The 2024 Subaru Solterra is Subaru’s first all-electric SUV and, in many ways, it feels exactly like you’d expect: safe, all-wheel drive, quietly capable off‑pavement. But in an EV market defined by big range numbers and blistering fast‑charging, the Solterra shows up to a gunfight with a Swiss Army knife. This 2024 Subaru Solterra review walks through real‑world range, charging performance, driving feel, safety, and whether it makes more sense as a **new** or **used** EV, especially if you’re cross‑shopping Hyundai, Kia, or Tesla.
At a glance
2024 Subaru Solterra overview
2024 Subaru Solterra core specs (U.S.)
Key numbers that matter when you’re comparing the Solterra to other compact electric SUVs.
| Spec | 2024 Solterra (all trims) |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Dual‑motor all‑wheel drive |
| Power / torque | 215 hp / 249 lb‑ft |
| Battery (gross / est. net) | 71.4 kWh / ~65 kWh |
| EPA range | 227 mi (Premium) / 222 mi (Limited & Touring) |
| EPA efficiency | Up to 102 MPGe combined |
| Peak DC fast‑charge | ~100 kW (10–80% in about 35 min, ideal conditions) |
| Onboard AC charger | 6.6 kW |
| Ground clearance | 8.3 inches |
| Towing | Not rated in the U.S. |
All 2024 Solterra trims share the same battery and dual‑motor AWD powertrain.
On paper, the Solterra checks a lot of sensible‑Subaru boxes: standard dual‑motor **all‑wheel drive**, generous **8.3 inches of ground clearance**, and a cabin that feels more REI than Rodeo Drive. Underneath, it’s a close twin to the Toyota bZ4X, but Subaru tunes it with a slightly more adventurous brief, think unpaved trailheads, muddy parking lots, and snow‑day commutes rather than hardcore rock‑crawling.
Tip for shoppers
Battery, range, and charging: the Solterra’s biggest compromise
Real‑world range & charging highlights
If the Solterra has an Achilles’ heel, it’s range and charging. A usable battery of around 65 kWh feeding dual motors simply can’t compete with roomier‑battery rivals. The **EPA numbers, 222–227 miles, are fine around town**, and some independent tests have actually beaten those figures in mixed driving. On a fast highway run, though, owners report closer to 190–210 miles before you start nervously eyeing the next charger.
Charging is similarly a tale of "good enough" in a segment that increasingly demands "great." The 2024 model’s updated battery management software has improved DC fast‑charging over the 2023 car, bringing Subaru’s official claim down to about **35 minutes from 10–80% on a strong DC fast charger**. In practice, reviewers have seen peaks near 100 kW but an **average closer to the high‑60 kW range**, meaning you’re spending longer plugged in than in a Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6, which can briefly hit 230–350 kW on the right hardware.
Home charging limitation
- Best‑case DC fast charge (2024 update): ~35 minutes from 10–80% on a ~100 kW charger in ideal conditions
- Typical real‑world DC fast charge: closer to 40–50 minutes 10–80% depending on temperature and charger quality
- Level 2 home charging: roughly 25–30 miles of added range per hour on a 40‑amp home EVSE
- Cold‑weather charging: improved over early cars, but like most EVs, expect slower rates and reduced range in deep winter
Cold‑climate perspective
Performance and driving impressions
With dual motors and 215 horsepower, the Solterra is not a stoplight brawler so much as a very swift Forester. Independent testing has clocked **0–60 mph in the low‑6‑second range**, which is plenty quick for merging, passing, and on‑ramps. What you notice more than outright speed is the instant, silent shove from a stop and the feeling of sure‑footedness when the weather or road surface goes bad.
On‑road manners
- Ride quality: Supple and quiet, especially on the Premium’s 18‑inch wheels. The Limited and Touring’s 20‑inch wheels add a touch of impact harshness over broken pavement.
- Handling: Light steering and modest body roll; it feels secure rather than sporty. Think "confidence in the rain" not "Nürburgring lap times."
- Noise: Well‑suppressed wind and road noise make highway cruising pleasantly calm.
Off‑pavement confidence
- Standard AWD: Dual motors continuously shuffle torque for traction; there’s no front‑drive base model.
- X‑Mode & Grip Control: Subaru’s off‑road drive modes, plus a low‑speed hill‑descent‑style system, make gravel and light trails feel easy.
- Ground clearance: 8.3 inches is serious for a compact EV, matching or beating many gas Subarus.
This isn’t a rock crawler, but as an EV that actually enjoys leaving the pavement, it’s near the top of the class.
Where the Solterra shines
Ride comfort, interior, and tech
Inside, the Solterra feels modern but not flashy. Subaru goes for a light, open cabin with a floating center console, fabric‑accented dash, and a steering wheel/instrument cluster combo that’s, frankly, a bit controversial. The **digital gauge cluster sits high and far forward**, almost like a head‑up display. Some drivers love the "eyes‑up" feel; others struggle to find a wheel/seat position that doesn’t partially block the screen.
Interior & tech highlights
Where the Solterra feels fresh, and where it still shows its Toyota bones.
Comfort & seating
- Supportive front seats with available heating and ventilation on higher trims.
- Rear bench is adult‑friendly, though not as lounge‑like as an Ioniq 5.
- Panoramic glass roof on upper trims adds light but can let in heat in sunny climates.
Infotainment & connectivity
- Large central touchscreen with a clean UI carried over from Toyota.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on Limited and Touring trims.
- Available wireless phone charging pad and multiple USB‑C ports.
Everyday usability
- Physical volume and temperature knobs (thankfully) minimize screen‑tapping.
- Good outward visibility by EV standards, though the rear glass is a bit narrow.
- Plenty of small‑item storage in the floating console and under‑bridge area.
Ergonomics caveat
Space, practicality, and ownership experience
The Solterra is sized right in the heart of the compact‑SUV class. Passenger space front and rear is generous, and the flat floor helps with middle‑seat comfort. Cargo volume is competitive with other electric crossovers; there’s no front trunk, but the rear seatbacks fold nearly flat, and the load floor is friendly for dogs, strollers, and camping gear.
Practicality snapshot
Key interior and cargo dimensions that matter day to day.
| Area | 2024 Solterra |
|---|---|
| Seating | 5 passengers |
| Passenger space | Roomy for four adults; fifth okay for shorter trips |
| Cargo space behind 2nd row | Mid‑pack among compact SUVs (similar to Forester) |
| Max cargo with seats folded | Enough for bikes with front wheels off or a big Costco run |
| Roof rails | Yes – handy for cargo boxes, bikes, or kayaks |
The Solterra trades a frunk for a conventional SUV cargo hold with a wide opening and low lift‑over.
Ownership perks & considerations
Safety ratings and driver assistance
If there’s one area where the 2024 Solterra absolutely nails its brief, it’s safety. The Solterra earned a **2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+** rating, thanks to strong crash‑test performance, solid headlights, and a robust suite of active‑safety tech. That puts it in the top tier of compact SUVs, electric or not.
- Standard Subaru EyeSight–branded driver assistance (built on Toyota’s latest system) including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane‑keep assist.
- Standard blind‑spot monitoring and rear cross‑traffic alert on U.S. models.
- Available 360‑degree camera system on higher trims, which is particularly nice off‑pavement or in tight city parking.
- Top ratings in updated small‑overlap and side‑impact crash tests from IIHS.
Recent recall note
2024 Solterra vs key EV rivals
The compact EV crossover space is brutally competitive. The Solterra isn’t trying to out‑Tesla Tesla; it’s trying to be the most Subaru‑ish EV you can buy. That said, you should absolutely compare it with the segment leaders before deciding.
How the 2024 Solterra stacks up
High‑level comparison of the Solterra against common alternatives.
| Model | Drivetrain | EPA range (approx.) | Peak DC fast‑charge | Onboard AC | 0–60 mph (approx.) | Notable strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Solterra | Dual‑motor AWD | 222–227 mi | ~100 kW | 6.6 kW | ≈6.1 s | Standard AWD, ground clearance, safety, Subaru image |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 (AWD) | Dual‑motor AWD | ≈260–270 mi | Up to 235–350 kW | 10–11 kW | ≈5.1 s | Blistering fast charging, longer range, retro‑cool design |
| Kia EV6 (AWD) | Dual‑motor AWD | ≈250–270 mi | Up to 235–350 kW | 10–11 kW | ≈5.1 s | Sportier drive, great charging, stylish cabin |
| Volkswagen ID.4 (AWD) | Dual‑motor AWD | ≈255–275 mi | Up to ~175 kW | 11 kW | ≈5.7 s | Roomy interior, solid range, improving software |
| Tesla Model Y (AWD) | Dual‑motor AWD | ≈260–310 mi | Varies; generally fast | 11.5 kW | ≈4.4–5.0 s | Range, charging network, software ecosystem |
Specs are approximate and vary by trim, battery, and drivetrain; always verify exact figures for the model you’re shopping.
How to think about the Solterra vs rivals
Who the 2024 Solterra is (and isn’t) right for
Is the 2024 Solterra a good fit for you?
Match the car to your lifestyle before you fall for the badge.
Great choice if…
- You live somewhere with real winters and want confident, standard AWD traction.
- Your daily driving is under ~120 miles round‑trip and you can install **Level 2 home charging**.
- You like the Subaru vibe, practical, outdoorsy, safety‑oriented, and want an EV that feels like that.
- You occasionally head down dirt roads to trailheads, cabins, ski hills, or campsites.
Probably not ideal if…
- You routinely knock out 250‑ to 300‑mile highway days and rely on public fast charging.
- You want the absolute quickest, flashiest EV in the segment.
- You can’t install home charging and will depend mostly on DC fast chargers.
- You’re extremely sensitive to cabin ergonomics and find the high‑mounted cluster awkward in a test drive.
Buying a used Subaru Solterra: what to know
Because the Solterra launched for 2023 and carried into 2024 with mostly software‑level improvements, it’s quickly becoming interesting on the used market. Early‑adopter depreciation plus Subaru’s loyal customer base means you can often find low‑mileage examples at a meaningful discount versus new. That’s where a marketplace like Recharged comes in: every used EV we list includes a detailed **Recharged Score Report** so you’re not guessing about battery health or past charging habits.
Used Solterra checklist
1. Check battery health and DC‑fast history
EV value lives and dies with its battery. A Recharged Score battery diagnostic can reveal how much usable capacity remains and whether the car was fast‑charged heavily or mostly charged at home.
2. Confirm software updates & recalls
Make sure the 2024‑era charging and cold‑weather updates have been applied and that any open recalls, like the defroster software campaign, are completed. A dealer VIN check or Recharged report can confirm this.
3. Inspect tires and brakes
The Solterra is heavy, like most EVs. Check for uneven tire wear and ask for brake service history, regen helps pads last, but neglect can still cause issues.
4. Test all driver‑assist features
Verify adaptive cruise, lane‑keeping, 360‑camera (if equipped), parking sensors, and blind‑spot monitoring all work correctly. Glitches can indicate prior damage or incomplete calibration.
5. Try a full‑charge cycle
If possible, start near low state of charge and fast‑charge to ~80%, or do an overnight Level 2 charge. Watch for unusually slow charge rates or error messages that might hint at battery or charging‑port issues.
6. Look at your use case honestly
If you’re buying used to save money but plan frequent long road trips, a different used EV with more range might actually fit your life better. If your driving is mostly local, a discounted Solterra can be a smart value play.
How Recharged can help
FAQ: 2024 Subaru Solterra
Frequently asked questions about the 2024 Solterra
Final thoughts: should you buy a 2024 Subaru Solterra?
The 2024 Subaru Solterra is a cautious but competent first EV from a brand better known for boxer engines and ski‑lot parking passes. It doesn’t win spec‑sheet drag races: range and charging are simply mid‑pack or worse in a class where rivals are sprinting ahead. But it quietly excels at the things Subaru owners actually live with, year‑round traction, safety, and no‑nonsense usability, wrapped in a cabin that’s calm rather than shouty.
If you’re an outdoors‑minded driver with a short‑to‑medium daily commute, reliable home charging, and a soft spot for the Subaru way of doing things, the Solterra can be a smart, lower‑drama EV, especially as a **used** purchase once someone else has absorbed the steepest depreciation. If you live on the interstate and measure freedom in 300‑mile stints between bathroom breaks, you’ll be happier in something with more battery and faster charging.
Either way, don’t buy any EV in 2026 without understanding its battery health. On Recharged, every Solterra comes with a **Recharged Score Report**, EV‑savvy support, financing, and optional nationwide delivery, so you can decide, clear‑eyed, whether this particular electric Subaru fits your life, your budget, and your idea of what an EV should be.
