Is The New Subaru Solterra Any Good Off-Road - TFL Slip Test & Charging Review!

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#Solterra #Subaru #subarusolterra

[@Joe-cp5ud]

They had to take the license plate off because it’s a rental. 😅 Roman and Subaru still hate each other after the Subaru crew sent repo men to Roman’s that one time.

[@David-mm5vl]

I'd says it's a hard pass on most of these first gen EVs and hybrids. Figure another 5-10 years and they'll be sorted. I want to see Subaru make their future EVs with 4 motors for that true Symmetrical AWD life.

[@Chris.Davies]

46K in USD. 80K in NZD. 46K USD is 75K NZD. Typical car BS: 5K of garbage extra profit for car dealers in NZ.

[@JohnSeitz]

Tommy - great expanded version of the slip test video!! Would love to see an id4 PRO AWD on this same style of test.

[@halsnyder296]

What I want is a full electric Forester. I want the roof height and the utility. I don’t need stylish, I need usable. That’s why I have a Forester. Subaru needs to return to it’s roots.

[@chrisss73841]

Compared to the Bolt, it's a great car. But for the price you could buy a Bolt and a Crosstrek....

[@DainPhillipz]

Ehhh I would choose my Bolt EUV over this overpriced Franken-EV any day.

[@porsche558]

The Solterra is a larger vehicle, not much of a comparison really.

[@porsche558]

@@DainPhillipznice toy

[@cypvh74]

Yeah, for the range the price needs to come down a lot, or they need about 100 miles more range.

[@thomas735]

@@DainPhillipzbolt sucks dude. No shine on that POS.

[@CruiseControl1]

I have a 24 SOLTERRA on lease and we love it. I average 4.3 miles per kWh. Which gives me 281 miles of range. I have taken it up i70 to grand junction and back from Colorado Springs and it handled a flash flood like a champ. Perfect Colorado car for my family.

[@MrFallingstarr]

Thanks for another entertaining review Tommy! I leased one for the HOV stickers and free charging at work. Msrp was $46k, with incentives my payoff after leaving the lot was $32k, Subaru is putting a lot of incentives on these to where it’s not a bad lease deal based on your situation. Buying it for $46k would be a terrible idea.

[@wildbill23c]

I agree...if you could qualify to lease one to get the incentives it wouldn't be so bad, but $46k for that no thanks LOL.

[@squiddah]

I have one as well and love it. When people ask what I think I tell them it is a great car, but a terrible EV. That said, my wife has a forester for any long trips and my commute is within range and I charge at home - perfect for me, but there are better options if you need more miles or faster charging on the road.

[@rtavila]

I'm buying a 2023 this week that sold for 47k last year. I'm getting it for 27k with 5,000 miles. Lolol

[@TerminalyTired]

Love seeing these videos! Have you ever tried a slip test in reverse? Some AWD EVs only have FWD in reverse. Which could be important to know.

[@wildbill23c]

Hmm, interesting, didn't know about the FWD only in EV's in reverse....wonder why that would be though?

[@TerminalyTired]

@@wildbill23c I don’t think it’s every EV. I noticed it on my model 3 performance. I got stuck in some sand and couldn’t back out the car. The front wheels were spinning, but the back wheels would only spin going forward. The ability to go forward or backwards depends on the type of motor and inverter, and maybe the model 3 doesn’t have that option.

[@oblivionnokk3531]

I think that depends if it is dual engine or not.

[@brucec954]

Your basic half assed attempt at an EV so Toyota and Subaru can tick the box and say "yes, we have an EV".

[@cbrider6267]

Out of box, Solterra's awd seems comparable to Subaru's standard awd. I'm curious if Wilderness version will be made.

[@wildbill23c]

I don't see why they couldn't make a Wilderness model of the Solterra...it already has the dual X-Mode so all they'd need is to increase the ride height a little more....wonder what effect that would have on the range....maybe for the Wilderness model they should increase the battery size too....trouble is the car will also weigh more so.....

[@vaddimka]

Yes, can confirm, pretty good in wet traction, I felt right at home after our Outback.

[@-----------------------------]

Skid plate added, accessories plugs in the back, solar roof to keep said accessories on camp sites. Would be nice to at least have 300-400 watt solar panel on the roof. ​@@wildbill23c

[@jeffmartin4583]

Thanks for the review. I’m leasing a Solterra premium and have been happy with it. I charge at home and use it locally so range and charge speed aren’t an issue. I also have a Jeep JL rubicon and got this to save on gas. I agree that leasing is the way to go which is why I went with the solterra instead of an Imprezza.

[@MichaelSmith-kr9qw]

My OCD is kicking in with that crooked license plate bracket !!! Hopefully its just missing a screw !!!

[@thinkabout602]

YEP 🙃

[@kidwelldavid6136]

Tommy, take that THING back to were you got it from and tell them to send it back. That thing sucks. Outside that, love TFL.

[@lifeisgood12341]

My 21 id4 never goes below 50kw untill after 80. And that i feel is about the minimum for long distance travel. The only thing i figure is toyotas obsession with reliability leading to the decision to make it 100kw max, and gentle charging curve.

[@1guyin10]

It seems clear that they were even more conservative than usual with this one. It shows a lot of promise, but just isn't there yet.

[@beanapprentice1687]

It could also just be cost cutting.

[@10cpaul]

Bottom line Ill pay for gas! Toyota 4 runner all day!

[@AdamGrudman]

I just bought one and qualified for the 7500 tax credit. Great video, just thought I would add that

[@DblOSmith]

Legend has it, he's still charging.

[@oblivionnokk3531]

Charging issues were solved tho.

[@wanglee21]

It's a Toyota. Changing the badging and ground clearance isn't enough to say it's Subaru. lol

[@jimmykelly2809]

Ha! Just looked it up you can get them for mid 30’s with 3k miles! For a 23! Nobody is going to buy this car even used with depreciation that bad

[@Anhedonis]

X-mode 1 assumes that at least one tire has traction, and it does its best to prevent the other tires from freewheeling, sending that power to the wheel with the most grip. X-mode 2 assumes that all tires have equally bad or no grip, so instead of trying to send the most power to one wheel, it sends just enough power to all of them and allows for more spinning. In a roller test, X-mode 1 should work better.

[@NathanArnold-sf7gx]

What an annoying noise, total turn off!

[@roguedogx]

4:47 to me it actually looked like it was too sophisticated for the test. like it was using way more advanced techniques than the test was designed for. do they work? who knows. defiantly not on this test.

[@roguedogx]

I will agree with you Tommy that the Subaru is a bad electric car compared to the rest of the market right now. However for a first try, if it's reliable (a Toyota and Subaru staple) then I could see this as a worthwhile stepping stone. although I do agree they need to advance a lot really quickly to catch the market, and that's not a Toyota and Subaru strong point. they are better at holding on to their lead.

[@LukeEdward]

Some people enjoy the Kardashians, too. I am not those people.

[@smarticus6384]

It was an EV built to NOT sell.

[@bartwaggoner2000]

From the looks to the performance to the range to the charging speed to the technology - nothing is class leading or even competitive with other EVs - sad!

[@kbenti]

​@@bartwaggoner2000ground clearance is it's selling point. Subaru doesn't try to be a class leader. They try to find a Niche' underserved market and hit it with a subtle reliable option.

[@xobano8796]

Would love to se some mild off-road testing with a Model Y.

[@lawdog516]

Good review Tommy BUT I was totally focused on the crooked license plate bracket, sorry my OCD was kicking in !! LOL 😂😂

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

"The Subaru does not make a lot of sense in a number of ways" is stated. I think customers have figured that out. Our local dealer had nearly 20 in stock during the shortage earlier this year while no gas models. Now they only have 6 on the lot, and a ton of the gas models (close to 100 with more in shipping). Even the Subaru dealers have very few of this model now.

[@bartwaggoner2000]

Never mind the specs, thie looks of this vehicle scream DO NOT BUY ME

[@billnorblat4047]

Are those the only xmodes? What you need for this is a rock setting.

[@10219266]

In regards to the slip test, I was wondering if the front brakes were larger than the rear, that could possibly explain why it had an easier time transferring the torque

[@allstarnb1]

Model Y LR is a no brainer compared to this car, especially when you consider the $7500 tax credit the Y qualifies for!

[@bartwaggoner2000]

This care will actually make you want a Tesla even if you did not consider it before

[@kbenti]

Not if you want Ground Clearance.

[@allstarnb1]

@@kbenti because 1.5” of ground clearance is worth settling for a terrible car. 😒

[@vaddimka]

@@allstarnb1 It's not terrible. I mean, yes, model Y has a better range and faster charging speed. I find AWD more predictable in Solterra, it has a parking camera in the front (not the vision thingy that was fixed only in the latest update? assuming that it's fixed). Plus the ground clearance and plastic all around really puts your mind at ease. It just needs to be a bit cheaper.

[@cypvh74]

Unless you want something with higher ground clearance. There aren’t really many good EV options yet under $50k that have 8” clearance.

[@Rampage1979]

This vehicle dosnt have the latest software update that shows battery percentage in driver display and also unlocks some mileage from the buffer and improves charging speeds and allows for 3.5 dc charges within 24hrs

[@nevv8581]

Interesting review. Similar to Toyota, Subaru didn't put a ton of effort into this car. It's a product that fills out Subaru's lineup with an EV. That's about it.

[@jamesengland7461]

My local Subaru dealer has some, and they have that typical platform where they display one of their cars. Most of the time they have either nothing (the lot is full of new cars!) or a USED Ford pickup on it! Seems this dealer, at least, isn't proud of any of the Subaru lineup 😂

[@wildbill23c]

I think that is really all they're after is just an entry into the EV world just so they can say they have an EV HAHA!!

[@unconventionalideas5683]

It feels like Toyota abdicated the whole of the battery R&D to the smaller Subaru, which then led to an undercapitalized result.

[@mpeugeot]

Just don't see myself ever wanting this... how does the battery tray hold up in an off road environment where it might hit some rocks?

[@ALMX5DP]

Like Tommy said, it’s not for someone who wants to do any serious off-roading. Mostly for recreational use on dirt roads or for up to a ski resort for the weekend.

[@zachlafond2652]

i doubt anyone would ever take this thing off road outside of tommy.

[@kbenti]

Yeah battery damage is a big issue with EVs offroad. It's got good clearance, but unless Subaru is willing to take the hit on battery damage, it's a "no go".

[@jamesengland7461]

EV battery packs offer much better protection than most ICE vehicles have for oil pan, trans pan, fuel or brake lines, or fuel tank.

[@mpeugeot]

@@jamesengland7461 tell that to the Hyundai Ionic 5 owners needing battery replacement for running over a little road debris.

[@vtsean5840]

Thanks for this Tommy. I’ve driven the Solterra and I agree that range is mediocre. Also agree about the charging speed. On th other hand, I have found that the car is very composed and comfortable even over mountain backroads. Two notes: First, this is one of the few EVs that uses physical controls, for HVAC, etc., rather touch screens. Second, the Subaru version of the car has paddles to change regen. level and that is especially useful in the mountains.

[@jeffmartin4583]

It’s been really great in the snow.

[@vaddimka]

I second that. It's very predictable in wet traction and I like the feedback on the wheel. I don't like that the cheapest trim doesn't have electric seat adjustments, that's basically the only reason I didn't buy one. I was ready to accept the range and charging speed. The next trim is +$6k in Canada. Like come on, even the cheapest chevy bolt has motorized seat adjustments!

[@emikomina]

I agree about the range, if this had a traditional engine and not an EV, then this is actually a really good SUV with no range anxiety, then the only real issue would be the price

[@unSTEVOED]

@@emikomina Get a Cross Trek or Forester or Outback

[@AZdroptop]

And after the slip tests the range is down to 50? :). I love Subaru but this is a terrible EV.

[@louiep9862]

Until the technology gets these EV’s into 400-500 miles range & a better network I’ll stick with my Hybrid .

[@rylans.5365]

Some luxury EVs already have these figures. I don’t expect it to take much longer to see proposed range figures of 400+ in premium and base EVs, because we already have upwards of 300 miles. And just so you know, a hybrid is not comparable to an EV.

[@perpelle]

How many hybrids can you build with one ev? Lots. If the government wants us to get rid of gas guzzlers, sell hybrids.

[@lukaspastor3423]

Sending power to the wheel with traction using brake on the opposite wheel is not very smart, I think. We have a better solution, which do not need any electronics and works automatically, usin centrifugal forces. Simply by using centrifugal friction clutch it is able to automatically transfer power from faster wheel to slower one and with help of reduction 25:1 clutch can handle all the torque. There is no need for any switching and car can turn any one wheel with traction without using brakes. We have a patent and we are testing now, you can see first "tractor" test on my YT :) I think it is smarter to send power via clutch, not to brake one wheel, if you need to move....

[@ryandoyle4344]

Rear brakes are usually weaker than the front brakes; Appears, rear caliper couldn't clamp enough to transfer enough power to move the vehicle off the rollers. (EV tq > rear caliper force)

[@beanapprentice1687]

It’s not like he was flooring the throttle, though. There’s no reason why the rear brakes couldn’t generate enough force to stop the rear wheel from spinning that much. It was just insufficient traction control.

[@ryan56976]

If these weren’t 10 years old already and didnt look stupid, I’d be interested in one. not sure why this isn’t a Rav4EV or ForresterEV with anything faster than the slowest chargers

[@robbrownfield7677]

It was launched in 2022.

[@Arcturuseyes]

I had an Impreza back in the day, I loved it, until a deer ran in front of me, I was going 45mph, instant airbag deployment,

[@Br3ttBork3r]

Just remember to NEVER buy a new car. The $40-$50k price tag is way too much. The used market for this car is insane, 45% discount with around 15k miles, it’s still new.

[@Landodirt]

Hopefully it’s not like the Hyundai ionic. People who have scraped or dented the battery cover underneath have had their car totaled because of the $61,000 cost of replacement.

[@beanapprentice1687]

Those people did more than merely scrape the battery. And Hyundai should’ve replaced the batteries for free, but they didn’t honour their warranty.

[@justcollectingdust]

Great for around town especially when you get $7500 rebate and an additional almost $10k off of that! So comfortable....and we don't need a long range vehicle ......if that's needed we can just rent an ICE.

[@benniewalker312]

I really want to like this vehicle, a Subaru EV (Toyota). But I don’t and I can’t……

[@NiNjaTurtLe697]

Thanks for staying on that pedal a bit. AWD takes a few seconds or more to work itself out and put power where it's needed.

[@andrewt9204]

Such a terribly engineered car. How can it be that inefficient? And that slow of DC charging for that size of a battery pack is embarrassing. Maybe at a ~10K lower price tag, it could be a decent buy if you rarely plan to fast charge. Then you'd be on par with the Bolt EUV but with AWD and a bit faster DC charging. Lower range though.

[@christover1]

Off road, the taller tires and greater ground clearance wins over the AWD Tesla Y. Saying that, though, Tesla wins out on the rest. But lift kit and taller tires on a Y adds expense and possible range loss. Looks like the Australia spec version of Solterra will have better batteries than the US spec, so ours may be better? Not actually selling here yet, just promising to.

[@jimmykelly2809]

Everyone hates on this car and that makes me happy. Soon they won’t be able to give these away. Thats when I’ll rummage through the bin and pick one up for Pennie’s on the dollar

[@bartwaggoner2000]

I would consider one if I could get a 50% discount! But they are losing money at 100% MSRP!

[@windwalker121]

Subaru going balls out on the unpainted black plastic, eh?

[@jimmykelly2809]

Solterrable

[@bartwaggoner2000]

Solterda

[@RebelRanger2009]

The right rear didn't really have contact with the road though.

[@kbenti]

Yeah, you have to watch out with these 3 roller tests, because the car's weight could be balanced such that no weight is left on that 4th wheel.

[@TassieEV]

Some good testing there Tommy. I was most curious about charging and seems it's about the same as what Kyle got when he tested the BZ4X but he I believe actually stayed at the charger to 100% from 0%, lets just say about 4hrs later it was done. Not good. The other thing you didn't test but I believe it's the same as the Toyota it only allows a certain number of DC fast charges per 24hrs so road tripping could be near impossible unless you want to charge on AC.

[@davidmlong63]

To be perfectly honest if I owned a solterra it would be a pavement princess.

[@zmarko]

Exterior - it's not awful looking. It's not good looking, but not heinous. Interior - ugly AF. The interior is SO bad. Range - "228" is horrible range in today's market. Toyota/Subaru should be ashamed of themselves for putting these vehicles out. Power - 215hp/249tq is laughable. Price - the price is absurd. This is a $32 - 35k car ALL day long. It's amazing to me that Toyota, who has been putting out amazing hybrids for such a long time, can't get their shit together with an all-EV.

[@bartwaggoner2000]

Charging speed / Network - Craptastic Technology - Subpar, and you have to pay monthly subscription fee after one year for navigation!

[@kbenti]

Toyota is banking on Hybrid being the real future of cars. I can't say that they're wrong on that. They're planning to drop a Sport Car Hybrid that get 740 milrs of range gas and Electric Combined.

[@rylans.5365]

Toyota has always been inherently anti-EV and will continue to lobby and advocate for “electrified diversified”. This marketing campaign is really just greenwashing, making consumers think they are doing a good thing by buying a hybrid. Which don’t get me wrong, is a step in the right direction. However, hybrids alone will not contribute to a zero/low emissions society.

[@BassRacerx]

$46,000 with cloth seats is a no for me dawg.

[@brendykes1202]

With all the comparisons to the Model Y, I wish you had included MYLR traction results.

[@TheNewMediaoftheDawn]

The ground clearance of the Y couldn’t even get through that mud without risking the battery.

[@brendykes1202]

I’ve taken my Bolt through similar conditions and slid both Bolt & MY across many snow berms w no probs.

[@trails3597]

These TFL tests are awesome. EVs do surpass ICE vehicles.

[@brianjohnson9890]

You can tell this is their “had to make for California” car

[@AlainHubert]

This and the Toyota bZ4XyZ are basically the same car.

[@Camaro45th]

I can’t stop staring at the crooked license plate bracket. It’s bothering me

[@thomasfields2082]

On a lease its a hard maybe. Just for the novelty.

[@merrichoang6858]

In my experience, Electrify America is always terrible. No matter what car, it normally pulls a max of only 42kw, never closed to the advertised 350kw.

[@MOBGaming4]

This is the worst cross platform Toyota has ever done!!

[@jasmachugh4222]

Buy it used for $30k! :)

[@myharpoon1976]

Why is it so ugly? Did Subaru not learn their lesson from the backlash the WRX received with all that god-awful cladding?

[@williampresley3000]

This is a Toyota right?

[@EnthusiastCarHangar]

Did the rental company give you permission to go off road? 😉

[@hayduke4589]

Unless you need to traverse this type of terrain to get home or go to work, this car is nearly useless. There isn’t enough range or charging speed to get you to where you can use the trail capabilities. Even living near the Sierra and doing most of our camping there it doesn’t make sense. And there are lots of chargers here. We are likely the target demographic perhaps if it was $10k cheaper. Nah. Been daily driving an EV for ten years, the technology is there it’s just as if some manufacturers dont really want to sell EVs.

[@DougLarsenMN]

Been looking for a great deal on a lease on an EV or Plug in Hybrid and these are $399/month with a modest $399 down unlike the others ($5k down? Get out of here) - For that price, the gas savings may pay for 75% of the lease cost. Strongly considering.

[@mc.9-]

was there ever any warming of the TFL relationship w Subaru? I'm wary of any manufacturer who isn't willing to accept constructive criticism and use that to improve

[@carperdiem8754]

Need this test on rivian dual motor

[@unSTEVOED]

A classic Subaru lemon

[@king-crane4956]

Subaru has a lease deal right now for $329 a month either no down. Pretty incredible

[@kensmith5694]

Basically, you have shown that the software that does stuff is not very good. It knows that one wheel is stopped and the others are moving. It isn't rocket science to work out which tire is the only one with traction.

[@whos-your-mate]

Did that thing really just out perform your Landcruiser through the moguls....🤯

[@wildbill23c]

I recall you did the slip roller test on the Subaru Forester Wilderness a while back and it did a lot better in all the slip tests...Subaru needs to do some more AWD and traction control programming on the Solterra...or is it a Toyota? My understanding is its really a Toyota but has the Subaru drive train? Also....given the Solterra is electric, is the accelerator really applying throttle LOL.

[@michaelhenry-hurst2787]

Based on ur dads charging in his video it seems to be a possible software glitch for the charge rate, give Subby a call surly theres a car fault somewhere on why its not charging at 100Kw

[@sparklander]

Great review, Tommy.

[@yissibiiyte]

Thankfully it seems Subaru actually tweaked the Solterra's AWD system somewhat instead of relying on Toyota's

[@wildbill23c]

Toyota's AWD systems really don't seem that great, especially in their Hybrid and EV stuff....You'd think Toyota would go in and tweak their programming for better response and operation.

[@Tinrs80]

Would it not be all about the Programming???. thats odd this got stuck like that. Seems that would be a programming issue

[@zachlafond2652]

Its like they intentionally built a crappy ev. I've seen one of these in the wild, so its not like anyone is buying them.

[@M85Iroc]

My eyes are bleeding looking at the front license plate bracket

[@MrGMawson2438]

It's a Toyota

[@robertsnitchler9966]

Are there any lubrication points on the rollers? They sound like they are binding a little. I hope they hold up for more entertaining testing.

[@user-zx8de8op9l]

I don't like it.

[@aaron___6014]

It's an EV so no.

[@Aashishkebab]

The front wheel traction worked better because you're sitting on that side.

[@jonhymarquez8166]

I thought it was a very bare bones Mustang Mach E when I saw the thumbnail

[@jamesrobinson3660]

Is an off-road testing in Australia it has the rollers on the hill on one side 52 ft long 🙄

[@JustZod]

Hope people picked up the cheap lease deals on the BZ4X in April.

[@pablochacon40]

Did Subaru finally gave you guys a car or did you guys had to buy another subaru

[@komronazamat1911]

do a roller test with a regular toyota grand highlander hybrid not the hybrid max

[@dmunro9076]

I wonder if that EA charger was de-rated? It might be worthwhile to retest on another charger.

[@MrFallingstarr]

Agreed, I’ve gotten up to 80 in my Solterra

[@johnlodge8546]

Nope. I been at any number of DC locations. When ever either of the twins (Solterra/BZ4X) are charging their throughput is disastrously bad. I've even seen a vehicle use the same dispenser after one of the twins left and the dispenser ramped up to its rated output. I've seen Kyle of out of spec test the BZ4X, regardless of DC dispensers or location, these twins fail to EVER reach their maximum rated charging rate. They even quickly tapper to rates slower than the poorest DC charging models from several years ago. The effective Charging rate from 0 to 80% SOC is under 45 KW. Out of Spec does a 15 minute challenge and these twins tallied the lowest Score EVER TESTED.

[@Stuka87]

For as amazing as Toyota hybrids are, their EVs leave a lot to be desired.

[@crt5866]

its interesting to see how much better the gasoline subaru did

[@jlgro2065]

It looks like a mustang mach E from the front

[@lonerider5315]

When wheels are opposing, braking one wheel to send power to the other is how an open dif car should operate. The fact the electric motors act the same, is a example how much engineers want it to have a gas car experience. Actually pretty cool.

[@beanapprentice1687]

No. The fact that the car uses brakes for torque vectoring is merely because it’s cheaper than putting a motor at each wheel.