a great one at that. We have two Subarus but I’d never get one of these.

[@mrjim1973]

DOA

[@mumwifeteacher]

So basically as quick and capable as a 06 rav4 v6 and twice the price.

[@frodrick4528]

06 rav4 v6 is a great car...keep it!

[@Trashed20659]

Yes, but any EV is going to be more expensive brand new. The 2025 RAV 4 Prime is $45,000 as well. The real question is how much the maintenance and fuel costs come to for the RAV 4, as well as the convenience of charging at home.

[@Chimpunk729]

Is it new or another toyota spin off?bz4x? Sorry but skip. Miss Subaru origin.

[@adrianhermosillo4984]

Why is this giving 01 add vibes

[@scrumruggin]

Zero down and 241 a month lease.... Hmm

[@Toldyouso0210]

I recently bought a Solterra and I am so disappointed.Charging takes 2days and 4 hrs from 5% to 100% I did this one time just to try how it works. even at 50 % charged , I tried charging it and it took me 1day and a few hours to fully charged. I would not advise anyone to buy this EV.. What did you just say? 35 mins at 80% is a lot of bull.🤮🤮🤮

[@Trashed20659]

I doubt you left your car at a DCFC for over two days. If you are referring to charging at home, and you are using a 120v outlet to do it, charging time sounds about right. Get a 240v EVSE and a full charge will take a few hours, so overnight you will always get a full charge. Charging at a public fast charger should only take you an hour at best, depending on the capacity of the charger. It sounds like you did not do your homework.

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

This needs a refresh to be competitive, and at least a few thousand knocked off the MSRP. Hyundai/Kia just gave their Ioniq5/EV6 big batteries a 10% capacity increase for 2025; the Solterra would very much benefit from such an increase. 10% more power would be nice as well. Nothing crazy.

[@matperez1168]

Range is a must 500mile per full charge minimum 350 miles

[@krisyankasammy8126]

OMG...another Polestar knock off...no surprise it looks like the new Ford Capri. Not a fan of the Mustang front-end.

[@JDiaz143]

RIP SUBARU

[@jonathonhibbard]

How can this compete with that low range?

[@Georgewashington-o7m]

The range is perfect

[@jonathonhibbard]

@@Georgewashington-o7m for $50k? Chevy has 300 miles for under $30K with the new Eqinox

[@Trashed20659]

If you want range, you don't want AWD. None of the EVs get fantastic range in AWD mode except for high-end models. If you are looking for bargains in new cars, I don't see many, even for ICE. But if you need reliable commuter transport in a region that gets snow every year, just being able to get home every day might be more important than an occasional long trip.

[@Toldyouso0210]

Got my solterra 2 ms ago. Should have taken the Tesla same price. Longer charging time 2 days and 4 hrs to charge from 5% to 100%. No rear wiper w/c gives zero visibility during rainy days I dread winter herein Chicago. Subaru will advise you not to take the Solterra on long Trips. Not a good buy.😢

[@Trashed20659]

I doubt you left your car at a DCFC for over two days. If you are referring to charging at home, and you are using a 120v outlet to do it, charging time sounds about right. Get a 240v EVSE and a full charge will take a few hours, so overnight you will always get a full charge. Charging at a public fast charger should only take you an hour at best, depending on the capacity of the charger. It sounds like you did not do your homework.

[@brianthomas2839]

@@Trashed20659👍👍👍

[@calgarytek]

Carbage EV. 5 years ago maybe but way better/cheaper options.

[@DailyDriversCarReviews]

What a sad excuse for a vehicle, gas or electric. Horrible range even with 227miles, but real world testing 172 lol, that’s a joke, but what’s funnier is the starting price in the 40’s up to 50’s, that’s insanity!

[@KenanTurkiye]

Please petition for Subaru to hire me as their chief vehicle exterier designer. (yes I'm kidding, and not I'm not, yes, I don't want to get hired, happy doing what I'm doing already, no, they really need better designs)

[@askalotofquestions]

Specs aside , these look pretty badass for a Subaru ev. Subarus biggest fault is their power train and sometimes the quality of their interior, (I say sometimes because I like the WRX interior, all the suede bolstering very comfortable👍, just f** that screen, moves like an old $100 metro pcs phone🤦‍♂️) that aside though, these in person definitely have nice design ques stand out forsure.

[@dohc1067]

The styling doesn't turn me, just the price and range. It is not competitive by any metric.

[@billyrock8305]

BYD for $10,000 runs circles around this. 👍

[@timjudshore6907]

Subaru xt coupe dash 😅

[@pc248m]

I love and respect Subaru but this is $10,000 overpriced.

[@broderp]

I see my prius in this....instantly knew it was a Toyota. Ni e, but a bit overpriced.

[@blahmooblah789]

I’m dismayed

[@senseicorey9979]

Go for a walk

[@blahmooblah789]

Don’t tell me what to do, I’ve drunk milk from a thousand cows!

[@Georgewashington-o7m]

Awesome vehicle!

[@moderatesunited]

I love Subaru. But their ev isn't compelling. I'd get a Kia or Hyundai. The Ev6/ionic 5 is better in every way. It is much faster to 60, faster in the 1/4 mile. Charges much faster. And with an Ev6 284 miles of range with awd.

[@demal1010]

Interesting to see how many subies will drop the “Flat 4 Life“

[@askalotofquestions]

Y’all seen the range that the Mazda ev gets?!

[@itzed]

Subaru owners are going to be upset you said it was a “Conservative” brand. 😂

[@douglasb.1203]

Gwendolyn Parke-Maxwell just shot xer matcha soy latte right out of xer nose parked at the Farmers Market. Is Motorweek becoming the NPR for electric virtue signaling or what?

[@chrisa.8175]

Over priced!!!!!!

[@betterdeadthanred839]

Just when you thought that Subaru couldn't make an uglier vehicle than the new WRX, they decided to go above and beyond to deliver this atrocity. I'm dead serious when I say that I'd rather use public transportation than own this turd....

[@mumwifeteacher]

If John Davis was a religion I would join.

[@stealthfighter2923]

“It’s a capable off-roader.” Big deal. Not many charging stations off road

[@seanbrown8920]

Toyota should have been the leader in EVs the already had the Prius as a platform

[@schlookie]

No real demand for EVs, so Toyota didn't bother.

[@LandonMillertotheMaxx]

not too bad. especially when vehicles like this have counterparts for the partnership.

[@tescoshortage]

What an awful value proposition.

[@PresidentJackBauer]

Terrible interior. Terrible exterior. Terrible range. High price. Why does this exist?

[@WillTheBassPlayer]

they really fumbled this car. The "car" portion is fine but just about everything to do with the powertrain sucks. Poor range, abysmal fast charging performance, and a price higher than the aforementioned would warrant leads to low sales and lower enthusiasm. If the Solterra or Bz4x were on sale 15 years ago with the same specs (and priced adjusted 4 inflation) they'd probably have done ok for themselves, but there's just no way for them to compete with modern offerings

[@sagnbaby]

and the rear of a toyota

[@DavGreg]

It is a Toyota- not a Subaru. And this SUV has no spare tire and paltry range. Hard pass.

[@lknanml]

Move over Pontiac Aztek. You have some competition.. WOW that is one ugly looking SUV...

[@bjsimon802]

Americans dont buy electric, this is all about control. My Rav4 is 16 years old and engine can go another 10 to 15 years

[@lulu_america8855]

All Subarus are AWD.

[@yudhabagaskara98]

This ain't it

[@lululovelovelove]

Junk

[@black98rt]

Way too much money for what you get.

[@RatBürgerSk8]

One of the biggest automotive flops of the past decade. Absolute waste of metal.

[@TrailBlazerSS502]

I have a friend from my church that has one.

[@93remix]

Sorry, NO EV / PHEV SHOULD BE UNDER 250HP/250 ft. TQ. why?? That's a lot of weight (specifically the car w/ the battery packs, motors, cables) 2 haul people & whatever stuff in the trunk/hatch around

[@stevemcgowen]

It's amazing Europeans do just fine with far, far lower powered vehicles.

[@stevemcgowen]

Not bad for a vehicle designed for the American market.

[@padistedor]

I’d rather own the car Homer Simpson designed.

[@dsan2509]

And Homer’s car had a pee flap.

[@padistedor]

@@dsan2509 🤣

[@kpk33x]

Twice the price and half the range it needs to be.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

At that price they can keep them on the lot! Yikes!

[@93remix]

@SirZeusor say less, u said it best

[@sagnbaby]

looks just like the Mustang Mach e

[@milfordcivic6755]

Another teardrop shaped EV mommy wagon. Blech.

[@ParzivalHB]

Y’all can’t handle the truth. This is a solid ride.

[@jarrodwidiger5472]

We will watch this in the archives 25 years from now, "Subaru made an EV!?!?"

[@PaulMiller-mn3me]

Yawn

[@TripleKOShorts]

Embarrassing...

[@xClose2Deathx]

Looks like they forgot to finish painting it in the most awkward of places.

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Will sell like hotcakes, beset in class

[@jim97405]

Wait. It's benefit is that it won't overwhelm you with too much power like some EVs? And linking it to being "more safe" is hype Do your viewers know that acceleration can be adjusted on EVs? From this statement, they'll not think it’s a choice Range is abysmal. Charging time for that range is similarly abysmal. The Solterra will give EVs a bad name.

[@SME5724]

Would never buy an ev … but I think I’d rather ride the bus than be gifted one of these

[@sarabeth8050]

That Subaru's gonna put Tesla out of business! Just kidding. Musk is already doing that all by himself.

[@patrick7228]

It's only the Toyota partnership on the EV side that let them down. Give this Hyundai, ID4, Kia level EV ness and they wouldn't be able to keep these on the lots. Great car, bad EV, for North America at least. Ironically their biggest market. Overseas Solterras with the Panasonic battery are just fine. It feels like Toyota sabotaged them.

[@askalotofquestions]

That range is a**… wow atleaste it’s better than the Mazda 🤣

[@TT-co3gj]

PffffHahaahahahaha...

[@WC3POchannel10A]

Oh, so that's why it looks like a copycat Toyota. BORING!!!!

[@DangThao-y1y]

❤🎱🍀👍🍲

[@jrawlins5246]

HARD PASS. FUGLY!!!

[@FlowmasterStang]

🤢

[@OllieCat7]

It's too expensive. Come on people let's forget this electric crap. Truly it's not green anyhow.

[@Jose43210]

Subaru please buy my 2023 solterra. The battery is trash.

[@josephbingham1255]

Another loser electric vehicle with a hideous laptop on the dash.

[@nullvoid3990]

these ev cars just get worse and worse and worse this is 70's era bad !