What kind of vehicle is the 2025 Subaru Solterra? What does it compare to?
The 2025 Subaru Solterra is a small electric crossover SUV. Compare it to the nearly identical Toyota bZ4X, as well as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6.
Is the 2025 Subaru Solterra a good SUV?
It looks kinda weird and its range estimates trail class leaders, but the Solterra has such charms as some off-road ability and a good crash-test record. It earns a 7.0 out of 10 TCC Rating. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What’s new for the 2025 Subaru Solterra?
Subaru slices the Solterra’s price by about $6,500. (Toyota made a similar move with its bZ4X.) Additionally, a new Onyx Edition trim level features blacked-out trim.
The Solterra looks just like the Toyota bZ4X from most angles, which isn’t a surprise since the two are essentially the same vehicle and are built together by Toyota in Japan. Neither looks very good, though the Solterra is marginally more attractive from some angles. Inside, though, the Subaru is all Toyota, which may come as a shock for anyone coming out of a Subaru model.
Solterras accelerate smartly from a stop, but they run out of steam for highway passing and they lack the ultra-rapid response of most competitive EVs. These small crossovers ride well enough, and they have some off-road modes that make them arguably the most capable EVs this side of a Rivian (though it’s not close). Don’t look for a full one-pedal driving mode, though. The Solterra’s most aggressive mode will get you most of the way there, but you’re on your own to tap the brake pedal to come to a full halt.
The Solterra’s 227-mile maximum range is pretty weak for an EV, though it’s worth remembering that this model comes only in a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup. Some rivals have a single motor for front- or rear-wheel drive. At 3.1 miles per kwh, the Solterra is quite efficient, and it charges fairly quickly as well. Subaru doesn’t currently include any free charging with purchase, though that may change during the model year.
Inside, the Solterra’s cabin is as unusual as its exterior. The wide center console means that there’s not much space up front, while the low roofline makes it hard for taller passengers to get comfortable in the back seat. With around 30 cubic feet of cargo space (which grows to about double that with the rear seat backs down), the Solterra isn’t as practical as the similarly sized Forester but it is more spacious than a typical sedan. The interior has a well-assembled feel with materials that are more about durability than luxury.
As we’ve come to expect from Subaru (and Toyota, for that matter), the 2025 Solterra has done well in crash tests and it comes with a healthy amount of crash-avoidance technology. That said, it has only seen limited testing from the IIHS, and the base trim level lacks the useful surround-view camera system that’s standard otherwise.
How much does the 2025 Subaru Solterra cost?
The base Solterra Premium costs $39,915, which buys 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, cloth upholstery, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Where is the 2025 Subaru Solterra made?
In Japan.
