Subaru's current electric SUV offering and what's coming

Subaru sells one electric SUV in the United States right now: the Solterra, which arrived in 2023. It's a midsize SUV built on a dedicated electric platform, not a converted gas model. The Solterra seats five, offers all-wheel drive as standard, and comes in two trim levels: Standard and Limited. Pricing starts around $48,000 before incentives, though prices vary by dealer and current market conditions.

Subaru has announced plans for more electric vehicles over the next several years, including additional SUV models, but the Solterra is the only one currently available for purchase. The company has been slower than competitors like Toyota, Honda, and Volkswagen to enter the EV market, which means your options are narrower if you're set on a Subaru badge.

Key Takeaways

  • The Solterra is Subaru's only electric SUV available now, with a starting price around $48,000 and standard all-wheel drive on both trims.
  • Real-world range falls between 220 and 228 miles depending on trim and driving conditions, which is competitive for the midsize EV SUV class.
  • Charging at home with a Level 2 charger takes 8 to 10 hours for a full charge; DC fast charging adds roughly 200 miles in 30 minutes.
  • The Solterra qualifies for the federal tax credit up to $7,500 if you meet income and domestic content requirements, though final pricing after incentives depends on your state and dealer.
  • Subaru's warranty covers the battery for 10 years or 100,000 miles, which is standard for the industry but shorter than some competitors offer.

Range, charging speed, and real-world driving distance

The Solterra's EPA-estimated range is 228 miles on the Limited trim and 220 miles on the Standard trim. These numbers assume mixed city and highway driving under average conditions. Real-world range varies based on weather, driving style, and terrain—cold weather can reduce range by 20 to 30 percent, and highway driving at higher speeds uses more energy than city driving.

Charging at home with a Level 2 charger (240 volts) takes approximately 8 to 10 hours for a full charge from empty. If you only have access to a standard 120-volt outlet, expect 40 to 50 hours. DC fast charging at public stations adds roughly 200 miles in 30 minutes, though charging speed slows as the battery approaches full capacity. Subaru does not include a home charger with the vehicle, so budget $500 to $2,500 for installation depending on your home's electrical setup.

Price, trim levels, and what each one includes

The Solterra Standard starts around $48,000 and includes all-wheel drive, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim adds a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, a power liftgate, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. The Limited typically costs $4,000 to $5,000 more than the Standard, though exact pricing varies by location and dealer inventory.

These prices are before any federal tax credits, state incentives, or dealer discounts. The federal tax credit of up to $7,500 applies to the Solterra if you meet income thresholds (roughly $300,000 for joint filers) and if the vehicle meets domestic content requirements—Subaru's Solterra is assembled in Japan, which may affect your credit may be able to access. Check the IRS website or your tax professional to confirm whether you may have access to before negotiating a final price.

All-wheel drive, ground clearance, and towing capacity

All-wheel drive comes standard on every Solterra, which is unusual in the EV SUV market—many competitors offer it only on higher trims. The system uses independent motors on the front and rear axles, allowing each wheel to receive power independently. This setup improves traction in snow and on unpaved surfaces compared to front-wheel-drive competitors, though it also adds weight and reduces efficiency slightly.

Ground clearance is 8.3 inches, which is adequate for light off-road driving and rough parking lots but not exceptional for an SUV. The Solterra cannot tow—Subaru has not equipped it with a towing package, so if you need to haul a trailer, the Solterra is not an option. Payload capacity is 1,000 pounds, which covers most cargo loads but not heavy equipment.

Interior space, cargo room, and passenger comfort

The Solterra seats five adults across two rows. Front seats are spacious and adjustable; rear legroom is adequate for passengers up to 6 feet tall but tight for taller occupants. The rear seats fold flat to expand cargo space from 27.9 cubic feet to 75.7 cubic feet, which is comparable to gas-powered midsize SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V.

The interior uses soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels, and the Limited trim adds heated seats and a heated steering wheel—useful in cold climates. Climate control is automatic on both trims. Storage cubbies are plentiful, and the center console includes a wireless phone charger on the Limited. The cabin is quieter than gas SUVs because there is no engine noise, though road and wind noise are noticeable at highway speeds.

Safety features and crash test ratings

The Solterra comes with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and blind-spot monitoring on all trims. The Limited adds a 360-degree camera system. Subaru has not yet released full crash test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), so independent safety ratings are not yet available. The vehicle does include a suite of driver-information features that are standard across the industry, but without crash test data, you cannot compare its structural safety directly to competitors.

The battery pack is mounted low in the floor, which lowers the center of gravity and improves handling but also means the Solterra sits slightly higher than some competitors. This design is common in electric SUVs and has not raised safety concerns in similar vehicles.

Warranty coverage and long-term reliability

Subaru covers the battery for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The rest of the vehicle is covered by a standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. These terms are typical for the industry but shorter than some competitors—Tesla, for example, covers its battery for 8 years or 120,000 miles, and Hyundai covers its battery for 10 years or 100,000 miles with an option to extend.

Long-term reliability data for the Solterra is limited because it is a new model. Subaru's reputation for reliability is strong in gas vehicles, but electric powertrains are different from traditional engines, and real-world failure rates will not be clear for several more years. If you buy a Solterra, you are accepting some uncertainty about how it will perform beyond the warranty period.

Comparing the Solterra to other electric SUVs in its class

The Solterra competes with the Tesla Model Y (starting around $43,000), the Volkswagen ID.4 (starting around $38,000), the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (starting around $41,000), and the Kia EV6 (starting around $42,000). The Solterra's main advantage is standard all-wheel drive, which costs extra on most competitors. Its main disadvantage is lower range than some rivals—the Model Y and Ioniq 5 both offer versions with 250+ miles of range at similar prices.

The Solterra also lacks the fast-charging speed of the Ioniq 5 and EV6, which can add 200 miles in 18 minutes on optimal chargers. Subaru's charging network partnership is less developed than Tesla's Supercharger network or the partnerships Hyundai and Kia have built. If you plan to take long road trips frequently, the Solterra's slower charging and lower range make it less convenient than some alternatives. If you drive mostly locally and charge at home, these differences matter less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Solterra may have access to for the $7,500 federal tax credit?

The Solterra may may have access to, but it depends on your income and the vehicle's domestic content. Subaru assembles the Solterra in Japan, not the United States, which affects credit may be able to access under current rules. Check the IRS website or consult a tax professional to confirm whether you meet the income thresholds and whether the Solterra's assembly location qualifies it for the full credit, a partial credit, or no credit.

Can I charge the Solterra at a Tesla Supercharger?

Not yet. The Solterra uses the CCS charging standard, while Tesla Superchargers use Tesla's proprietary connector. Tesla has announced plans to open Superchargers to other brands, but availability and timing vary by location. Check Tesla's website or the PlugShare app to see which public chargers are available in your area.

What is the real-world range in winter?

Expect 20 to 30 percent less range in cold weather. If the EPA rating is 228 miles, plan for roughly 160 to 180 miles in freezing temperatures. Preheating the cabin while plugged in, using seat warmers instead of cabin heat, and avoiding highway speeds all help extend winter range.

Is the Solterra available with a single motor and front-wheel drive?

No. Subaru offers all-wheel drive only on the Solterra. If you want a front-wheel-drive electric SUV, you will need to consider competitors like the Volkswagen ID.4 or the base Tesla Model Y.

How does the Solterra's warranty compare to the Tesla Model Y?

The Solterra covers the battery for 10 years or 100,000 miles. The Model Y covers the battery for 8 years or 120,000 miles. Both are competitive, though the Model Y's longer mileage coverage may be more valuable if you drive high annual mileage. Check the full warranty documents for both vehicles to compare coverage on other components.