Subaru's current electric vehicle lineup and what each model does
Subaru makes two battery-electric vehicles available in the United States: the Solterra and the bZ4X. The Solterra is Subaru's own design—a midsize SUV built on their dedicated EV platform. The bZ4X is a joint development with Toyota, also a midsize SUV, and shares its platform with Toyota's bZ4X. Both are new to the market as of 2023, so Subaru's EV range is still building.
The Solterra comes in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. The front-wheel-drive model has a single motor and offers an EPA-estimated range of around 228 miles per charge. The all-wheel-drive version has two motors (one on each axle) and delivers about 228 miles of range as well, though it accelerates faster and provides better traction in snow and on loose surfaces. Both versions use a 71.4 kWh battery pack.
The bZ4X also comes in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive, with similar range figures. Subaru positions the bZ4X as a more affordable entry point to its EV lineup compared to the Solterra, though both vehicles occupy the same market segment. The choice between them often comes down to brand preference and specific feature availability rather than fundamental capability differences.
Key Takeaways
- Subaru's Solterra and bZ4X are both midsize electric SUVs with EPA-estimated ranges between 220 and 250 miles, depending on drivetrain and battery configuration.
- All-wheel-drive versions of both vehicles use dual motors for better winter traction and acceleration, which matters if you live in snow or drive on unpaved roads regularly.
- Subaru's EV warranty covers the battery for eight years or 100,000 miles, and the powertrain for five years or 60,000 miles—shorter than some competitors but standard for the industry.
- Both vehicles support DC fast charging, which can add 200 miles of range in roughly 30 minutes at a public fast-charging station.
- Subaru's all-wheel-drive system in these EVs works differently than in gas vehicles because the rear motor provides when ready torque without a transmission, changing how the vehicle handles in slippery conditions.
How Subaru's all-wheel-drive system works in electric vehicles
Subaru is known for all-wheel-drive engineering, and that reputation carries into their EV models. In the all-wheel-drive Solterra and bZ4X, each axle has its own electric motor. The front motor handles steering and forward motion, while the rear motor provides independent torque to the back wheels. This is fundamentally different from how Subaru's gas-powered all-wheel-drive systems work, because there is no transmission to manage power delivery—the motors respond when ready to driver input and road conditions.
In practice, this means the rear wheels can receive power independently of the front wheels, which improves traction on snow, gravel, and wet pavement. The system can also adjust power between front and rear in real time, which helps with cornering stability and reduces understeer (the tendency to push straight ahead in a turn). If you live in a region with winter weather or drive on unpaved roads, the all-wheel-drive versions provide measurable safety and control benefits that front-wheel-drive models do not.
The trade-off is efficiency: the rear motor adds weight and uses energy even when the road conditions do not require it. Subaru's all-wheel-drive EVs have slightly lower range than their front-wheel-drive counterparts, though the difference is modest—usually 10 to 20 miles depending on driving conditions and speed.
Charging speed and what to expect at home and on the road
Both the Solterra and bZ4X support three charging methods: Level 1 (standard 120-volt household outlet), Level 2 (240-volt home or public charger), and DC fast charging (public networks). The charging method you use most often depends on your driving patterns and whether you have access to a home charger.
Level 1 charging is the slowest—it adds about 2 to 3 miles of range per hour of charging. If you plug into a standard outlet overnight, you might add 20 to 30 miles by morning. This works only if your daily driving is short and you have time to charge overnight. Level 2 charging, which requires a 240-volt circuit (like a dryer or electric range outlet), adds 20 to 30 miles of range per hour. A full overnight charge on Level 2 is realistic for most households.
DC fast charging is what you use on road trips or when you need range quickly. At a public fast-charging station, you can add roughly 200 miles of range in 30 minutes, though charging speed slows as the battery approaches full capacity. The last 20 percent of charge takes longer than the first 80 percent, which is why most EV owners stop at 80 percent on long drives—it saves time and reduces battery stress.
Real-world range and how weather and driving style affect it
Subaru rates the Solterra and bZ4X at 228 miles of EPA-estimated range for the front-wheel-drive versions, and the same for all-wheel-drive, though real-world range varies based on how and where you drive. EPA estimates assume a mix of highway and city driving under moderate conditions. In cold weather, expect 20 to 40 percent less range because the battery loses efficiency and the cabin heater draws significant power. In summer, highway driving at 70 mph or faster will reduce range compared to city driving, because aerodynamic drag increases with speed.
Aggressive acceleration and hard braking also reduce range, though regenerative braking—which captures energy when you slow down—partially offsets this. Subaru's EVs use regenerative braking on both axles in all-wheel-drive models, which means you recover more energy when slowing down compared to front-wheel-drive vehicles. Driving smoothly and maintaining steady speeds maximizes range in any EV.
If you regularly drive in cold climates or at highway speeds, plan for 180 to 200 miles of usable range rather than the full EPA estimate. This is not a Subaru-specific issue—all EVs lose efficiency in cold weather and at high speeds. Knowing your actual range under the conditions you drive in is more useful than memorizing the EPA number.
Warranty coverage and what is and is not protected
Subaru covers the battery in the Solterra and bZ4X for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This covers defects in the battery itself—manufacturing flaws, internal shorts, or capacity loss beyond normal degradation. The powertrain warranty (motor, inverter, and transmission components) is five years or 60,000 miles. The general vehicle warranty is three years or 36,000 miles and covers everything else.
Battery degradation is normal and expected. Subaru's warranty does not cover gradual capacity loss over time; it covers failure or defects. Most EV batteries retain 85 to 95 percent of their original capacity after eight years of normal use. If your battery drops below 70 percent capacity within the warranty period, Subaru will typically replace it, but the exact threshold varies by region and Subaru's internal standards.
The warranty is transferable to a second owner if you sell the vehicle, though the coverage period does not reset. A second owner inherits the remaining time and mileage on the original warranty. This can affect resale value, so it is worth noting if you plan to keep the vehicle long-term versus selling it in a few years.
How Subaru's EV pricing compares to other electric SUVs
The Solterra starts at a higher price point than the bZ4X, reflecting its dedicated EV platform and Subaru-specific engineering. The bZ4X, being a joint Toyota-Subaru project, shares development costs and is positioned as the more affordable option. Both vehicles fall into the midsize electric SUV category, where they compete with models like the Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6.
Federal tax credits may reduce the purchase price if you meet income and vehicle assembly requirements. The credit is currently up to $7,500 for new vehicles, though this amount and the may be able to access rules change periodically. Some states also offer additional rebates or tax credits for EV purchases. Check your state's energy office or the fueleconomy.gov website for current incentives in your area.
Resale value for Subaru's EVs is still uncertain because these are new models with limited used inventory. Historically, Subaru vehicles hold value well compared to some competitors, but EV resale markets are still developing. If you plan to keep the vehicle for five years or longer, resale value matters less than reliability and operating costs.
Maintenance and operating costs compared to gas vehicles
Electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts than gas engines, which means less can break. There is no oil to change, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, no timing belt, and no exhaust system. Subaru's EVs require brake fluid checks and cabin air filter replacements, but brake pads last much longer because regenerative braking does most of the stopping work. Tire wear is the main maintenance cost, and it is similar to gas vehicles.
Charging at home costs less per mile than gasoline. The exact cost depends on your local electricity rates, but most owners spend $0.03 to $0.05 per mile to charge at home, compared to $0.10 to $0.15 per mile for gasoline vehicles. Public DC fast charging is more expensive—typically $0.15 to $0.30 per mile—so it is best reserved for road trips rather than daily charging.
Insurance costs for EVs are often higher than gas vehicles because repair costs for battery and electrical systems are expensive. Get a quote from your insurance company before purchasing; the difference can be $500 to $1,500 per year depending on your location and coverage level. Over the life of the vehicle, lower fuel and maintenance costs usually offset higher insurance, but the math depends on your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow a trailer with a Subaru electric vehicle?
The Solterra and bZ4X are not rated for towing. Subaru has not published towing capacity for these models, which means they are not designed or tested for it. If towing is important to you, you will need to wait for future Subaru EV models or consider other brands. Towing significantly reduces EV range because of the extra weight and aerodynamic drag.
How long does it take to charge from empty to full at home?
On a Level 2 charger (240 volts), a full charge takes roughly 8 to 10 hours. On Level 1 (standard 120-volt outlet), it takes 40 to 50 hours. Most owners charge overnight on Level 2 and never let the battery drop below 20 percent, so they rarely experience a full charge cycle. If you install a Level 2 charger at home, plan on a full charge overnight and a topped-up battery every morning.
What happens to the battery in very cold climates?
Cold reduces battery efficiency and range by 20 to 40 percent, and it slows charging speed. The battery itself is not damaged by cold, but you will notice reduced range and slower charging until the battery warms up. Subaru's EVs have battery thermal management systems that warm the battery during charging in cold weather, which helps. Preheating the cabin while plugged in also preserves battery range for driving.
Is the all-wheel-drive version worth the extra cost?
If you live in a region with winter snow or drive on unpaved roads regularly, all-wheel-drive provides real safety and control benefits. If you drive primarily on paved roads in mild climates, front-wheel-drive is sufficient and costs less. The efficiency penalty (10 to 20 miles of range) is modest, so the decision comes down to your local driving conditions and budget.
Can I charge a Subaru EV at a Tesla Supercharger?
Subaru's EVs use the NACS connector (formerly called Tesla's connector), which is becoming the standard for DC fast charging in North America. Many Tesla Superchargers are opening to non-Tesla vehicles through adapters or native NACS ports. Check the Supercharger app or your vehicle's navigation system to see which stations are available to you. Other public networks like Electrify America and EVgo are also options.