Buying guide

Subaru Solterra AWD Review: Range, Charging, Price, and Who Should Buy It

A practical Subaru Solterra AWD review covering range, charging, price, performance, cargo, alternatives, and who should buy it.

Updated 2026-05-26 Buying Guides
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Subaru Solterra AWD Review: Range, Charging, Price, and Who Should Buy It

Quick verdict

The Subaru Solterra AWD is a straightforward, all-wheel-drive electric SUV that will appeal most to buyers who already like Subaru and want AWD included from the start. At $38,495, it lands in the middle of the compact electric SUV segment, and its EPA-rated 227 miles of range is sufficient for typical commuting, errands, and regional trips.

The downsides show up when you push it beyond that use case. Its 100 kW DC fast-charge peak and 35-minute 10–80% fast-charge time are merely average, and the 16 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats is tight for a vehicle with this footprint. If your driving is mostly local and you charge at home, the Solterra AWD can work well. If you road trip frequently or need a lot of cargo space, you should look closely at alternatives.

Specs that matter

Key numbers for the 2025 Subaru Solterra AWD:

  • Body style: SUV
  • Seats: 5
  • Drivetrain: AWD
  • MSRP: $38,495
  • EPA range: 227 miles
  • Efficiency: 320 Wh/mi
  • Usable battery capacity: 69 kWh
    (73.1 kWh gross)
  • DC fast charging peak: 100 kW
  • DC 10–80% time: 35 minutes
  • AC charging max: 11 kW (J1772)
  • DC connector: CCS1
  • 0–60 mph: 6.7 seconds
  • Cargo space (behind rear seats): 16 cu ft
  • Curb weight: 4431 lb
  • Dimensions: 184.6 in L, 73.2 in W, 65 in H
  • Wheelbase: 112.2 in
  • Top speed: 99 mph
  • Tow rating: 1653 lb

The Solterra shares its underlying platform with the Toyota bZ4X, so core mechanical specs are closely aligned between the two. For the Solterra, the AWD configuration is the primary trim, so you are not paying to upgrade from front- or rear-wheel drive.

Range and efficiency

The Solterra AWD has an EPA-rated range of 227 miles. Energy use is rated at 320 Wh/mi, which is on the higher side for a compact electric SUV. Some of that is down to the standard AWD system and its 4431 lb curb weight.

The battery pack provides 69 kWh usable (73.1 kWh gross). With the derived efficiency of about 3.125 miles per kWh, you can think of the Solterra as a roughly 220–230 mile vehicle in mixed driving if you’re staying near the EPA cycle.

How that plays out in practice:

  • Daily commuting: For typical round-trip commutes under 50–60 miles, the Solterra leaves plenty of buffer, even in less-than-ideal weather.
  • Regional trips: Drives of 120–150 miles one way are feasible on a single charge if you start near full and drive at moderate speeds.
  • Highway-heavy use: At sustained interstate speeds, expect usable range to drop meaningfully below the 227-mile rating, as with most EVs.

Real-world range will change with:

  • Speed: Faster highway driving uses more energy per mile.
  • Temperature: Cold weather reduces range; hot weather can too when climate control is working hard.
  • Load and terrain: Extra passengers, cargo, elevation changes, and headwinds all have an impact.

The Solterra is described in the data as having a roadtrip_score of 55.3 and a charging_class of “okay”, which matches its positioning: competent but not optimized for long, rapid highway travel.

The derived usd_per_mile_of_range is about $169.58 per EPA-rated mile of range. That puts the Solterra in a mid-pack value position, rather than at either extreme of high value or poor value, purely on a cost-per-mile-of-range basis.

Charging experience

The Solterra AWD uses:

  • DC fast charging: CCS1 connector
  • AC Level 2 charging: J1772 connector

Key charging specs:

  • Peak DC fast-charge power: 100 kW
  • DC 10–80% time: 35 minutes (under favorable conditions)
  • Average DC rate 10–80%: about 82.8 kW (derived)
  • Range added in 15 minutes of DC fast charging: about 64.7 miles (derived)
  • Max AC charging power: 11 kW

DC fast charging and road trips

With a 100 kW peak and an average of roughly 82.8 kW from 10–80%, the Solterra adds around 64.7 miles of range in a 15-minute DC fast-charge session. That’s adequate for occasional long drives, but it is not among the quickest-charging EVs.

On a typical road trip pattern:

  • Arrive at a charger around 10–20% state of charge.
  • Charge to 60–80% for the best balance of speed and usable range.

You should think of fast-charge stops in the 25–35 minute range to regain a useful chunk of range, depending on starting and ending state of charge and charger conditions. This is workable for periodic travel but adds noticeable time to multi-stop journeys.

The Solterra’s 400 V architecture supports its 100 kW peak but doesn’t chase the very high DC charge powers seen on some newer 800 V systems. Even when plugged into higher-output DC hardware, the Solterra will stay within its 100 kW vehicle limit.

AC charging at home or work

The Solterra’s 11 kW AC max is well-suited for home Level 2 charging on a properly sized circuit. In practical terms:

  • On a typical 40–48 amp Level 2 setup (up to 11 kW), you can expect a full overnight charge from a low state of charge.
  • For typical commute use, topping up each night or every few days will keep the battery near your preferred level without planning.

If you have access to workplace charging, a mid-day session on Level 2 can easily add enough energy to cover commute plus errands.

For more detailed planning, you can plug your exact charger power and driving pattern into our charging-time calculator.

Performance and daily driving

The Solterra AWD’s 0–60 mph time of 6.7 seconds sits in a comfortable middle ground for an electric family SUV. It has enough punch for:

  • Merging into fast-moving highway traffic.
  • Passing slower vehicles on two-lane roads when given an appropriate gap.

The top speed of 99 mph is more than sufficient for legal U.S. highway driving.

Standard AWD is a core part of the Solterra’s appeal. With electric motors driving both axles, it can maintain traction over wet, snowy, or unpaved surfaces more effectively than a comparable front- or rear-drive vehicle. Drivers in areas with regular snow or mixed-surface roads may value this more than absolute efficiency.

At 4431 lb, the Solterra is typical of EV crossovers in weight. That mass contributes to a planted, solid feel, with the battery mounted low in the chassis to keep the center of gravity down. Drivers moving from a gasoline compact SUV will likely notice:

  • A smoother, quieter powertrain.
  • Strong, immediate low-speed torque, especially from a stop.
  • Regenerative braking behavior that differs from conventional engine braking (tuning will depend on drive mode and settings).

The tow rating of 1653 lb covers light-duty use:

  • Small cargo or utility trailers.
  • Lightweight personal watercraft or similar.

If you routinely need to tow heavier loads, this rating will be a hard limit.

Interior, cargo, and practicality

The Solterra’s exterior footprint is in line with compact crossovers:

  • Length: 184.6 in
  • Width: 73.2 in
  • Height: 65 in
  • Wheelbase: 112.2 in

That wheelbase and height suggest a cabin laid out for five-passenger use rather than squeezed packaging. Adults should find reasonable space in both rows for everyday trips.

The challenge is cargo. With 16 cu ft behind the rear seats, the Solterra offers notably less luggage room than many gasoline compact SUVs. In practice, that means:

  • Groceries, backpacks, and a stroller can fit, but may require more careful packing.
  • Hard-sided suitcases for four or five people will quickly consume the space.
  • Large, rigid sports gear (golf bags, camping bins) may require folding one section of the rear seat.

There is no additional front trunk storage listed, so all practical cargo volume is behind the rear seats and with them folded down. If you regularly carry:

  • Multiple large suitcases.
  • Bulk shopping.
  • Sports equipment for several family members.

it is worth physically comparing the 16 cu ft figure to your current vehicle’s cargo area and doing a test pack at the dealership.

On the passenger side, the 112.2 in wheelbase and 65 in roof height support decent legroom and headroom, especially compared with smaller subcompact EVs. For families:

  • Two child seats across the rear bench should fit, depending on seat width and base design.
  • A third small passenger in the middle may be workable for shorter trips.

Climate control efficiency is supported by the included heat pump (listed as present in the data), which helps manage cabin temperature with less energy use than resistive-only systems, especially in cool and moderate cold conditions.

Cost and value

The Solterra AWD has an MSRP of $38,495. That price includes:

  • Standard AWD.
  • A 69 kWh usable battery.
  • DC fast charging up to 100 kW.
  • 11 kW AC charging.
  • A heat-pump-based climate system.

From our internal metrics:

  • Value class is rated “okay”.
  • Derived usd_per_mile_of_range is approximately $169.58.

Both metrics point to a mid-range value proposition: you are not paying a steep premium per mile of rated range, but you are also not getting segment-leading range or charging performance at this price.

Since operating costs will vary based on local electricity prices and driving patterns, you can use our cost of ownership calculator to:

  • Estimate annual energy costs.
  • Compare the Solterra to gasoline vehicles you might be replacing.
  • Compare the Solterra to other EVs you’re considering.

The Solterra is listed as a “Top 50 U.S. EV model by 2025 sales (Kelley Blue Book / Cox Automotive)” in our summary data, which indicates it has established some traction in the market.

Best alternatives

If the Solterra’s range, charging, or cargo limitations give you pause, these alternatives are worth a closer look.

Toyota bZ4X

Toyota bZ4X

The bZ4X is the Solterra’s closest relative, sharing the same basic platform and many underlying specs. Differences tend to lie in styling, trim packaging, and brand ecosystem rather than core performance.

Points to consider:

  • Similar efficiency and charging behavior.
  • Different dealer and service network experiences (Toyota vs. Subaru).
  • Potentially different pricing and feature bundling by trim.

If you’re already comparing them, our Solterra vs bZ4X comparison lays out the specs side by side.

Chevrolet Equinox EV

Chevrolet Equinox EV

The Equinox EV FWD trim is positioned as a compact electric SUV with an emphasis on range and affordability. Compared with the Solterra AWD:

  • The highlighted FWD trim does not include AWD, which may or may not matter depending on your climate and road conditions.
  • Range and efficiency differ; many shoppers look at the Equinox EV when they want more driving range per charge from a mainstream brand.

If AWD is not a strict requirement and you drive mostly in mild-weather regions, the Equinox EV is worth cross-shopping, especially if you want more highway range and accept front-wheel drive.

Volvo EX3

Volvo EX3

The Volvo EX3 is another compact electric SUV option. Buyers often consider Volvo when:

  • Interior design and perceived material quality are a priority.
  • They want a different take on styling and brand identity than mainstream Japanese or U.S. manufacturers.

You should review:

  • The EX3’s EPA range and efficiency ratings.
  • Its DC and AC charging specs.
  • How its interior and cargo layout compare to the Solterra’s 16 cu ft figure.

You can compare any of these models against the Solterra using our comparison picker, which lets you line up specs like range, charging, cargo space, and cost-per-mile of range.

Who should buy it

The Solterra AWD makes the most sense if most of these statements fit your situation:

  • You want standard AWD without paying for an upgrade. All-wheel drive is included on this primary trim, which simplifies the buying decision if traction is non-negotiable.
  • Your driving is mostly local or regional. Daily commutes, school runs, and errands that stay well within the 227-mile EPA range are where the Solterra is most comfortable.
  • You can charge at home or work. With 11 kW AC capability, the Solterra is easy to live with if you have reliable Level 2 charging at home or a regular workplace charging option.
  • You take only occasional long trips. For a few longer drives per year, the 100 kW DC peak and 35-minute 10–80% time are manageable, especially if you’re not racing the clock.
  • Your cargo needs are moderate. If you mainly carry groceries, a stroller, soft luggage, or hobby gear for one or two people, the 16 cu ft cargo area can work, especially with seats folded when needed.
  • You value Subaru’s brand and dealer network. If you already service a Subaru locally or prefer staying within the Subaru ecosystem, the Solterra extends that relationship into an EV.
  • Light towing is sufficient. A 1653 lb tow rating covers small, lightweight trailers; if that’s the extent of your towing needs, the Solterra’s rating is adequate.

In short, the Solterra AWD is best suited to buyers who:

  • Live in climates where AWD is useful.
  • Have predictable daily driving patterns.
  • Charge primarily off the public fast-charging network.
  • Can live with limited cargo space in exchange for a compact footprint and AWD.

Who should skip it

You should probably look elsewhere if several of these apply:

  • You road trip frequently and care about time spent charging. The Solterra’s 100 kW DC peak, 35-minute 10–80% time, and “okay” charging class mean more and longer stops than faster-charging EVs, especially on multi-stop highway days.
  • You need a lot of cargo space. With only 16 cu ft behind the rear seats and no listed frunk, the Solterra is not a good fit if you regularly haul large strollers, multiple large suitcases, or bulky sports gear for several people.
  • You prioritize efficiency. At 320 Wh/mi, the Solterra is not among the most efficient compact EVs. If low energy consumption is a top priority, you may find better options.
  • You tow heavier loads. The 1653 lb tow rating limits you to light trailers. If you plan to tow a larger camper, boat, or multiple motorcycles/ATVs, you’ll likely need a different vehicle.
  • You want maximum range per dollar. With a derived $169.58 per mile of EPA range, the Solterra sits in a mid-tier value band. Shoppers strictly focused on getting the most range for the price may find stronger candidates in this segment.

If any of these are deal-breakers, start your search with alternatives like the Toyota bZ4X, Chevrolet Equinox EV, or Volvo EX3 and use our comparison picker plus the Subaru Solterra overview and AWD trim page to see how the Solterra stacks up against them on the metrics that matter to you.