Subaru Solterra AWD

Overview

The 2025 Subaru Solterra AWD is Subaru's all-electric SUV, bringing standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to the EV scene. Developed with Toyota, it’s a practical and capable choice for those wanting eco-friendly adventures. Key highlights for this AWD trim include its off-road prowess thanks to X-MODE and decent ground clearance. It's a solid contender in the compact electric SUV market. When new, expect a price around $44,995, with used examples for this specific configuration estimated around $18,998, offering a potentially savvy buy for an electric Subie.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Solterra AWD largely carries over the significant improvements introduced in the previous model year. This includes notably quicker DC fast charging, now hitting 10-80% in about 35 minutes under optimal conditions thanks to enhanced battery pre-conditioning. Drivers will also appreciate the updated steering wheel design which incorporates regeneration optimization paddles, allowing for more control over energy recovery. These refinements make the Solterra an even more user-friendly and efficient electric companion for daily drives and weekend escapes.

Design & Exterior

The Solterra AWD boasts a modern, slightly rugged exterior that’s unmistakably Subaru, with its signature hexagonal grille motif and chunky protective cladding. It rolls on stylish alloy wheels, typically 18-inch for the core AWD trim, framed by those beefy wheel arches. Full LED lighting, including sharp headlights and distinctive taillights, enhances its contemporary look. Dimensionally, it measures 184.6 inches in length, 73.2 inches in width (excluding mirrors), and stands 65 inches tall, giving it a planted, confident stance ready for urban cruising or trail exploring.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Solterra AWD offers a functional and tech-forward cabin for five. You'll find a modern dash layout, often featuring an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (higher trims get a larger 12.3-inch screen) with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a clear digital driver display. Passenger space is respectable for a compact SUV. For your gear, there's 23.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to a generous 63.5 cubic feet when they're folded down. Unfortunately, there’s no frunk for extra bits and bobs.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Solterra AWD delivers a zippy and assured driving experience, thanks to its dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors – one at the front, one at the rear – kicking out a combined 160 kW (around 215 hp) and 249 lb-ft of instant torque. This setup enables a brisk 0-60 mph dash in just 6.5 seconds. Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard, enhanced by X-MODE with Grip Control for tricky surfaces. Expect a comfortable ride quality, and responsive regenerative braking with multiple levels, making for smooth and engaging EV motoring.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Solterra AWD is equipped with a 64 kWh usable battery pack, providing a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of approximately 231 miles. It boasts an efficiency of around 3.61 miles per kWh. For charging, the standard 6.6 kW on-board AC charger will replenish the battery overnight, in about 10 hours. When you're out and about, it supports DC fast charging at up to 100 kW via its CCS Type 1 port, allowing a 10-80% top-up in as little as 35 minutes with the latest battery conditioning improvements.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a Subaru cornerstone, and the Solterra AWD doesn't disappoint, earning a top 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. It comes standard with Subaru's comprehensive EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This suite typically includes Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Lane Keep Assist. Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and a Parking Support Brake are also usually standard, making this EV a reassuring choice for families and safety-conscious drivers.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Subaru typically backs the Solterra AWD with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty covering the electric motors. Critically for an EV, the battery pack is covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, often guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. While Subaru doesn't typically offer complimentary maintenance like some rivals, the reduced maintenance needs of an EV are a bonus. Early niggles have been addressed, pointing towards improving reliability for this electric adventurer.