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Subaru Solterra Buyer's Guide: Features, Reliability, Prices, Charging, Range, Models & More

Dive into our Subaru Solterra Buyers Guide, covering everything from its main features and model variations to reliability & more.


When it comes to the new Subaru Solterra, you find a full EV family SUV that clearly marks an important milestone for Subaru, with it being it's first electric SUV.

Clearly designed with all the latest modern technologies from the ground up, this all-electric SUV combines Subaru's well-renowned all-wheel-drive capabilities with the efficiency of an electric motor.

Consequently, in this buyer's guide, we will delve into the essential parts of the Subaru Solterra, from its innovative features and design to its performance metrics and model variants.

We will then explore the vehicle's reliability, and we will provide insights into this SUV EV's driving range, charging options, and interior amenities, offering you a comprehensive overview to help you make an informed buying decision.

Noteworthy Features

☑ The Solterra comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), making it perfect for challenging weather conditions.

☑ The Solterra offers you ample space and comfort for up to five passengers, with supportive seats and a well-insulated cabin.

☑ The Solterra boasts a generous cargo area, expandable by folding the rear seats - ideal for carrying various gear and luggage for camping trips.

☑ With an estimated range of up to 228 miles, the Solterra allows you to complete long drives on a single charge.

☑ The Solterra supports fast charging, reaching 80% from 10% in only 50 minutes - which is very convenient for longer journeys.

☑ You can stand out from the crowd with the optional two-tone paint bodywork.

☑ The Solterra prioritises safety with standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control.


Exterior

The exterior design of the Subaru Solterra seamlessly combines functionality with stylish aesthetics, embodying both practicality and visual allure.

Subaru Solterra Exterior

Its silhouette, for instance, is both modern and practical, with clear bodywork lines that add a touch of style while providing improved aerodynamic efficiency to help increase your battery's range. 

Attention to detail is evident as well in the LED lighting - which offers you both visibility and a fresh, contemporary look simultaneously.

Furthermore, the Solterra is equipped with durable wheels designed to handle a variety of terrains with ease, emphasising its versatility.

As a result, this electric SUV also features a robust body structure that Subura is known for, which not only enhances your safety but also contributes to its overall appearance. Each aspect of the Solterra's exterior has been thoughtfully considered to create you a vehicle that is as visually appealing as well as it is functional.


Solterra

Interior

The interior of the Subaru Solterra is designed with a focus on comfort and functionality, as well as the integration of advanced technology with self-driving level-2 features. All while offering you 119.5 cubic feet of space.

This is evident when you enter the cabin, as you and your passengers are greeted by a very spacious interior that combines practicality with a sense of openness at the same time.

High-quality materials throughout

The use of high-quality materials throughout the cabin is also apparent. It enhances your overall driving experience - providing you with a blend of a durable interior and one that looks the part at the same time.


Seats

The seats are very ergonomically designed to offer you support during long drives, with adjustability options to allow you to set them to a driving position that suits you most comfortably.

Connectivity

Central to the Solterra's interior is its innovative dashboard, which houses a state-of-the-art infotainment system. 

This system offers you easy access to the built-in navigation, entertainment, and all your vehicle settings - all through an intuitive and responsive touchscreen display. 

Further connectivity features, such as smartphone integration, are seamlessly incorporated as well, ensuring you stay connected while on the move. 

Storage

The cabin also includes ample storage solutions designed to keep your personal items organised and within easy reach at all times.

Consequently, all said, the interior is a clear place you will want to spend time in when on the road.


Subaru Solterra Seats

Seats

The seating arrangement within the Subaru Solterra accommodates up to five occupants, with seats crafted from materials that balance long-term durability with day-to-day comfort.

For instance, the front seats offer you many adjustable settings, allowing for you to personalise your driving position and comfort to cater for your varying preferences and driving styles - be it on the motorway, in a more relaxed position, in the city in a more alert position, or on a country track when you need a higher driving position to see the road immediately in front of you.

Rear seats

The rear seats are equally considerate of your passenger's comfort as the front ones are, with ample legroom and the ability to recline - enhancing the overall travel experience for you and your passengers.


Noise Insulation

When it comes to exterior noise, the Subaru Solterra has clearly been engineered with a keen focus on creating a serene cabin experience for you, thanks to its advanced noise insulation features. 

The car, for instance, employs a combination of sound-absorbing materials and design techniques throughout to significantly reduce external noises - such as road and wind noise in the cabin. 

Additionally, the Solterra's electric powertrain plays a critical role in minimising noise levels. 

For instance, the absence of a traditional internal combustion engine means the vehicle operates with what can only be described as a whisper-like quietness - further enhancing the tranquillity of your driving experience. 


Subaru Solterra on the road

Ride Quality

The Subaru Solterra's ride quality is designed to provide a smooth and stable driving experience. Utilising a combination of features, the Solterra's suspension system adeptly absorbs road imperfections, reducing the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces. 

Furthermore, the electric nature of the Solterra contributes to its exceptional ride quality. The placement of the battery pack lowers the vehicle's centre of gravity, for instance, which improves its handling and stability.


Engines

Designed to deliver efficient and sustainable performance, the Solterra's electric engine is at the heart of its appeal for this SUV. 

For instance, this tends to consist of:

Subaru Solterra Electric Powertrain Information

Feature Specification
Engine Type Dual Electric Motors (AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet)
Horsepower 215 hp (combined)
Torque 249 lb-ft (combined)
Drive System All-Wheel Drive
Charging Options Level 2 (AC) - Up to 6.6 kW
Fast Charging Level 3 (DC) - Up to 100 kW
Estimated Range Up to 228 miles (depending on trim and driving conditions)

Top Speed and Acceleration

The vehicle is designed to reach a competitive top speed of 110 MPH, in line with modern electric SUVs, and can go from 0 to 60 MPH in around 6.5 seconds, so it is somewhat responsive when you need the power to accelerate quickly.

Boot Space

When it comes to boot space, the Subaru Solterra offers you a very generous boot designed to meet the needs of modern drivers and their lifestyles, and this is clear. 

For instance, the SUV's electric powertrain design allows for an efficiently designed interior, maximising the available space available combined with the powertrains of more traditional ICE vehicles that need more space for their engine systems.

This space is easily accessible and can accommodate a variety of load types, from your daily groceries to larger items for those weekend adventures.

The low-loading floor also aids in your convenience of placing and getting items from the car - making the Solterra practical for everyday use.

Subaru Solterra Boot Space

Specification Measurement Details
Cargo Volume (rear seats up) 441 L (Touring) / 452 L (Limited) Spacious for luggage, groceries, and essentials.
Cargo Volume (rear seats folded) 1159 L (Touring) / 1172 L (Limited) Expands significantly for bikes, camping gear, or furniture.
Foldable Rear Seats 60/40 split-folding Increases flexibility for diverse cargo needs.
Rear Seatback Release Levers Cargo area and rear seatbacks Enables convenient folding.
Underfloor Storage Yes For smaller items or charging cables.

What Paint Colours Can the Subaru Solterra Come In?

The Subaru Solterra is available in a range of striking paint colours, offering you many personalisation options to suit your individual flair and style. 

The colour options available, for instance, can include:

  • Cosmic White Pearl
  • Smoked Carbon
  • Harbor Mist Gray Pearl
  • Elemental Red Pearl
  • Galactic Black

Self Driving Technology

The Subaru Solterra is equipped with a range of advanced technological features and an infotainment system designed to enhance the driving experience. 

Central to the vehicle's tech offerings is its user-friendly infotainment system, which serves as the hub for navigation, media, and vehicle settings, such as which of the self-driving features you want to enable or not.

Some of the self-driving features you can get in your Solterra, for instance, can include:

Blind Spot Monitoring

This feature employs radar sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spot and notifies you through a visual alert on your exterior mirror.

Additionally, should a vehicle approach a neighbouring lane at a higher speed while you are signalling to change lanes, the system provides you with a flashing visual warning on your mirror to let you know another car is there.

Rear Traffic Warning

Utilising radar technology, this system assists in alerting you to vehicles approaching from either side of the Solterra while you reverse. 

It manages to do this through a combination of flashing visual signals on your exterior mirrors and the rear-view camera screen - and also accompanied by an audible alert at the same time.

Parking Assistance Brake

When reversing at low speeds, this Solterra system identifies objects behind your SUV that you may not be able to see and can automatically apply the brakes if an obstacle is detected within its range and you have taken no action in time to help prevent a collision from occurring.

The rear-view camera also aids in monitoring your surroundings as well.

Safe Departure Alert

Upon parking, this technology helps prevent accidents by detecting nearby vehicles or objects and warning you through an alert on the mirror before you open your door. 

If an attempt is made to open the door, further visual and auditory warnings are issued to ensure your safety when exiting the car.

Collision Avoidance System

The Collision Avoidance System springs into action if the car ahead of you suddenly decelerates or merges into your path unexpectedly. 

It does so by alerting you and engaging the brakes to mitigate a collision from occurring, and at lower speeds, it can halt your vehicle to prevent an impact altogether.

Adaptive Radar Cruise Control with Lane Keep

This advanced feature maintains a preset distance from the vehicle ahead of you, ensuring you stay centred in your lane even through traffic and even around bends - offering you a smoother driving experience overall.

Low-Speed Acceleration Control

To prevent unintended forward surges while in close proximity to the car ahead — whether during merging or accidentally shifting into Drive instead of Reverse — this function moderates the accelerator's responsiveness, helping to prevent shunts from occurring in traffic.

Subaru Solterra Reliability

When it comes to reliability, the Subaru Solterra has earned several prestigious awards in this regard.

These accolades help to celebrate Solterra's overall reliability.

Some of these include, for instance:

  • Earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award
  • Recognised as "Best Buy Medium / Large SUV" by Which?
  • Listed as having the lowest cost of ownership among all Subaru models.
  • Praised by Car and Driver for comfort, quiet ride, boot space, and standard all-wheel drive.
  • Described as a strong contender in the electric SUV market with a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and standard all-wheel drive.
  • Motor Trend highlighted it as a solid performer appealing to shoppers seeking a practical and well-equipped electric SUV.
  • Placed in the top 10 Electric SUVs by Kelley Blue Book
  • Ranked #5 in the Autolist "Best Electric SUVs" list
  • J.D. Power IQS ranked it number 2 in the Compact SUV segment
  • Scores high in owner satisfaction surveys

How Many Models of the Subaru Solterra Are There?

The Subaru Solterra is available in 3 models, all offering a unique blend of features and styling. The main models include:

  • Subaru Solterra Premium
  • Subaru Solterra Limited
  • Subaru Solterra Touring

How do the Solterra Models Differ From Each Other?

The Subaru Solterra models differ in a number of ways, such as:

Subaru Solterra Premium Key Features

The Solterra Premium Model gives you with a host of advanced features tailored for heightened comfort and connectivity as standard.

These can include, for instance:

  • SUBARU StarDrive all-electric drivetrain with 215 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque
  • Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
  • Dual-function X-MODE with Grip Control
  • 8.3 inches of ground clearance
  • EyeSight Driver Assist Technologies
  • Auto-on/off LED Headlights with Automatic High Beam
  • 18-inch aluminium-alloy wheels with aerodynamic wheel covers
  • Heated exterior mirrors
  • Integrated roof cross bar mounting points
  • Privacy glass
  • Drag-reducing rear lip spoiler
  • Keyless Entry with Push-Button Start
  • Cloth upholstery
  • 6-way manually adjustable driver and front-passenger seats
  • 8.0-inch SUBARU Multimedia with cloud-based navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, Apple Music and Amazon Music integration, SiriusXM includes 4-month Platinum Plan, dual illuminated USB-C input ports, USB-A input port, six speakers, AM/FM stereo, Bluetooth® audio streaming and hands-free phone connectivity, Wi-Fi Connect capability
  • 7.0-inch LCD instrument cluster
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Auto-up/down power windows front and rear
  • Automatic anti-glare rear-view mirror
  • 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seatback
  • Four tie-down hooks and two grocery bag hooks
  • Front- and rear-passenger seatbelt warning light/chime and rear-seat reminder
  • Dual illuminated USB-C rear seat charge ports
  • Blind-Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Safe Exit Assist
  • Parking Support Brake
  • Solterra Connect enabled: includes features and services such as Automatic Collision Notification, Remote Climate Control, vehicle charge status and vehicle health reports
  • Subaru Parking Assist: Includes front and rear parking sensors and rear camera with washer
  • Welcome lighting

The Subaru Solterra Limited and Touring version build upon the Premium model, adding a plethora of more handy features:

The Solterra Limited takes luxury and performance to the next level, offering the Solterra Premium key features while also adding:

  • 20-inch aluminium-alloy wheels
  • LED fog lights
  • Roof rails
  • Body-colour split-design roof spoiler
  • Power rear gate with height memory and vehicle lock button
  • 12.3-inch SUBARU Multimedia with cloud-based navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, Apple Music and Amazon Music integration, SiriusXM includes 4-month Platinum Plan, dual illuminated USB-C input ports, USB-A port, AM/FM stereo, Bluetooth® audio streaming and hands-free phone connectivity
  • Harman Kardon® 576-watt-equivalent premium audio system with 11 speakers
  • Qi® wireless smartphone charging pad
  • Digital Key
  • Panoramic View Monitor 360-degree camera system
  • Advanced Park driver parking assistance
  • Parking Support Brake with pedestrian detection
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Automatic anti-glare rear-view mirror with HomeLink®

The Solterra Touring then further adds to your driving experience with a suite of premium features, including those listed for the Solterra Limited model, and also adding on:

  • Mono and two-tone exterior paint schemes
  • Gloss black hood insert, B-pillar, and rear-door finish panels
  • Panoramic glass roof with power sunshade
  • Keyless Entry (all doors) 4-mode ventilated front seats including auto setting
  • Digital rear-view mirror with HomeLink®
  • Front and rear interior ambient lighting, doors, and footwells
  • Retractable cargo-area cover

Pricing

Due to pricing changing over time, please find our for the most up-to-date pricing available for each Solterra model at our dedicated product page for this SUV.

Subura Solterra Accessories

The Solterra can come with a large array of accessories. These can include, for instance:

Body Side Moulding

Attractive, colour-matched mouldings coordinate with the styling of the vehicle while helping to protect doors from unsightly dings.

Door Edge Guards

Help protect your door edges from dings and chips with custom-fit, body colour-matched, stainless steel Door Edge Guards. They help preserve the appearance of your Subaru while seamlessly blending into the door design.

Splash Guards

It helps protect your vehicle paint finish from stones and road grime. Engineered to help reduce wind noise and aerodynamic drag. Splash Guards undergo a series of durability tests to help withstand weather and driving conditions - Set of four.

All-Weather Floor Liners

Custom-fitted, high-wall design floor liners help protect the vehicle carpet from accidental spills, snow, sand, mud, dirt and moisture. All-Weather Floor Liners are precision-engineered to ensure a precise fit and withstand a series of functional and durability evaluations to help provide you with liners that will not warp, fade or tear.

Accessory Activity Mount

The Genuine Subaru Accessory Activity Mount features durable steel construction and mounts to the rear of the Solterra. It is designed and tested to be an integral safety component as it replaces the vehicle’s rear bumper beam.

Please note: the Activity Mount is not a trailer hitch and is not intended to tow a trailer. Total weight capacity is 100 lbs, which allows you to carry additional gear.

Boot Cover

Keep items in the back out of sight with this fully retractable, maximum coverage compartment cover.

Cargo Tray

It helps protect the boot area from sand, water, stains, dirt, and other mess while providing a surface that helps reduce the shifting of cargo while driving.

Carpeted Cargo Mat

The custom-fitted, heavy-duty Carpeted Cargo Mat enhances the appearance of the cargo area while helping to protect your vehicle’s carpet from damage. The anti-skid back holds the mat firmly in place without damage to the vehicle’s carpet.

The Genuine Subaru Carpeted Cargo Mat includes an embroidered Solterra logo and offers a precise fit compared to aftermarket carpeted floor mats.

Exterior Graphics – Side

Add a stylish touch to your Solterra with graphics for the lower door panels. The Exterior Graphics Kit is constructed of a durable black PVC film and features a silver Solterra logo.

Cargo Net

Neatly holds cargo and prevents it from sliding while the vehicle is in motion.

Side Sill Plates – Illuminated

Illuminated Side Sill Plates feature the Solterra logo in bright white lighting and add an attractive accent to the doorframe. Lighting is activated when the door is opened and turns off when the door is closed. 

They are engineered to stand up to everyday wear and tear to keep your doorframe safe from scratches and scuffs.

Boot Sill – Illuminated

The Illuminated Boot Sill features the Subaru and Solterra logos in bright white lighting to add an attractive accent to the trunk sill’s left and suitable upper surface. Lighting is activated when the hatch is opened and turns off when the hatch is closed. Engineered to stand up to everyday wear and tear and helps protect the upper surface from scratches and scuffs.

Subura Solterra Final Thoughts

As you explore the range of Subaru Solterra models above, it becomes evident that each model and trim offers you a unique blend of features and capabilities to suit your diverse driving preferences and lifestyles.

From the base model to the premium trim levels, the Solterra line-up gives you a reliable, efficient, and technologically advanced electric SUV. 

Whether you prioritise performance, comfort, or cutting-edge technology, there's a Solterra model to match your individual needs.

So, are you ready to find out what it is like to drive a Solterra for yourself?
Then why not book a test drive today at our local Subura dealership near to you?

Enquire

02 April 2024