What You Should Know About the 2023 Subaru Solterra

[@JoshHitti]

I just purchased one for $26k with 5k miles, essentially a brand new car. The previous owner ate $20k+ depreciation. Perfect for someone who has a small commute, access to a charger, and wants an affordable option. I love mine

[@DAVIDSONJ0908]

I own one and I can tell most of the negative comments are from people who haven't driven one. First I will say the 228-mile range seems based on an 80% charge (not abusing climate control). On a full charge the mileage jumps up to about 260-270 miles (again no climate control). Also, this car has a faster or comparable 0-60 to pretty much the entire Subaru line up outside of the WRX it's weird to see other Subie guys complain about the power/speed. Performance-wise....this is actually a good first EV with off-road capability.

[@alexpmo]

I appreciate the positive feedback! I've noticed the same range change with our demo unit. It's been getting more than the 228 they advertise. I haven't used the climate control 100% of the time either so that's helped. The instant acceleration is fun to experience. This is the first EV I've been in so that was new to me.

[@DAVIDSONJ0908]

@@alexpmo yeah I'm actually glad the car is better than advertised.

[@z1az285]

@@DAVIDSONJ0908 I just drove a loaner from my dealership and I was blown away. So many good features. I loved the power mode and the instant torque. Of course dual x mode is awesome like many subarus. Love the 360 camera very useful for my drive way. Visibility is excellent, storage space is very good

[@mylern350]

Can you turn off the Climate Control? We're considering to get one as well

[@miken8150]

Ugh. The car is so obviously a rebadged Toyota it's honestly hard to get excited about it. The range is mediocre, it's ugly as heck, and the dash is just ridiculous. Hard pass, no thanks.

[@georgehill9807]

I recently took delivery of a 2023 Outback Limited XT, and I would never consider the Solterra or anything similar because of the range limits of EVs. The Solterra is very pricey and doesn't consider the cost of electricity and the inconveniences of charging times. Any extended power supply disruption would be a disaster.

[@racesla]

The Lucid get close to 600 on a charge, VW over 300.

[@RazgrizF14D]

@@racesla What VW are you talking about? The ID.4 has a range of about 260 tops.

[@penumbranm]

We just bought one yesterday! Can't wait to drive it for a few months and then we will post an update here. It drives like a dream and has the typical Subaru handling and the great AWD and we really like the auto parking feature.

[@Jesus0418]

How is it?

[@Chasf11]

Could you do a video explaining the procedures to follow when taking the Solterra through an automatic car wash?

[@kna.living]

i want a solterra so bad! It looks so beautiful. I also would like the feeling that comes with driving electric vehicles

[@wantonfuey1]

leased a 2024 premium trim today...I like the 19" tires over the 20s. great handling and quite quick. current lease is a great opportunity to have 3 cheap years in an ev

[@echo700]

Did the same, couldn't pass up those incentives.

[@ezliving9655]

the two old guys talking in the background at the end are a nice touch, makes the video have that nice small town vibe. (not trying to imply it was on purpose haha)

[@NoName-fo7mz]

It’s staged they’re paid actors

[@Batmanmotorcyclerider]

Thank you for the overview, I have never seen one in my area. I am currently on my fourth Subaru and the Solterra is more than I would spend on a car at this point, otherwise I was happy to see some information on the new vehicle.

[@TheTom2video]

I originally reserved the Solterra touring model last February. This would’ve been my 6th Subaru. I loved Subaru’s since 1999. I owned 5 of them during this current span. The vehicle I have now is the 2019 Ascent Touring. I had a 2020 Legacy Sport which I sold to my brother in law a few weeks ago. The recall back in June curtailed my plans. It took them almost 4 month to figure out the problem. Originally, I was told that I would see the Solterra in July or August. The salesman told me that it won’t be until early January. I moved on and ended up with the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle. This whole thing had been embarrassing. As of today, I still would be waiting for the Solterra. Incidentally, the Solterra is out in left field when it comes to range and rapid charging time. 222 miles of range and an hour to rapid charge? The Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD gives me 266 miles of range snd rapid charge in 18 minutes !!!! If the Solterra offered more range and rapid charging time, I probably would’ve waited. Until Subaru can offer a longer electric range and faster rapid charging time, I might reconsider in getting the vehicle. I still love Subaru, but I had no choice and couldn’t wait any longer. 11 months is way too long !!!!

[@Doc1855]

Thanks Alex. I’m thinking we’ll wait until the bugs get worked out.

[@alexpmo]

Yeah that’s always a risk with the first model. So far I’m really impressed with it!

[@semimba]

Like the wheels fallling off

[@Doc1855]

@@semimba That was a recall and was taken care of.

[@joejuan5022]

I wish they just converted crosstrek into full EV with Korean-like fast charging and long range. This is not even close to competing.

[@primemoverRR]

I'm a long time Subaru guy, and we currently have a 2021 Outback Touring XT (our 5th Subie). But I have to say that Subaru really missed the mark with this vehicle. #1. If I want a Subaru, I don't want a rebadged Toyota with a really poorly designed instrument panel. #2. It's priced way higher than most people looking for an electric Subaru and for $50,000+ dollars, it needs to have much better range and power. For that same price I can get a much more nicely equipped Hyundai Ioniq 5 SEL AWD with a much more premium interior and a LOT more room, a LOT more power (320hp vs 215hp) and a lot more range (266 miles of range vs 228 miles). That car looks SO much better than this Toyota clone. Come on Subaru, you can do better than this!

[@Deetroiter]

I just said the same thing. I’d want a Subaru, not some rebadged toyota. Not interested in this vehicle at all.

[@noahhphung]

This is what I want to say. Thanks a lot for your words

[@stickylightning852]

Best comment describing this car in many videos. For a company that is to be a steward of the outdoors and environment they really have not embraced the future and lost a great opportunity.

[@NomusaMagical]

❤Super cute! 1️⃣ Why range lower than most EVs? 2️⃣ Any govt subsidies? 3️⃣ Cost of batt replacement + potential effect on trade-in value? Thx!

[@BilliePalmer-j9k]

Very detailed and informative

[@musicman6243]

Not impressed , really didn't like the dash or infotainment screen and the front of the WTH bugly!

[@csebring4222]

Looking forward to more indepth on this on this vehicle.👍

[@Lammalord]

I've played around with the Solterra and it's features over the last few days, but can't seem to get the Advanced Park to work well, it seems to have a very particular set of circumstances to properly find a spot and when it does it's kept itself so far from the wall in front that the rear end was sticking out into the street still. I would love to see that video from you on how to get the feature to work to the best of its ability. Also want to note it got really close on the front to another car when it was turning to adjust into the spot, I saw it on the video display that it was clear, but it was closer than I would have ever gotten when setting up for a spot.

[@toronado455]

4:33 a "battery engine"? That's a new one for me. I believe what you're calling the "engine" is actually the inverter assembly for the electric motor. But I'm not sure.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

That's what it is. The electric motor is lower.

[@jerrywatterson4785]

Hey Alex, no matter what I do I cannot get my new 2024 SOLTERRA to show a QR code to connect the phone to the car through the Solterra app. Any idea how to do that? I tried to follow the help instructions in the app but they don’t work.

[@tube2211ification]

No spare market there Vehicles for the outdoors you can’t take the vehicle to remote area as if you damage a tyre a repair kit is not going to cut it to get you home or continue your journey that go’s for petrol cars as well.

[@gusradke]

Just broke 1000 miles on my Outback.

[@rickstokes2239]

People who like Suburus for what they’ve been known for don’t familiarize with the Solterra because of the range alone, but also the ‘citified’ look, no ruggedness. I own a 2021 Outback Touring XT and looking forward to what Suburu will do with the Hybrid’s rumored to come out in 2024 which may have Solid State batteries from Toyota which are said to have much better charging times, more range and power, much longer overall lifetime expectancy and none of the heat and regulatory issues old batteries had.

[@SageLakshmi]

Hopefully subaru improves their EV game. There are EV foresters in UK and AUS but many people report that they're not very efficient

[@michiels3330]

@@SageLakshmi Only hybrid, not full EV.

[@aeronYTco]

Does the Solterra drive and feel like a proper Subaru or more of a Toyota? It’s a Subaru built by Toyota unlike the GR86, which is a Toyota built by Subaru.

[@grcigar9911]

As a short-term vehicle, maybe. With Toyota perhaps already abandoning the EV platform in this vehicle in future EVs from what they learned already, I don’t have confidence long term. I think we are also still about 10 years away from EV technology maturing enough to be considered a strong buy.

[@connicrow9463]

abandoning the EV platform in this vehicle? Lol -- Where did you read this? The Toyota bZ4X & Subaru Solterra is the product of a co-development by these 2 veteran automakers for their 1st ALL EV. The $45K -- 48K msrp is actually very competitive for SUV EV's when compared to Telsla (not even an suv and 75K --100K + Lucid 90K+). Anyway, Toyota is considering a plan to ramp production of the bZ4X and by extension, its alter ego, the Solterra from 1K cars a mo to 6K a mo or even 12K a month by 2025. Like it or not -- for cars and trucks even buses & tractor trailers -- it's def' trending EV's as other car makers Asia US Europe all getting in and so it will be well before 10 years before it's mainstream

[@CraigCollins-rr8sj]

for sure need a new video for the screen display lol!!!🤣

[@robertduiker]

Are 4-season tires (with 3-peak mountain snowflake symbol) available for the Solterra?

[@davidw3323]

Any idea on tire price and life?

[@NomusaMagical]

IMO, infotain screen sizes in ALL cars getting to be TOO much + a major distraction. Draws the eye + allows doing too much while in “drive”

[@TommyBlazeHD]

Nah, man. I'd rather get the RAV4 Prime for the price. And the proprietary tires would also be a deal breaker. For anyone wondering the Bridgestone Turanza EL450 225/50 R18 on this vehicle would set you back $1,144.00 without installation and mounting and balancing! These manufacturers need to do better!!!!

[@semimba]

Does this have a spare tire?

[@paulpuglia8480]

Alex, I would like to know on the new EV the tongue weight and the trailer weight for pulling because I'm getting a 2023 Sea Doo GTX 170 this could be my future car because I just bought a 2022 Forester Sport sport Thank you and Marry Christian.

[@tpolerex7282]

No towing rating for the Solterra in the U.S.

[@cherylbebenek8315]

How many miles per charge ? And also how do you find charging stations while traveling?

[@alexpmo]

228 estimated range. Charge stations can be found through the touch screen display on the car or through the Solterra connect app

[@cherylbebenek8315]

@@alexpmo Thank You !

[@alexpmo]

@@cherylbebenek8315 you're welcome! I'll have more videos out soon sharing more details

[@boballison123123]

Good review. Thanks!! I think it was a big miss for Subaru by putting an "engine" in the front. One of the unique features about EV's the Frunk. Low range is also a big disappointment.

[@Deetroiter]

I like the idea of a solterra, but I want a SUBARU, not a rebadged toyota.

[@jamesseabolt5915]

It's a joint venture with Toyota. Not a rebadged Toyota.

[@sdanjohn]

I wonder what the range is in cold weather. I bet not close to 250 miles. Even so 250 miles is not enough for some of my day hiking trips. 9-10 hours to charge? Seems too long. Not to mention no spare tire…. That’s a no brainer if you are going to remote areas. EV’s are just not ready for prime time in my opinion. I currently own a 2015 3.6R Outback. Wish they still offered the 6. Unfortunately it’s all about the government mandated fuel economy numbers.

[@Wrang15]

Those tires won't cut it on my local dirt roads. They are snow covered and icy in winter. I have to run studded snows on my 2021 touring xt. Never mind storms taking the power out for 7 to 30 days in the past. Then add in days were we only get to 32 and it's been down to -25 a few times in the past.

[@wjm988]

It doesn't look like it was even designed by Subaru teams on the inside. A bit of a flop imo

[@adamyingling3676]

Don’t forget every 5k miles you need to bring your Solterra in for a checkup!

[@alexpmo]

yes, that's correct!

[@thorthehuntsman2382]

EV’s are only practical if you live in the city or you’re a soccer mom. 228 miles means about a 1.5hr road trip each direction. I’m sure it’s less if you add some weight and not a chance with a kayak on top. Maybe this is a conversation in a decade with better infrastructure. Not even close yet.

[@alexpmo]

There are certainly limitations with an EV. I wouldn't personally use one to take across country on a road trip. Because of the range limitation, I would daily drive and keep the car locally.

[@martinr8278]

Not interested in any EV, like to see how expensive the batteries will be to replace in 8 to 12 years. Hopefully Subaru continues to allow a choice between gas powered and EV and not go completely to just all electric.

[@mariner3485]

EV Tires wear out faster and are more expensive to replace too.

[@martinr8278]

@@mariner3485 these vehicles just seem to be for the rich and hoity-toity’s! I’m not sure if they realize what actually is needed to power generators to produce electricity to go ahead and charge the cars lol. It’s all a trap and I guess they just like to eat poison

[@mariner3485]

@@martinr8278 not to mention the Lithium mining and battery construction.

[@martinr8278]

@@mariner3485 well said!! 🏆🏆🥇🥇

[@punnyabrata]

Why does it look like a Rav 4?

[@midlifemom5829]

$54 k ?! Isnt an Audi Q4 etron the same price?

[@jamesseabolt5915]

Haaaa You wish!

[@jimnyffeler5287]

So that's the first Subaru that will create more pollution before it rolls off the assembly line, then a comparable ICE model will in it's lifetime?

[@KyleKlabunde]

subaru could do better with both range and charging speed

[@denniss1211]

This has such a short range ... it is only a town car.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

The Subaru Solterra doesn't have an "engine." It has electric motors.

[@gateslattes4686]

M’y Kona has more range

[@jamesseabolt5915]

Depends on what model you own. Do you have upgraded battery?

[@tpolerex7282]

*Motor, no engine.

[@bzs331]

First!!!!

[@alexpmo]

That was quick!

[@superjimnz]

One of the ugliest wheels / dash I've yet seen. I still think the "camera" button looks more like a coffee cup 😂

[@lipete1000]

No thank you. Electric cars are jokes

[@lipete1000]

Agreed

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Why? they're cars. They just have a different propulsion system. And they are quieter and smoother and faster than internal combustion engines without the need for multi-speed transmissions.

[@Mike_44]

Meh.. I’m not interested at all.. Wait till they start having those predicted blackouts 😆 see how every EV owner wants their gas vehicle back.

[@ewhite1546]

Pumping gas also requires electricity. Also, shouldn't we just have a good power grid? What about people who have medical equipment and things at home that require electricity?

[@Mike_44]

@@ewhite1546 Yup.. I like having the technology but don’t phase out combustion engines, at least till we have the proper infrastructure.

[@cerebrumexcrement]

@@Mike_44 u still using candles to light ur home?

[@Themadoutbacker]

Not enough range and way too expensive

[@jamesseabolt5915]

What kind of Range and price do you expect to find?

[@Themadoutbacker]

​@jamesseabolt5915 At least 300 miles. In winter months, your range will also take a significant hit from the cold

[@wolfinsheepsclothing775]

funny, not really, how the recommend to charge over night, Just like a phone, When there is so many warnings not to charge your mobile phone for example over knight, you now the fire hazard with charging batteries unsupervised overnight.. Oh look honey the children's room is on fire... just go to sleep!!!

[@NoName-fo7mz]

Learn English.

[@michaelgoble8200]

I have owned one for about a month and I love it. My wife and I have been happy Toyota owners since 1986. Most recent ones have been hybrids. Quite by chance, I became the owner of a Subaru Forester. I loved it. I was in the dealership recently, switching from winter tires to summer tires and I happened to notice a Solterra in the showroom and became quite interested when I realized it was an EV. At first, I wasn’t interested in buying it because while I was impressed by my Forester, I wasn’t interested in buying an EV from a company with no experience with electric cars. When I discovered that it was built in partnership with Toyota, a company with a great deal of experience with the electric world, my concerns disappeared. I took it on a lengthy test drive and fell in love with it. When I got back to the dealership, we talked prices including trading in my Forester. A week later, I happily drove away in my first EV. I like it much better than my son-in-law’s Tesla Model 3. I have no regrets.

[@frankfort464]

this is my second week in my Solterra Touring and i’m never looking back, driving this car is like floating! the neigh sayers, like buzzards, will repetitively criticize the range and power but neither have been an issue (this car is spooky fast in Power mode)

[@Subie-Driver]

It’s a Toyota in disguise. It’s a Toyobaru. Gives you options for service though.

[@lowlifeangler]

Thank you Alex, I love Subaru. Although I want a Chevy Bolt EV for A-B M-F work week. I treat My 2018 Outback Premium is treated like. A show cat. It sits in garage till the weekend. I work a Honda supplier in Ohio. 85% in Honda the rest is Subaru and Toyota I think Subaru is the ultimate roadtrip vehicle. And they are nicest and simplest parts to work with.

[@lightningsrt4707]

Not enough range.

[@kapageridis]

For that kind of money I am very happy I purchased my Forester Sport 2023 twhere I know all bugs have been figured out and will prob never let me down...special tires, only 250 miles, cost of replacing battery, special shop for maintenance, too early to buy an electric SUV

[@richardsefecka6552]

It’s becoming more evident that EV’s are not the answer to our energy problems Hybrids are the best solution for our future and Subaru should have developed either a hybrid Outback or Forester

[@AliRahimi-b5w]

I’ve owned one for a few months now but now colder weather in Canada I need to close the vents completely while driving so no Cole air comes in. Any idea how?

[@mstephens7]

Thanks for this Alex. I think you said your dealership is getting four? I wonder how we will do way up here in northern Michigan. My real question: I love the roominess and open feeling of my Forester. How does the Solterra compare? I recall you liked the feel of the Outback better when you were choosing what to get for yourself.

[@jacobrichards1251]

I've worked for subaru for almost 3 yrs and will hopefully be joining the subaru family in January, could you do a review on the 2023 subaru legacy sport and go through some of its features?

[@RollerCoasterLineProductions]

There was one sitting in the service dept on charge when I took my Trek in for service. It had a sold tag on it so I didn’t touch it.

[@patrickc.4887]

Does it have a spare tire under that storage space, or will I have to have it towed when I get a flat. Thank you

[@gmonc8912]

Can the cameras on the Subaru Solterra be used as a dash cam?

[@marvinbuente4609]

Where do you charge them besides home,?

[@user-mn5hm3ez7o]

Nice video. Alex or anyone. My Subaru is 2 years old with 40,000 miles. Wanted Trans mission oil drained and filled. Dealership service said no its lifetime fluid. Why in Japan the Maintenance book says every 3 years or 36,000 miles In Canada it says 50,000. Subaru sevice had no reply except that they would drain + fill for 500.00$ but again saying its lifetime. Really, lifetime till the warranty runs out. I have trouble believing in any kind of lifetime fluids. Any replys greatly appreciated.

[@armaphilo3092]

They really priced themselves out of the market with this. Tesla blows it away

[@NoName-fo7mz]

Teslas are pathetic too

[@subiesojourner777]

I really enjoy your videos on Subies, but a big pass for me on this, well and any EV. The closest I would come to buying one would be a hybrid.

[@mariner3485]

My wife and I are really happy with our '20 Legacy Limited and '21 Outback Limited XT! Not at all interested in EVs. 'Maybe' a Hybrid in the next decade, but not at this time.

[@bazin-c]

Does it include a spare tire? There seems to be a trend with new vehicles, especially with EVs and Hybrids to no include a spare. That was a deal breaker when we were purchasing our last vehicle.

[@Dreiiii]

EV party ❤😂