Pros and cons
Subaru Solterra pros and cons — the honest buyer's verdict (2023)
3 min read·Last updated: 2023-01-01·By ev.care editorial team
TL;DR
4 pros, 4 cons. The Subaru Solterra is best for us subaru loyalists and trail-curious ev buyers wanting awd + ground clearance — within that envelope it is one of the strongest picks in its segment.
If you are deciding between the Subaru Solterra and one of its rivals, this is the page that should change your mind one way or the other. We list 4 pros and 4 cons, in plain language, tied to actual usage rather than spec-sheet feelings. Subaru's 365 km range claim sits in the middle — what surrounds it is the real story.
Subaru Solterra — the pros
On the plus side, the Subaru Solterra delivers on these in a way the spec sheet under-sells. Strength 1 — AWD standard (no FWD-only version). On the Subaru Solterra specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Strength 2 — 8.7-inch ground clearance beats most EV crossovers. On the Subaru Solterra specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Strength 3 — Subaru reliability and AWD heritage. On the Subaru Solterra specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Strength 4 — EyeSight is well-regarded ADAS suite. On the Subaru Solterra specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Anchoring all of this: a 71.4 kWh battery, 365 km range, and a USD 44,995 - 56,345 (US market) starting price that defines the Subaru Solterra's value envelope.
Subaru Solterra — the cons
These trade-offs aren't dealbreakers for most buyers, but they're real. Weakness 1 — Range below class leaders (227 mi EPA). On the Subaru Solterra specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Weakness 2 — 150 kW charging modest. On the Subaru Solterra specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Weakness 3 — Not sold globally. On the Subaru Solterra specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Weakness 4 — Same wheel hub recall as Toyota bZ4X twin. On the Subaru Solterra specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. For a mid-size electric suv weighing 2055 kg with 160 km/h top speed, these trade-offs are within segment norms but worth pricing in.
Who the Subaru Solterra is for
Subaru pitches the Subaru Solterra at "US Subaru loyalists and trail-curious EV buyers wanting AWD + ground clearance", and that framing holds up. If your driving fits that shape, the pros above land hardest and the cons fade fastest. 365 km of range is enough for most weekly profiles, and 10-80% in 30 min (150kW DC) of fast charging keep occasional long trips practical.
Practical next steps
Book a virtual inspection on the specific Subaru Solterra unit you're considering. The general pros and cons stop mattering when one specific car has condition issues that override both.
Related Subaru EVs
If the cons above are dealbreakers, look at toyota bz4x, lexus rz 450e, hyundai ioniq 5 — each makes a different set of trade-offs. The Subaru Solterra wins more often than not in its tier, but cross-shopping protects you from buying the wrong shape.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Subaru Solterra worth buying overall?
- For us subaru loyalists and trail-curious ev buyers wanting awd + ground clearance, yes. The Subaru Solterra's pros pay back week after week for that use case. For substantially different needs, you'll find better fits in other models.
- Does Subaru address the cons in newer models?
- Some, not all. Subaru has improved the Subaru Solterra platform with each refresh — software updates close a few cons, hardware refresh cycles close more. But fundamental layout decisions (boot space, seating, charge port placement) are baked in for the life of the model.
- Can the cons be fixed with aftermarket changes?
- A few — wheels, tyres, interior comforts, dashcam, charging cables. Most cons in the list above are structural and not modifiable after purchase, so buy with eyes open.
- What's the biggest reason to choose the Subaru Solterra?
- Pick the pro in the list above that most matches your weekly use. If it's range, value, charging speed, or feature set — whichever sits at the top for you — that's the buy signal.
The Subaru Solterra is best for us subaru loyalists and trail-curious ev buyers wanting awd + ground clearance. Within that envelope, it is hard to beat for the money; outside it, you would be better served by a different shape of EV.