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What do our experts think of the 2023 Subaru Solterra? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels and more. Find out our thoughts here.
2023 Subaru Solterra – media.subaru.com | Shop 2023 Subaru Solterra on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2023 Subaru Solterra?
Everything with the 2023 Subaru Solterra is new, it is the Japanese automakers’ first foray into the fledgling field of EVs, and apparently alliteration. Doing the badge engineering thing with Toyota and their incoming bz4x alphabet-soup of an SUV, the new mid-sized Solterra SUV certainly applies Subaru‘s ethos of keeping outdoor enthusiasts grinning.
The 2023 Subaru Solterra packs a number of useful ground clearance and off-road driving tricks, all of which help it compete with the new off-road-centric Rivian R1T that we review here. Rated for a maximum driving range of 228 miles, if you want one, hopefully you’re already on the list as Subaru only plans to build 6,500 units in this first year of production.
The Breakdown
Dramatic styling
Legit off-road ability
Loads of active safety
Badge engineering 101
Underwhelming range
Very limited availability
The Subaru of EVs
2023 Solterra Specs
- 215 horsepower from base engine
- 249 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 29 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Lead vehicle start alert snaps you out of the phone zone
- Voice activated assistant
- 100,000-mile battery warranty
2023 Subaru Solterra Powertrain
Subaru’s famous Symmetrical AWD is alive and well in the new Solterra, revised to work with Star Drive, which is the automakers’ brand name for their EV drivetrain. It consists of two AC synchronous electric motors, one for each axle, powered by a 96-cell Lithium-ion battery pack with a 72.8 kWh capacity.
Single-ratio reduction gear transaxles are located at either end to help drive all four wheels. Driver selectable modes consist of Normal, Eco, Power, and X-Mode. Time will tell if this new EV can avoid electrical gremlins experienced by the likes of Ford and Tesla, as we discuss here.
The X-Mode drive setting engages hill descent assist tech and the ability to step into snow/dirt or deep snow/mud modes. There’s also something called grip control, which behaves like a low-speed cruise control. Stability control can be turned off, so four-wheel power can be used for dirt-road antics if desired.
Subaru’s S-Pedal Drive allows for further driver control of the regenerative braking system. There are four settings to choose from, controlled via steering wheel paddle shifters.
As the Solterra is a Subaru, it follows the brand’s philosophy of “go-anywhere capability”, even with the EV architecture. To that end, it boasts 8.3-inches of ground clearance and the ability to ford nearly 20-inches of water. Subaru touts the short overhangs and solid approach/departure angles as well, but those pretty 20-inch wheels are best suited to light off-roading.
For our California readers, Subaru notes the 2023 Solterra should qualify for single-rider carpool lane access to make the pavement side of your adventure that much more enjoyable.
2023 Subaru Solterra Fuel Economy & MPG
With the 2023 Subaru Solterra, you can expect to go 228 miles in the base Premium model, or 222 miles on the upper-level models due to the larger 20-inch rims. The EV equivalent of traditional MPG is 114 MPGe in city driving and 94 on the highway for base models, figures that drop by 3 and 1, respectively, for the top models. As we share in this review, the new Mustang Mach-E can go quite a bit further with its 305-mile range.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The two-row, five-seat Solterra goes the PETA-friendly route by eschewing leather in favor of cloth or water-repellent StarTex upholstery, the latter of which looks quite fancy in a two-tone design on Touring models. Every Solterra comes with an acoustic laminated windshield to quiet ambient noise and on higher-level models, there is a full array of lovely LED illumination within the footwells and door handles.
Though Subaru notes the 41-inch-wide tailgate access, which can be opened hands-free on certain models, they don’t want to share maximum cargo volume specs. The back seat does fold down flat in a 60-40 configuration, but the only metric to be found is the 30 cubic feet available with that row upright.
This cargo capacity is on par with Ford’s Mustang Mach-E and nearly double the dinky 16 cubes found in the back of a Volvo XC40 Recharge. Check out our comparison of these two Solterra competitors here for more detail.
Entertainment & Technology
Measuring 12.3-inches, the 2023 Subaru Solterra offers a seemingly huge infotainment interface. Until you realize that the incoming Chevy Blazer EV, which we discuss here, is going to be offering a nearly 18-inch version. Nonetheless, Subaru’s big screen is well integrated, flowing into the center console to resemble a mounted laptop.
All 2023 Solterra models are fitted with wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a wide range of vehicle connectivity systems under the Subaru Solterra Connect (SSC) umbrella. Features like a digital rearview mirror and 360° panoramic camera view are reserved for the top trim lines.
Safety Features
Subaru piles the 2023 Solterra with active safety nets under their EyeSight suite. It ranges from Emergency Steering Assist and Lane Departure Prevention to Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Proactive Driving Assist. Every model also features automatic high beam control and Blind Spot Monitoring. There is no shortage of passive systems like the eight airbags and vehicle stability management controls that work in the background to keep the Solterra planted in all conditions.
2023 Subaru Solterra Trims & Pricing
Premium – $46,220
The entry-level Solterra, Premium trim, sports 18” alloy wheels, LED headlights and keyless cabin access. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by automatic climate control – that can be preset via smartphone with the SSC functionality – and heated front seats. A 7-inch digital gauge cluster sits up high, abutted by an 8-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple and Android smartphone mirroring.
Limited – $49,720
The 20-inch wheels on Limited trim look sharp but come with a slight MPGe penalty. These midpack models boast a power-operated tailgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, phone-as-a-key tech, and a sporty dual-panel rooftop rear spoiler. From here on up, the 12.3-inch touchscreen is fitted as are heated rear outboard seats and a wireless phone charging dock.
Touring – $53,220
Top-dog Solterra Touring models are equipped with a panoramic sunroof and the option to paint your SUV with a black roof and contrasting body. Tech highlights include a digital rearview mirror with climatized front seats and upscale two-tone StarTex upholstery to dress up the joint. Like the Limited model, Touring trim comes with Advanced Park so the Solterra can park itself.
Warranties
Subaru’s warranty is of the standard variety with three years or 36,000 miles of coverage on the vehicle and five years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain. Fortunately, the battery and electrical component warranty steps up to match Kia by providing an 8-year/100,000-mile term. What you will not find is any complimentary factory-scheduled maintenance, something Hyundai, Toyota, and Chevy all offer.
What we think
2023 Subaru Solterra – media.subaru.com | Shop 2023 Subaru Solterra on Carsforsale.com
I think it’s fair to say the 2023 Subaru Solterra adequately fills the “Subaru of EVs” shoe. Yes, it’ll be easy to confuse with Toyota’s virtually identical bz4X, but the Solterra does a good job of embodying the brand’s character of providing easy outdoor access with plenty of capability for light off-roading.
The EV/SUV segment isn’t jammed up with offerings just yet, but that will surely change, so Subaru will need to step up the Solterra’s driving range. For just under $50,000, I would go with the Limited model. It does give up a small amount of efficiency but with those sweet wheels and larger infotainment screen, it seems worthwhile.
