Subaru's current electric vehicle lineup

Subaru makes two battery-electric vehicles available in North America: the Solterra and the BRZ e-POWER (though the BRZ e-POWER is a plug-in hybrid, not fully electric). The Solterra is Subaru's only pure electric car—a midsize SUV that seats five and comes in FWD or standard AWD. It launched in the US market in 2023 and shares its platform with the Toyota bZ4X, which means it uses Toyota's battery technology and charging architecture.

The Solterra comes in two trim levels: Standard and Limited. Both versions use an 71.4 kWh usable battery pack, though Subaru also offers a larger 72.8 kWh option on some trims. The Standard trim has a single motor driving the front wheels; the Limited and higher trims come standard with dual motors and all-wheel drive. Real-world range sits between 220 and 228 miles on the EPA cycle, depending on drivetrain and trim.

Subaru has not yet released a fully electric sedan or compact car in the US market. The company has announced plans for additional electric models, but as of now the Solterra is the only battery-electric option for buyers in North America.

Key Takeaways

  • The Solterra is Subaru's only pure electric vehicle in the US, available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive and offering 220 to 228 miles of EPA-estimated range.
  • Subaru built the Solterra on a shared platform with Toyota, which means it uses Toyota's battery pack and charging connector (CCS Type 1).
  • The Solterra charges from empty to 80% in roughly 30 minutes on a DC fast charger, or 9 to 10 hours on a Level 2 home charger.
  • All-wheel drive adds weight and reduces range by about 10 miles compared to the front-wheel-drive model, but improves traction in snow and wet conditions.
  • Subaru's warranty on the battery pack is eight years or 100,000 miles, which is standard across the industry but shorter than some competitors offer.

How the Solterra's range and charging work

The Solterra's 71.4 kWh battery delivers between 220 and 228 miles of range depending on whether you choose front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The front-wheel-drive model reaches the higher end; the all-wheel-drive version loses about 8 miles due to the extra motor and weight. Real-world range varies with temperature, driving style, and terrain—cold weather can reduce range by 20 to 30 percent, and highway driving at 70 mph uses more energy than city driving.

DC fast charging (the kind you find at public stations) brings the battery from empty to 80% in approximately 30 minutes using a 150 kW charger. Charging slows significantly after 80% to protect battery health, so the last 20% takes much longer. At home on a Level 2 charger (240 volts), a full charge takes 9 to 10 hours from empty. Most owners install a Level 2 home charger and charge overnight, using DC fast charging only for road trips.

The Solterra uses the CCS Type 1 connector, which is the standard charging port for most North American electric vehicles. This means you can use any public charging network that supports CCS—Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint, and others. Subaru includes a mobile connector (a 120-volt charging cable) with every Solterra, though it charges very slowly and is meant for emergencies.

Solterra trim levels and what changes between them

The Standard trim comes with a single front motor, front-wheel drive, and the 71.4 kWh battery. It includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a backup camera, and automatic emergency braking. The Standard is the entry point and the most efficient version, with the longest EPA range.

The Limited trim adds all-wheel drive (dual motors), a larger 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof. It also includes Subaru's EyeSight Driver information (adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping information). The Limited costs roughly $8,000 to $10,000 more than the Standard, depending on current pricing and incentives.

Both trims receive the same battery chemistry, the same charging speed, and the same warranty. The main trade-off is range versus traction: the Standard goes farther on a charge, while the Limited offers all-wheel drive for snow, ice, and loose surfaces. Neither trim is significantly more or less reliable than the other—the difference is features and drivetrain.

How the Solterra compares to other electric SUVs

The Solterra sits in the midsize electric SUV segment alongside the Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6. It is smaller and less powerful than the Model Y but offers more interior space than the ID.4. The Ioniq 5 and EV6 charge faster (up to 350 kW) but cost more. The Solterra's main advantage is Subaru's standard all-wheel drive on higher trims and its reputation for reliability in cold climates.

In terms of acceleration, the Solterra is not a performance vehicle. The front-wheel-drive Standard reaches 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds; the all-wheel-drive Limited does it in roughly 6.8 seconds. The Model Y Long Range accelerates to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, so if acceleration matters to you, the Solterra will feel slower. However, the Solterra is quieter, more comfortable for daily driving, and uses less energy per mile.

Pricing varies by region and incentives, but the Solterra typically starts in the low $40,000s before any federal tax credits or state rebates. The federal tax credit (if you meet income and vehicle price limits) can reduce the cost by up to $7,500. Some states offer additional credits or rebates, so check your local programs.

Subaru's warranty and long-term battery health

Subaru covers the Solterra's battery pack for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty covers defects in the battery cells and the pack's ability to hold a charge. If the battery degrades below 70% of its original capacity within the warranty period, Subaru will repair or replace it at no cost. This is standard coverage across the industry, though some manufacturers (Tesla, Hyundai, Kia) offer longer warranties of 10 years or more.

Real-world battery degradation in electric vehicles is slower than many owners expect. Most Solterra owners will see 5 to 10 percent capacity loss over five years of normal use. Avoiding frequent DC fast charging, keeping the battery between 20% and 80% for daily driving, and parking in shade during hot weather all slow degradation. The battery is designed to outlast the car's useful life in most cases.

The rest of the Solterra carries Subaru's standard three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty, plus a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The electric motor and transmission (a single-speed reducer) are simpler than gas engines and have fewer moving parts, so they tend to need less maintenance over time.

Maintenance and operating costs for the Solterra

Electric vehicles have no oil changes, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, and no timing belts. The Solterra's main maintenance items are tire rotation, brake fluid inspection, and cabin air filter replacement. Because the Solterra uses regenerative braking (the motor slows the car and captures energy), the friction brakes wear much more slowly than in gas cars. Many owners report their brake pads lasting 100,000 miles or more.

Charging at home costs roughly one-third to one-half the price of gasoline per mile, depending on your local electricity rates. If you pay $0.14 per kilowatt-hour (the US average), charging the Solterra costs about $0.04 per mile. A gallon of gas at $3.50 in a 25 mpg car costs $0.14 per mile. Public DC fast charging is more expensive—typically $0.15 to $0.25 per mile—so most owners use it only for road trips.

Tires are the largest wear item. The Solterra's weight (over 4,600 pounds) and when ready torque from the electric motor cause tire wear faster than in lighter gas vehicles. Plan to replace tires every 40,000 to 50,000 miles rather than 50,000 to 60,000. Subaru recommends tire rotation every 7,500 miles to even out wear.

Charging at home and on the road

Installing a Level 2 home charger (240 volts) is the single best decision most Solterra owners make. A typical installation costs $500 to $2,000 depending on your home's electrical panel and distance from the garage. Many states and utilities offer rebates that cover 50 to 100 percent of installation costs. With a Level 2 charger, you wake up every morning with a full battery, and you never need to visit a public charger for daily driving.

For road trips, the Solterra's 220-mile range means you can drive 2 to 3 hours between charges. Most long-distance routes require planning—you need to know where DC fast chargers are located and whether they are working. Apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and Electrify America's own app show real-time charger availability and pricing. Subaru's navigation system also displays charging stations, though third-party apps are often more reliable.

Public charging networks are expanding, but availability varies dramatically by region. Urban and suburban areas have dense networks; rural areas may have gaps of 50 miles or more between chargers. Before buying a Solterra, check the charger map for your region and any routes you drive regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Solterra tow a trailer?

No. The Solterra is not rated for towing. Subaru designed it for daily commuting and family trips, not for hauling. If you need towing capacity, you would need to consider a plug-in hybrid or gas vehicle.

Does the Solterra work in cold weather?

Yes, but range drops significantly. In freezing temperatures, expect 20 to 30 percent less range than EPA estimates. The Solterra has a heat pump (on Limited trims) that warms the cabin more efficiently than older electric cars, which helps. All-wheel drive improves traction on snow and ice, making the Limited a better choice if you live in a cold climate.

How long do I have to wait for a Solterra if I order one?

Wait times vary by dealer and trim. Some dealers have inventory on the lot; others have multi-month backlogs. Contact local Subaru dealers directly to ask about current availability and lead times. Prices and incentives also change frequently, so getting quotes from multiple dealers is worth your time.

What happens to the battery if I don't drive the car for months?

The battery will slowly discharge—roughly 2 to 3 percent per month when the car is parked. If you leave the Solterra unused for six months, expect to lose 12 to 18 percent of its charge. Before long storage, Subaru recommends charging to 50 to 80 percent and parking in a cool location. The battery will not be damaged by sitting, but you should charge it before driving.

Is the Solterra made by Subaru or Toyota?

Subaru and Toyota developed the Solterra together on a shared platform. Subaru designed the exterior, interior, and driving dynamics; Toyota supplied the battery pack and electric motor technology. It is assembled in Japan and sold under the Subaru brand. The partnership allowed both companies to bring electric SUVs to market faster and share development costs.