Subaru Solterra Range: Everything You Need To Know
Subaru Solterra by Tokumeigakarinoaoshima - CC-BY-SA-4.0
Subaru is a brand celebrated for its ruggedness and reliability, making it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The company has designed its vehicles with features tailored to support an active lifestyle, which has helped it carve out a successful niche in the competitive automotive market. Of course, one of the brand’s signature offerings contributing to its popularity among outdoor enthusiasts is its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.
In a significant departure from its traditional lineup, Subaru has finally dipped its toes into the electric vehicle (EV) market by introducing the Subaru Solterra. This inaugural electric model represents a major milestone for the company, intending to combine Subaru’s signature ruggedness with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.
For fans of Subaru (the brand with the highest consumer loyalty in mass market SUVs), the Solterra will be their springboard to EVs. As such, interested parties will likely have many questions and concerns – particularly with the Subaru Solterra range. So today, we talk about the range of the Subaru Solterra, along with other things you need to know.
Subaru Solterra Range and Charging
The 2023 Subaru Solterra and the bZ4X by Toyota are essentially siblings that share the e-TNGA platform. However, there is one crucial difference: the Solterra is only available with an AWD setup. It is powered by a 72.8-kWh battery composed of CATL’s lithium-ion cells.
Now, let’s talk numbers! The Subaru Solterra’s range probably won’t knock your socks off, but it’s still reasonably competitive. As such, the combined range for the Subaru Solterra varies slightly based on the wheel size, as per Inside EVs:
- Solterra Premium AWD (18-inch): The range is approximately 228 miles.
- Solterra Limited/Touring AWD (20-inch): The range drops slightly to around 222 miles. That’s a difference of 2.6% less than the 18-inch wheels variant.
In terms of energy consumption of the Solterra, inclusive of charging losses, it is at about 104 MPGe, translating to 324 watt-hours per mile. Interestingly, with larger wheels, the consumption is slightly higher.
The Solterra’s 72.8-kWh battery can receive a maximum of 100 kW of rapid charging power. It takes approximately 56 minutes to charge up to 80%. There is also a 6.6 kW onboard charger for AC charging, and it takes around 11 hours to complete a full charge. Unfortunately, the 72.8-kWh battery system is somewhat limited because it can only work with 100 kW of DC fast charging power.
FEEL SECURE IN THE CAR YOU CHOOSE
You don’t want to buy a car - you want to get the best deal on the car you’re looking for. The CoPilot app will notify you if there’s a similar vehicle in your area at a better price, so you’re always certain you got the best deal available.
Subaru Solterra Performance
The Solterra electric vehicle (EV) is powered by two electric motors that generate an impressive 215 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque. These motors work together to give the vehicle enough power to handle different driving conditions easily.
But the Solterra’s performance capabilities don’t stop there. The vehicle features an innovative all-wheel-drive system that utilizes two electric motors to power all four wheels. This system is integral to the Solterra’s ability to deliver a stable and controlled driving experience, regardless of the terrain or weather conditions. For many buyers, the standard AWD system is a significant selling point.
The Solterra is a versatile vehicle with four distinctive drive modes to optimize performance based on specific driving conditions. The four drive modes are Eco, Normal, Power, and X-mode. Eco mode is the right choice for maximum energy efficiency, while Power mode is perfect for those who want to experience the full potential of the Solterra’s horsepower and torque. X-mode is specially designed for challenging off-road conditions to provide maximum traction and stability by modulating power to each wheel independently.
WHAT TO DO IF A DEALER REFUSES TO CANCEL EXTENDED WARRANTY
Car buying can occasionally be frustrating, especially if you’re purchasing your vehicle through a dealership. We’re here to tell you how to navigate a situation in which a dealer refuses to cancel your extended warranty.
Subaru Solterra Range vs. Competitors
How does the Subaru Solterra stack up against its segment competitors?
Subaru Solterra vs. Volkswagen ID4
The ID4 boasts a range of up to 275 miles, which easily eclipses the Solterra’s 222-228 miles—priced at approximately $38,995, which is competitive with the Solterra. However, the ID4 lacks Subaru’s signature all-wheel-drive system, a feature that sets the Solterra apart regarding handling and stability.
Subaru Solterra vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Mach-E is an excellent balance of the iconic Mustang legacy with the future of electric vehicles. Its range varies from 201 to 275 miles, providing options that can be on par with or surpass the Solterra’s range. The starting price of around $43,000 is a tad higher than the Solterra’s. Again, the addition of standard AWD for the Solterra gives it a slight edge for some buyers.
Subaru Solterra vs. Chevrolet Bolt EUV
The Bolt EUV is an affordable electric vehicle with a range of 247 miles and a starting price of around $27,800, both of which are favorable compared to the Solterra. However, much like the ID4, the Bolt EUV lacks the all-wheel-drive system that is a hallmark of Subaru vehicles, potentially making it less versatile in varying terrains and weather conditions.
THE BEST SEDANS WITH HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE
There are plenty of vehicles on the market that let you tower over obstacles without losing the convenience of a compact car. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of our favorite new sedans with high ground clearance.
Subaru Solterra vs. Nissan Ariya
The Nissan Ariya is a solid electric vehicle that offers up to 304 miles of driving range, which is significantly higher than the Solterra’s range. However, it has a higher starting price of around $45,000. Furthermore, the entry-level models of the Ariya don’t have an all-wheel-drive system, which could reduce its appeal among those who value performance and versatility.
Subaru Solterra vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Ioniq 5, an all-electric SUV, has received high ratings from consumers and critics alike. It has a range of 220 to 303 miles and starts at around $41,650, putting it in direct competition with the Solterra. While the Ioniq 5 offers various options to suit different needs, some buyers may find its base models lacking a standard all-wheel-drive system, which could be a potential drawback.
The Off-The-Beaten Path Electric SUV
Overall, when you talk about pure driving range alone, the Subaru Solterra fell short compared to its segment competitors. However, like many Subaru models, the Solterra electric SUV has a unique advantage that lies with its standard AWD system. Plus, it has excellent ground clearance and specific drive modes for challenging terrains. If you plan to take your all-electric SUV off the beaten path, then the Subaru Solterra might be the EV for you.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
