{"id":75556,"date":"2024-08-12T09:03:21","date_gmt":"2024-08-12T13:03:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=75556"},"modified":"2024-08-12T09:03:21","modified_gmt":"2024-08-12T13:03:21","slug":"1144086_2024-subaru-solterra-test-drive-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=75556","title":{"rendered":"Test drive: 2024 Subaru Solterra feels fit for the blue highways"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul>\n<li><strong>Solterra efficiency is in the same ballpark as Hyundai Ioniq 5 and VW ID.4<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Even with improvements, it&#8217;s one of the slower-charging electric crossovers<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>X-Mode off-road mode gives the Solterra impressive AWD traction and finesse<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Subaru\u2019s vehicles have never completely fallen in line with the mainstream. As I spent more time with the brand\u2019s first electric car, the Solterra, it started to make sense that there&#8217;s no reason to think its EVs will shed the Gore-Tex look. This all-wheel-drive electric crossover is simply on its own trip versus other EVs.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>After a brief sample of the Solterra off-pavement, I recently covered more than 400 miles in the Solterra, with the vast majority of that\u2014nearly 360 miles\u2014on freeways. During that time, taking its strengths and weaknesses in light, I realized that I had this model away from its element. The lesser-traveled routes, the gravel roads and rutted trails, and the travel days getting out to trailheads and launch points\u2014the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2019\/02\/22\/travel\/blue-highways-gps-road-trip-personal-travel.html\">blue highways<\/a>\u2014altogether make much better sense in the Solterra than aiming to haul through interstate miles in the shortest possible time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span id=\"static-marker-video-player-primis\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper first_wrapper\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938714_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"478\" class=\"first_image lazy\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"765\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938714_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938714_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938714_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938714_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938714_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938714_s.webp\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>That said, I ran this electric Subaru on the Interstate Highway System slog to test out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greencarreports.com\/news\/1142119_2024-subaru-solterra-ev-charges-faster-goes-hands-free\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2024 Solterra charging improvements<\/a>. Subaru aims to step up Solterra sales volume with a series of second-year upgrades and updates. In addition to quicker charging, steering-wheel paddle-shifters can now adjust regenerative braking on the fly, and roof bars can now hold a static load of up to 700 pounds, good for rooftop tents.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>With a lot of attention paid to the charging and efficiency points, here are those pros and cons that help frame the Solterra.<\/p>\n<div class=\"hgmLayout hgmLayout1x2\">\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938767_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"576\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938767_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938767_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938767_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938767_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938767_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938767_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938765_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"359\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"575\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938765_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938765_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938765_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938765_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938765_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938765_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938764_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"359\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"575\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938764_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938764_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938764_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938764_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938764_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938764_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\">Pro: Surefooted electric all-wheel drive<\/h2>\n<p>The Solterra is the result of a partnership with Toyota, and it\u2019s very closely related to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greencarreports.com\/news\/1135571_first-drive-review-2023-toyota-bz4x-ev-is-positioned-as-the-sideshow-but-upstages-hybrid-headliners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Toyota bZ4X<\/a>. But the Solterra is all-wheel-drive only, unlike the bZ4X, and Subaru boasts that it oversaw the tuning of these models\u2019 traction and stability control systems, including the Solterra\u2019s incorporation of its <strong>X-Mode off-road traction system<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>When I drove the Solterra earlier this year, at the annual NWAPA Mudfest vehicle roundup, on a demanding course that traversed a steep, somewhat loose incline, and over logs, boulders, and pits that challenged wheel articulation, it didn\u2019t flinch.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938742_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"359\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"575\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938742_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938742_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938742_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938742_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938742_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938742_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Between its Eco, Normal, and Sport modes, throttle sensitivity seems to be the main difference, but for this course I opted for X-Mode, which Subaru has carried over from its gasoline vehicles. The Solterra doesn\u2019t find its traction like a Forester or Outback, though, and so I noted that X-Mode here was tuned for finesse\u2014in a way that shows off the precision that can be dialed into EV propulsion. It even includes a <strong>Grip Control feature that will maintain a set, very low, off-road speed<\/strong>, all with near zero tire slip. There&#8217;s no high-speed driver assistant quite like Autopilot or Super Cruise here, but this is the trail-oriented cruise control Subaru owners need.<\/p>\n<p>Like most other Subarus, the <strong>Solterra has lots of ground clearance<\/strong>. Its 8.3 inches is an inch or two more than most other electric crossovers with its exterior dimensions, and it could make a big difference in whether you get out of that uncleared winter driveway without high-centering. Conditions permitting, you can also turn off all the traction systems if and when you want, allowing fast and loose driving that favors power to the rear wheels.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938723_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"576\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938723_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938723_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938723_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938723_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938723_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938723_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\">Con: Solterra\u2019s not quite there on road noise<\/h2>\n<p>One of the issues with EVs is that their propulsion systems are so quiet you start to dwell on all the other noises. During all the time I spent on the highway, I found myself turning the nice-sounding Harman Kardon audio up higher and higher\u2014to compensate for the cabin noise, which was at levels much higher than in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greencarreports.com\/news\/1143292_2024-ford-mustang-mach-e-gt-ev-test-drive-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ford Mustang Mach-E<\/a> I also spent a fair amount of time in that same week. While the Solterra\u2019s design is relatively boxy, it didn\u2019t seem to be wind noise up around the roof or pillars so much as a <strong>din of road noise from below and behind<\/strong>. It\u2019s partly a matter of coarse American interstate highway concrete, and I\u2019ve noticed such issues before in Subarus as well as in the Toyota RAV4, so it\u2019s all in the family.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938756_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"361\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"578\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938756_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938756_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938756_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938756_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938756_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938756_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\">Pro: Decent efficiency, consistent range<\/h2>\n<p>By the official numbers, the Solterra earns an <strong>EPA range rating of 227 miles<\/strong> from a usable capacity of 65 kwh, out of a gross capacity of 72.8 kwh. And based on EPA combined driving cycle results, it\u2019s <strong>rated at around 3.1 miles per kwh<\/strong>. These efficiency numbers are pretty good\u2014right in line with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greencarreports.com\/news\/1135771_hyundai-ioniq-5-road-trip-charging-350-kw-connectors-150-kw-just-as-fast\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hyundai Ioniq 5<\/a> AWD and its 260 miles from 74 kwh usable, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greencarreports.com\/news\/1142598_2024-vw-id-4-test-drive-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Volkswagen ID.4<\/a> AWD Pro and its 263 miles from 77 kwh usable. It\u2019s just a significantly smaller pack.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Over more than 400 miles spent with the Solterra I averaged 3.4 miles\/kwh. That included 360 miles of highway driving between Portland, Oregon, and Bellevue, Washington, in which I averaged in the 3.2 to 3.4 mi\/kwh range.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938751_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"359\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"575\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938751_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938751_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938751_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938751_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938751_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938751_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>There are big asterisks to this mostly good report on how the Solterra works with the energy it has. Firstly, the weather was dry and mild (55 to 70 degrees F) during my time with the Solterra, and I\u2019ve noted in a drive of the nearly identical Toyota bZ4X AWD that temps in the low 40s put a huge dent in efficiency and range. Secondly, I noted that Solterra efficiency falls off a figurative cliff much above 70 mph. On a short, flat stretch, on a relatively calm day, I saw 2.6 mi\/kwh from the trip computer over several miles at XX mph, versus 3.5 at 70 mph. Read on and figure in the factor below, and you won\u2019t be speeding.<\/p>\n<div class=\"hgmLayout hgmLayout1x2\" readability=\"8\">\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\" readability=\"7\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938759_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra at Electrify America\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra at Electrify America\" width=\"640\" height=\"359\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"575\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938759_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938759_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938759_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938759_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938759_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938759_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra at Electrify America<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\" readability=\"7\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938761_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra at Electrify America\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra at Electrify America\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"768\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938761_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938761_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938761_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938761_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938761_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938761_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra at Electrify America<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\" readability=\"7\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938758_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra at Electrify America\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra at Electrify America\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"768\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938758_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938758_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938758_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938758_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938758_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938758_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra at Electrify America<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\">Con: Long charging stops\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>Yes, you can take the Solterra on a long road trip, but no, you can\u2019t expect to be in too much of a hurry. My 360-mile Portland-to-Bellevue round-trip required TWO charging stops, and they weren\u2019t brief. Subaru claims that the Solterra can now <strong>charge from 10-80% in as little as 35 minutes<\/strong>, though my charge times didn&#8217;t at all demonstrate that.<\/p>\n<p>Due to the way chargers were placed along the way, I needed to plug in at 25%. I intended to get to 80% but decided to cut and run at 77% after 41 minutes (35.8 kwh delivered). The charging session never reached 60 kw, and it displayed a whopping 120 minutes to get to 100%. Where&#8217;s Matt Pinfield?<\/p>\n<p>I then traveled another 152 miles, averaging 3.4 miles per kwh, and I plugged in at 9%, and this time the session power rose to 80 kw right away. It got from 9% to 48% in a speedier 20 minutes before the rate started slowing appreciably\u2014adding nearly 80 miles of real-world range in that time, easily more than enough to get me back to Portland and plug in my L2 connector. That&#8217;s closer to Subaru&#8217;s claimed charge time, but the Electrify America charger still estimated the <strong>total time to 80% at 55 minutes<\/strong> for that session starting at 9%.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\" readability=\"7\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938763_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra charging\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra charging\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"768\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938763_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938763_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938763_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938763_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938763_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938763_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra charging<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Overall, that\u2019s an hour of charging for a 360-mile round trip where arriving back with near zero charge was fine. For a longer road trip with more uncertainties, it adds up; count on most of an hour of charging every 180 miles on the open road\u2014an hour for every 2.5 hours at 70 mph\u2014if you can get the chargers spaced out just right. It\u2019s where the fastest-charging EVs like the Ioniq 5 and its 18-minute 10-80% state-of-charge capability can make a huge difference.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\">Pro: Solterra space in back is good for people, great for gear<\/h2>\n<p>Tapering rooflines that put the squeeze on backseat space and cargo usefulness are common in this latest cohort of electric crossovers. But you won\u2019t find that here in the Solterra; from inside the back seat, it feels positively boxy, and spacious in a way few of those rivals do. Door cuts are wide and the seating position is comfortable enough for adults (especially without the Touring\u2019s panoramic sunroof). And if you\u2019re the type to haul a lot of gear out to weekend activities, or the finds from antique stores back home, the Solterra offers impressive space for things. There\u2019s 23.8 cubic feet of flat cargo space behind the second row, or 63.5 cubic feet if you fold both of those 60\/40-split portions forward (not quite flat).\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"hgmLayout hgmLayout1x2\">\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938725_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"768\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938725_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938725_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938725_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938725_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938725_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938725_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938719_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"768\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938719_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938719_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938719_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938719_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938719_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938719_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938720_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"768\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938720_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938720_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938720_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938720_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938720_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938720_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\">Con. It\u2019s hard to get comfortable in front\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>Between the short, unduly flat seat cushions, the hard center console, the unnecessarily complex dash layout, and the \u201csquircle\u201d steering wheel, it\u2019s going to be difficult for lankier types to get comfortable in the driver\u2019s seat. Even with the new steering-wheel design, this 6-foot-6 driver found it virtually impossible to adjust the manually tilting\/telescoping steering wheel to a position that simultaneously yielded a comfortable driving position and allowed me to see the gauge cluster.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"hgmLayout hgmLayout2x2\">\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938740_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"768\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938740_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938740_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938740_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938740_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938740_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938740_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938734_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"768\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938734_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938734_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938734_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938734_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938734_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938734_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938733_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"768\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938733_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938733_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938733_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938733_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938733_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938733_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938732_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"768\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938732_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938732_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938732_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938732_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938732_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938732_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Technology didn\u2019t help with the comfort level. The Solterra\u2019s driver-monitoring system, which relies on a camera aiming around the top rim of the steering wheel, simply wasn\u2019t helpful and it\u2019s seemingly become even worse with the squircle at seeing whether taller drivers (if I\u2019m an example of that) are alert or not. I adjusted my posture up and down and felt like I could have taped my eyelids open and the system still would have been nagging me to pay attention. Luckily I found a submenu allowing it to be disabled.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938735_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"768\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938735_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938735_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938735_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938735_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938735_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938735_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\">Solterra tech: Decent, but it\u2019s missing this key piece<\/h2>\n<p>Design complexity aside, the Solterra\u2019s interface does nearly all it needs to do once you\u2019re familiar with it. Controls for the heated-and-cooled front seats are separate touch controls below the screen; the one-pedal driving mode with more regen is a physical button (in addition to steering-wheel paddles!); and vents are well located and easy to aim quickly without having to consult the touchscreen.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>I had no big issues with the screen system, which felt familiar from time in recent Toyotas (including the bZ4X). Wireless Apple CarPlay worked great, and I appreciated the bright, 12.3-inch touchscreen display that\u2019s the centerpoint for entertainment and apps in all but the base Premium.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938757_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"768\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938757_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938757_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938757_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938757_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938757_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938757_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>In this top Touring trim, cloud-based navigation will help you find a nearby charging station but it\u2019s sorely missing a well-integrated route planner that will, given the Solterra\u2019s charging shortcomings, simply advise you on where to stop\u2014so as to spend the least amount of your road-trip time charging. Luckily, there are apps for that.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"image_wrapper\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" name=\"tccimg_100938776_m\" title=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAD\/ACwAAAAAAQABAAACADs=\" alt=\"2024 Subaru Solterra\" width=\"640\" height=\"359\" data-width=\"1024\" data-height=\"575\" data-url=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938776_l.webp\" data-src-h=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/hug\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938776_h.webp\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938776_l.webp\" data-src-l=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/lrg\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938776_l.webp\" data-src-m=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/med\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938776_m.webp\" data-src-s=\"https:\/\/images.hgmsites.net\/sml\/2024-subaru-solterra_100938776_s.webp\" class=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>2024 Subaru Solterra<\/strong><br \/><strong>Base price:<\/strong> $46,340 (Premium)<br \/><strong>Price as tested:<\/strong> $54,558 (Touring, plus premium paint, floor mats, cargo tray)<br \/><strong>Propulsion:<\/strong> Dual permanent-magnet motors, 107 hp and 125 lb-ft each, 215 hp and 249 lb-ft combined; all-wheel drive<br \/><strong>EPA efficiency:<\/strong> 227 miles of electric range, 3.1 mi\/kwh combined<br \/><strong>The hits:<\/strong> All-wheel-drive traction and finesse, decent efficiency, back seat and cargo space<br \/><strong>The misses:<\/strong> Slow charging, road noise, front seat space, no live route planner<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Solterra efficiency is in the same ballpark as Hyundai Ioniq 5 and VW ID.4 Even with improvements, it&#8217;s one of the slower-charging electric crossovers X-Mode off-road mode gives the Solterra impressive AWD traction and finesse Subaru\u2019s vehicles have never completely fallen in line with the mainstream. As I spent more time with the brand\u2019s first [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8313,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-75556","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-e-cars"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/75556","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=75556"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/75556\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8313"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=75556"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=75556"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=75556"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}