2024 Subaru Solterra gets improvements to charging and interior, but it’s still trailing behind some key competition
What’s new with the Subaru Solterra for 2024?
A major part of the Solterra’s charging improvements comes from a new water-to-water heat exchanger, which can better manage the battery temperatures in cold and warm weather. Another handy feature from Subaru with the 2024 Solterra is that the portable charger now supports Level 2 charging speeds when plugged into a compatible outlet.
How much range and power does the 2024 Subaru Solterra have?
The motors are responsive as all EVs are, and putting your foot down rewards you with instant thrust. That feeling of acceleration may not last as long as in other EVs, but it helps provide a first impression better than the spec sheet suggests. The range and charging speed may still be a challenge for some buyers.
Can you go off-road in the 2024 Subaru Solterra?
To help us ignore that concern, Subaru set up an off-road experience at Enduro Park in Victoria, British Columbia. Not only was the off-road route loaded with gravel and slippery mud but the conditions were soaked by dreary west coast weather. Ascending and descending hills was surprisingly easy, thanks to the Solterra’s standard 210 mm of ground clearance, which surpasses most other EVs in its class. The X-Mode feature secured traction for each wheel as needed. It really was confidence-inspiring.
Some other off-road features were tested, including an uphill cruise control drive mode called Grip mode. Set the speed at which you want to climb the hill and watch the Solterra steadily creep up the grade. It’s the opposite of hill descent control, which is also featured on the Subaru. The EV also had plenty of cameras with multiple angles to help the driver avoid off-road dangers and damage. I was impressed by the capability shown by the Solterra, and I don’t think I’d be as confident trekking through the course with some of its competitors, given the weight and low ground clearance of other electric SUVs.
How safe is the 2024 Subaru Solterra?
Beyond the drive, the Solterra projects to be a safety star. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Subaru EV the Top Safety Pick+. There are several upgraded safety features for the 2024 model, including an active lane change assist, and a front cross-traffic alert, which warns drivers of potential collisions when navigating a busy intersection. The Solterra includes staples like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, blind spot monitors and more.
How spacious and practical is the 2024 Subaru Solterra?
The cabin of the 2024 Subaru Solterra struggles to wow. Switchgear and controls are well laid out, and our model included the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system found in the Luxury and Technology Package-equipped models. Subaru’s collaboration with Toyota on this vehicle means the infotainment system looks and feels modern, as opposed to the dated Starlink interface used in other Subarus. It also has a voice assistant triggered by “Hey Subaru.” The system also supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and offers wireless phone charging.
The Solterra includes heated front seats, while the Luxury Package adds a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. Ventilated front seats are on the Tech Package-equipped models. There’s an available Harmon Kardon sound setup which sounds fine.
Subaru and the Great Outdoors
All this helps to portray Subaru as a green and environmentally friendly automaker, even though the Solterra is the only electrified vehicle in its lineup. Subaru promises more are on the way, including hybrids.
2024 Subaru Solterra pricing and competitors
The starting price for the 2024 Subaru Solterra is $59,340, while the Luxury Package adds $4,500 ($63,840 MSRP), and the Technology Package adds $7,000 ($66,340 MSRP). The automaker notes that the Solterra is eligible for $5,000 in incentives, but so are many of its competitors.
Final thoughts about the 2024 Subaru Solterra
Lacking a competitive edge in power, range and recharge times, the Solterra may struggle to find a foothold in this crowded segment, but at least it’s loaded with safety equipment and it’s spacious. The main draw of the 2024 Solterra is that it’s capable off-road and more accessible than some of the other rugged electric trucks and SUVs, providing this electric Subaru with a dedicated but niche fanbase.
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