If you’re considering a 2023 Subaru Solterra, you’re probably wondering how far it really goes on a charge, not just on a window sticker. This 2023 Subaru Solterra range test guide pulls together EPA data, independent testing, owner reports, and EV range fundamentals so you can understand what to expect on the highway, around town, in winter, and when the car has a few years on it, especially if you’re shopping used.
Quick takeaway
2023 Solterra range at a glance
2023 Subaru Solterra key range numbers
Every 2023 Subaru Solterra sold in the U.S. uses the same 72.8 kWh battery pack and dual-motor all‑wheel drive. The only meaningful factory difference for range is wheel and tire size. The **Premium trim** with 18‑inch wheels earns an EPA rating of up to **228 miles**, while the heavier **Limited and Touring trims** with 20‑inch wheels are rated at **222 miles**. Real-world testing and owner experience typically land a bit below those numbers, especially at highway speeds or in cold weather, which is exactly what we’ll unpack section by section.
EPA vs. real-world range on the 2023 Solterra
What the EPA numbers mean
The EPA test cycle blends city and highway driving under controlled conditions, with climate control off. For the 2023 Solterra, that yields:
- 228 miles EPA range – Premium (18-inch wheels)
- 222 miles EPA range – Limited/Touring (20-inch wheels)
- ~104 MPGe combined efficiency
Think of this as a best-case, mixed‑driving baseline, not a guaranteed result at 75 mph with the heat on.
How real-world range usually differs
Multiple independent tests and databases that track actual use suggest a more realistic combined range around 190–205 miles for U.S.-spec Solterras driven at typical speeds, with climate control used. Highway‑heavy driving, cold temps, strong headwinds, and big elevation changes all pull that number down further.
That doesn’t mean the EPA rating is wrong, it just operates under gentler conditions than most of us drive every day.
Expect seasonal swings
Highway range test: 70–75 mph results
If you’re like most Solterra shoppers, the real question is, “How far will it go at 70–75 mph on the interstate?” That’s where many EVs underperform their official ratings, and the 2023 Solterra is no exception.
Typical 2023 Solterra highway range scenarios
Assumes AWD, healthy battery, and full charge at start
Mild day, 65–70 mph
- Temp: ~60–70°F
- Speed: 65–70 mph
- Climate: light A/C or windows up
- Realistic range: ~205–215 miles
Typical U.S. freeway, 70–75 mph
- Temp: ~50–70°F
- Speed: steady 70–75 mph
- Climate: normal A/C or heat
- Realistic range: ~185–205 miles
Headwinds, hills, or loaded up
- Temp: varies
- Speed: 70–75 mph
- Cargo: full family + gear
- Realistic range: ~170–190 miles
Drivers who set cruise control at 75 mph and run the cabin at comfortable temperatures typically report **roughly 200 miles from 100% down to a low state of charge**, sometimes a bit more in ideal conditions, sometimes less when the car is loaded or facing hills and wind. That lines up with efficiency of about 2.7–3.0 miles per kWh at higher interstate speeds, perfectly normal for a compact AWD crossover.
Practical rule of thumb for trips
City and mixed driving: where the Solterra does best
Like most EVs, the 2023 Solterra is more efficient in city and suburban driving than on the highway. Regen braking recovers energy in stop‑and‑go traffic, and speeds are lower, so aerodynamic drag is reduced.
Typical 2023 Solterra range by driving mix
Approximate real-world range for a healthy battery in mild temperatures, starting from a full charge.
| Driving profile | Highway share | Typical real-world range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mostly city / suburban | 0–25% | 215–235 mi | Lower speeds and frequent regen help the Solterra get close to, or slightly above, its EPA rating. |
| Mixed commute | 25–50% | 200–220 mi | Normal suburban commute with some freeway; what most owners see day to day. |
| Highway-heavy | 50–75% | 185–205 mi | Common for long commutes or exurban living; close to the highway test results above. |
Your results will vary with temperature, terrain, and driving style, but these ranges are realistic planning numbers for many owners.
For a lot of commuters, this means you can comfortably use a **40–60% daily charge window** (for example, 30–80%) and still cover normal mileage without thinking about it. That’s good for the battery and your peace of mind.
Cold-weather range: what actually happens in winter
Cold weather is where new EV owners get their biggest surprises, and the 2023 Subaru Solterra is no exception. All-wheel drive and a heat pump help, but physics still wins: cold batteries are less efficient, and cabin heating draws significant energy.
2023 Solterra winter range expectations
Assuming a healthy battery, full charge, and AWD
Cool fall / spring day
- Temps: ~35–50°F
- Normal commute, mixed speeds
- Cabin heat on modestly
- Range drop: ~10–15%
- Expect: ~180–205 mi combined
Freezing winter, city + highway
- Temps: ~10–32°F
- More seat/steering wheel heat, defrost use
- Range drop: ~20–30%
- Expect: ~150–185 mi combined
Bitter cold, short hops
- Temps: below 10°F
- Short trips where battery can’t warm up
- Heavy defrost and cabin heat
- Range drop: 30% or more
- Expect: ~130–170 mi or less
Cold hurts charging too
The good news? For many daily‑driver use cases, school runs, commuting, local errands, winter range is still plenty, especially if you can plug in overnight. The tradeoff is that **long, cold‑weather interstate drives in a 2023 Solterra require more frequent and sometimes slower charging stops** compared with some newer EVs.
Charging speeds and what they mean for road trips
Range and charging are two sides of the same coin. Even if you’re comfortable with a 180–200‑mile highway leg, **how quickly you can refill the battery** determines whether a Solterra road trip feels reasonable, or frustrating.
2023 Subaru Solterra charging specs at a glance
Factory charging capability for U.S.-spec 2023 Solterra models.
| Charging type | Rated power | Typical time | What it’s best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (120V) | ~1–1.5 kW | Many hours for a full charge | Emergency use, very light daily driving |
| Level 2 (240V, 6.6 kW onboard) | Up to ~6.6 kW | ~9–11 hours 0–100% | Overnight home charging or workplace charging |
| DC fast charging (CCS, up to 100 kW) | Peak ~100 kW on paper | Roughly 35–60 minutes 10–80% in good conditions | Road trips and quick top‑ups |
Real-world DC fast‑charging speeds often fall below theoretical peaks, especially on cold batteries or at higher states of charge.
In practice, many owners and testers see **average DC fast‑charge rates closer to 40–60 kW** over a full session, especially in cooler weather or starting above 20% state of charge. Reports of 50–60 minutes to go from around 20% to 80% are common, even on high‑power chargers that can deliver much more to other EVs.
Reality check on road‑trip pace
If you’re shopping used, this isn’t necessarily a deal‑breaker. Many buyers use Solterra as a second car, or for regional adventures where they’re happy to sync charging with meal stops. The key is to be honest about how many **300‑ to 500‑mile days** you truly do each year.
How driving style and setup change your range
The 2023 Subaru Solterra is a relatively efficient AWD crossover, but it’s still subject to the same physics as any EV. Small changes in how you drive and set the car up can easily swing real‑world range by 10–20%.
- Speed is king. Jumping from 65 mph to 75 mph can cost you 10–15% of your range, all else equal, because aerodynamic drag ramps up quickly with speed.
- Climate control strategy matters. Using seat and steering‑wheel heaters first and keeping cabin temps a bit lower preserves range, especially in winter.
- Wheel and tire choice has an impact. The Premium trim’s 18‑inch wheels are more efficient than the Limited/Touring 20‑inch wheels. Aggressive all‑terrain tires will also trim range.
- Cargo and roof accessories add drag and weight. Cargo boxes, bike racks, and a fully loaded cabin all nibble away at efficiency, noticeable on longer road trips.
- Regenerative braking settings affect city range. Using stronger regen in stop‑and‑go traffic helps recapture more energy rather than turning it into heat in the friction brakes.
Easy wins for more range
Range & battery health on a used 2023 Solterra
Because the first Solterras hit U.S. roads for the 2023 model year, many are now appearing on the used market. For a range‑sensitive buyer, the big question is: **has the battery lost much capacity yet?**
What Subaru warranties tell you
- 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty typical for Solterra, with a minimum capacity retention (around 70%) guaranteed over that period.
- Most early‑life packs show only modest degradation, often under 10%, if they’ve been treated reasonably well.
So a well‑cared‑for 2023 Solterra should still be capable of delivering close to its original range in 2026 and beyond.
How to judge a used Solterra’s range
Dash estimates can be misleading because they’re based on recent driving. To really understand a used Solterra’s battery health, you want:
- A scan of actual usable capacity (in kWh), not just a percentage bar.
- Context on how the previous owner charged, mostly Level 2 vs. heavy fast‑charging.
- Real‑world test drives to check energy consumption at your typical speeds.
This is exactly the sort of data‑driven insight the Recharged Score is designed to provide when you shop through Recharged.
How Recharged can help
2023 Solterra range vs. key competitors
On paper, the 2023 Subaru Solterra’s range is competitive with some dual‑motor rivals but lags behind the leaders. Its real‑world range and especially its DC fast‑charging performance are better suited to everyday driving and light road‑trip duty than cross‑country cannonball runs.
How the 2023 Solterra’s range stacks up
Approximate EPA range figures for AWD compact EV crossovers in the same ballpark as the 2023 Solterra.
| Model & drivetrain | Battery (usable approx.) | EPA range (AWD trims) | Notable range traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Solterra AWD (2023) | ~64 kWh usable | 222–228 mi | Solid efficiency but modest total range; slower DC charging than many rivals. |
| Toyota bZ4X AWD (sister model) | ~64 kWh usable | 222–228 mi | Mechanically similar to Solterra; range and charging behavior very close. |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD (longer‑range pack) | ~77 kWh usable | ~256–266 mi | More range and much faster DC charging; 10–80% often in ~20–25 minutes in good conditions. |
| Kia EV6 AWD (bigger pack) | ~77 kWh usable | ~272 mi | Among the strongest in this class for both range and DC fast‑charging performance. |
| Ford Mustang Mach‑E Standard Range AWD | ~70 kWh usable | ~211 mi | Similar or slightly lower range than Solterra, but quicker DC charging on most trims. |
Exact numbers vary by trim, wheel size, and battery; this chart is meant as a directional comparison for shoppers.
How to read this comparison
Checklist: How to maximize range in a 2023 Solterra
Simple steps to get the most from every kWh
1. Set a smart daily charge limit
For daily use, set your Solterra’s charge limit around 80–90% rather than 100%. You’ll still have plenty of buffer while reducing long‑term battery stress.
2. Precondition while plugged in
On hot or cold days, use the app or in‑car settings to warm or cool the cabin while the Solterra is still plugged into Level 2. That way cabin comfort doesn’t come entirely out of your driving range.
3. Favor seat heaters over full‑blast HVAC
Seat and steering‑wheel heaters use far less energy than running the cabin heater at full strength. Combine modest cabin temps with seat heat for a big winter range win.
4. Keep highway speeds reasonable
If traffic allows, cruising at 68–72 mph instead of 78–80 mph can easily add 10–20 miles of usable range on a full charge.
5. Use stronger regen in stop‑and‑go
In city and suburban driving, choose stronger regenerative braking so the Solterra recovers more energy each time you slow down.
6. Watch cargo and roof accessories
Remove roof boxes and bike racks when you’re not using them, and pack lighter for long trips. Extra weight and drag translate directly into lower range.
7. Plan routes around reliable fast‑chargers
When you do road trips, use apps that show real‑time status and user reviews of DC fast‑chargers so you’re not stretching range to a station that’s offline.
8. Check tire pressures regularly
Under‑inflated tires are a quiet range killer. Keeping them at the recommended pressures improves efficiency and handling.
FAQ: 2023 Subaru Solterra range questions
Frequently asked questions about 2023 Solterra range
Is the 2023 Solterra’s range good enough for you?
The 2023 Subaru Solterra delivers honest, if not headline‑grabbing, range. In real‑world use, you’re looking at roughly **190–210 miles per charge in mild weather**, less in winter or at high speeds. That’s perfectly workable for commuting, weekend adventures, and most regional trips, especially if you can plug into Level 2 at home, but it’s not the best choice if you’re chasing the fewest possible charging stops on cross‑country drives.
Where the Solterra shines is in its combination of Subaru‑style traction, compact‑SUV practicality, and EV smoothness. If those traits matter more to you than ultimate highway range or ultra‑fast charging, a well‑priced used 2023 Solterra can be a smart buy, as long as you understand its real‑world limits and plan around them.
If you’re comparing a 2023 Solterra with other used EVs, shopping through Recharged gives you a leg up. Every vehicle comes with a Recharged Score battery health report, transparent pricing, and EV‑savvy guidance so you know exactly how much range you’re buying. That way, the numbers on paper, and on the dash, line up with the way you actually drive.
