Subaru’s first absolutely electrical automobile (EV) – the Solterra mid-size SUV – has lastly launched in Australia virtually two years after it launched in abroad markets like Japan and the US.
It’s arriving slightly later to the competitors in what’s already a hotly contended phase. Essentially the most notable rival is the top-selling Tesla Mannequin Y and it’ll quickly should go up in opposition to the Kia Sportage-sized EV5.
This automotive has been co-developed with Toyota in the same approach the BRZ/GR86 got here to be. This implies Toyota has its personal model of this automotive which is calls the bZ4X – deliveries of this automotive additionally simply began regionally.
The Solterra and bZ4X do look virtually an identical although there are minor exterior and inside design variations. The previous can be solely supplied in Australia with a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain setup.
I’ve already reviewed the entry-level Toyota bZ4X FWD, although now I’m trying on the full different facet of the spectrum with the flagship Subaru Solterra AWD Touring.
Does this tops-sped variant type because the choose of the Solterra vary? Learn alongside to seek out out.
How does the Subaru Solterra examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Subaru Solterra in opposition to equally sized autos.
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Solterra
How a lot does the Subaru Solterra price?
There are at present two Solterra variants on supply in Australia – on check right here is the flagship AWD Touring variant.
2024 Subaru Solterra pricing:
2024 Subaru Solterra AWD: $69,9902024 Subaru Solterra AWD Touring: $76,990
Costs earlier than on-road prices
To see how the Solterra compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument.
What’s the Subaru Solterra like on the within?
Strolling as much as the Subaru Solterra it’s slightly onerous to inform it aside from the associated Toyota bZ4X. One of many few distinguishing design parts is the fake hexagonal grille on the Solterra, in addition to the marginally completely different LED headlight signature.
Thanks partially to its lifted trip peak that’s inherent with crossovers, the Solterra is straightforward to get and out of. You may pivot out and in slightly than stepping up or down, which is nice for these with achy joints.
The battery pack is mounted underneath the ground which helps additional elevate the driving place. That is one thing SUV consumers search for and offers you considerably of a ‘King of the Highway’ vibe.
On this flagship Solterra AWD Touring variant you get black leatherette upholstery that in case you weren’t paying full consideration could possibly be confused with correct leather-based. It’s slightly softer than precise leather-based nevertheless, in order that’s the giveaway.
Each the entrance seats supply heating which is to be anticipated, however no air flow. The latter could possibly be a tad annoying as fake leather-based upholstery will get very popular and sticky in heat climate.
The entrance seats themselves are sporty-looking items that present a extremely comfy seating place. You’re feeling supported and there’s loads of facet bolstering to safe you in.
The driving force’s seat has eight methods of electrical adjustment, together with loads of thigh assist which is my private favorite given I’ve lengthy legs. This specific variant additionally picks up driver seat place reminiscence, in addition to eight methods of electrical adjustment for the entrance passenger seat.
Forward of the driving force is a steering wheel and instrument cluster setup that appears and feels very trendy and virtually Peugeot-like. You might want to look over the steering wheel to see the digital instrument cluster that’s mounted distant from the driving force and up close to the digital instrument cluster.
It’s positively not for everybody, however in essence it has been designed to verify your eyes don’t stray too far off the street to verify your present velocity, and many others.
The steering wheel within the Solterra is a squared-off unit in contrast to the bZ4X which has a spherical one. It permits you to see the digital instrument cluster only a bit simpler as the highest is flat.
One catch of getting a squared-off steering wheel nevertheless is if you go to show the steering wheel for tighter corners. I do know I grabbed the place I believed the steering wheel can be however ended up greedy at skinny air. You do get used to this in time, however there’s a studying curve.
Fortunately the steering wheel nonetheless has loads of push buttons and switches which can be straightforward to grasp and supply satisfying suggestions.
As normal your complete Solterra vary receives a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster that’s mounted a good distance from the driving force so it seems slightly small. Fortunately its interface is extremely minimal and it shows all of the essential data you possibly can each need very clearly.
There are a number of informative pages you may cycle by means of on the digital instrument cluster, together with ones for effectivity, music, compass and settings, amongst others. You can even simply decide to not have informative pages on show which makes the present velocity data extra distinguished.
Shifting throughout is a big 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that sits proudly on the dashboard and feels just like the centrepiece of the cabin. This touchscreen, just like the digital instrument cluster, is the very same because the bZ4X and has the Toyota interface which is straightforward to navigate.
The display itself seems to be actually high-resolution and is vibrant sufficient that it may be considered in sunny conditions. It’s additionally very responsive to the touch inputs which makes opening new apps and scrolling by means of menus seamless.
As normal the Solterra comes with wired and wi-fi types of each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With my iPhone 15 Professional Max related wirelessly I didn’t expertise any dropouts by any means, which is slightly stunning.
Fortunately this automotive additionally comes with a wi-fi charger which is positioned on the centre tunnel and was in a position to preserve my cellphone battery topped up properly on longer journeys.
There’s additionally satellite tv for pc navigation as normal which is nice for when your cellphone runs out of service and you continue to want to seek out your approach residence. In contrast to the bZ4X it’s not related to web although, which implies no dwell visitors data.
I respect the local weather management pod is very easy to grasp and function in contrast to some vehicles which bury the features within the touchscreen. There are some bodily switches, in addition to touch-sensitive buttons which bought slightly smudgy and fingerprint-ridden after a bit.
Trying across the cabin there are many buttons. That is good to see as the vast majority of the essential features are inside fast attain of the driving force. It appears like a Subaru on this sense.
From a switchgear perspective the Solterra feels just like the polar reverse to the Tesla Mannequin Y which may be very minimalistic and requires you to make use of the central touchscreen for a lot of features.
Regardless of the darkish headliner the Solterra’s cabin is a fairly mild and ethereal place to be with good visibility. It’s even brighter if you open up the shade for the panoramic glass roof. It’s a hard and fast unit nevertheless which implies it doesn’t tilt or slide, plus there’s a thick pillar blocking the view.
The dashboard is completed in a woven material textile that’s fascinating to have a look at given it has a tough texture. It’s much like what Mini is doing in its present fashions, together with the brand new Countryman and Cooper.
Disappointingly nevertheless there’s a tonne of piano black. It’s plastered on your complete centre console and even options on the door panels that are each excessive touch-points. This bought very dusty and dirty throughout our mortgage interval, and likewise will get scratched actually simply if you clear it.
One other oddity in regards to the Solterra is there’s no typical glovebox on the passenger facet. With the intention to make up for this the automotive has a deeper-than-usual centre console field. There’s an insert within the centre console which could be pulled out to disclose extra coated storage.
The Solterra additionally has an open area underneath the piano black-ridden centre console which is giant sufficient to accommodate a purse or gadgets which can be charging from the 2 USB-C ports or 12V socket. It’s value noting the door bins are additionally giant sufficient to accommodate a giant water bottle plus different odds and ends.
The very last thing I’ll point out earlier than speaking in regards to the second row is the Solterra AWD Touring’s 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system didn’t impress me as a lot as I believed it might. Certain it sounds okay however it’s not as unbelievable as I’d anticipate a Harman Kardon-branded system to be.
Shifting to the second row I used to be stunned how a lot area is on supply within the Solterra. It’s a really beneficiant area with loads of leg, head and shoulder room.
There are a few catches, nevertheless. Toe room is restricted, and like plenty of different EVs you are feeling like you’ve your knees up increased than standard as a result of the battery pack raises the ground peak.
Two adults match simply within the second row of the Solterra, although making an attempt to squeeze three is doable however just for shorter journeys. Fortunately there’s a flat flooring which makes preventing for foot area a bit simpler.
When it comes to second-row facilities there are heated outboard rear seats, centre console-mounted air vents, USB-C ports, in addition to a fold-down armrest with cupholders and a cellphone holder. There are additionally the requisite ISOFIX little one seat anchor factors on the 2 outboard seats, plus top-tether factors on all three rear seats.
On the again there’s an influence tailgate that opens swiftly, and fortunately solely beeps as soon as to announce its intention to both open or shut.
As soon as the tailgate is open the boot area on supply isn’t unbelievable relative to different EVs. Subaru formally claims the Solterra has a boot capability of 410 litres.
Given this automotive relies on a devoted electrical structure I’m dissatisfied there’s barely any underfloor storage within the Solterra – it’s solely actually sufficiently big for a charging cable. There’s additionally no frunk by any means.
The Solterra solely comes with a tyre restore equipment which isn’t stunning for an EV. It’s one thing to remember nevertheless in case you plan to enterprise removed from tyre restore retailers as you possibly can be caught ready for some time for roadside help.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The Subaru Solterra is solely supplied regionally with a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain. There’s a single-motor choice supplied within the associated Toyota bZ4X, in addition to the Japanese-market Solterra.
Utilizing my noticed vitality consumption the Solterra AWD Touring has a real-world vary declare of simply over 400km.
It’s value noting my noticed vitality consumption was typically increased than what I noticed within the single-motor, front-wheel drive Toyota bZ4X I not too long ago reviewed which has the very same battery pack dimension.
To see how the Solterra compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument.
How does the Subaru Solterra drive?
Beginning up the Solterra feels acquainted to an inner combustion engine (ICE) automotive because it has a correct begin button. The one distinction is there’s no engine ignition noise if you press the button. Solely a beep performs signifying the automotive is able to be pushed.
Setting off it’s essential to acquaint your self with the Prius-style puck gear selector which takes a bit to get used to. With the intention to choose both drive or reverse it’s essential to push the puck down after which twist both left or proper, relying on which path you plan to move.
Though the Solterra does have twin electrical motors as normal, its acceleration received’t plant you again within the seat like some extra performance-oriented EVs do. As a substitute it accelerating linearly and considerably docilely. A single-motor Tesla Mannequin 3 RWD beat it from the sunshine for context.
Fortunately like all EVs the total quantity of torque is accessible from standstill which implies you may lean on the throttle at low speeds and get the soar on most vehicles.
Driving the Solterra additionally feels much like an ICE automotive. There’s no one-pedal driving mode which in my private desire is essentially the most pure approach to drive an EV. This implies it’s essential to depress the brake pedal to truly come to a cease within the Solterra.
As a substitute this has an ordinary driving mode it defaults to each time you begin up automotive, which permits it to coast like an ICE automotive if you take your foot off the accelerator with none regenerative braking.
You may nevertheless use the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel to modulate the quantity of regenerative braking offers. There’s additionally an ‘S Pedal’ operate that reinforces regenerative braking as a lot as potential which is activated by urgent a button on the centre console.
The throttle on this mode turns into extra numb to accommodate the regenerative braking that’s factored into the accelerator pedal journey.
When you’ve the ‘S Pedal’ operate activate, which I did for almost all of my testing, the automotive will gradual itself down at a reasonably linear fee to round 5-10km/h with out miserable the brake pedal by any means, although as I famous earlier than you continue to must press it to come back to a whole cease.
I don’t consider it’s the top of the world that the Solterra doesn’t have a one-pedal driving system, as this automotive is meant for these transitioning out a daily ICE or hybrid automotive.
One thing I like about Solterra is the digital instrument cluster reveals when the brakes lights are illuminated. I not too long ago examined the GWM Ora which in its one-pedal driving mode didn’t illuminate the brake lights when you got here to finish cease.
It’s good and reassuring to know when your tail lights are illuminated within the Solterra so the autos behind you’re conscious you’re slowing down.
Given the Solterra comes normal with all-wheel drive this provides a little bit of safety if you’re driving in slippery circumstances, whether or not that be on- or off-road.
Talking of off-road driving, the Solterra comes with Subaru’s X-Mode terrain driving modes. There are two completely different modes – Snow/Grime and Deep Snow/Mud – in addition to a Grip Management operate. The latter acts a bit like a low-speed cruise management.
Round city the Solterra is quiet and serene. This isn’t unusual for EVs as there’s no engine chugging away underneath the bonnet. The one noticeable sound is the odd little bit of tyre noise if you’re turning corners.
At low speeds the automotive’s suspension tune may be very comfy and settled which is to be anticipated give it’s branded a Subaru. The electrical SUV takes velocity bumps like a champ and doesn’t ever really feel awkward over harsher bumps.
The Solterra’s steering is on the lighter facet which makes it straightforward to whip. The one catch is the sq. steering wheel can get slightly cumbersome when it’s essential to flip the wheel slightly tighter. It might be good to have a steer-by-wire system so that you didn’t should cross your fingers over when turning.
As normal the Solterra comes with entrance and rear parking sensors, in addition to a surround-view digital camera which has nice image high quality and likewise a clear chassis mode. As well as the automotive comes with an auto-parking function that’s surprisingly nice.
In contrast to different parking programs from different automotive manufacturers, the Solterra’s doesn’t require it scan the area between two vehicles. As a substitute the programs makes use of the surround-view digital camera to fit the automotive between line markings.
The auto-parking system may be very gradual however reassuring in the best way it guides the automotive into the park. It is going to even do a digital spin across the automotive on the infotainment touchscreen to point out the way it has parked completely inside the strains.
Build up velocity within the dual-motor all-wheel drive Solterra is straightforward and easy. It doesn’t really feel prefer it’s ever actually out of puff, even at freeway speeds, and nonetheless has sufficient oomph in reserve to overhaul if needed.
There’s a bit extra apparent tyre roar at increased speeds, particularly on coarse-chip roads which can be prolific in rural Australia, although for essentially the most half it’s nonetheless quiet contained in the cabin.
Similar to at low speeds, the suspension tune may be very comfy at increased speeds, although generally harsher bumps are transmitted into the cabin. Steady undulating bumps, nevertheless, are ironed out easily, which is satisfying.
On the protection entrance the Solterra is absolutely loaded. Fortunately each model of this automotive receives the total suite of obtainable security tools (in contrast to the associated bZ4X) although you do pay a value premium for the privilege.
The adaptive cruise management reacts to different vehicles merging into your lane very naturally. If the vehicles are travelling sooner than the Solterra fortunately it fortunately doesn’t slam on the brakes like some.
That is significantly higher than plenty of different Subaru fashions that solely use a camera-based adaptive cruise management system which generally is a little hit or miss.
The lane-keep help and lane centring operate which could be activated by urgent a button on the steering wheel is up there with a few of the greatest I’ve examined to date.
When this operate is activated the automotive will preserve itself inside a lane rather well. It has street edge detection which implies it really works even with out correct line markings. That is extremely useful for many who dwell in rural and regional areas.
It’s not all good nevertheless, as like most lane centring programs it does get misplaced on the odd event. Fortunately all it’s essential to do to repair that is barely nudge the steering wheel again within the appropriate path.
As normal the Solterra comes with vibrant LED headlights, although sadly they don’t swivel if you flip like some Subaru fashions. They do nevertheless, have an adaptive high-beam operate which routinely dips a portion of the sunshine when it detects a automotive’s headlights or tail lights.
The adaptive high-beam operate is ideal for many who dwell in dimly-lit nation areas who don’t need to faff round with dipping your lights each time you meet a automotive.
I discovered in apply although the adaptive high-beam operate would generally be overly desirous to dip parts of the high-beams and others it wouldn’t dip shortly sufficient, leading to getting flashed from oncoming vehicles.
What do you get?
There are two trim ranges on supply in Australia – on check right here is the flagship Touring.
Solterra AWD highlights:
18-inch alloy wheelsTyre restore kitRear privateness glass2kW AC charging cablePower-folding exterior mirrorsAutomatic self-levelling LED headlightsAdaptive high-beamPuddle lightsRain-sensing wipersPower tailgateKeyless entry, startElectronic parking brakeDual-zone local weather controlTilt, telescopic steering wheel adjustment12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment systemSatellite navigationWireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto7.0-inch digital cluster6-speaker sound systemDAB+ digital radio2 x entrance USB-C outlets1 x entrance USB-A outlet2 x rear USB-C outpetsDigital rear-view mirrorLeather-wrapped steering wheelHeated steering wheelCloth upholstery8-way energy driver’s seatHeated entrance seatsHeated outboard rear seatsReclining rear bench
Solterra AWD Touring provides:
20-inch alloy wheelsAuto-dipping exterior mirrors with memoryPanoramic glass roofSemi-automatic parking assistAmbient lightingLeatherette upholsteryDriver reminiscence function8-way energy passenger seat10-speaker Harman Kardon sound systemWireless cellphone charger
Is the Subaru Solterra secure?
The Subaru Solterra has a five-star ANCAP security score, based mostly on testing performed by Euro NCAP on the bZ4X in 2022.
It acquired an grownup occupant safety score of 88 per cent, a toddler occupant safety score of 88 per cent, a susceptible street person safety score of 79 per cent, and a security help score of 93 per cent.
Customary security tools consists of:
Adaptive cruise controlAutonomous emergency brakingBlind-spot monitoringDriver consideration monitoringEmergency Steering AssistLane Tracing Help (lane centring)Parking Help BrakeRear cross-traffic alertSafe Exit AssistSurround-view cameraTraffic signal recognitionTyre stress monitoringFront and rear parking sensorsFront, front-side, curtain and front-centre airbags
How a lot does the Subaru Solterra price to run?
The 2024 Subaru Solterra is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, in addition to an eight-year, 160,000km battery guarantee.
Subaru is providing free servicing for the primary 5 years or 75,000km – with intervals of 12 months or 15,000km. There’s additionally 5 years of roadside help.
The corporate is providing a alternative of both an Ocular LTE single-phase 7kW Sort 2 wallbox for $2250 together with set up, or a three-phase 22kW unit for $2645.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Subaru Solterra
The Subaru Solterra is a surprisingly good EV in case you’re getting into it from the angle of proudly owning an Subaru- or different legacy-branded ICE-powered automotive and have by no means pushed an EV earlier than.
Every part is the place you’ll anticipate it to be and also you don’t must faff round an excessive amount of with the touchscreen infotainment system to regulate features like some EVs. It’s good there’s no scarcity of bodily buttons within the Solterra.
This ICE-like expertise even carries by means of to the best way the Solterra drives. With no correct one-pedal driving mode you’re pressured to make use of the brake pedal to come back to a whole cease.
This isn’t my most popular approach to drive an EV, however I can perceive why people who find themselves hopping into an EV for the primary time would really like some type of familiarity with the driving expertise. Given the automotive is silent that may already be rather a lot to grapple with.
A catch with the Solterra nevertheless is its value…
Though it was not too long ago slashed and nonetheless consists of goodies like a complimentary five-year service plan and 5 years of roadside help amongst different inclusions, it nonetheless doesn’t stack up pretty much as good worth when in comparison with the likes of the top-selling Tesla Mannequin Y. The whole Solterra vary nonetheless slides underneath the FBT threshold although.
The flagship Solterra AWD Touring variant on check right here doesn’t type because the candy spot of the vary. Certain it’s absolutely loaded however I’d a lot slightly go for the entry-level mannequin given it doesn’t lose too many options and will get smaller 18-inch alloy wheels which might seemingly carry a good higher trip.
I’m additionally not an enormous fan of the noticed vitality consumption I noticed throughout my week of testing. A median of just about 18kWh per 100km in combined metropolis and freeway driving is alright however nowhere close to class-leading.
I skilled significantly higher vitality consumption with the single-motor Toyota bZ4X although I perceive this mannequin doesn’t include the safety of all-wheel drive and the X-Mode off-road drive modes.
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