2024 Subaru Solterra Review - Is It The Electric Forester You Asked For Or An Electric Uh-Oh
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Date: 2024-05-09
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Comments and reviews: 20
davetravels9273
I own a Subaru Outback XT and a Tesla Model Y. My Subaru dealer has tried so hard to sell me a Soltera and I want to like it but the range, efficiency and charging speeds are a non starter. You forgot one more factor, you can get a Tesla model Y for 3-5k less in inventory at the end of the quarter. We just bought our Model Y Dual Motor LR for 44. 6k plus we got 12. 5k in tax credits because we live in Colorado, so we paid 32k! We are seeing efficiency of 260-270 kWh/mile. Plus we got 2 years of free supercharging since we traded in our Model 3. We have already driven across the entire state to go skiing and the Tesla is just so easy. The charging is ridiculously fast. It’s so fast at charging that we almost can’t get back to the car before it hits 100% and we were aiming for aiming for 80-90%. At the end of the day, I can’t justify any other brand until they come down in price. I also love not having to haggle. I watch inventory until I see the price I want and reserve. Done!
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I own a Subaru Outback XT and a Tesla Model Y. My Subaru dealer has tried so hard to sell me a Soltera and I want to like it but the range, efficiency and charging speeds are a non starter. You forgot one more factor, you can get a Tesla model Y for 3-5k less in inventory at the end of the quarter. We just bought our Model Y Dual Motor LR for 44. 6k plus we got 12. 5k in tax credits because we live in Colorado, so we paid 32k! We are seeing efficiency of 260-270 kWh/mile. Plus we got 2 years of free supercharging since we traded in our Model 3. We have already driven across the entire state to go skiing and the Tesla is just so easy. The charging is ridiculously fast. It’s so fast at charging that we almost can’t get back to the car before it hits 100% and we were aiming for aiming for 80-90%. At the end of the day, I can’t justify any other brand until they come down in price. I also love not having to haggle. I watch inventory until I see the price I want and reserve. Done!
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ronkemperful
Doug Demuro got this one right: one of the worst new cars for 2024. This car is loaded with compromises: No glove compartment. A steering wheel that has to live in your lap. No front trunk. Three separate cooling systems that are not integrated. A storage area with a window that cuts into usable storage (and no spare tire. Cheap and tacky upholstery. A very distant speedometer with tiny fonts. A battery that is purposely hamstringed to give the driver an artificial impression of longevity. Slow on board charging on 220. Expensive to buy with no Federal incentives. Inefficient heat pump that cannot function below 14 degrees. so as a result Winter range is halved. I think ANYONE who is a Toyota loyalist and with a brain deficiency should indeed buy this car. And, as a Subaru loyalist I have to say that this is just a Toyota that is sold at Subaru dealerships.
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Doug Demuro got this one right: one of the worst new cars for 2024. This car is loaded with compromises: No glove compartment. A steering wheel that has to live in your lap. No front trunk. Three separate cooling systems that are not integrated. A storage area with a window that cuts into usable storage (and no spare tire. Cheap and tacky upholstery. A very distant speedometer with tiny fonts. A battery that is purposely hamstringed to give the driver an artificial impression of longevity. Slow on board charging on 220. Expensive to buy with no Federal incentives. Inefficient heat pump that cannot function below 14 degrees. so as a result Winter range is halved. I think ANYONE who is a Toyota loyalist and with a brain deficiency should indeed buy this car. And, as a Subaru loyalist I have to say that this is just a Toyota that is sold at Subaru dealerships.
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Brian-dd2df
I really liked test driving the 2023 Solterra. I really wanted to like it, but the strange lack of a glove box, mixed with the slow charge speeds and lower range are conflicting. The idea behind the car is one designed for going off the beaten path. So they gave us one that can’t go very far and would take much longer than the competition to charge to get to a destination.
I still see the Solterra as a product great for people living in super muddy and/or snowy regions that would use it to putt around town comfortably. Where EV’s are most prominent, Southern California, it doesn’t make sense to buy one in a climate where the off-road capability isn’t really necessary.
Speaking as a San Diegan who’s owned 3 Subarus and wanted to stay brand loyal.
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I really liked test driving the 2023 Solterra. I really wanted to like it, but the strange lack of a glove box, mixed with the slow charge speeds and lower range are conflicting. The idea behind the car is one designed for going off the beaten path. So they gave us one that can’t go very far and would take much longer than the competition to charge to get to a destination.
I still see the Solterra as a product great for people living in super muddy and/or snowy regions that would use it to putt around town comfortably. Where EV’s are most prominent, Southern California, it doesn’t make sense to buy one in a climate where the off-road capability isn’t really necessary.
Speaking as a San Diegan who’s owned 3 Subarus and wanted to stay brand loyal.
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BradKalinoski
I bought this car for my wife the BZ4X. And its literally the worst EV on the market. Its embarrassing. The residual value is terrible the implementation is horrible. Its just that Mr Toyoda, said, just get the damn thing done and out of our hair. Because they did nothing to make this a liveable EV. Its simply the worst. Dont consider either car. Subaru or the Toyota. The best design, and I mean I want it in ever single car. The drivers display at the window. Its simply a perfect design. To bad the rest of the car is bad.
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I bought this car for my wife the BZ4X. And its literally the worst EV on the market. Its embarrassing. The residual value is terrible the implementation is horrible. Its just that Mr Toyoda, said, just get the damn thing done and out of our hair. Because they did nothing to make this a liveable EV. Its simply the worst. Dont consider either car. Subaru or the Toyota. The best design, and I mean I want it in ever single car. The drivers display at the window. Its simply a perfect design. To bad the rest of the car is bad.
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michaelhawkins5530
The all black interior would make me feel like I'm driving around inside a coal mine. The instrument cluster is form over function for perhaps the most critical interface in a vehicle. The only reason to have one of these in your driveway is because it has one of the cheapest leases in the USA. Shiny black plastics are always bad to actually live with. To purchase one would be a terrible financial idea since it going to depreciate like a Geo Metro.
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The all black interior would make me feel like I'm driving around inside a coal mine. The instrument cluster is form over function for perhaps the most critical interface in a vehicle. The only reason to have one of these in your driveway is because it has one of the cheapest leases in the USA. Shiny black plastics are always bad to actually live with. To purchase one would be a terrible financial idea since it going to depreciate like a Geo Metro.
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blackwhirlwind1245
That digital gauge cluster or Head up display is one of the worst design ever, Toyota needs to get rid of it, just offer a regular one as well as regular round steering wheel. Also, that infotainment screen with climate controls and center console is asymmetrical, which is eyesore. Also, get rid of that black plastic around the headlights. Nissan Ariya is the best looking EV so far in my opinion. This car is just bad.
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That digital gauge cluster or Head up display is one of the worst design ever, Toyota needs to get rid of it, just offer a regular one as well as regular round steering wheel. Also, that infotainment screen with climate controls and center console is asymmetrical, which is eyesore. Also, get rid of that black plastic around the headlights. Nissan Ariya is the best looking EV so far in my opinion. This car is just bad.
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miraphycs7377
If you are talking about efficiency, combined hgwycity in SUV category. Only Tesla Model Y(AWD, Long Range AWD, RWD) gets more Le/km. If you are looking at whole bev category then only Lucid air touring and pure, Ioniq 6, Model Y and 3 are the only ones more efficient than this/bz4x. They match Model S, EV6, Bolt EV and EUV. It still more efficient than ID4, Ioniq 5, Model X, Mach E and everything from BMW and Audi.
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If you are talking about efficiency, combined hgwycity in SUV category. Only Tesla Model Y(AWD, Long Range AWD, RWD) gets more Le/km. If you are looking at whole bev category then only Lucid air touring and pure, Ioniq 6, Model Y and 3 are the only ones more efficient than this/bz4x. They match Model S, EV6, Bolt EV and EUV. It still more efficient than ID4, Ioniq 5, Model X, Mach E and everything from BMW and Audi.
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Wised1000
As crappy as BZX4. To be expected from an identical car. Basicly, a very fine golf cart. Short range, slow charging and cannot do long trips since it has a limit on how many fast charges it can do in a row. To add insult to injury, it's not cheap. As an EV, there is no way to put lipstick on this pig!
At least if you buy the Lexus version they offer you a loaner if you need to drive far, unbelievable, but true!
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As crappy as BZX4. To be expected from an identical car. Basicly, a very fine golf cart. Short range, slow charging and cannot do long trips since it has a limit on how many fast charges it can do in a row. To add insult to injury, it's not cheap. As an EV, there is no way to put lipstick on this pig!
At least if you buy the Lexus version they offer you a loaner if you need to drive far, unbelievable, but true!
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bobberardino9760
There’s just no other way to slice it, the Solterra is not a good road trip vehicle. The poor range and slow charging speed limits its versatility. However, it is good as a second car for commuters and running errands and with those lease rates, makes this worth considering. The AWD system, high ground clearance, and suspension tuning is ideal for Northern climates that deal with snow and potholes.
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There’s just no other way to slice it, the Solterra is not a good road trip vehicle. The poor range and slow charging speed limits its versatility. However, it is good as a second car for commuters and running errands and with those lease rates, makes this worth considering. The AWD system, high ground clearance, and suspension tuning is ideal for Northern climates that deal with snow and potholes.
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alex_on_autos
I’ve owned 46 cars
and trucks. I leased a Solterra 6 months ago because my Lexus GX470 got totaled. My friends and relatives are shocked when I tell them it’s one of the best vehicles I’ve ever owned. I’m getting 260 miles on a full charge. I mostly charge at home. It does everything I need it to do and does it very well.
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I’ve owned 46 cars
and trucks. I leased a Solterra 6 months ago because my Lexus GX470 got totaled. My friends and relatives are shocked when I tell them it’s one of the best vehicles I’ve ever owned. I’m getting 260 miles on a full charge. I mostly charge at home. It does everything I need it to do and does it very well.
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acsmoothing2262
Once again, Alex and Auto Buyers Guide have read my mind. I was just thinking about all the hate that the bZ4x and Solterra received from EV car reviewers for their low charging speed might be a little more than unfair.
By the way, your info card lists the Solterra as having a continuously variable type. Now that would be unique!
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Once again, Alex and Auto Buyers Guide have read my mind. I was just thinking about all the hate that the bZ4x and Solterra received from EV car reviewers for their low charging speed might be a little more than unfair.
By the way, your info card lists the Solterra as having a continuously variable type. Now that would be unique!
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FranciscoM67
Anyone here can recommend me a quiet car Alex has reviewed recently I have hyperacusis (cannot tolerate loud noise) so that factor matters. I believe the Genesis G80 electrified and the G90 could be the best options when we talk about riayd noise levels, and of course the Audi A8 and other luxury german cars as well. Thank you!
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Anyone here can recommend me a quiet car Alex has reviewed recently I have hyperacusis (cannot tolerate loud noise) so that factor matters. I believe the Genesis G80 electrified and the G90 could be the best options when we talk about riayd noise levels, and of course the Audi A8 and other luxury german cars as well. Thank you!
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plixie1
Just reminds me that some legacy auto makers waited so long to really push the ev space to new highs.
The entries of this and the BZ are the equivalent to here, stop asking.
The Hud-like setup is hard on the eyes is putting it nicely. The range questionable for its suggested usage and it has cheaper better competition.
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Just reminds me that some legacy auto makers waited so long to really push the ev space to new highs.
The entries of this and the BZ are the equivalent to here, stop asking.
The Hud-like setup is hard on the eyes is putting it nicely. The range questionable for its suggested usage and it has cheaper better competition.
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mirceamunteanu4791
It should be a wagon like the Outback, with over 140KW battery, to offer more range for road trips, less ground clearance. 2024 Impreza 2. 5L Sport-tech is more tempting especially for long ski trips here in Canada. Range and handling are most important characteristics for me. don't care much about power.
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It should be a wagon like the Outback, with over 140KW battery, to offer more range for road trips, less ground clearance. 2024 Impreza 2. 5L Sport-tech is more tempting especially for long ski trips here in Canada. Range and handling are most important characteristics for me. don't care much about power.
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z1az285
i do believe that the solterra battery is extremely well protected and in that sense its far sturdier than Hyundai EVs despite its flaws. i love cars visibility and 360 camera. the car is extremely smooth and fun to drive though i wouldn't buy one new. definitely will consider certified used
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i do believe that the solterra battery is extremely well protected and in that sense its far sturdier than Hyundai EVs despite its flaws. i love cars visibility and 360 camera. the car is extremely smooth and fun to drive though i wouldn't buy one new. definitely will consider certified used
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shelby371
I’m leasing my 2023 Subaru solterra for $213 a month for 3 years 36 months. I charge it on my off grid solar panels therefore no cost to charge. I love the car, I only have a 12 mile commute so I don’t need to much to worry about longer trips etc. this car fits my needs perfectly!
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I’m leasing my 2023 Subaru solterra for $213 a month for 3 years 36 months. I charge it on my off grid solar panels therefore no cost to charge. I love the car, I only have a 12 mile commute so I don’t need to much to worry about longer trips etc. this car fits my needs perfectly!
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FuncleChuck
I have loved owning a BEV and a PHEV - so many people buy cars that have 10x the capacity they actually need, and then are shocked that someone would get something that covers only 100% of their needs
I don’t think this vehicle covers even 75% of mine
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I have loved owning a BEV and a PHEV - so many people buy cars that have 10x the capacity they actually need, and then are shocked that someone would get something that covers only 100% of their needs
I don’t think this vehicle covers even 75% of mine
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ljpr360
I Love my Solterra & the amazing deal I got on it.
It's not for everyone but seeing how Teslas are made with such cheap parts, I'll take my slower charging, less range &, performance in exchange for longevity & reliability. Done deal for me.
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I Love my Solterra & the amazing deal I got on it.
It's not for everyone but seeing how Teslas are made with such cheap parts, I'll take my slower charging, less range &, performance in exchange for longevity & reliability. Done deal for me.
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brianw5943
Have you recently tested the Rivian I own an R1S and used to experience vampire drain when I first bought the vehicle maybe losing 1-2% per day but that has not been an issues for a while now as it was patched from an update sometime ago.
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Have you recently tested the Rivian I own an R1S and used to experience vampire drain when I first bought the vehicle maybe losing 1-2% per day but that has not been an issues for a while now as it was patched from an update sometime ago.
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patrick7228
Nobody in the US including Motor Trend has been able to come close to that 35 minute claimed time. That to me is a huge difference between it and the Mach E. False advertising on charge speeds just like they did with the 2023 version.
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Nobody in the US including Motor Trend has been able to come close to that 35 minute claimed time. That to me is a huge difference between it and the Mach E. False advertising on charge speeds just like they did with the 2023 version.
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