Subaru's current electric lineup and what each model offers

Subaru makes two plug-in hybrid models available in the United States: the Solterra and the Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid. The Solterra is Subaru's all-electric SUV, launched for the 2023 model year. The Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid, available since 2023, pairs a gas engine with an electric motor and a battery you can charge at home or at a public station.

Subaru does not currently sell a fully electric sedan or hatchback in the U.S. market. The company has announced plans for additional electric models but has not released them yet. If you are shopping for a Subaru electric vehicle right now, your choice is between the all-electric Solterra or the plug-in hybrid Crosstrek.

Both vehicles may have access to for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 if you meet income and assembly requirements, though the exact amount depends on which model you choose, where it was built, and your household income. Some states offer additional rebates on top of the federal credit.

Key Takeaways

  • Subaru's Solterra is an all-electric SUV with an EPA-estimated range of 228 miles on a full charge, while the Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid can run on electric power alone for about 44 miles before the gas engine starts.
  • The Solterra starts around $43,000 before incentives, and the Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid starts around $35,000, though prices vary by trim level and options.
  • Both vehicles may may have access to for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500, but income caps and domestic content rules explore, and you should verify your may be able to access before purchase.
  • Charging infrastructure varies by region; the Solterra uses a standard Level 2 charger at home and can use DC fast chargers on road trips, while the Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid charges more quickly due to its smaller battery.
  • Subaru's all-wheel-drive system is standard on both models, which affects weight, efficiency, and winter performance compared to front-wheel-drive competitors.

Solterra: Subaru's all-electric SUV

The Solterra is a midsize all-electric SUV built on Subaru's new EV platform. It seats five passengers and offers a cargo area of 27.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The EPA estimates a range of 228 miles per charge on the standard battery and 252 miles on the extended battery option, depending on driving conditions and how you charge.

Charging at home with a Level 2 charger (240 volts) takes approximately 8 to 10 hours for a full charge from empty, depending on the charger's power output. Using a DC fast charger at a public station can add 200 miles of range in about 30 minutes, though charging speed slows as the battery approaches full capacity. Subaru includes a basic 120-volt charger with purchase, but most owners install a dedicated 240-volt charger at home for practical daily use.

The Solterra comes standard with all-wheel drive, which adds weight and reduces efficiency compared to front-wheel-drive electric vehicles but improves traction in snow and on unpaved surfaces. Trim levels include Base, Premium, and Limited, with prices starting around $43,000 before incentives. Higher trims add features like a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and an upgraded infotainment system.

Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid: Electric range with gas backup

The Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid combines a 2.0-liter gas engine with an electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery. On electric power alone, the EPA estimates a range of 44 miles before the gas engine engages. This design suits drivers who commute under 44 miles daily and want the security of a gas engine for longer trips without needing to find a charging station.

Charging the Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid at home with a Level 2 charger takes about 5 to 6 hours from empty. Because the battery is smaller than the Solterra's, charging is faster and less demanding on your home electrical system. The vehicle can also charge using a standard 120-volt outlet, though this takes longer and is typically used only as a backup.

The Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid starts around $35,000 before incentives and comes in Base, Premium, and Limited trims. All-wheel drive is standard. The gas engine means you never face range anxiety on long drives, but you also pay for gas when the battery is depleted, so fuel costs remain part of your ownership picture. Total fuel economy (combining electric and gas use) is rated at approximately 90 miles per gallon equivalent in combined driving.

Federal tax credit and state incentives

Both the Solterra and Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid may may have access to for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 when you purchase them. The credit amount depends on the vehicle's final assembly location, the percentage of battery components made in North America, and your household income. For 2024, the income cap is $300,000 for joint filers and $150,000 for single filers.

Not all versions of each model may have access to for the full $7,500. The credit is reduced or eliminated if the vehicle does not meet domestic content thresholds or if it was assembled outside the United States. You can check the fueleconomy.gov website or ask your Subaru dealer which specific trim and model year qualifies for what amount before you buy.

Several states offer additional rebates or tax credits on top of the federal credit. California, New York, Colorado, and others have their own programs, though the amounts and rules vary. Some states cap rebates by income, vehicle price, or the number of vehicles you can claim. Check your state's environmental or energy agency website to see what programs explore where you live.

Charging infrastructure and home setup

Charging availability varies significantly by region. Urban and suburban areas typically have more public charging stations than rural areas. The Solterra and Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid both use the SAE J1772 connector for Level 2 charging (the standard in North America) and can use CCS (Combined Charging System) connectors for DC fast charging.

For home charging, you will need to decide between a Level 2 charger (240 volts) or relying on a standard 120-volt outlet. A Level 2 charger costs between $500 and $2,000 installed, depending on your home's electrical panel and how far the charger is from the panel. Many utilities offer rebates on charger installation, and some states include charger costs in their vehicle incentive programs. A 120-volt outlet charges very slowly and is not practical for daily use unless you drive fewer than 10 miles per day.

Public charging networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint operate DC fast chargers along highways and in cities. Charging speeds and pricing vary by network and location. Most networks require a membership or credit card to use their chargers, and costs typically range from $0.25 to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour, though some offer subscription plans.

Efficiency, performance, and winter driving

The Solterra delivers 228 to 252 miles of range per charge under EPA test conditions, but real-world range depends on driving style, weather, and terrain. Cold weather reduces range by 20 to 40 percent because batteries are less efficient in freezing temperatures and cabin heating draws power. Highway driving at high speeds also reduces range compared to city driving.

The Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid's 44-mile electric range is measured under the same EPA test conditions. In cold weather, electric range may drop to 30 to 35 miles. Once the battery depletes, the gas engine takes over, so you are not stranded, but you lose the benefit of electric-only driving and must pay for fuel.

Both vehicles come standard with all-wheel drive, which improves winter traction but adds weight and reduces efficiency compared to front-wheel-drive competitors. Subaru includes winter-focused features like heated seats and mirrors on most trims. If you live in a region with heavy snow, the all-wheel-drive system and ground clearance are practical advantages, but they come at the cost of slightly lower efficiency ratings than comparable front-wheel-drive electric vehicles.

Comparing Subaru's electric options to competitors

The Solterra competes with the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Volkswagen ID.4 in the midsize electric SUV segment. The Solterra's main advantages are standard all-wheel drive, Subaru's reputation for reliability, and a lower starting price than some competitors. Its main disadvantages are a smaller cargo area than some rivals and fewer charging options at launch (Subaru's charging network is smaller than Tesla's Supercharger network).

The Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid competes with the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, and Lexus NX 450h+ in the plug-in hybrid segment. The Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid offers a lower starting price than the RAV4 Prime and more cargo space than some competitors, but the RAV4 Prime has a longer electric range (42 miles EPA vs. 44 miles for the Crosstrek, though they are very close) and stronger resale value in some markets.

Your choice between Subaru and competitors should depend on your budget, how far you drive daily, whether you have home charging available, and how much you value features like cargo space, infotainment technology, and brand reputation. Test driving multiple vehicles in the same segment is the most reliable way to compare comfort, handling, and features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Solterra may have access to for the full $7,500 federal tax credit?

Not all Solterra models may have access to for the full amount. The credit depends on where the vehicle was assembled, how much of the battery was made in North America, and your household income. You should check with your Subaru dealer or visit fueleconomy.gov before purchase to confirm the exact credit for the trim and model year you are considering.

Can I charge the Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid at a regular household outlet?

Yes, you can charge using a standard 120-volt outlet, but it is very slow — typically adding only 2 to 3 miles of range per hour. For practical daily use, a 240-volt Level 2 charger is strongly recommended. Installation costs between $500 and $2,000, and many utilities offer rebates.

How much does the Solterra's range drop in cold weather?

EPA-estimated range is 228 to 252 miles, but in freezing temperatures, real-world range typically drops 20 to 40 percent due to reduced battery efficiency and cabin heating. If you live in a cold climate, plan for a range of 140 to 180 miles in winter rather than the EPA estimate.

Is all-wheel drive standard on both Subaru electric vehicles?

Yes, all-wheel drive is standard on both the Solterra and Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid. This improves winter traction and off-road capability but adds weight and slightly reduces efficiency compared to front-wheel-drive competitors.

What is the difference between the Solterra and the Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid?

The Solterra is fully electric with 228 to 252 miles of range per charge and no gas engine. The Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid has a gas engine and a 44-mile electric range, so it can run on electricity alone for short trips but uses gas for longer drives. Choose the Solterra if you charge at home daily and rarely drive more than 200 miles; choose the Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid if you want gas backup for longer trips or do not have reliable charging access.