Subaru came late to the electric-vehicle party, but if you’ve been loyal to the brand’s all‑weather capability it’s natural to start searching for Subaru EVs as you think about your next car. The catch is that, in the US, the Subaru EV story is still mostly one vehicle, the Solterra, with a more interesting future just over the horizon. This guide walks you through where Subaru’s EV lineup stands today, what’s coming, and how to decide if a Subaru EV fits your life and budget.
Quick takeaway
Subaru EVs at a Glance in 2025
Subaru EV Snapshot (US, Late 2025)
A quick reality check
Current Subaru EV Lineup: What Actually Exists Today
In the US, Subaru’s EV lineup is refreshingly simple, maybe too simple:
- Subaru Solterra (2023–present): Compact all‑wheel‑drive electric SUV, co‑developed with Toyota and closely related to the Toyota bZ4X.
- No Subaru plug‑in hybrid currently on sale in the US. The Crosstrek Hybrid has been discontinued.
- No electric versions yet of popular nameplates like Outback or Forester.
Shared platform with Toyota
Subaru Solterra EV: Specs, Range, and Real-World Use
Powertrain, trims, and pricing
Every Solterra sold in the US uses a dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive setup with about 215 horsepower and Subaru’s X‑Mode drive software for snow, dirt, and mild off‑road use. For 2025, Subaru offers several trims, Premium, Limited, Touring, and Touring Onyx Edition, with MSRPs roughly from the high $30,000s to mid‑$40,000s before destination and any incentives. All trims share the same 72.8 kWh battery pack and basic powertrain; higher trims layer in larger wheels, more tech, and additional comfort features rather than extra performance.
Range: On paper vs. on the road
2025 Solterra EPA Range by Trim
How the main Solterra trims compare on rated range. Actual range will vary with speed, temperature, and terrain.
| Trim | Drive | EPA Range (mi) | Wheel Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | AWD | 227 | 18-inch |
| Limited | AWD | 222 | 20-inch |
| Touring | AWD | 222 | 20-inch |
| Touring Onyx Edition | AWD | 222 | 20-inch |
Smaller wheels and careful driving help the Solterra get closest to its rated range.
Real‑world range expectations
Charging speed and convenience
Charging is where the Solterra feels a step behind the latest wave of EVs. Its onboard AC charger tops out at 6.6 kW on Level 2, which means a full charge from low state of charge at home typically takes around 9 hours on a 240V, 40‑amp circuit. DC fast charging peaks around 100 kW and, in ideal conditions, Subaru says you can move from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes. Independent testing has shown that the car doesn’t always hit or hold that peak rate, especially as the battery warms up or in cold weather, so your actual fast‑charge stops may be closer to 40–45 minutes.
Cold‑weather charging
Driving experience and space
Daily driving and comfort
The Solterra feels like a Subaru first and an EV second. The ride is comfortable, body motions are well‑controlled, and the steering is light but accurate. With 215 hp it’s not a rocket ship, but 0–60 mph in roughly six seconds is more than quick enough for merging and passing.
The cabin skews modern and slightly quirky, with a high‑set instrument display and a squared steering wheel that some drivers love and others never quite get used to.
Space, utility, and off‑pavement use
You get seating for five and cargo space similar to a compact SUV, comfortably enough for a family, a dog, and weekend gear. There’s no front trunk (frunk), but the rear cargo area is squared‑off and useful.
Ground clearance is about 8.3 inches, which, combined with Subaru’s traction modes, makes the Solterra surprisingly capable on dirt roads, snow, and light trails compared with many other EV crossovers.
Charging a Subaru EV: Home, Public, and Tesla Superchargers
Whether you’re in a Solterra today or eyeing a future Subaru EV, your charging game plan matters just as much as battery size. Here’s how Subaru EV charging breaks down.
- Level 1 (120V): Standard household outlet. Fine for plugging in overnight at a cabin or topping up a low‑mileage commuter, but too slow to rely on every day for most drivers.
- Level 2 (240V): The sweet spot for home. A dedicated 240V circuit and wallbox (or a capable portable Level 2 charger) will refuel a Solterra from low to full while you sleep.
- DC fast charging: Road‑trip energy. Public DC fast chargers along highways can add 60–150+ miles in a session, depending on station power and conditions.
Home charging is the real game‑changer
Subaru EVs and Tesla Superchargers (NACS)
Like most legacy automakers, Subaru is transitioning its EVs to use Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), opening up access to thousands of Tesla Superchargers. The current Solterra uses the CCS1 connector in the US, but Subaru has announced support for NACS going forward, and the updated 2026 Solterra and upcoming Uncharted EV are expected to ship with NACS ports in North America. If you buy a 2023–2025 Solterra, expect to rely primarily on CCS fast‑charging networks (Electrify America, EVgo, etc.) and, over time, potentially use an adapter once Subaru finalizes its NACS rollout.
Adapters and compatibility
Practical charging tips for Subaru EV owners
Set your Subaru EV up for painless charging
Install a 240V circuit early
Before your Solterra arrives, line up an electrician to install a 40–50 amp, 240V circuit near your parking spot. It’s usually cheaper and easier to do this before you’re depending on the car.
Choose the right Level 2 hardware
A 32–40 amp Level 2 charger is plenty for a Solterra’s 6.6 kW onboard limit. Paying for a much higher‑amp unit won’t make this particular vehicle charge faster but may future‑proof your setup.
Learn your local fast‑charge networks
Download apps for networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. Add payment methods and test a local station before your first long trip.
Precondition in cold weather
On freezing days, start charging sooner and, when possible, pre‑heat the cabin while plugged in so you’re not burning driving range just to get warm.
Avoid living at 100% or 0%
For long battery life, keep daily charging between about 20% and 80–90% and save full 100% charges for road trips.
Future Subaru EVs: Uncharted and Beyond
The Solterra is just the opening move. Subaru has outlined plans to add multiple EVs on shared platforms with Toyota, with the goal of significantly growing EV sales later this decade. The most concrete upcoming model is the 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV.
What we know about Subaru’s next EVs
Details will evolve, but the broad direction is clear.
Subaru Uncharted (2026)
A smaller electric SUV based on Toyota’s latest C‑HR‑derived EV platform. Expect:
- Single‑motor FWD and dual‑motor AWD versions
- Estimated range around 290–300 miles, depending on configuration
- Standard NACS fast‑charging port for native Tesla Supercharger access
- A more affordable starting price, likely in the low $30,000s for FWD
Beyond 2026
Subaru has publicly discussed additional EVs, including larger crossovers aimed at its core Outback/Forester audience. Timelines and specs are still fluid, but you should expect:
- More powerful and efficient battery packs than today’s Solterra
- Universal NACS adoption to simplify fast charging
- More differentiation from Toyota in driving feel and packaging
Why the next gen matters
Is a Subaru EV Right for You? Key Use Cases
Where Subaru EVs make a lot of sense
- Daily commuting under ~60 miles round‑trip with home Level 2 charging.
- All‑weather families who value ground clearance and AWD more than 0–60 bragging rights.
- Weekend adventure duty, ski trips, trailhead access, gravel and dirt roads, within a few hours of home.
- Drivers who prefer a familiar Subaru driving feel and interior layout over bleeding‑edge tech.
Where you might want to look elsewhere
- Frequent long‑distance road‑trippers who rely heavily on DC fast charging.
- Drivers in very cold regions who regularly fast‑charge in winter and want the fastest stations and highest charging curves.
- Shoppers focused on maximum range per dollar rather than Subaru‑specific traits.
Don’t ignore charging curves
Buying New vs. Used Subaru EVs
Because Subaru entered the EV market later than some competitors, the used Solterra market is still relatively young, but it’s already offering meaningful discounts versus new. That creates both opportunity and risk.
Pros and cons: New vs. used Solterra
How to think about model‑year updates, depreciation, and battery health.
Why buy new
- Full new‑vehicle warranty and EV battery warranty.
- Access to the latest software, safety tech, and cold‑weather improvements (especially 2024+).
- Cleaner path to future NACS support and over‑the‑air updates, depending on Subaru’s rollout.
Why consider used
- Early Solterra models have already taken their steepest depreciation hit.
- You can often step up to a higher trim used for the price of a new base model.
- Real‑world range and charging behavior are well‑documented by existing owners.
Battery health matters more than odometer
When you shop for a used Subaru Solterra through Recharged, every vehicle includes a Recharged Score Report that shows verified battery health, charging history patterns, and how the price compares to the broader EV market. That helps you weigh, for example, whether a lower‑mileage 2023 Solterra with slightly slower fast‑charging is still a better value than a newer, higher‑priced 2025 example.
Used Subaru Solterra buying checklist
Confirm detailed battery diagnostics
Ask for a third‑party or OEM‑grade report on remaining battery capacity and any history of rapid degradation. Recharged provides this as part of the Recharged Score.
Check charging behavior
Look for signs of heavy DC fast‑charge use (which can age a pack faster) and test fast‑charging yourself if possible.
Verify software and recalls
Make sure the car has had all recall work and software updates performed, especially on early Solterras where charging behavior was improved via updates.
Think about your timeline
If you plan to keep the car for many years, newer model years with better charging and NACS support may be worth paying up for.
How Subaru EVs Compare to Rival Electric SUVs
No EV purchase decision exists in a vacuum. The Solterra competes directly with compact electric SUVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Volkswagen ID.4, Nissan Ariya, and of course its platform cousin, the Toyota bZ/bZ4X. Subaru’s upcoming Uncharted EV will dive into the same pool.
Subaru Solterra vs. Key Electric SUV Rivals (High Level)
A simplified comparison to show where Subaru’s current EV stands out, and where it doesn’t.
| Model | Drive Layout | Max EPA Range (approx.) | Peak DC Fast Charge | Standout Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Solterra | AWD only | Up to ~227 mi | ~100 kW | Standard AWD, ground clearance, Subaru feel |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | RWD / AWD | Up to ~320 mi | 230+ kW | Very fast charging, long‑range options |
| Kia EV6 | RWD / AWD | Up to ~310 mi | 230+ kW | Sporty driving, high‑power charging |
| VW ID.4 | RWD / AWD | Up to ~291 mi | 125–175 kW | Strong value, practical interior |
| Toyota bZ (bZ4X) | FWD / AWD | Up to mid‑200s | Up to 150 kW (newer FWD) | Toyota dealer network, improving efficiency |
Always cross‑shop; the right answer depends on your priorities, not just brand loyalty.
Subaru’s niche in the EV market
FAQ: Subaru EVs
Frequently asked questions about Subaru EVs
Bottom Line: How to Shop Smart for a Subaru EV
Subaru EVs are still in their early chapters. The Solterra gives Subaru loyalists a credible, if not class‑leading, electric option that preserves the brand’s all‑weather character. The next wave of EVs, Uncharted and beyond, should move Subaru much closer to the segment leaders on range and charging while keeping the outdoors‑friendly personality that built its fan base in the first place.
If you’re shopping now, start by mapping your daily miles, your access to home charging, and how often you truly road‑trip. Then compare new and used Solterras against rivals and against your own timeline for future models. And if a used Subaru EV looks like the right move, consider letting Recharged handle the heavy lifting: from battery‑health diagnostics and fair‑market valuation to financing, trade‑in, and nationwide delivery, the goal is simple, make your first (or next) Subaru EV as transparent and low‑stress as possible.
