Shoppers in need of an adventurous and zero-emission ride have slim pickings. To enjoy off-road credibility and an electric powertrain, they need deep pockets or a big driveway, as the key players in this space include the Ford F-150 Lightning , Chevy Silverado EV , GMC Hummer EV , and the Rivian R1S and R1T . Even the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is a pricey rally warrior, emphasizing performance rather than off-road confidence.
With a lower price tag and a few noteworthy compromises, this is the space the 2024 Subaru Solterra will hopefully find an audience. It’s cheaper than those other vehicles and a bit more manageable to drive than a large truck or SUV while including a few off-road-oriented features to appeal to the right crowd. However, it has a few limitations that make it difficult to recommend to any EV shopper.
The Subaru Solterra launched in the latter half of 2023 to some stern words from Driving editor Andrew McCredie, who noted the Subaru EV was lacking in a few areas. The most significant criticism from our editor was the way the Solterra charges. Subaru implemented conservative fast charging limitations on its new EV to prevent battery degradation. For 2024, many of these restrictions have been lifted.
The starting price for the 2024 Subaru Solterra is $59,340, while the Luxury Package adds $4,500 ($63,840 MSRP), and the Technology Package adds $7,000 ($66,340 MSRP). The automaker notes that the Solterra is eligible for $5,000 in incentives, but so are many of its competitors.
The current top picks in the segment include the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 , which offer more range and power for a similar price. The Kia EV6 , Mustang Mach-E , Nissan Ariya , Chevrolet Blazer and Tesla Model Y are all worth mentioning as well, alongside the mechanically similar Toyota bZ4X .
Final thoughts about the 2024 Subaru Solterra
Lacking a competitive edge in power, range and recharge times, the Solterra may struggle to find a foothold in this crowded segment, but at least it’s loaded with safety equipment and it’s spacious. The main draw of the 2024 Solterra is that it’s capable off-road and more accessible than some of the other rugged electric trucks and SUVs, providing this electric Subaru with a dedicated but niche fanbase.
Hootin, an electric subaru? Nice