What Subaru offers in electric and hybrid models

Subaru currently sells two main electric options in the United States: the Solterra, a fully electric SUV, and the BRZ, which is gasoline-only. For drivers who want a hybrid instead, Subaru offers the Crosstrek Hybrid and the Outback Hybrid, both of which combine a gas engine with an electric motor. The Solterra is Subaru's newest all-electric vehicle, launched for the 2023 model year, while the hybrid models have been available longer and come in more trim levels.

Subaru does not currently make a fully electric sedan or compact car for the U.S. market. If you are looking for an electric vehicle from Subaru, your choice is limited to the Solterra SUV. The company has announced plans for additional electric models in coming years, but as of now, the Solterra is the only battery-powered option.

Key Takeaways

  • Subaru's only fully electric vehicle available in the U.S. is the Solterra, a mid-size SUV with a starting price around $43,000 before incentives.
  • The Crosstrek Hybrid and Outback Hybrid combine a gas engine with electric power and do not need to be plugged in, making them simpler to own than a plug-in hybrid.
  • The Solterra qualifies for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 if you meet income and vehicle price limits, though some trims may exceed the price cap.
  • Subaru's hybrid models use regenerative braking to recharge the battery while you drive, so there is no charging station needed.
  • Real-world range and fuel economy vary based on driving habits, terrain, and weather, so test driving is the best way to understand what to expect.

The Solterra: Subaru's all-electric SUV

The Solterra is a five-passenger SUV built on Subaru's new electric platform. It comes in two main trim levels: the standard model and the Limited, with the Limited adding features like a panoramic sunroof and upgraded interior materials. The base Solterra has a range of approximately 228 miles on a full charge, while the Limited model offers around 228 miles as well, though real-world range depends on driving conditions, temperature, and how aggressively you use the accelerator.

Charging at home requires a Level 2 charger, which is a 240-volt outlet similar to what powers an electric dryer. A Level 2 charger can add roughly 25 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging, meaning a full charge from empty takes 8 to 10 hours overnight. Public fast chargers (DC fast charging) can add 200 miles in roughly 30 minutes, though charging speed slows as the battery fills. The Solterra comes with a standard 120-volt charging cable for emergencies, but this is very slow and is not practical for regular use.

Pricing for the Solterra starts around $43,000 before any federal tax credits or state incentives. Some higher trims may exceed the federal price cap of $55,000, which would make them ineligible for the full $7,500 tax credit. You will want to check the exact trim and current pricing with a Subaru dealer, as prices and incentive rules change year to year.

Crosstrek Hybrid and Outback Hybrid: Gas-electric without plugging in

Subaru's hybrid models work differently from the Solterra. The Crosstrek Hybrid and Outback Hybrid use a small battery and electric motor paired with a traditional gas engine. Unlike plug-in hybrids, these vehicles do not have a charging port and do not need to be plugged in at home. Instead, the electric motor and battery recharge themselves through regenerative braking — capturing energy that would normally be lost when you slow down — and through the gas engine when it is running.

The Crosstrek Hybrid is a compact SUV with a starting price around $28,000, while the Outback Hybrid is a larger wagon-style vehicle starting around $30,000. Both offer all-wheel drive as standard. The Crosstrek Hybrid achieves roughly 38 to 40 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving, while the Outback Hybrid averages around 33 to 35 miles per gallon, depending on driving habits and conditions. These numbers are significantly better than their gas-only counterparts, but not as efficient as a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle.

The main advantage of these hybrids is simplicity: you fill up with gas like any other car, and the electric system works in the background. There is no charging infrastructure to worry about, no range anxiety, and no need to plan trips around charger locations. They are a good choice if you want better fuel economy than a traditional gas vehicle but do not want the complexity of charging.

Federal tax credit and state incentives for Subaru electric vehicles

The Solterra is may be able to access for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 if you meet certain requirements. Your household income must be below $300,000 for joint filers, $150,000 for single filers, and $200,000 for heads of household. Additionally, the vehicle's final assembly price cap is $55,000, and some higher trims may exceed this limit. The tax credit is applied when you file your federal income tax return, not at the time of purchase, so you will need to claim it on your taxes the following year.

Some states offer their own incentives for electric vehicles. California, New York, Colorado, and several others have state tax credits or rebates that stack on top of the federal credit. These vary widely in amount and may be able to access rules, so you will want to check your state's specific programs. Some states also offer reduced registration fees or access to carpool lanes for electric vehicles, which can add value over time.

Subaru's hybrid models do not may have access to for the federal tax credit, as they are not plug-in hybrids or fully electric. However, some states offer small incentives for hybrid vehicles, though these are less common than electric incentives.

Charging infrastructure and home charging options

If you own a Solterra, you will need access to charging. Most owners install a Level 2 charger at home, which costs between $500 and $2,000 for the equipment and installation. Some states and utilities offer rebates to offset this cost, so check with your local utility company before installing. A Level 2 charger is the most practical option for daily charging because it can fully recharge the Solterra overnight.

For longer trips, you will rely on public charging networks. The Solterra is compatible with most major networks, including Tesla's Supercharger network (through an adapter), Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. The availability and cost of public chargers varies by region, with urban and suburban areas generally having more options than rural areas. Some chargers are free, some charge by the minute, and some charge by the kilowatt-hour. Costs typically range from $0.25 to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour at public chargers, though this varies.

Before buying a Solterra, it is worth checking what chargers are available in your area using apps like PlugShare or the charger networks' own apps. This will give you a realistic picture of charging availability where you live and work.

Maintenance and long-term ownership costs

Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than gas cars, which means lower maintenance costs over time. The Solterra has no oil changes, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, and no timing belts to replace. Brake pads last longer because regenerative braking does most of the stopping work. Routine maintenance mainly involves tire rotations, cabin air filter replacements, and battery health checks.

The Solterra's battery is covered by Subaru's warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Battery degradation is normal over time, but most owners see only a 5 to 10 percent loss of capacity over the first five years of ownership. Replacing a battery outside of warranty is expensive — typically $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the damage — but this is rare in practice.

Hybrid models like the Crosstrek Hybrid and Outback Hybrid require traditional maintenance because they still have a gas engine. You will need oil changes, spark plug replacements, and transmission service. However, because the electric motor handles some of the work, the gas engine runs less often and may last longer than in a gas-only vehicle. Hybrid batteries are also covered by warranty, typically for eight years or 100,000 miles.

Comparing Subaru's electric and hybrid options to each other

Choosing between the Solterra and Subaru's hybrid models depends on your driving patterns and what you value. If you drive mostly short distances and have a place to charge at home, the Solterra offers the lowest fuel and maintenance costs. If you drive long distances regularly, take frequent road trips, or do not have reliable access to charging, a hybrid model is more practical because you never have to worry about running out of charge.

The Solterra costs more upfront than the hybrids, but the federal tax credit brings the effective price closer. Over five years, the Solterra's lower fuel and maintenance costs may offset its higher purchase price, though this depends on your local electricity rates and gas prices. The hybrids have a lower purchase price and no charging infrastructure concerns, making them a simpler choice for many buyers.

If you want the benefits of electric driving but are not ready to commit to a fully electric vehicle, the Crosstrek Hybrid or Outback Hybrid offer a middle ground. They use significantly less gas than traditional vehicles and produce lower emissions, without the charging requirements of a plug-in hybrid or electric car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge the Crosstrek Hybrid or Outback Hybrid at home?

No, these models do not have a charging port. They recharge their batteries automatically through regenerative braking and the gas engine. You only need to fill up with gas like a traditional car.

How long does it take to charge a Solterra at a public fast charger?

A DC fast charger can add roughly 200 miles of range in about 30 minutes, though the last 20 percent of charge slows down significantly. Charging times vary based on the charger's power output and the current battery level.

Does the Solterra work in cold weather?

Yes, but cold weather reduces range by 20 to 40 percent because the battery is less efficient and the cabin heater uses battery power. This is normal for all electric vehicles. Real-world range in winter will be noticeably lower than EPA estimates.

What is the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?

A hybrid like Subaru's Crosstrek Hybrid recharges itself and never needs to be plugged in. A plug-in hybrid has a charging port and can run on electric power alone for short distances before the gas engine kicks in. Subaru does not currently sell plug-in hybrids in the U.S.

Will the Solterra hold its value?

Electric vehicle resale values are still stabilizing as the market matures. Early data suggests Subaru vehicles hold value reasonably well, but long-term resale trends for the Solterra are not yet clear since it is a newer model. Battery condition and mileage will be key factors in future resale value.