2024 Subaru Solterra Touring new car review

The Japanese brand has finally launched its long-awaited first electric car but it could prove a hard sell to its cult fan base.

Electric cars are expensive and complicated to build.

So Subaru teamed up with Toyota to split costs and co-develop their first electric cars – the results are the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X twins.

The Solterra brings together strong points from two of the most trusted and reliable car brands on the market.

Teh Subaru Solterra was co-developed with the Toyota bZ4X.

The Solterra isn’t cheap, though, with the base version priced at about $75,000 drive-away and the higher grade Touring variant at about $83,000.

This puts it head to head with some of the best in the business such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y.

The Solterra is more Toyota than Subaru, but maintains the brand’s ruggedness.

It’s all-wheel drive only, and unlike many other electric cars, it can go off-road.

Two electric motors combine for 160kW and 337Nm and are fed by a 71.4kWh battery that delivers a driving range of up to 414km on the strict WLTP test cycle. A max charge rate of 150kW can refill the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes.

Unlike most electric cars it can handle some light off-roading.

A dedicated X-Mode – with settings for snow/dirt and deep snow/mud – enhances grip on slippery surfaces and acts in a similar way to a limited slip differential by sending power to wheels with purchase and cutting grunt from those spinning freely.

Drivers can also set a maximum speed for the X-Mode up to 10km/h and the car will maintain it automatically, helping to control the vehicle over dodgy terrain.

This is coupled with segment leading ground clearance, which is about the same as the Subaru Outback wagon.

On a four-wheel drive track in regional Queensland the Solterra had little issues climbing and descending steep hills that featured rutted and rocky tracks and several shallow creek crossings. Gravel and dirt roads were no problem either.

The cabin lacks the wow factor of some rivals.

Back on the road, the Solterra is a strong performer.

Well-sorted suspension keeps the Solterra tied down superbly. It soaks up bumps and road imperfections better than most electric cars on the road.

It’s no sports car, but handles a twisting road well for a high-riding SUV.

In urban areas the Solterra is smooth and refined and it’s composed on the highway.

The steering is well suited to a family SUV and it’s zippy and agile around town has plenty of grunt on tap if required to overtake at speed.

It's a comfortable SUV to drive with well sorted suspension.

Noise from the tyres can become an issue on rougher road surfaces at higher speeds.

The Solterra isn’t likely to turn a lot of heads.

Both variants have LED lighting front and back, the Touring grade rides on 20-inch alloy wheels while the base version wears 18-inch alloys.

The cheaper version has cloth seats that are power adjustable for the driver only. The Touring ups this with faux leather upholstery and power movement for the passenger.

Both have heated front seats and leather steering wheel and the Touring has a panoramic sunroof.

A 12.3-inch infotainment screen and seven-inch digital driver’s display is standard across the range and the Touring variant brings a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo and wireless device charger.

The driving range is only about 414km.

The cabin fit-out is conservative with lots of dark grey plastic surfaces mixed with a couple of textured elements such as an arm chair-like fabric weave on the dashboard.

There is plenty of storage space in the centre console. Physical climate controls in the centre dash are a welcome addition in an increasingly digital age.

Back seat room is excellent and a fully flat floor makes the middle seat actually usable. There are USB-C charging ports, aircon vents and heated window seats for back seat passengers.

The boot is a decent size but is long rather than deep and is accessed via a power tailgate.

Subaru doesn’t have its Eyesight safety technology in the Solterra, instead opting for Toyota’s safety suite. This results in less nannying and overall less aggressive safety tech.

Subaru further sweetens the deal with a five year/unlimited km warranty and free servicing and roadside assistance for five years.

VERDICT 3.5/5

The Solterra doesn’t have the wow factor of many hi-tech rivals but it will be a familiar experience for hundreds of thousands of drivers. It’s a safe transition for those looking to start electric motoring.

SUBARU SOLTERRA TOURING

PRICE About $83,000 drive-away

MOTOR Two electric motors, 160kW and 337Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING Five year/unlimited km, free for five years

SAFETY 7 airbags, auto emergency braking, lane keep, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning, safe exit warning, 360 camera.

RANGE 414km

SPARE Repair kit

LUGGAGE 410-litres

Originally published as 2024 Subaru Solterra Touring new car review