Subaru’s first absolutely electrical automobile (EV) – the Solterra mid-size SUV – has lastly launched in Australia nearly two years after it launched in abroad markets like Japan and the US.

It’s arriving just a little later to the competitors in what’s already a hotly contended section. 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 automobile has been co-developed with Toyota in an analogous means the BRZ/GR86 got here to be. This implies Toyota has its personal model of this automobile which is calls the bZ4X – deliveries of this automobile additionally simply began domestically.

The Solterra and bZ4X do look nearly similar although there are minor exterior and inside design variations. The previous can be solely provided 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 a lot does the Subaru Solterra price?

There are presently 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: $69,990
• 2024 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 just a little laborious to inform it other than the associated Toyota bZ4X. One of many few distinguishing design parts is the fake hexagonal grille on the Solterra, in addition to the marginally totally different LED headlight signature.

Thanks partially to its lifted journey top that’s inherent with crossovers, the Solterra is simple to get and out of. You’ll be able to pivot out and in reasonably than stepping up or down, which is nice for these with achy joints.

The battery pack is mounted beneath 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 when you weren’t paying full consideration might be confused with correct leather-based. It’s just a little 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 might be a tad annoying as fake leather-based upholstery will get highly regarded and sticky in heat climate.

The entrance seats themselves are sporty-looking models that present a extremely comfy seating place. You are 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 explicit 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 fashionable and nearly Peugeot-like. It’s essential to look over the steering wheel to see the digital instrument cluster that’s mounted far-off 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 ensure your eyes don’t stray too far off the street to test your present velocity, and so forth.

The steering wheel within the Solterra is a squared-off unit not like the bZ4X which has a spherical one. It means that you can 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 assumed the steering wheel could 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 might be straightforward to know and supply satisfying suggestions.

As customary the complete Solterra vary receives a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster that’s mounted a good distance from the driving force so it seems just a little small. Fortunately its interface is extremely minimal and it shows all of the important data you might each need very clearly.

There are a selection of informative pages you’ll be able to cycle by way of on the digital instrument cluster, together with ones for effectivity, music, compass and settings, amongst others. You too can simply choose to not have informative pages on show which makes the present velocity data extra outstanding.

Transferring 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 simple to navigate.

The display itself seems to be actually high-resolution and is brilliant 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 way of menus seamless.

As customary the Solterra comes with wired and wi-fi types of each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With my iPhone 15 Professional Max linked wirelessly I didn’t expertise any dropouts in any way, which is just a little shocking.

Fortunately this automobile 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 customary which is nice for when your cellphone runs out of service and you continue to want to seek out your means house. Not like the bZ4X it’s not linked to web although, which suggests no stay visitors data.

I admire the local weather management pod is very easy to know and function not like some automobiles which bury the features within the touchscreen. There are some bodily switches, in addition to touch-sensitive buttons which acquired just a little 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 important 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 could 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 reasonably 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 suggests 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 take 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 the complete centre console and even options on the door panels that are each excessive touch-points. This acquired 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 a purpose to make up for this the automobile has a deeper-than-usual centre console field. There’s an insert within the centre console which might be pulled out to disclose extra lined storage.

The Solterra additionally has an open area beneath the piano black-ridden centre console which is giant sufficient to accommodate a purse or units which might be charging from the 2 USB-C ports or 12V socket. It’s value noting the door bins are additionally giant sufficient to accommodate an enormous 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 assumed it could. Certain it sounds okay but it surely’s not as unbelievable as I’d count on a Harman Kardon-branded system to be.

Transferring 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 quite a few different EVs you’re feeling like you’ve got your knees up larger than regular as a result of the battery pack raises the ground top.

Two adults match simply within the second row of the Solterra, although attempting 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 baby 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 automobile is predicated on a devoted electrical structure I’m upset there’s barely any underfloor storage within the Solterra – it’s solely actually large enough for a charging cable. There’s additionally no frunk in any way.

The Solterra solely comes with a tyre restore package which isn’t shocking for an EV. It’s one thing to bear in mind nevertheless when you plan to enterprise removed from tyre restore retailers as you might be caught ready for some time for roadside help.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

The Subaru Solterra is solely provided domestically with a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain. There’s a single-motor possibility provided within the associated Toyota bZ4X, in addition to the Japanese-market Solterra.

Utilizing my noticed power consumption the Solterra AWD Touring has a real-world vary declare of simply over 400km.

It’s value noting my noticed power consumption was typically larger 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 measurement.

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) automobile 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 automobile is able to be pushed.

Setting off it is advisable to acquaint your self with the Prius-style puck gear selector which takes a bit to get used to. With a purpose to choose both drive or reverse it is advisable to push the puck down after which twist both left or proper, relying on which course you propose to move.

Though the Solterra does have twin electrical motors as customary, 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 offered from standstill which suggests you’ll be able to lean on the throttle at low speeds and get the bounce on most automobiles.

Driving the Solterra additionally feels much like an ICE automobile. There’s no one-pedal driving mode which in my private choice is probably the most pure approach to drive an EV. This implies it is advisable to depress the brake pedal to really come to a cease within the Solterra.

As a substitute this has a typical driving mode it defaults to each time you begin up automobile, which permits it to coast like an ICE automobile if you take your foot off the accelerator with none regenerative braking.

You’ll be able to nevertheless use the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel to modulate the quantity of regenerative braking offers. There’s additionally an ‘S Pedal’ perform that enhances 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 got the ‘S Pedal’ perform activate, which I did for almost all of my testing, the automobile will sluggish itself down at a reasonably linear charge to round 5-10km/h with out miserable the brake pedal in any way, although as I famous earlier than you continue to have to press it to come back to an entire cease.

I don’t consider it’s the tip of the world that the Solterra doesn’t have a one-pedal driving system, as this automobile is meant for these transitioning out a daily ICE or hybrid automobile.

One thing I like about Solterra is the digital instrument cluster exhibits 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 customary with all-wheel drive this provides a little bit of safety if you’re driving in slippery situations, 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 totally different modes – Snow/Filth and Deep Snow/Mud – in addition to a Grip Management perform. 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 beneath the bonnet. The one noticeable sound is the odd little bit of tyre noise if you’re turning corners.

At low speeds the automobile’s suspension tune could 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 just a little cumbersome when it is advisable to flip the wheel just a little tighter. It will be good to have a steer-by-wire system so that you didn’t should cross your fingers over when turning.

As customary the Solterra comes with entrance and rear parking sensors, in addition to a surround-view digicam which has nice image high quality and likewise a clear chassis mode. As well as the automobile comes with an auto-parking function that’s surprisingly nice.

Not like different parking programs from different automobile manufacturers, the Solterra’s doesn’t require it scan the area between two automobiles. As a substitute the programs makes use of the surround-view digicam to fit the automobile between line markings.

The auto-parking system could be very sluggish however reassuring in the way in which it guides the automobile into the park. It can even do a digital spin across the automobile on the infotainment touchscreen to indicate the way it has parked completely inside the strains.

Build up velocity within the dual-motor all-wheel drive Solterra is simple 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 mandatory.

There’s a bit extra apparent tyre roar at larger speeds, particularly on coarse-chip roads which might be prolific in rural Australia, although for probably the most half it’s nonetheless quiet contained in the cabin.

Similar to at low speeds, the suspension tune could be very comfy at larger 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 automobile receives the total suite of accessible security tools (not like the associated bZ4X) although you do pay a value premium for the privilege.

The adaptive cruise management reacts to different automobiles merging into your lane very naturally. If the automobiles are travelling quicker than the Solterra fortunately it fortunately doesn’t slam on the brakes like some.

That is significantly higher than quite a few different Subaru fashions that solely use a camera-based adaptive cruise management system which could be a little hit or miss.

The lane-keep help and lane centring perform which might be activated by urgent a button on the steering wheel is up there with a few of the greatest I’ve examined thus far.

When this perform is activated the automobile will preserve itself inside a lane rather well. It has street edge detection which suggests it really works even with out correct line markings. That is extremely helpful for individuals who stay in rural and regional areas.

It’s not all excellent nevertheless, as like most lane centring programs it does get misplaced on the odd event. Fortunately all it is advisable to do to repair that is barely nudge the steering wheel again within the appropriate course.

As customary the Solterra comes with brilliant LED headlights, although sadly they don’t swivel if you flip like some Subaru fashions. They do nevertheless, have an adaptive high-beam perform which robotically dips a portion of the sunshine when it detects a automobile’s headlights or tail lights.

The adaptive high-beam perform is ideal for individuals who stay in dimly-lit nation areas who don’t wish to faff round with dipping your lights each time you meet a automobile.

I discovered in apply although the adaptive high-beam perform would generally be overly wanting to dip parts of the high-beams and others it wouldn’t dip shortly sufficient, leading to getting flashed from oncoming automobiles.

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 wheels
• Tyre restore package
• Rear privateness glass
• 2kW AC charging cable
• Energy-folding exterior mirrors
• Computerized self-levelling LED headlights
• Adaptive high-beam
• Puddle lights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Energy tailgate
• Keyless entry, begin
• Digital parking brake
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Tilt, telescopic steering wheel adjustment
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• 7.0-inch digital cluster
• 6-speaker sound system
• DAB+ digital radio
• 2 x entrance USB-C retailers
• 1 x entrance USB-A outlet
• 2 x rear USB-C outpets
• Digital rear-view mirror
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated steering wheel
• Material upholstery
• 8-way energy driver’s seat
• Heated entrance seats
• Heated outboard rear seats
• Reclining rear bench

Solterra AWD Touring provides:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Auto-dipping exterior mirrors with reminiscence
• Panoramic glass roof
• Semi-automatic parking help
• Ambient lighting
• Leatherette upholstery
• Driver reminiscence perform
• 8-way energy passenger seat
• 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• Wi-fi cellphone charger

Is the Subaru Solterra secure?

The Subaru Solterra has a five-star ANCAP security ranking, based mostly on testing performed by Euro NCAP on the bZ4X in 2022.

It obtained an grownup occupant safety ranking of 88 per cent, a toddler occupant safety ranking of 88 per cent, a weak street person safety ranking of 79 per cent, and a security help ranking of 93 per cent.

Customary security tools contains:

• Adaptive cruise management
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver consideration monitoring
• Emergency Steering Help
• Lane Tracing Help (lane centring)
• Parking Assist Brake
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Secure Exit Help
• Encompass-view digicam
• Visitors signal recognition
• Tyre strain monitoring
• Entrance and rear parking sensors
• Entrance, 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 when you’re getting into it from the angle of proudly owning an Subaru- or different legacy-branded ICE-powered automobile and have by no means pushed an EV earlier than.

The whole lot is the place you’ll count on it to be and also you don’t have to 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 way of to the way in which the Solterra drives. With no correct one-pedal driving mode you’re pressured to make use of the brake pedal to come back to an entire cease.

This isn’t my most well-liked 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 automobile is silent that may already be lots to grapple with.

A catch with the Solterra nevertheless is its value…

Though it was not too long ago slashed and nonetheless contains 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 beneath 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 reasonably go for the entry-level mannequin given it doesn’t lose too many options and will get smaller 18-inch alloy wheels which might possible carry a fair higher journey.

I’m additionally not an enormous fan of the noticed power consumption I noticed throughout my week of testing. A mean of virtually 18kWh per 100km in combined metropolis and freeway driving is alright however nowhere close to class-leading.

I skilled significantly higher power 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.

Click on the photographs for the total gallery

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