The Subaru Solterra is the automaker's first-ever electric vehicle (EV), developed in partnership with the Toyota bZ4X and introduced for the 2023 model year.

What’s New for the 2024 Subaru Solterra

Although the Solterra is only in its second year, this is no carryover model. Subaru has already made several enhancements to the Solterra and, even more unexpectedly, has managed to do so without increasing its price.

Design

The Solterra sports the body-colored front end, unbroken by traditional grille vents or air intakes, that's becoming more and more familiar as EVs become more commonplace. It's hardly surprising that it bears a strong resemblance to the bZ4X, but Subaru's version is distinguished by the shape of the headlights and the large hexagonal panel framing the badge on its nose. Body cladding on both vehicles is on the heavy-handed side, not only outlining the wheel arches but also flowing up to the headlights and and down to the chin at the front.

The Solterra is offered in three trims. The base trim, called Premium, comes with 18-inch wheels, while the middle Limited and top Touring trims have 20-inch wheels. Roof rails are newly standard for 2024 and can support up to 700 pounds when the Solterra is parked or up to 176 when it's in motion, capacities which Subaru points out are perfect for a rooftop tent.

Powertrain

As the first Subaru EV, the Solterra also became the first EV with symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), though it shared that honor with the mechanically identical bZ4X. It does beat its Toyota equivalent on ground clearance, however, with 8.3 inches. That combines with the X-Mode traction-management system and downhill assist control to make the Solterra the superior off-roader.

Every 2024 Solterra has a 72.8-kWh battery pack paired with two electric motors to produce a total of 215 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque. The EPA places the Solterra Premium's range at 228, while Limited and Touring trims are estimated to get 220 miles of range on a full charge. The Solterra can now charge from 10 to 80 percent in 35 minutes, and Subaru says that with more-efficient battery conditioning for 2024, charging in sub-freezing temperatures is also significantly faster.

An important note for shoppers avoiding EVs due to range anxiety: Buyers and lessees of a new Solterra will be able to borrow an internal combustion engine (ICE) or hybrid Subaru for up to 10 days through the company's Just Drive Rental program.

Interior

Dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats are standard on the Solterra. For 2024, a heated steering wheel becomes standard on the Limited trim, and Touring now gets standard front-seat ventilation. Both Limited and Touring upgrade Premium's cloth seating surfaces to StarTex synthetic leather, and now, both come standard with an eight-way power-adjustable passenger's seat in addition to the 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Subaru has also redesigned the steering wheel for 2024, squaring it off and adding paddles to control the regenerative braking.

Technology

The 2024 Solterra comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessed through an 8-inch touchscreen. SiriusXM is also included, along with a four-month trial subscription, and Subaru Solterra Connect gives subscribers remote lock and unlock, remote climate control, and Wi-Fi, among other features.

The Limited trim upgrades from the standard 8-inch to a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and also adds an 11-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system and a wireless charging pad. Opting for the Touring trim will add a digital rearview mirror as well.

Safety

Every Solterra comes with Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance features. This was true last year, too, but the 2024 Solterra debuts an enhanced version of EyeSight with several Subaru-firsts. These include a level 2 autonomous driving feature that combines adaptive cruise control, stop-and-go capability, and lane-keeping assist to let the vehicle drive itself at speeds up to 25 mph (driver supervision still required, of course). Lane changes can now be activated with a turn signal, and front cross-traffic alert has joined the roster that still includes blind-spot monitoring, road sign assist, and rear camera detection with pedestrian warning. A rear-seat reminder is also standard.

Limited and Touring trims get a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor to assist in parking, plus an Advanced Park feature, which can assist with both parallel and perpendicular parking.

The 2023 Subaru Solterra earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a top 5-star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2024, with its new and improved driver-assistance features, appears poised to perform equally well in crash testing.

Pricing

In spite of its many enhancements, the Subaru Solterra holds at a base price of $44,995 for 2024. Qualification for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits will be determined by the owner rather than the vehicle itself, which is eligible. The Solterra Limited starts at $48,495, and the range-topping Solterra Touring starts at $51,995. All trims are subject to a destination fee of $1,345.