Shoppers in need of an adventurous and zero-emission ride have slim pickings. To enjoy off-road credibility and an electric powertrain, they need deep pockets or a big driveway, as the key players in this space include the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevy Silverado EV, GMC Hummer EV, and the Rivian R1S and R1T. Even the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is a pricey rally warrior, emphasizing performance rather than off-road confidence.
With a lower price tag and a few noteworthy compromises, this is the space the 2024 Subaru Solterra will hopefully find an audience. It’s cheaper than those other vehicles and a bit more manageable to drive than a large truck or SUV while including a few off-road-oriented features to appeal to the right crowd. However, it has a few limitations that make it difficult to recommend to any EV shopper.
The Subaru Solterra launched in the latter half of 2023 to some stern words from Driving editor Andrew McCredie, who noted the Subaru EV was lacking in a few areas. The most significant criticism from our editor was the way the Solterra charges. Subaru implemented conservative fast charging limitations on its new EV to prevent battery degradation. For 2024, many of these restrictions have been lifted.
What’s new with the Subaru Solterra for 2024?
Previously, the Solterra only allowed owners to fast charge the vehicle once or twice a day. The 2024 model has bumped that up to over four times a day, so those going on an epic, cross-country road trip can now achieve the task without having to saddle up for a hotel room or rely on long Level 2 charging. The automaker also notes that fast charging speeds should stay at their peak rate for longer due to some hardware and software updates. While the 100 kW charge speeds are still among the slowest in class, it’s expected to fast charge from 10 to 80% in about 35 minutes.
A major part of the Solterra’s charging improvements comes from a new water-to-water heat exchanger, which can better manage the battery temperatures in cold and warm weather. Another handy feature from Subaru with the 2024 Solterra is that the portable charger now supports Level 2 charging speeds when plugged into a compatible outlet.
While not a groundbreaking change, this speedy response to criticism shows that Subaru is taking its EV seriously. Other improvements also emphasize this feeling. Last year, our editors noted that the steering wheel can obscure the view of the digital gauge cluster. This has been addressed for 2024 with a squircle-shaped wheel. A byproduct of this new wheel design is that Subaru can fit a driver monitoring system, which allows for a limited hands-free driving feature. Called Traffic Jam Assist, this works at speeds under 40 km/h and will tackle tedious, slow traffic conditions for you. It’s not as robust as GM’s Super Cruise, but it’s a unique feature not found on the Subaru’s platform-mate, the Toyota bZ4X.
How much range and power does the 2024 Subaru Solterra have?
Range and power are the key highlights of the 2024 Subaru Solterra, but we have to emphasize that other parts of the vehicle that needed a bump received little to no attention. Shoppers comparing the Solterra to similarly-sized and priced EVs (except, maybe the Toyota) will note that the Subaru has less range and power. For example, the 72.8 kWh battery used by the Solterra can deliver just 359 km of range, while a 77 kWh battery on an Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD nets 414 km.
At least, the Solterra comes with standard all-wheel-drive in the form of two 80 kW motors delivering a combined 215 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. That output is more in line with the likes of the Hyundai Kona EV, which feels like a class below the Solterra. These specs make the Subaru seem obsolete, but driving it shows a different side of the Japanese EV.
The motors are responsive as all EVs are, and putting your foot down rewards you with instant thrust. That feeling of acceleration may not last as long as in other EVs, but it helps provide a first impression better than the spec sheet suggests. The range and charging speed may still be a challenge for some buyers.
Can you go off-road in the 2024 Subaru Solterra?
To help us ignore that concern, Subaru set up an off-road experience at Enduro Park in Victoria, British Columbia. Not only was the off-road route loaded with gravel and slippery mud but the conditions were soaked by dreary west coast weather. Ascending and descending hills was surprisingly easy, thanks to the Solterra’s standard 210 mm of ground clearance, which surpasses most other EVs in its class. The X-Mode feature secured traction for each wheel as needed. It really was confidence-inspiring.
Some other off-road features were tested, including an uphill cruise control drive mode called Grip mode. Set the speed at which you want to climb the hill and watch the Solterra steadily creep up the grade. It’s the opposite of hill descent control, which is also featured on the Subaru. The EV also had plenty of cameras with multiple angles to help the driver avoid off-road dangers and damage. I was impressed by the capability shown by the Solterra, and I don’t think I’d be as confident trekking through the course with some of its competitors, given the weight and low ground clearance of other electric SUVs.
How safe is the 2024 Subaru Solterra?
Beyond the drive, the Solterra projects to be a safety star. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Subaru EV the Top Safety Pick+. There are several upgraded safety features for the 2024 model, including an active lane change assist, and a front cross-traffic alert, which warns drivers of potential collisions when navigating a busy intersection. The Solterra includes staples like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, blind spot monitors and more.
How spacious and practical is the 2024 Subaru Solterra?
The cabin of the 2024 Subaru Solterra struggles to wow. Switchgear and controls are well laid out, and our model included the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system found in the Luxury and Technology Package-equipped models. Subaru’s collaboration with Toyota on this vehicle means the infotainment system looks and feels modern, as opposed to the dated Starlink interface used in other Subarus. It also has a voice assistant triggered by “Hey Subaru.” The system also supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and offers wireless phone charging.
The Solterra includes heated front seats, while the Luxury Package adds a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. Ventilated front seats are on the Tech Package-equipped models. There’s an available Harmon Kardon sound setup which sounds fine.
Interior space is nice, though the sedan-like profile of the Solterra caps rear headroom a bit. Overall passenger space is behind that of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan, but cargo volume is excellent in the Subaru, with 674 litres of storage in the trunk, which expands to 1,798L when the rear seats are folded. The front passenger seat can also be pushed and folded forward to accommodate longer items or even a sleeping bag for those car campers out there. It’s a shame there’s no bidirectional charging to power a campsite. And the lack of rear wiper may be a concern in the winter months.
Subaru and the Great Outdoors
Speaking of the outdoors, Subaru spent extra care in reminding us about its Adventure On Parks program. Though there are no specific benefits for Subaru Solterra buyers, the automaker described its support for several provincial park organizations and tree-planting initiatives. It provides park ambassadors around Canada with equipment and hosts learn-to-camp experiences and workshops. The automaker even supplies some parks with vehicles. While buyers of the Forester Wilderness get an annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass, it’s sad to see the Solterra omitted from this scheme. The automaker is also the presenting partner of the Leave No Trace Canada Pledge, which promotes responsible park usage. Subaru plants a tree for every participant in the Leave No Trace program, and has planted over 4,600 trees (and counting).
All this helps to portray Subaru as a green and environmentally friendly automaker, even though the Solterra is the only electrified vehicle in its lineup. Subaru promises more are on the way, including hybrids.
2024 Subaru Solterra pricing and competitors
The starting price for the 2024 Subaru Solterra is $59,340, while the Luxury Package adds $4,500 ($63,840 MSRP), and the Technology Package adds $7,000 ($66,340 MSRP). The automaker notes that the Solterra is eligible for $5,000 in incentives, but so are many of its competitors.
The current top picks in the segment include the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, which offer more range and power for a similar price. The Kia EV6, Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Ariya, Chevrolet Blazer and Tesla Model Y are all worth mentioning as well, alongside the mechanically similar Toyota bZ4X.
Final thoughts about the 2024 Subaru Solterra
Lacking a competitive edge in power, range and recharge times, the Solterra may struggle to find a foothold in this crowded segment, but at least it’s loaded with safety equipment and it’s spacious. The main draw of the 2024 Solterra is that it’s capable off-road and more accessible than some of the other rugged electric trucks and SUVs, providing this electric Subaru with a dedicated but niche fanbase.
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