Pricing for the 2023 Subaru Solterra has been revealed with the base model starting at $46,220, or $925 more than its cousin, the Toyota bZ4X with AWD. Dual-motor versions of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, on the other hand, cost $2,525 and $5,895 more respectively but offer the fastest DC charging speeds, more power, and can travel farther on a single charge. A base Volkswagen ID.4 AWD starts at $105 less while the Ford Mustang Mach-E starts at $475 in the 224-mile standard range configuration. However, opting for the extended range pack in the Ford will cost you at least $56,000 with AWD in either the Premium or California Route 1 versions.
The 2023 Subaru Solterra distinguishes itself via its standard dual-motor configuration, giving it AWD. Combined, they make 215 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. Backing them up is a 72.8-kWh lithium-ion battery that you can DC charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than an hour with peak rates of 100 kW. A level 2 AC charger will get you a full charge in 9 hours. According to the EPA, the Solterra is good for 228 miles per charge on the base Premium grade. Limited and Touring models are rated slightly lower at 222 miles. The Solterra currently has the most ground clearance of any mainstream battery-electric compact crossover on the market at 8.3 inches, which is 0.2 inches more than the Toyota bZ4X. It also gets dual X-Mode as standard with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings.
Base Premium models are nicely equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, LED headlights, an 8.0-inch touch screen, and a full suite of driver assistance features. This includes blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, front automatic emergency braking, and Safe Exit Assist, which warns occupants of oncoming vehicles before they open the door.
Moving up to the Solterra Limited, which starts at $49,720, gets you the larger 12.3-inch main touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, cloud-based built-in navigation, a surround-view camera, digital key, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, 20-inch wheels, a power liftgate, and automatic parking. The Limited trim also gets rear cross-traffic alert and expands automatic emergency braking’s functionality to parking lot speeds.
The range-topping Touring trim will cost you a cool $53,220. This builds on the Limited grade with the addition of a rearview camera mirror, ventilated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, a Homelink garage door opener, and LED footwell lighting. Touring models are the only ones available with a two-tone paint option, which is available with Cosmic White Pearl, Harbor Mist Gray Pearl, Elemental Red Pearl, and Smoked Carbon. These will tack on an extra $890 to the sticker price except Smoked Carbon where it costs $495. Certain single-tone exterior colors also cost an additional $395.
Subaru has partnered with EVGo to give Solterra owners access to its charging network. It is also the only one powered by 100 percent renewable energy. Those who put down reservations can also pick between EVGo charging credit or money to go toward the purchase and installation of a level 2 home charger via QMerit. Every Solterra purchase or lease also comes with complimentary 10-day access to Subaru’s Just Drive rental program via the dealer they bought the car from. This allows for the rental of other Subaru vehicles through participating retailers within Subaru’s dealer network.
