Very Likeable, But Two Big Flaws (Subaru Solterra 2024 Review)
17,025
Published 2024-03-04
This is Subaru's first all-electric model: the Forester-sized Solterra. It shares nearly its entire mechanical and cosmetic package with the Toyota BZ4X but the Solterra is AWD only in Australia. So we took it off road.
Pros: Comfortable ride, quality cabin, well specced, spacious interior, decent off-road capability, much needed price cut.
Cons: Interchangeable with a Toyota BZ4X, only adequate boot space, no long-range variant, no spare wheel, pricier entry point than BZ4X.
Time codes:
0:00 - What is the Solterra?
0:30 - In this video
0:52 - Rivals
1:42 - Pricing and specs
2:00 - Huge price cut
2:29 - Design and size
4:07 - Battery and motors
4:37 - Interior
8:20 - Back seats
9:23 - Rear end and boot
10:05 - No spare wheel
10:40 - The name Solterra
11:00 - Comfortable ride quality
11:56 - Steering feel
12:30 - Performance
13:05 - Drive modes
13:30 - Regen braking
14:15 - High performance version
15:07 - Handling and weight
15:37 - Off-roading and X-Mode
17:40 - Compromises
18:00 - Safety features
18:38 - Warranty and servicing
19:02 - 343km range on test
19:46 - Charging
20:10 - Verdict
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All Comments (21)
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The Solterra is actually pretty good to drive. But an SUV that's decent for touring and light off-roading needs more range and a spare wheel – do you agree?
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It’s class leading, at least for Off road, and to those of us who do rural driving, that’s big.
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Excellent video. I like the Solterra more than what I was expecting, it does have a certain charm. But yes, it does need twice the range, a full sized spare, and a significant price cut. Maybe gen 2 will be closer to the mark.
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I’d like to see Subaru come out with a hybrid option for their line-up with battery under the rear seats, like Toyota does it, together with a full size spare. I like my Outback XT, but it does chew through fuel a bit in town.
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Are we just not going to talk about how the automatic parking on this car is the only one that has ever worked. (In my experience, I've had quite a few cars that claimed it, but the systems never worked for one reason or another)
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Its charging curve and efficiency are a problem. But I think it has a niche for people living on the edge of the city or in rural towns that have home solar, are still close to fast charging but do have to go off road occasionally.
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Enjoyed the story, sick of the same old cars here in Australia. Not really into EV's, but it would be good to see something fresh for sure at least. On this note can you PLEASE do a story on Dacia as I have heard they are coming to Australia. I am particularly interested in the new Duster from Dacia. That thing ROCKS...and I'm 58, so not a lot excites me.
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I'm very disappointed in the very limited boot space and sloping rear glass window. I currently drive a 2012 Outback and rely completely upon all that space in the back for our camping gear. There is no way what we bring will fit into the back. If this is supposed to be taken off-road, Subaru needs to provide ample storage capacity for people to bring their off-road gear.
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I think it looks great from what I have seen so far. It is definitely a top contender to replace my 2015 Outback. A spare wheel and 500km range would provide good peace of mind.
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Atto 3 specs at Ioniq 5 price, no thanks. Will be interesting to see if they improve this with newer models
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It weighs 500 KG (1/2 tonne) more than a similar sized Crosstrek. How can that be a good thing offroad ? Also too expensive, but I guess someone will buy it.
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Is this really going to be enough to take on the likes of the Model Y and the new BYD mid-size SUV coming?
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Wouldn't buy Subaru anymore. I have had my 5 year old Forester serviced by Subaru since new. Then it malfunctioned only 1 month after a scheduled maintenance, right before a road trip. Costed us $2500 to repair immdiately to go on the road trip. And Subaru Australia has not been helpful throughout the process.
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Buying a first gen EV is short sighted. Too many unknowns with resale value. Not to mention the inconveniences of charging due to poorly developed infrastructure.
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If it had 500km of driving range, actual range or very close to it, I'd be keen for this car. Especially because its Japanese.
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Why would getting into one of these things from another Subaru be a “step up” other than in price?
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Holy shit that cladding looks horrible
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Very long term Subaru fan and owner. This one misses the mark by a long long way, really hope this is not their future
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Excellent review. 😊
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We need a Forester EV with a decent range and NACS charging.
