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2023 Subaru Solterra review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Subaru Solterra highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Improved charging times
  • Comfortable ride

Cons

  • Less range than many rivals
  • Polarizing exterior design
  • Pricier upper trims have slightly less range

Battery range (EPA estimate)

222 miles

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

The Subaru Solterra is an electric SUV with off-road credentials

The 2023 Subaru Solterra is an electric-powered compact SUV that comes standard with all-wheel drive. This is the brand’s first-ever fully electric vehicle. If its chunky proportions and somewhat quirky design look familiar, that’s because it shares its structure and electric powertrain with Toyota’s small electric sport-ute, the bZ4X.

The Solterra is equipped with two electric motors that produce a combined 215 horsepower. True to Subaru tradition, all-wheel drive is standard across all three trims—the Premium, Limited, and Touring—and 8.3 inches of ground clearance means the Solterra has all-terrain prowess.

Unfortunately, its maximum driving range of 228 miles means the Solterra trails a number of electric rivals, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, and Tesla Model Y. Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

All Subaru Solterra years

2023 Subaru Solterra trims

Curious how Subaru Solterra trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Premium:

  • Rear Defroster
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Rear View Camera
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags

Limited:

  • Includes all features available on the Premium
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Memory Seats
  • Parking Sensors
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Power Seats
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels

Touring:

  • Includes all features available on the Limited
  • Automated Parking
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Smart Key
  • A/C Seats
  • Harman Kardon Sound

5 reasons to buy the 2023 Subaru Solterra

What We Like  

  • All-wheel drive: With its standard all-wheel drive and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, the Solterra is rare in that it’s an electric SUV with some light off-roading capability. Granted, the Solterra isn’t going to start chasing down Jeep Wranglers and Ford Broncos over treacherous terrain. But being able to venture onto unpaved surfaces is a nice perk.    

  • Fast-charging tech: The 2023 Solterra comes with fast-charging capability, something that can be vitally important for times when you’re in a hurry and running low on battery power. Using this method, commonly called Level 3 or DC fast charging, the Solterra can go from 10% to 80% charge in about one hour. 

  • Comfortable and quiet ride: It goes without saying that electric vehicles like the Solterra are great at providing whisper-quiet acceleration. Yet this Subaru SUV also excels when it comes to ride comfort in city and highway driving. The suspension is smooth and nicely balanced. 

What Needs Improvement   

  • More driving range: The Solterra Premium model offers an EPA-estimated range of 228 miles per charge.

    That’s simply too far behind a number of EV rivals. Worse still, the pricier Limited and Touring models have only 222 miles of EPA-estimated range.
     

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

Subaru Solterra features and specs

Premium 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Navigation System

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

0.0L

Engine type

Electric

Wheelbase

112.2"

Overall length

184.6"

Width

73.2"

Height

65.1"

Leg room

F 42.1"/R 35.3"

Head room

F 38.8"/R 38"

Front tires

P235/60VR18

Rear tires

P235/60VR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Subaru Solterra FAQ

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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