Subaru Solterra

Subaru Solterra at a glance

The Solterra is a battery-electric SUV with its battery in the floor and electric motors on one or both axles. In North America it was sold only with all-wheel drive, while a front-wheel-drive version was offered in some markets, such as Japan. More Subaru models are listed in our Subaru catalogue.

Design

From the outside the Solterra is attractive, distinctive and well proportioned. It differs from the Toyota bZ4X mainly at the front and rear: Subaru gave it its own LED headlight graphics, a hexagonal panel that recalls the brand's traditional grille, and its own bumpers with round fog-light elements. The 2025 update brought a new lighting signature with an illuminated six-star logo, redesigned headlights, a new front bumper, rear badge, tailgate trim and spoiler, new 18- and 20-inch wheels, body-coloured front wings on some colours and two-tone paint options.

Interior

Inside, the Solterra closely resembles the bZ4X. A sculpted three-spoke multifunction steering wheel sits in front of a digital instrument display that is placed high and viewed over the rim, and the centre of the dashboard holds a large touchscreen and touch-sensitive climate controls. There are five seats, with generous space in both rows. The front seats have ergonomic, sporty headrests and a wide range of adjustment, and the rear bench is comfortable. The rear seatbacks fold to extend the luggage area.

With the 2025 update the Solterra received a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 15-watt wireless phone chargers for both front seats and high-power USB-C ports in the rear.

Battery, motors and charging

The all-wheel-drive Solterra uses one motor on each axle, giving permanent all-wheel drive without a mechanical connection between the axles. Subaru adapted its X-Mode system for electric drive, with modes for snow and dirt and for deep snow and mud, and added Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control. According to Subaru, the 210 mm ground clearance is one of the best in the class of compact electric SUVs. On a 150 kW DC charger the battery can be charged to 80% in about 30 minutes.

The 2025 update

Revealed at the New York motor show on 16 April 2025, the updated Solterra has a 74.7 kWh battery and more powerful front and rear motors. The standard version produces 174 kW (233 hp), while the new XT version has 252 kW (338 hp) and reaches 60 mph in under 5 seconds. Subaru estimates the range at more than 285 miles (about 460 km), over 25% more than before. In North America the Solterra now has a NACS charging port with access to Tesla Superchargers; DC charging from 10 to 80% takes less than 35 minutes at up to about 150 kW, and battery preconditioning keeps the battery at the best temperature for charging in cold weather. A new all-wheel-drive control system adjusts power distribution and suspension response to reduce body roll and sway.

Chassis

The e-TNGA platform integrates the battery in the floor, giving a low centre of gravity and a stiff structure. Suspension is independent all round, and the steering has electric assistance; the 2025 update brought refined suspension and steering settings. The Solterra comes with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance suite, including pre-collision braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist and a panoramic-view monitor.

In June 2022, shortly after deliveries began, Toyota and Subaru recalled about 2,600 Solterras and 2,700 bZ4Xs because the wheels could come loose; a fix was announced in October 2022.

Key specifications

Strengths and weaknesses

The Solterra's strengths are its genuine all-wheel-drive ability with X-Mode, high ground clearance for an electric SUV, a spacious five-seat cabin, a comfortable ride and the engineering partnership with Toyota. At launch, its weaknesses were modest charging speeds for the all-wheel-drive version, a slow on-board AC charger and a range that trailed some rivals — points Subaru addressed with the 2025 update. Rivals include the Toyota bZ4X, Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Nissan Ariya and Ford Mustang Mach-E.