2023 Subaru Solterra Electric Crossover Review and Off-Road Test
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- Опубліковано 9 лип 2024
- We get behind the wheel of the 2023 Subaru Solterra, their first Battery Electric Crossover! The Solterra comes standard with dual motors, 220+ miles of range and Subaru's X-Mode off-road traction system for mud and snow.
April 25 update: PRICING! Starting MSRP of $46,220, top-end Touring model goes for $53,220 (prices include destination and delivery.) Vehicle eligible for up to $7,500 federal tax credit
#Subaru #Solterra #electriccar
CONTENTS
00:00 - Introduction
00:31 - Features
12:52 - Driving Impressions
18:17 - Dirt Road and Trail Driving
20:28 - Off-Road Donut, X-Mode and Crawl Control Tests
24:15 - Class Comparisons and Conclusions
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The most leg to torso proportionate reviewer in the world! Great job.
lol I love it when he mentions that too.
🤣
I don't know why it is not printed on the official T-Shirts.
Where do I have to go to get someone to tell me if my legs are proportionate to my torso?
@@da1battlefront Pacific North West...
Ryan, You get full marks for dutifully advising people who want to fully utilize the off-road capability to avoid the low profile tires. Let's see how many listen😉
We SHOULD be avoiding low pro tires...Period...Unless You are road racing.........60 series are superior for 98% of Us.........Paul
@@paulholterhaus7084 235/45 ratio tires are pretty fine. Thats what i have on my legacy and i get good response for on the road, its plenty comfortable and i have 0 problems even going on dirt trails and snow.
I also noted the tire pressure was over 42psi on all 4 tires prior to the offroad portion. That seems REALLY high and probably didn't help at all during that part of the test drive.
Most people who buy offroad cars, don't take them offroad
"can this do a donut?", and "sleeping" in the trunk/hatch. LOVE IT !!!! This is why I love watching your reviews. You really do drive these cars and as a viewer, it is obvious that you love what you do, which helps make your reviews that much more relatable and realistic
There’s a lot to like with this Subaru EV but it feels like it’s about 80 miles or range short of being one of the best EVs available
yeah but it does come standard with AWD system which usually eat up range. As well as high ground clearance and profile which is not the most aerodynamic Toyota BZ4 with two wheel drive will have more range
And I will buy a fully loaded Subaru Solterra anyway.
I would think it's only about 30-40 miles short: 250 is a nice round number, and about how long I can tolerate driving without taking a long break.
300 miles of range is the sweet spot in my opinion after 11 years of EV driving.
I think the charge speed is more of an issue than the range. Nearly an hour to go from 10-80% with a dc fast charger
Great video and as usual this is the first place I visit for off-road and actual driving experience of new cars especially the Subarus. Good detail and knowledge sharing. Thx.
Excellent review! You could be my driving instructor- soo clear. Unbiased and not unimpressed like every other reviewer ever. THANK YOU!! Also Arizona sick choice!!!
As always, great editing and good practical testing and comments!
Its interesting that all of these EV reviews compare the car to other EVs. As a current Subaru owner looking for the EV to transition to I would like a Solterra vs Outback/Forrester review.
Forester does the same thing for $20K less.....................Paul
Man! your off road reviews are amazing!
I was waiting for this!
Great video, Ryan (as usual). As my wife is seriously considering one (once order banks open back up) this is the info we need. Be nice if they made the bigger wheels an option vs standard on the two upper models. No way in hell we're going to run 20" tires.
Great review. You have a new subscriber.
The styling of this vehicle is growing on me. Especially when dirt is covering those dark front fender panels. 😉
Well done. I'm digging the Solterra. And I like the lo-fi music throughout the video.
Thanks for this video. Looks good, great AWD capabilities. Sure will be performing here (Quebec region) in the snow/ice during winter, potholes in the spring and country roads to the cottage. Took note on 18” wheel, at least for the winter season and off-roading as a separate set of wheels.
The real question is how poor will the range be in below 0 conditions? Will you be getting stuck out in the bush? perhaps
Great review and tons of great information. I love how you take these Subies everywhere and put them to the test off-road! I am waiting on my new 2023 Limited Crosstrek PHEV and hugely appreciated your great off-road reviews and run-throughs with Sofyan (Redline Reviews) for the 2019 version! Thanks for all of your efforts.
Never thought I would be sold into getting an electric
Dig it! Great review as always. Excited to see the aftermarket/offroad gear for this. Hopefully down the line they'll come out with a long-range, 300+ mile version which would give people like me that would love for this to be my daily/adventure vehicle more confidence.
Can't be 300+mile! The actual range is around 220 miles.
I love Subaru ! My 2006 Subaru Forester has never let me down !! 💯💯
Thanks for the video, are you planning on doing a video of the crosstrek sport in deep snow? Id like to see that.
Gotta respect a car review where there is a “Suh-weet!”. Another excellent review and comparison there guys.
This could be the most off-road capable modern Subaru in the range since it isn't hampered by a CVT. A comparison with the Wilderness trim of the Outback and Forester would be interesting.
Is this bigger than a crosstrek?
Yes and taller
Whats wrong with the CVT?
I'm a huge subaru fan and very happy to see Subaru dip their toes into the BEV market, but I gotta be honest.. I don't think this is going to sell well. I don't think it stands out in the current BEV/EV market. It's not really subaru styling, no more boxer engine/rumble, it doesn't seem to do any single thing better (cargo space, seating capacity), not even better EV range than the competition.
A solid EV for sure, but seems kind of 'middle of the road' in terms of what it is. That said, I hope Subaru brings more EV/PHEV/Hybrid options to their lineup. In fact, I'd LOVE to have a PHEV or traditional hybrid for something like the Ascent or maybe the Outback (the true family haulers of the subaru lineup).
Very solid review. I like how you always try sleeping in it with rear seat down, something I do a lot in the back country. This looks like a good replacement for my commute car after giving Tesla 3 to my kid after he graduate from college. Good for daily drives and occasional off-road within 100 miles of home
Mark, you and Alex are the only reveiwers on the platform that really grok Subarus. I guess RCR as well. So many reviews boil down to "It isn't a Wrangler, so it's garbage" that it's nice to see the insights into where Subarus do fit into the market, and into lifestyles.
Also, oh god, so much piano black.
Nice improvement on the production, great job!
I never thought I'd get an automatic car unless forced to, but once I tried the one pedal driving in my Bolt I won't go back. It's awesome.
My first two cars were old manual transmission Subarus and I loved em. I also love my new Bolt.
This Solterra seems too big for me. I went from a 2door GL to an Impreza wagon which felt was a bit big. Then the Bolt which is taller, but about the same length as the Impreza. The Solterra is longer and wider than the Bolt.
I do occasionally miss 4/AWD, especially the part time 4WD from the GL, however the Bolt has been surprisingly good in the snow since I put decent tires on it.
Specs wise the Solterra doesn't seem all that much better. A few more HP, but less EPA range. That lower range is greatly offset by much faster DCFC.
Having slightly worse 0-60, being slightly heavier, and quite a bit bigger I doubt it will be as fun to drive on road. Having off road capability offsets that though.
This thing is AMAZING! I need this!!
Looks pretty good. Just needs a 2" lift and some KO2s on 17s. We'll what the aftermarket offers!
Good video. I missed the side view shot where you floor it to test the traction.
I'm far out from being able to afford an EV, which is good, because even though I'm excited for off road capable EVs like this, still plenty of bugs to work out. Great potential and hopefully they listen to their first series of buyers to fine tune it into the car it deserves to be.
Fantastic video though !!!
Thanks for going offroad! We need to see more softroad capable EVs!
Subaru's numbers are very conservative for range. They also gave it slower charging rates to minimize battery degradation.
Those slow number are crap. Almost no one is going to be Level 3 charging regularly, but when you do, do you want to be spending an hour or more to get to 80% while on one of those rare journeys ?
If Subaru launched a 400plus range electric truck, bring back the Baja or Brat, make it a five seater, than I think it would sell really well. Car companies like Land Rover and Volkswagen proves that retro designed EVS from vehicle designs from the past can play well in todays market. An electrified version of the Baja or Bratt would be so cool and it could feature modern but retro design which is proving to be popular
On more than one occasion while he was detailing the exterior, I forgot I was looking at a Subaru and seriously thought this was a Toyota.
Should be all you need to know about this Subie
It’s basically a Toyota. It’s Toyota that actually and mostly developed this car, the body is derived from the rav4 and chassis is totally new.
The whole time watching this I thought I was looking at an Electric Crosstrek.
@@mikeoxlong3676 more like Toyota RAV4
This video makes me want the Subaru Solterra
Thanks for the review, I having a Outback -18 right now that i relay like and ill keep for som years bot the next step i think will be electric, it seems like a have to and i want to stay in the Subaru family so i consider this car to be an option
That was interesting about the too-high floor in the back seat area. Looked like an uncomfortable angle for your knees. Must be a requirement of the big battery under floor.
Great review as usual! I was on the fence about this one but could definitely see it replacing our Ascent. Wish more than 6500 per were being made.
And probably only in ZEV states.
I'm curious what your use case is for the Ascent (and the Solterra)? I'm guessing you are not carrying a lot of passengers in the Ascent or much cargo and also not towing? I'm not seeing how the Solterra could replace the Ascent unless you had the Ascent mostly for offroad with it's 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
We are looking at buying an Ascent later this year, but we are a family of 6 (soon to be 7) and would never fit in the Solterra. I figured most people with the Ascent bought it for the passenger, cargo, towing, and/or ground clearance...which the Solterra has less of across the board.
@@slandshark Correct. We only have 1 child and a dog. We keep our 3rd row folded down for extra cargo room. Love that for hauling a large stroller and the dog kennel. We really like the Ascent but with rising gas prices it’s made me think about savings from an EV. Avg about 22mpg. The Solterra’s trunk space seemed pretty decent too.
Love it
I love the bronco burn at 18:50
This is the CAR I WANT
Ryan, thank you for applying your research, testing methods, and enthusiasm to electric vehicles. AWD system seems to be working in a very controlled manner. Toyota / Subaru have a "good" car here IMO but nothing groundbreaking. I'll be curious to see if you can get a Solterra or BZ4X on your home course soon.
Hard to show enthusiasm for vehicles no car lover wants.
Looks great. Hopefully they come out with a long-range version - with faster charging - soon.
Agreed. Current specs are underwhelming.
@@Wasabi9111 200 miles is downright awful.
I read an article where someone was saying that Subaru wouldn't be able to compete with electric because they wouldn't be able to market their AWD capabilities. This thing is insanely more capable than my 2021 forester that by design protects the CVT which sometimes limits what you can do.
Nice car, an EV that I would actually considering.
Still waiting on Subaru to make a minivan, hybrid or whatever. Need it to take family of 7 with comfortable room and AWD confidence on snowy road.
Did you get a chance to ask about the wrx accesories or and plans for it?
really enjoying this Toyota-Subaru partnership!
I like the idea of EVs, I just wish the range was better. I drive from Florida to PA every year to visit family, and stopping to charge my EV slows that journey a lot. Would love to see more of them integrate solar panels to keep it charging while you're on the road. I am sure as these pick up, that will come. Great video as always.
Very, VERY sadly, even if the whole car was covered in solar panels from bumper to bumper it would probably take like a solid week of strong sun to recharge even just one full drain - I'm in the same boat though. I assume powertrain efficiency / storage will move faster towards (y)our goal than solar tech .... so it's looking like Plugin Hybrids (that can do those in town trips full electric AND long drives on gas) are probably better suited for people like you and me for the near future.
They haven’t yet confirmed the range and it seams like they aren’t using a lot of aluminum like tesla.
You could just rent a car for the once a year trip.
Horse and buggy would be faster.
@@alanmay7929 Is alu somehow inferior?
nice review as always. thanks. how would you compare it to an outback please? i mean the ride quality, comfort etc.
Outback seats are a bit more comfortable for long trips.
I don't like EV's but I love Subaru and Toyota so this one has my attention. It also looks like a crosstrek which is a plus imo.
Neat. I've sat in one and I liked it. But needs more range. Especially when you consider the battery drains quicker at highway speeds and with the AC running.
Does rear seats folded flat like outback or like forester, that need some kind of platform to make level?. In video it’s not clear
The steering wheel gauge cluster problem is due to the round wheel. The Toyota bz4x was designed with a cut off version of a steering wheel. So there is nothing in the sight line.
10:12 - I felt that.
20:56 MADNESS!!!
I feel Subaru really missed the mark with their first EV here. Underwhelming range, not super fast charging, no front trunk storage like a lot of EVs, and lower ground clearance than the Outback, Forrester, and Crosstrek. It's a decent first step, but not something I'd jump to buy. When Subaru can have a battery that's good for 500+ miles of range, has 8.7+ inches of clearance...wait, that's essentially an electric Outback. Yeah, when they have an electric Outback, I'll be in. :)
I will be really interested in a electric like the forester since this one is pretty small
I suspect they’ll save the electric outback for when they have more experience building EVs. That’s their flagship so they can’t screw it up.
@@Lakikano Probably
Right, and at what price point would this ideal Subaru be at? Probably, at a high cost that very few would want to pay.
Only one EV in the market has over 500 miles range & it cost over 80k. Really nobody cares about front trunk.
Second comment. I actually think an electric Subaru makes perfect sense. It fits well with Subaru's adventurous, eco minded customers and I can see it becoming a key part of their line up, but the Solterra, doesn't quite hit the mark. Ideal end state is an electric Outback or at least a plug-in hybrid. The Solterra seems to be trying too hard to be futuristic. Jeep's 4Xe approach may be better suited for the next phase of Subaru's EV line up.
hybrids are too complicated, go electric or go gas, trying to stuff both in one car is just a mess.
I live in the Uk and drive a diesel Outback. The Solterra (at time of writing) has yet to hit our dealerships although Subaru are rolling out 'first looks' to people who own a Subaru. The one thing that for me lets it down is the lack of spare tyre, (tire if you live in America). Its' off road capability is great but can you imagine going out into the wilderness, well off the beaten track, get a flat tyre and the liquid glue repair kit has no effect at all on the hole/puncture. Who is going to come out and rescue you? A tow truck in the form of another Subaru? It needs a spare wheel although the charging cable etc limits the space in the cargo area. I'm not going out when they hit the dealers and rush to buy one. The lack of range, lower ground clearance, and lack of spare tyre is not enough for me to get out my cheque book. I think Subaru could have done a better job with their first attempt at an electric vehicle. I hope they improve upon it within the next 10 years or so. I'm 66 so my driving days are not unlimited. I would like one before I get too old to drive. Come on Subaru, don't make me wait too long for an improved version.
Spec wise the Solterra & bZ4x doesn't break new ground, but that's OK since Toyota has always been a conservative company to start. That said at 72 kWh the battery is smaller than the ID.4, Ioniq 5, EV6, Mach-E and Ariya, so the price better be less than those or else this is going to be a tough sell.
I actually don't think it will be as tough as you might think considering Subaru has such a loyal customer base who, to some extent, don't even consider other manufacturers.
@@vedder10 oh no lol they lost me with all the new models with the huge tablets and annoying headlights that look like high beams when you drive in front of one. Not to mention the cvt.
@@v8_sami But they still sell a ton of those CVT, tablet equipped vehicles. The fact is most people are attracted to those huge tablet consoles now. Also the CVT may or may not be going away within the next few years. Regardless just look at how many sales of the Outback, Crosstrek, and Forrester. It has been working well for Subaru and people tend to repeat buy their cars. Not to mention you would be surprised at how many of these car review channel hosts that actually drive Subaru's for their own personal cars.
You mentioned Scottsdale. Do you live in the area? I'm located in Tempe! I have a 2018 Subaru Outback outfitted with a self driving Comma OpenPilot system. Would be interested to see how the self driving capabilities compare.
I actually really like the lay out of the gauge cluster and steering wheel.
I have an old nissan leaf with speedo there. Its awesome. Heads up display is bettee though.
Could you please do an offroad comparison with its twin-toyota brother (bZ4X)?
I would love to see the electronic differences they have and how they impact their off-roading abilities.
Or if they would simply just be the same vehicle on and off the pavement.
Yessss! If I get a second car for the wife, it’ll be an electric, and this is definitely top of the list 😎
I think the wading depth is 50cm for this vehicle as well, one of the highest for electric vehicle?
Eh... ... ...
Video's great as always👍
When do new 2023 Subarus begin to be sold at dealers ? I'm close to purchasing a 2022 wilderness outback but am thinking about waiting for the 2023 version
Chatting to our local Subaru dealer here in Australia, their briefing notes on range kinda suggest the battery management programming is kinda-conservative. This possibly explains many reviews coming up short on efficiency/range.
3:26 Nice bass hit
Is the new cost cutting measure not including a rear wiper now? Both the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq5 are the same. The sportback design keeps the rear window cleaner but that little bit of off-roading had it looking really dusty.
3:00 I’ve noticed this feature on the Volkswagen ID4, Toyota BZ X4, and now this electric Subaru. They all have that Flat shelf above the tail light.
It’s hard to see in the video but easy to see while driving. I’m not sure how I feel about it! Lol
(I seen the BZ X4 with Manufacturers plates in Carlsbad CA. It’s supposed to be selling next month or so.)
(PS - I also saw the ID4 while driving for work)
Ohhhh, Toyota and Subaru are cousins..
Beautiful car.
Do the Solterras have Driver 1,2 (and 3). It's amazing how you get used to that feature.
Awesome review! This is what I like, full tests of the awd systems. Awd is tricky. When talking RAV4 hybrid that system is disconnected because you have to different systems trying to work things out and is disconnected. In my mind, your either gas/hybrid with mechanical AWD or full electric EV with eAWD in which the systems are talking properly to each other. I did enjoy seeing this car flex and the AWD responding as it should in a full ev layout. The RAV4 is a hybrid with two completely disconnected systems and I don't like it and it shows with its offroad performance. Yes I know they live mostly on pavement. But it shows. Even the Rouge Hybrid, when it was around, had a full mechanical layout and worked much better then the RAV4 hybrid. I enjoy your videos a lot, Ryan. Keep it up! I would like to see added info regarding towing capacities in the future.
Should've bought it out on a Forester platform instead, give it a bit more height and lower the floor a little bit. Everything reminds me of older Subaru models - cramped/small. The piano black is a no go, instant scratches on first wipe.
A good try, can't wait to see what else comes along.
Heya Ryan. Have you heard if the Subaru Solterra also had the "wheels randomly coming off" issue that the BZ4X has been discovered to have? In Canada, Solterra orders were pushed back in the dealerships around me, so I assume it is to hold for the up and coming fix for the wheel issue seen in its Toyota cousin. Just to make sure, I am not trying to be a troll with this. I am quite interested in the Solterra and the reviews that I have seen have been quite good. I love that Subaru is moving into the EV world. I currently own the 2023 Crosstrek PHEV and love it!
They’re built at the same factory so technically they would have the same problem however the issue was caught before a single Soltera was ever delivered. so it is a non-issue for Solterra buyers.
@@drivingsports Great to hear! Thanks for the information. Thank you for your coverage of the Solterra.
I'm really looking forward to this car. But why have a twist knob for for shifting where there is, what, all of three choices, and no knob for volume or tuning where a knob is really useful?
Yeah, two knobs where the power, volume up/down buttons are would make this set-up nearly ideal with the rest of the screen and touch buttons.
How would you know if your legs and torso are proportionate? Your feet touch the ground when you stand up. :) Love the Solterra. Great name. Do I have to get gloss black cladding.
Do you have any data regarding the towable weight (trailer)?
Great video. Kinda looks like a crosstrek redesigned. Lol
It’s fantastic to see Subaru’s awd system working as intended. Without a terrible cvt to hinder its capabilities. I’m no Subaru fan, but this is a step in the right direction. Working with Toyota should increase its poor reliability history.
This is a good looking SUV.
Are there charging stations out in the “off road” area ? Supposed your EV has a range of 360 miles. Do you have enough juice to come back home?
When are you gonna do a video on the 2022 Lexus LX500
LX600 is next week.
Just picked up a new Outback in Sweden, and saw this at the dealer, and it didn't make me want one. It's a Toyota bZ4X. It's not nearly as outdoorsy as an Outback. In three years when I return the lease, I hope to get a real Outback electric and not this...thing. Thanks for the video though, great as always!
nice to know that some body in Sweden chooses subaru over volvo. I thought there were no subies up there:)
@@peterp9148 Yeah Volvo is in a majority for sure. But I'm biased growing up in north Sweden, it was Subaru Leone station wagon or go home :D. A Volvo with sand bags in the back didn't do the trick.
Agree, I'd be WAY more interested in a plug-in/hybrid Outback than I am this EV which can't compete on range or charging speeds than the competition from Hyundai/Kia.
Hey Ryan! I live in the Phoenix area, are you allowed to say where these off road sections took place? Looks really sweet.
All I know is… north of Scottsdale.
Sir around 16 min you pass an awesome wash that runs to the verde river!! It’s all sand and wash though. But that would have been an awesome little track if it had better tires.
I do wonder if the warranty offered by Subaru and Toyota are going to be different. For example, here in the UK, Subaru warranty now only three years but Toyota, you can get 10 years warranty. as long as the yearly maintenance is done by them.
I think both might offer 8-10 warranty on the battery but what about the rest of the vehicle?
Over mentioning your opinion about the wheel position and view of controls was over stated. We heard ya the first time. Other than that it was a solid review. Thumbs up.
Great review but I wish you looked at the cruise control
It's a nice BEV, with a decent drivetrain. What will be important for it selling hit, will be it price and reliability. Also some campaigns with free charging, will increase sales.
How does it compare to the OB Wilderness?
You missed camera view offroading assist demonstration.
i want one of this
Now waiting for Solterra Wilderness & bZ4x GR Offroad
A flattened steering wheel like some other sports oriented cars have, would allow for the viewing of the gauge from any angle
Nice car
Hey Ryan, the interior shots look like the A-pillars are a mile thick. Were they obtrusive?
Nice slender A-pillars and good visibility were Subaru hallmarks.
They're actually really slender. It's the go pro making them look bigger than they are.
This has just landed in New Zealand where it has a squared off steering wheel which I guess will sort out the display view issue