Don't sleep on this unpopular EV...here's why // 2024 Subaru Solterra Review

#Subaru #solterra #ev #bz4x #modely
2024 SUBARU SOLTERRA UPDATED WITH FASTER CHARGING, NEW FEATURES, NO PRICE INCREASE
Improved charging performance; high-capacity lithium-ion battery charges from 10% to 80% as quickly as 35 minutes
New Subaru EyeSight® driver-assist technologiesii
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, best-in-class 8.3 inches of ground clearance
Starting price at $44,995 MSRP, no increase from the previous year
Subaru of America, Inc. announced today pricing for the enhanced 2024 Subaru Solterra all-electric SUV with several new features to improve comfort, driver safety, and versatility - all without increasing the price from the previous year.
The 2024 Subaru Solterra is available in Premium, Limited, and Touring trim levels and has a starting price of $44,995 MSRP before applicable federal, state, or local tax credits. The 2024 Solterra will qualify for applicable federal tax credits of up to $7,500 for some customers.i
For 2024, the all-electric SUV’s upgrades include a redesigned steering wheel with regenerative braking force paddle switches, increased fast-charging performance thanks to improved battery conditioning, and standard roof rails with a static load capacity rated up to 700 pounds - ideal for a rooftop tent - and a dynamic load capacity of up to 176 pounds. At the heart of every Solterra is Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and Subaru StarDrive® Technology, which delivers smooth, linear output from dual electric motors placed on the front and rear axles that deliver 249 pound-feet of torque.
All Solterra models are equipped with Dual-Function X-MODE® with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes with Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control for enhanced performance in low-grip and off-road conditions. Every Solterra includes 8.3 inches of ground clearance for genuine off-road capability - a Subaru hallmark and best in class among small electric SUVs - and standard Active Cornering Assist and Vehicle Stability Control for better on-road stability and handling.
The Solterra’s high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack includes plenty of usable daily range with improvements to its fast-charging capabilities. New for this year, the 2024 Solterra can replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 35 minutes, with a state of charge indicator displaying the estimated time to 80% or 100%. Thanks to an upgraded battery conditioning system, the 2024 Solterra can charge in colder temperatures significantly faster than its predecessor, up to 80 minutes faster in certain conditions. With thousands of available, accessible public charging stations, and DC fast-charging, charging the Solterra away from home is now quicker and easier. At home, the Solterra offers affordable Level 1 or Level 2 charging compatibility.
The 2024 Solterra debuts all-new Subaru EyeSight® advanced driver-assistance featuresii. New for this year, Hands-Free Driving allows Solterra to travel in its lane at speeds up to 25 mph with only driver supervision, including stop-and-go traffic. The 2024 Solterra can also change lanes on command with Active Lane Change Assist, and the addition of Front Cross-Traffic Alert makes pulling into an intersection safer by alerting the driver of potential collisions. What’s more, Blind Spot Monitors, Rear Camera Detection with Pedestrian Warning, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Lane Tracing and Road Sign Assist, plus the newly added DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System all help to keep driver and passengers safe on the road.
In 2023, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Subaru Solterra with its TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, its highest honor, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration gave the Solterra a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score.
For added convenience, the Solterra is available with a 12.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen for infotainment, with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. The 2024 Solterra includes five USB charge points: one USB-A and two USB-C connections for front-seat occupants and two USB-C charge points for rear-seat riders. A wireless phone charger is included on Solterra Limited and Touring trim levels.

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

I'm going to sleep very soundly on this one Kirk

[@mrgurulittle7000]

😂😂😂

[@silverfox1234]

😂

[@ytj22]

I can't imagine anyone ordering this car in any color but black.

[@aeronYTco]

Due to the huge black plastic cladding?

[@ytj22]

​@aeronYTco lol, yes

[@john1701a]

Notice how many Tesla owners wrap their vehicle? If you don't like the cladding, just wrap them to match. No big deal.

[@ytj22]

@@john1701a If Tesla owners do it, then it must be a great decision 👍

[@jamesvandamme7786]

@@ytj22 It's because Tesla colors are fugly.

[@commanderbernhardt5317]

I have the 2023 Touring and I love it. I only drive local/medium distances so the fast charging performance means nothing to me. But the 8.3" ground clearance and the snow performance mean a lot, and the car absolutely coasted through the last winter for me! The ride is smooth, the build quality is excellent, the car is solid and feels well put together...very pleased with my purchase. It fits my lifestyle perfectly.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

It’s a good value car with its discounts and updates. I like the Subaru one better than the BZ4X because I’m a Subaru fanboy more.

[@JustZod]

I have a 2024 BZ4X AWD XLE lease for the reasons you talked about. Local driving, second car, I can charge at home. 2k down $230 a month for 36 months. The fact that it’s a nice car to be in and drive, is a bonus.

[@justinrus1823]

I started watching you because I was car shopping. Great reviews man 😍

[@john1701a]

USB-A port can be used for a flash-drive. That allows you access & play a large collection of MP3 files.

[@avdp9095]

2nb bestselling car in Norway...bz4x. Far better car than media wants us to believe.

[@KirkKreifels]

It's a great all-rounder (edit: for a city car)

[@avdp9095]

@@KirkKreifels norway and the Netherlands relativly small countries compared to the Usa.... . We have in the Netherlands the best charging capacity worldwide every business, street, highway, restaurant, most of the houses and appartement blocks have charging points...... . Range is no issue, you can charge every were anytime.....

[@yelapa999]

I wonder what kind of residual is being shown on those leases. Presently, seems to me, used car dealers are unable to reliably evaluate or to estimate reconditioning costs for resale. EV's flow right through ordinary auctions, getting pitiful bids. And new car dealers offer a pittance on trade-ins, if they don't turn them away entirely.

[@timkline162]

I like the Soltera and I'm considering one only because of the lease deal. It's a really good price considering with other cars to get it that low you need like a $5k deposit or more. The range is fine for me since I rarely if ever do any road tripping. 110% agree you should only lease EVs, in 3 years it will be old tech no one wants, but the dealership / bank will take it off your hands when the lease is done.

[@jamesstephen5694]

That resembles the Electric Mustang Mach-E. // Speaking of the Mustang Mach-E, why do they call it an SUV, it's a Hatchback.

[@hermanpeters549]

We are leasing our and we love it, just charges slow

[@thomasshi8863]

Just lease the premium base model for $199/month for 36 months with zero down. Couldn't be happier. There is $16000 off if you buy.

[@KirkKreifels]

SOLID deal. Grats

[@edgara4361]

How’d you get that 16k off figure

[@thomasshi8863]

@@edgara4361 from our local dealer in MA

[@barron204]

At that price there are so many many other options

[@doziershaw9765]

If i just wanted an electric city car with admittedly slow charging I would go for a used Chevy Bolt. Can find many well under $18k with less than 30k miles

[@KirkKreifels]

But what's your monthly payment?! Probably closer to $400/mo for a worse car. However after 5 years the bolt would be paid off.

[@xzimxzim]

I wanted to really like this, but I couldn’t stand the gauge cluster and lack of storage (mainly no glove box). Absolutely loved the Prius, but the same weird gauge cluster killed it for me.

[@LoganNolag]

The problem with this car is the price. At 215HP, 227 miles range, and 100kw fast charging it competes more with the Leaf and the old discontinued Bolt not with the Model Y, Mach-E, ID4, Blazer EV etc. If they priced it starting at 25k it would be awesome but even at its discounted price it's still way too expensive.

[@kevinm594]

My lease is up on my Outback and they're offering a $320 lease $0 down for the limited trim on the Soltera. I'm really tempted

[@KirkKreifels]

Solid

[@sophaman9193]

Why you guys don't like the name BZ4X nothing wrong with that good name

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

You're the only person I've ever heard with that opinion

[@user-hp7jt1ni7k]

I paused when you appeared to go through a stop sign 😀

[@bobdrago6965]

The eye sensor has difficulty penetrating sunglasses.

[@smirin7078]

I didn’t think the bz4x could get uglier but here we are!

[@KirkKreifels]

Hahaha 😂

[@marvinjacobs2955]

So what color are you buying Kirk ? ? ?

[@KirkKreifels]

The cheapest lease color lol

[@jamesvandamme7786]

Black so you don't notice the cladding

[@jywn]

I understand why people don't prefer the bZ4X name, but they have a lot of vehicles that used this naming scheme: MR2, RAV4, FJ40. . .

[@beexiong2995]

Toyota is discounting these close to 18k where I'm at

[@masonvevo.]

where is this?

[@beexiong2995]

@@masonvevo. gladstone Toyota in Portland area

[@jacobfoster3021]

If it's just going to be a city car why put a battery that big in it and not use an LFP battery? If you are going to put an NMC battery that big in it why wouldn't you make it a little bigger and let people charge it fast enough and enough times to make it not just a city car? I'm guessing they will say it will take care of 80 percent of your driving but I don't want to pay $50000 for a car that won't handle pretty much all of my driving, especially when there are alternatives at a similar price that will.

[@KirkKreifels]

I get it mate. LFP batteries will slowly come to USA and reduce costs. NMC batteries will get much better in just a few years. In the meantime sacrifices must be made. $329 / mo is a solid deal.

[@naveenthemachine]

I’ll pass on it. Because this ev is beyond subpar

[@ytj22]

I doubt this and the BZ4X are as bad as everyone says. Range is probably fine for most and build quality is likely well above average. While I think its great that EVs are a choice in the marketplace, I will pass on this and all other EVs, thanks.

[@aeronYTco]

Still a lot of room for improvement. Better versions will come out soon. Subaru’s next-generation Eyesight will come out in a few years time and also their next-generation BEV platform dedicated for BEV(shared with Toyota).

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

I think you like it cuz you don't like evs😂

[@aeronYTco]

@@JamaicanMeCrazy I like EVs but hopefully not with lithium-ion batteries but with solid-state batteries

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

@@aeronYTco the soltera/bz4x is ok. The problem is at the price point it's not. Maybe at Camry prices I'd take a look at it

[@john1701a]

I have had my bZ4X AWD with 20's for over a year now. It went through a Minnesota winter. The driving, efficiency and range were fine. Some have blown concerns way out of proportion. And now that it's getting warm, I'm seeing mid 4's for mi/kWh.

[@barryb.2611]

Did you mean 0-60 in 6.29s and 0-100 in 16.7s?

[@user-zr8jv3lz7r]

They can keep it

[@BMWI35433]

No electric car in my opinion is worth 50+ K. I would pick a used I3 over this honestly may have a little bit less range than the subaru but driving the vehicle is fun. I will get to test drive the solterra tomorrow so i will see out of curiosity

[@ryanfraley7113]

I wish the Solterra had the range of a Model S or Rivian. Battery tech has to get way better for these vehicles to mainstream. This generation of EV’s remind me of the first iPhone. You can see the future but you’re stuck on EDGE. EDGE in this case is low range and not great charge options.

[@philipershler420]

Are there any plans for a hybrid Subaru?

[@KirkKreifels]

Forester hybrid coming early 2025

[@philipershler420]

That’s interesting news. Do you think Subaru is just “dipping their toes in the water” or is Toyota just not willing to go in whole hog to supply more models (assuming that Toyota is going to be building the hybrid Foresters). I would think that hybrid Subaru Outbacks would sell like hotcakes. 😂

[@peterzagorski4316]

great lease deals, dealers are giving them away

[@Dillingham-]

This infotainment should be in every Subaru and the team that made it deserves a massive promotion. Even if the EV struggles but just this part of the Solterra survives, it will be a major win for the brand.

[@KirkKreifels]

It's only a matter of time before Subaru will license Toyota software. Probably by 2028

[@arnoldm889]

You Can get the toyota version for like $129/month with 1200 down lease. Noone wants it bc its crap and they have to give them away.

[@FastCar5]

Mustang MachE front end and Mazda CX-30 plastic clad wheel well moldings....what could go wrong?

[@DerekHoiem]

Wow. Mediocre at everything. No volume knob. Software updates at the dealer. No thank you.

[@KirkKreifels]

The Good: Lease Price. Sound system. Ride quality. Handling. Torque feel. Mediocre: Everything else The Bad: No Volume knob. Glossy piano black plastic. Headliner rattles in heat. Blah Range. Barf DCFC.

[@avdp9095]

​@@KirkKreifels10 years warranty? After 10 years just 30% degradation batteries. Not one other carmanufacturer will give thatckind of warranty and reason toyota and subaru don't want uscthe fast cgarge. It kills the batteries....of all bev's manufacturers

[@atmartens]

Kirk.... I get that you have a soft spot in your heart for Toyota, but this is a horrible vehicle. This is more of a sales pitch video for a half baked product than a true review. I'm glad you at least agreed this is a lease vehicle. First, yes, the quality of Toyota and Subaru is going to be better than a lot of start up EVs, however remember this was on a stop sale for a long time because they couldn't keep the wheels on it. Second, the range is laughable. Sure, if you lease it, not an issue but this is not a serious product for anyone who wants to keep it 5-10 years. Third, yes, they increase the charging rate. Great, but it's still slow. A range of 222 is just ridiculous low. Over all, a product like this is only going to hurt Toyota and Subaru in the future since most are going to remember this as their first electric vehicle.

[@KirkKreifels]

It's a good lease car for city. Have you driven one? It's not all about numbers mate.

[@atmartens]

@@KirkKreifels Yes, driving isn’t just about quick acceleration. Yes it’s quiet, I’ll give you that.

[@mfbikle]

why on earth can't it be updated over the air!?!?!?!?!

[@jamesvandamme7786]

Because it's old technology

[@avdp9095]

Kirk. Every current EV is ancient over 3 years.....

[@KirkKreifels]

Yep. I wonder how long it will take before EVs age better.

[@avdp9095]

@@KirkKreifels it took Toyota, 25 years or so to perfect the hybrid.... . Tesla is in business 12 years now? Still battery degradation major issue, also with Tesla... . Source Autoweek, dutch magazine. 6 year old model Y, 175.000 km, battery degradation 34%... . Only 6 years old and relativly low mileage. That's the problem with all current bev's...only developed for a lifespan of 5 or 6 years, after that no one wants that car..... .

[@john1701a]

​@avdp9095 Huh? My 2012 plug-in Prius (sold to a good friend) is still working great. My 2017 Prius Prime (sold to my niece when I got my bZ4X last year) is still working great too... full EV drive with heat-pump, delivered 7 years ago.

[@avdp9095]

@@john1701a because it are Toyota's.

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Nice

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

That interior is way too busy and has no design concept behind it. They just stuck things everywhere.

[@Xo-xz6vi]

Toyota is selling their version like hot cakes.

[@tillman40]

I’d rather ride my motorcycle than an EV. And save a heckuva lot of money

[@tomprevost2477]

kind of looks like an Aztec, Lol

[@CarsofGlasgow]

I have weirdly seen more of the Subaru Solterra on the road than the BZ4X and RZ combined!! I have literally seen two RZ's in the wild and a handful of BZ4Xs

[@Molishious]

This is a very mediocre EV, but if you are okay with that, the price might be right. It just seems like Toyota wanted to prove EVs were not very good making one that wasn’t very good. I’m certain they could have made a much better EV if they cared to do so.

[@masonvevo.]

this car was a mistake. they need to stop trying to make it better and just try a different vehicle

[@Ben-sh1dl]

I've heard that Subaru is retooling for their own EV vehicle, because they're unhappy with manufacturing problems from Toyota

[@mclovin6629]

Mustang Mach E should've been a sedan, then we can finally have an awd 4 door muscle car atleast, not some stung by bee head ahh suv 🤣👎🏽

[@ryanfraley7113]

The petrolheads will quickly shout no EV can be a muscle car. Any Model S or Lucid Air owner would contest that, though.

[@mclovin6629]

True, You can't satisfy them petrolheads 🤣 They're not wrong but even engines have their limit, thats why most super and hyper cars are electrified nowadays or mostly plug in hybrids :0 The Model S and Lucid Air prove that electric are the solutions to more power and torque but just go to fast, Not for for towing and long distance travel 🤣👎🏽 @@ryanfraley7113

[@sylvainlaurin1012]

It will stay unpopular !!! Toyota completely failed with the bZ4X and Solterra. The proof : only 9329 bZ4X sold in US (8872 Solterra) last year and 626 in France. I understand why they stay with hybrid and PHEV.

[@john1701a]

Lack of the $7,500 tax-credit played a major role it how many Toyota/Subaru decided to even try to sell. They are treating it just like gen-1 of Prius, not interested in high-volume since that is the plan for gen-2... which was exceptionally successful for Prius. Why not with bZ4X/Solterra too?

[@john1701a]

btw, the measure of success or failure is not based entirely on initial sales. Vital traits... like reliability... take time. Once that is proven, sales pick up. Absence of patience tells us nothing of what to expect later.

[@DaveInCanada081]

😴 💤 🛏 😴

[@KirkKreifels]

😂

[@Gopinathk17]

I will buy EV the day they have 500-600 miles range on a single charge.

[@TheJoncic]

Probably worst EV on the market.

[@thg1914]

Kia and Hyundai are killing the EV game. Toyobaru not so much

[@KirkKreifels]

Toyota killing the hybrid game. Hyundai Kia doing good there too. Subaru....zilch

[@JWFas]

I'm really enjoying my EV6.

[@johny3133]

The ugliest interior ever. Who does drive Subaru?(

[@MuniTechnology]

Virtue signaling is the shameful reason people buy EVs.

[@TheLilleyPad]

I would buy one because it’s new tech. There are perks to electric. Less moving parts to repair and maintain. Range anxiety is in the past now with batteries ranging up well over 800kms. One fear remains is the hefty price to pay if the battery fails. But even that will decrease as batteries become cheaper. Some companies have battery swapping stations where you can just rent a battery and just swap it instead of charging it. I have been in many EVs in China and am impressed by them.

[@ryanfraley7113]

I know plenty of people who buy them for performance and technology. Just say you don’t like EV’s.

[@MuniTechnology]

@ryanfraley7113 I don't like the lies. EVs are charged from electricity generated from gas and coal power plants. With cost, depreciation and tire wear and higher insurance no money is saved owning an EV. The ONLY legitimate reason to mandate EVs is to kick our dependence on foreign oil and that's a very good reason. Just don't lie.

[@truthseeker8139]

I also buy them because I want my kids to breath clean air

[@MuniTechnology]

@truthseeker8139 Electricity comes from power plants burning coal and natural gas. Tesla "vegan leather" is made with PVC. Google that process. EV battery production is bad for the environment. When the whole picture is revealed, there is really no winning with EVs.

[@TrymeAsshole]

The ev wave is crap … and this takes the cake 💩