Subaru's current electric vehicle lineup

Subaru makes one fully electric vehicle sold in the United States: the Solterra, a mid-size SUV that arrived in 2023. It is the company's first all-electric model built from the ground up as an EV, not converted from a gas platform. The Solterra comes in two trim levels — Standard and Limited — with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive options.

Subaru also sells the Crosstrek Hybrid, which is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) rather than a fully electric vehicle. This means it has both a gas engine and a battery that you can charge at home, but it is not purely electric. If you are looking for zero-emission driving, the Solterra is Subaru's only choice right now.

Key Takeaways

  • The Solterra is Subaru's only fully electric vehicle, available as a mid-size SUV with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
  • The Solterra's battery range varies by trim and drivetrain, with EPA estimates ranging from around 220 to 228 miles per charge depending on configuration.
  • Subaru designed the Solterra with standard all-wheel-drive capability on some trims, which is less common in the EV market and affects both price and efficiency.
  • Charging time at home on a Level 2 charger (240 volts) takes roughly 7 to 10 hours for a full charge, while DC fast charging can add significant range in 30 minutes.

Solterra battery range and charging speed

The Solterra comes with an 71.4-kilowatt-hour battery. The EPA estimates its range at approximately 220 to 228 miles on a full charge, depending on whether you choose rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive models use more energy to power both axles, so they travel fewer miles per charge than rear-wheel-drive versions.

At home on a Level 2 charger (the 240-volt outlet type), a full charge takes roughly 7 to 10 hours. If you use a standard 120-volt household outlet, charging is much slower — typically 24 to 48 hours for a full battery. On a DC fast charger at a public station, you can add about 80 percent of the battery's capacity in roughly 30 minutes, though the final 20 percent charges more slowly to protect battery health.

Solterra pricing and available trims

Subaru prices the Solterra Standard trim lower than the Limited, and rear-wheel-drive models cost less than all-wheel-drive versions. Exact pricing changes each model year, so you will want to check Subaru's website or a dealer for current figures. The Solterra qualifies for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 if you meet income and assembly requirements, though not all trims or configurations may may have access to — this depends on where the vehicle was assembled and the cost of its battery components.

Some states offer additional rebates or tax credits for electric vehicle purchases. California, New York, and Colorado have their own programs with different income limits and vehicle price caps. Check your state's environmental or energy office website to see what may be available where you live.

Solterra interior space and cargo

The Solterra is built on Subaru's new EV platform, which means the battery sits under the floor rather than taking up interior space. This gives it a flat cargo floor and more usable room than some competitors. The back seats fold down to create a larger cargo area for longer items.

The vehicle seats five adults. Subaru designed the Solterra with the same focus on visibility and safety that appears in its gas-powered models, including standard all-wheel drive on most trims — a feature that appeals to drivers in snowy or mountainous regions but is uncommon in the EV market.

How the Solterra compares to other electric SUVs

The Solterra competes with vehicles like the Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 in the mid-size electric SUV category. The Solterra's main distinction is Subaru's standard all-wheel-drive option and the company's reputation for reliability in harsh weather. However, some competitors offer longer range or faster charging speeds at similar prices.

The Ioniq 5 and EV6, for example, can charge faster on DC fast chargers and offer longer range on some trims. The ID.4 has a lower starting price on base models. The Solterra's advantage lies in all-wheel drive as standard on higher trims, which matters if you live somewhere with snow or rough terrain. Compare the specific trims and features you need across these models to see which fits your budget and driving patterns.

Subaru's warranty and service network

Subaru covers the Solterra's battery under an 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty — the same coverage most major EV makers offer. The rest of the vehicle carries Subaru's standard 3-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty. You can service the Solterra at any Subaru dealership, which gives you access to the company's existing service network across the country.

Because the Solterra is new, not all dealerships may have technicians trained on EV-specific repairs yet. Before you buy, call your local Subaru dealer and ask whether they have certified EV technicians on staff. This matters less for routine maintenance, but it becomes important if the battery or charging system needs work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tow with a Solterra?

No, the Solterra does not have a towing capacity. Subaru has not engineered it to pull a trailer. If towing is important to you, you will need to consider a different vehicle or wait to see if Subaru adds a towing-capable EV model in the future.

Does the Solterra work in cold weather?

Yes, but like all EVs, its range decreases in cold temperatures because the battery works less efficiently and you use energy to heat the cabin. Subaru designed the Solterra with heat pump technology to reduce this loss compared to older EV designs. In freezing weather, expect your range to drop by 20 to 40 percent depending on how cold it gets and how much cabin heating you use.

What is the difference between the Solterra and the Crosstrek Hybrid?

The Solterra is fully electric and produces zero emissions while driving. The Crosstrek Hybrid has a gas engine and a small battery, so it runs on gas most of the time and switches to electric power for short trips or low-speed driving. The Crosstrek Hybrid does not need to be plugged in — it charges itself while you drive. Choose the Solterra if you want pure electric driving; choose the Crosstrek Hybrid if you want a backup gas engine for longer trips without charging infrastructure.

How long does a Solterra battery last?

Subaru warrants the battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Most EV batteries retain 80 to 90 percent of their capacity after that period, meaning they still work but hold slightly less charge. Real-world data from other EV makers suggests batteries often last 10 to 15 years or more, though degradation continues gradually over time.