2023 Subaru Solterra Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$44,995 to $51,995

Original MSRP

7.5
of 10

expert review

4.0

avg user rating

(2 reviews)

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Standard advanced safety features

  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Unimpressive electric range

7.5
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
6/10
Technology
8/10
Performance
7/10
Safety
9/10
Form & function
7/10
Cost-effectiveness
8/10
Photo by Matt Smith. 2023 Subaru Solterra front-quarter view.

The 2023 Subaru Solterra is the first all-electric vehicle from Subaru, and allows EV drivers to go anywhere they need to.

In a market increasingly filled with overly futuristic and tech-focused electric vehicles, the 2023 Subaru Solterra approaches the space with a fresh but familiar style. Along with it being the first EV to provide symmetrical all-wheel drive, it offers a sensible interior and enough usable cargo space to keep crossover-hungry shoppers satisfied. But what makes the Solterra significant is that, more than being just another electric crossover, it feels and drives like an electric Subaru.
6/10

Having been co-developed with Toyota, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise to learn that the Solterra looks an awful lot like the also-all-new 2023 Toyota BZ4X. Both feature EV styling hallmarks like a flat front nose and hardly any grille. A large charging-port door sits just ahead of the driver’s side door, and at the back, the roof slopes down in a sharp rake before flattening at the top edge of the taillights for a duck-bill-style rear spoiler.

Both the BZ4X and the Solterra wear plenty of plastic cladding around their wheel wells. This, along with the overall shape and style of the vehicles’ front ends, leads to a very distinctive (and polarizing) exterior design. Alloy wheels are standard and measure 18 inches on the base trim and 20 inches with either of the available packages.

As they did with plenty of other Subaru models, the Solterra’s designers focused more on function than winning beauty pageants. This EV’s dimensions lend themselves to adventure: short overhangs, great ground clearance, and it was engineered with a roof rack in mind.

Despite being roughly the same length as a Forester, the Solterra sports a wheelbase length closer to the three-row Subaru Ascent’s. The EV platform allows Subaru to push the Solterra’s wheels farther to the front and back of the car, providing better approach and departure angles compared to what would be available on a gas-powered architecture.

Additionally, the Solterra sports a centre of gravity 8.9 centimetres lower than that of the Forester, thanks to its low-mounted battery and lack of an internal combustion engine. And while many EVs can claim similar advantages, the Solterra also displays multiple design elements specifically aimed at improving airflow and aiding aerodynamics. Notably, it features pass-throughs from the front bumper into the front wheel wells, the sides of the taillight elements act as air diffusers, and the distinctive roof spoiler is completely open in the middle, helping to funnel air down the backside of the car.

On the inside, drivers will find the Solterra handsome and comfortable, if a bit cramped. Some EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 leverage their “skateboard” underpinnings to clear out interior space that would typically be filled with engine and transmission hardware on a gas car. In the Solterra, however, the driver and front passenger are firmly divided by a big centre console.

The airspace above that division, however, feels very open. Part of this is due to the low cowl housing the Solterra’s driver information display. The steering wheel sits even lower. The setup is designed so the driver can’t actually view the binnacle through the top-half opening of the steering wheel. Instead, position it so the wheel sits just below the display. It might not be how most drivers situate themselves, but it works.

The base Solterra receives cloth upholstery, while the mid-level Luxury Package and top-end Technology Package get the company’s StarTex synthetic leather. Subaru doesn’t offer a real leather interior on the Solterra.

The dash is deep and covered in a woven upholstery that looks and feels outstanding. Overall, the Solterra’s interior looks good, but where there’s no cloth or StarTex, there’s plastic. And many of those plastic parts—namely the steering column and the piano-black covering the centre console—look like they’ll accumulate lots of dust. That’s likely to be particularly problematic if you’re buying a Solterra to take on dusty, dirty, off-pavement trips.

Matt Smith
Published May 26, 2023 by Matt Smith
When it comes to cars, Matt's curiosity extends well beyond the powertrain. From Ford to Porsche, he's as interested in the history behind the machine as he is in the view behind the wheel. Matt has been working on the journalism side of the auto industry since 2014. As CarGurus’ Deputy Editor, he creates and oversees the site’s written and video content.

User reviews for 2023 Subaru Solterra

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User rating:
by Keith B
Oct 10, 2023
The interior is extremely comfortable and the range often exceeds the stated maximum. There is a minimum of functions on the On-sc seen displays and liberal controls for heating and A/C. It is a good driving experience and reminds me of driving my old ICE car quite a bit, unlike other makes.Oct 10, 2023
by Anonymous
Feb 05, 2023
Looks good. Mechanically sound, drives well. A bit quirky inside: shifter, steering wheel covering up info screen, speedometer. Front seating should me more comfortable. Rear bench release missing. Not folding flat. These are all obvious issues that should have been addresses before release! Feb 05, 2023

2023 Subaru Solterra Pricing

Original MSRP
$44,995 to $51,995
Price range
$32,774 to $35,822
Average price on CG
$32,977
YoY price change
$34,886 to $32,977

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.5 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: metallic · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: simulated alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 72.8 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 6.6 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 215 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 160 · Electric Motor Torque: 249 · Electric motor charger: DC fast charging · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time (240V): 9 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 228

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Yelp · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: rear pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Camera system washer: rear · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.5 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: simulated alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 72.8 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 6.6 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 215 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 160 · Electric Motor Torque: 249 · Electric motor charger: DC fast charging · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time (240V): 9 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 222

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Travel Link · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: black

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Camera system washer: rear · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Subaru Solterra Connect · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 576 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.5 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: simulated alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: liftgate · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rearview mirror: camera-based · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: grocery bag holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 72.8 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 6.6 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 215 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 160 · Electric Motor Torque: 249 · Electric motor charger: DC fast charging · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time (240V): 9 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 222

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: black · Sunroof: fixed glass

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Camera system washer: rear · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Subaru Solterra Connect · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse