Subaru Solterra
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Expert rating
4 reviews
Expert opinions about this car
Expert reviews
C
Car and Driver
Car and Driver put the Solterra through its full instrumented test regimen and came away underwhelmed. The EPA range of 228 miles and a peak DC fast-charging rate of roughly 100 kW place it far behind class leaders like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Tesla Model Y. C/D measured a 0–60 mph time in the mid-6-second range, which is adequate but unremarkable, and they found the acceleration tuning oddly rubber-bandy. The cabin shows heavy Toyota bZ4X influence, and rear-seat space is tight for the segment, especially with the available fixed glass roof. On the positive side, the standard all-wheel drive provides excellent grip, the ride is absorbent, and the interior is logically laid out. However, with slow charging, modest range, and no standout features, C/D rated it 5.5 out of 10—near the bottom of the compact EV class and difficult to recommend over sharper, more capable rivals.
M
MotorTrend
MotorTrend's first-drive review of the 2023 Solterra emphasized that Subaru's debut EV is essentially a Toyota bZ4X with Subaru-tuned suspension and unique body panels. The ride quality drew praise: the Solterra absorbs bumps smoothly and feels quiet at highway speeds. The standard all-wheel-drive system, combined with Subaru's X-Mode off-road settings, gives it genuine light-trail capability, a rarity among EVs. But MotorTrend was critical of the driving dynamics, which feel detached and numb, and the absence of a true one-pedal driving mode—regen maxes out at a modest level. The interior is functional but borrows heavily from Toyota's design language, including a quirky infotainment layout. The biggest knock, however, is charging: a 100-kW peak rate and no battery preconditioning mean long road trips involve lengthy stops. MotorTrend's overall tone is lukewarm: a competent, comfortable crossover that underwhelms as an electric vehicle.
E
Edmunds
Edmunds scored the Solterra 6.8 out of 10. Their testers complimented the composed, quiet ride, the standard all-wheel drive, and the straightforward physical climate controls, which are increasingly rare in EVs. Standard safety and driver-assistance features are also generous. However, Edmunds flagged the 222–228 miles of EPA range as merely average, and the DC fast-charging curve as one of the worst in the segment—the battery accepts a decent rate only briefly before tapering sharply. Rear-seat headroom is tight for tall passengers, particularly with the panoramic roof, and cargo space is modest. Acceleration is adequate rather than quick, and the car's roughly 4,400-pound curb weight dulls responses. Edmunds concluded that the Solterra is a solid first effort that Subaru faithful will appreciate, but it falls short of the segment's best on range, charging speed, space, and performance. Their verdict: a good car, but not a great EV.
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Kelley Blue Book
Kelley Blue Book's expert review gives the Solterra 3.6 out of 5 stars. KBB highlights the standard all-wheel drive, a comfortable and reasonably priced interior, and the reassurance of Subaru's reputation for durability. The Solterra is quiet around town and the suspension is tuned to feel more 'Subaru-like' than the related Toyota bZ4X, which KBB sees as a positive. But the review is blunt about the drawbacks: the 100-kW fast-charging ceiling is among the slowest in class, real-world range is disappointing, and the infotainment interface can be sluggish and confusing. KBB also notes that the rear seat is cramped and the panoramic roof further reduces headroom. Their bottom line: the Solterra makes sense for someone who prioritizes AWD traction and brand loyalty over EV fundamentals. For the same money, competitors offer more range, faster charging, and more passenger space, so KBB recommends cross-shopping carefully before buying.
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