2024 Subaru Solterra

Subaru’s first electric vehicle, the Solterra, launched for 2023. It was developed with Toyota, whose bZ4X is nearly identical — but the Toyota is available with front-wheel drive, whereas the Solterra adheres to Subaru tradition and is only offered with all-wheel drive. With the Solterra being so new, Subaru hasn’t changed much for the 2024 model year, though the EV receives updates to its charging system.

What’s New?
The Solterra’s battery-conditioning system has been improved. Better able to manage battery temperature before and during charging, the 2024 Solterra can recharge its 72.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack from 10% to 80% in as little as 35 minutes. Charging speeds in colder temperatures are also significantly improved: Subaru says that charging times below freezing have dropped by as much as 80 minutes.

Also new for 2024 is a new feature for Subaru’s EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance systems: hands-free traffic-jam assist. At speeds up to 25 mph, the Solterra will maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and keep itself centered in its lane, as well as make automated lane changes in response to the driver activating the turn signal.

Additionally, Subaru redesigned the Solterra’s steering wheel. It now incorporates paddles to manage regenerative braking, the function which recaptures energy and feeds it back into the battery during deceleration. Being able to vary the aggression of the regenerative braking function allows drivers to stretch a few more miles from each charge. Subaru suggests that the newly standard roof rails, which can support up to 700 pounds when parked, are ideal for a rooftop tent, but you’ll need to empty the occupants before you can hit the road, as the rails are only rated for 176 pounds when the vehicle is moving.

Powertrain Specs and Range
Solterra buyers do not need to make any choices between long- or short-range battery packs or single- or dual-motor configurations. All 2024 Solterras use the same 72.8-kWh battery pack and have electric motors on both axles providing AWD. Tailored more for efficiency than performance, the motors combine for a total of 215 horsepower and 249 pounds-feet of torque.
Range, then, is a simpler matter. According to the EPA, range is 227 miles for the Premium trim, which is fitted with 18-inch wheels, and 222 miles for the Limited and Touring, which ride on 20s. Charge time on a standard Level 2 home unit is said to be around nine hours.

Availability and Pricing
Subaru says the 2024 Solterra will go on sale in early 2024, so its arrival is imminent. The company is claiming that pricing has not increased from 2023, which is technically true but also not. While the MSRP remains the same, the unavoidable delivery charge increases by $120. Full line pricing (including $1,345 destination) is as follows:

• Premium: $46,340
• Limited: $49,840
• Touring: $53,340

Trim Levels and Safety Equipment
In addition to the new low-speed hands-free driving function, all 2024 Subaru Solterras include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, front and rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitors, adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Solterra a Top Safety Pick+, its highest safety award, for 2023.

The Solterra Premium rides on 18-inch wheels and features LED headlights, a windshield wiper de-icer, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a 7-inch screen in the instrument cluster, and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Wi-Fi and a six-month trial of Subaru Connect, the smartphone app that allows for remote locking and unlocking, starting, climate control and more.

The Limited trim adds 20-inch wheels, LED foglights, a power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, a 360-degree camera system and automated parking. Inside, buyers will find synthetic leather seating, power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and wireless phone charging.

At the top of the lineup, the Touring features a panoramic moonroof, black accents on the hood, available two-tone paint and ventilated front seats. All Solterras also include 10 days of free rental cars from participating dealerships for no-hassle trips beyond their EV’s range.