2024 Subaru Solterra Review and Test Drive
The compact crossover is treated to some helpful upgrades and additional features.
Christian Wardlaw
Subaru introduced its first electric vehicle, the Solterra, last year. The automaker isn't letting any grass grow underneath the EV's wheels, though, as it received numerous upgrades and improvements for the 2024 model year.
Packaged as a compact crossover, the 2024 Subaru Solterra is closely related to the Toyota bZ4X. It has several distinguishing features to elevate it above its Toyota-badged sibling, such as standard all-wheel drive, more ground clearance, minor styling differences, more standard equipment, and a higher price.
This year, the 2024 Solterra receives several meaningful changes. The updates include improved DC fast-charging performance and quicker charging in cold weather, plus several enhancements to the standard EyeSight collection of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
A revised steering wheel design and added standard equipment are also new for the Solterra. Unfortunately, the maximum driving range in the low 200s remains virtually unchanged.
Christian Wardlaw
That shouldn't be an issue if you have a home charging station and generally stay local. It could become tiring on road trips, however, even with the promise of quicker DC fast charging. That may be why Subaru is giving Solterra buyers several upgrades without an increase in price from 2023.
This EV continues in Premium, Limited, and Touring trim levels with prices ranging from $47,000 to $53,000, including a destination charge of $1,345 to ship it from Aichi Prefecture, Japan, to your dealership. Subaru also applies a $7,500 incentive when you lease the Solterra through Subaru Motors Finance, helping to lower the monthly payment.
The 2024 Solterra is appealing, but it competes on the most combative EV battlefield, rivaling numerous models of similar size and shape that offer more driving range between battery recharges. Only you can decide if the Solterra's limited range is compatible with your lifestyle.
Christian Wardlaw
What's New for the 2024 Subaru Solterra
Among the changes to the 2024 Subaru Solterra, many pertain to safety. The EV's standard EyeSight ADAS package expands to include a front cross-traffic alert system, lane-change assist, and hands-free semi-autonomous driving assistance that works under 25 mph. In addition, Subaru's DriverFocus driving monitoring technology is standard, keeping an eye on you to ensure you're paying proper attention to the road ahead.
Inside, the 2024 Solterra has a new rounded square steering wheel. The previous round wheel could block a driver's view of the digital gauges, which Subaru places well forward, tucked under the windshield. The change isn't a big deal, and I like the added character the squarish wheel gives the SUV.
The Solterra Limited and Solterra Touring models feature a newly standard eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, which improves comfort. Subaru also upgrades the SUV's utility with standard roof rails.
While those changes are welcome, the improved battery charging is the most crucial change to the 2024 Solterra. Thanks to revised battery management software and a more powerful battery heater, a Solterra can go from a 10% to 80% charge in an estimated 35 minutes. Subaru says the updates speed recharging time in cold weather.
Christian Wardlaw
The 2024 Subaru Solterra Charges Faster, Possibly
For this review, I test-drove a 2024 Solterra Touring without any options. The manufacturer's suggested retail price was $53,340, including the destination charge.
Unfortunately, I could not test the Solterra's improved battery heating. I visited a 150-kilowatt Electrify America charging station on a February afternoon in Southern California, and temperatures were in the 70s. I connected to the charger with 27% of the battery charge remaining, and the screen told me it would take about two hours to fully recharge the Solterra.
I ran an errand, returned to the SUV, and left 20 minutes later with a 60% charge. My receipt for $8.64 showed the charger delivered electricity at an unimpressive average rate of 60 kW, illustrating one problem with public charging.
Christian Wardlaw
My test vehicle was in Touring trim, which includes larger standard wheels. They reduce the driving range, but only by a little. The Solterra Premium earns an EPA range rating of 227 miles and an efficiency rating of 32 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles, while the Limited and Touring can travel 222 miles at 33 kWh per 100 miles. On our mountainous Southern California test loop, the Solterra Touring averaged 30.3 kWh, but during a whole week of driving it scored 35.7 kWh.
Like with any electric vehicle, the 2024 Solterra is quiet and quick to accelerate from a stop. However, the two-motor electric drive system isn't powerful, supplying 215 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque. It doesn't push you back into your seat like many of its rivals can, even after you've switched from Normal to Sport mode.
In addition to standard AWD and slightly raised ground clearance, the Solterra has a Dual Function X-Mode traction system and hill-descent control. You can choose between Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes.
I used the Solterra like a typical suburbanite: running my kids to school, heading to the big-box store, and going for a weekend hike. The EV's acceleration, ride, handling, comfort, and practicality are satisfying for these purposes.
Just don't try to beat most other EVs away from a traffic light. You'll lose.
Christian Wardlaw
EyeSight Is Updated and Other Features Are Added
In addition to the Solterra's improved charging times, the expanded EyeSight safety feature set is the big news for 2024. For example, the SUV adds front cross-traffic alert. It notifies you when vehicles are approaching from either side as you nose into an intersection, such as when making a right turn on red.
You may drive differently, but when I make a right turn on red, I typically start to creep forward waiting for opposing traffic to clear the intersection. In those situations, the Solterra issues an alert. Because it happens when there is no real threat, the tech teaches you to ignore it. That's bad because when the threat is genuine, you might be less likely to heed the warning and take evasive action.
Another new feature is a hands-free driver-assistance system that works at speeds of less than 25 mph to ease travel in heavy traffic. It works fine, but I don't see the point in using it. You can't look away from the road, and it leaves a sizable enough following distance to allow other motorists to cut in front of you.
DriverFocus is also new for 2024. It monitors drivers to ensure they remain attentive behind the wheel.
Christian Wardlaw
Range Remains Comparatively Lower
Subaru is synonymous with adventure, which often means driving to far-flung places miles away from home base. With an estimated range of 222 to 227 miles, the 2024 Solterra struggles to support that lifestyle. The improved charging times help, but the conservative range means you'll stop more often to recharge. Even if the Solterra is ready to accept maximum power, the charging station you've selected might not be able to deliver it.
Many of the Solterra's rivals offer superior driving range on a full battery. Among those with AWD, the Kia EV6 supplies up to 282 miles, while the Chevrolet Blazer EV can travel 279 miles. In addition, the Kia and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are compatible with 800-volt ultrafast DC fast chargers, which can recharge those models from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes.
Nevertheless, if you install a 240-volt, 32-amp home charging station, a 2024 Solterra will fully recharge overnight, taking about nine hours. If that aligns with your lifestyle, this Subaru is a likable electric SUV.
Subaru provided the vehicle for this 2024 Solterra review.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Christian WardlawMy first word was “car.” That’s what I’m told, anyway. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with them. The design. The engineering. The performance. And the purpose. I’m a car enthusiast who loves to drive, but I’m also most interested in the cars, trucks, and SUVs that people actually buy. Anybody can tell you that a sports car is fast. What you need to know is whether or not you should buy that new SUV, and why. My life purpose is to help you make that decision.
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