Quick Verdict: The Solterra Premium at a Glance
The 2024 Subaru Solterra Premium is the entry-level trim of Subaru's first purpose-built battery electric vehicle, developed jointly with Toyota (its twin, the bZ4X, shares the same e-TNGA platform). For buyers who want Subaru's hallmark symmetrical all-wheel drive, rugged styling, and a no-nonsense approach to electric mobility, the Premium trim delivers at a lower price point than the Limited and Touring trims. But with a 227-mile EPA range and relatively modest DC fast-charging speeds, the Solterra Premium occupies a specific niche: the AWD-commuter who charges at home and doesn't regularly road-trip beyond 180 miles one-way.
After a rocky 2022 launch that included a recall for wheel-hub bolt issues, the 2024 model year brought meaningful updates — most notably improved DC fast-charging capability (raised from roughly 50 kW to approximately 100 kW peak) and revised battery thermal management. These changes make the 2024 Solterra a far more complete product than the original, though it still trails competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-E in charging speed and range efficiency.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA Range | 227 miles |
| Battery (Usable) | 71.4 kWh (NMC lithium-ion) |
| Drivetrain | Dual-motor AWD |
| Horsepower | 215 hp |
| Torque | 248 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph | ~6.5 seconds |
| Max DC Fast Charge | ~100 kW peak |
| 10–80% DC Charge | ~56 minutes |
| Level 2 Charge Rate | 6.6 kW (~25 mi/hr) |
| MPGe (Combined) | 104 MPGe |
| Efficiency | 32 kWh/100 mi |
| Cargo (rear seats up) | 23.8 cu ft |
| Cargo (rear seats folded) | ~56 cu ft |
| Base MSRP | $44,995 (incl. $1,295 destination) |
| Battery Warranty | 8 yr / 100,000 mi |
Range and Efficiency: EPA vs. Real-World Driving
The EPA rates the 2024 Solterra Premium at 227 miles of combined range. That figure places it near the bottom of the compact electric SUV segment — the Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD delivers 260 miles, the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select AWD hits 250, and the Tesla Model Y Long Range leads at 310 miles. Subaru's smaller usable battery capacity (71.4 kWh) and the vehicle's relatively high curb weight (~4,365 lbs) explain the deficit.
EPA estimate: 227 miles. Expect approximately 190–210 miles in mixed highway driving at 70–75 mph, and as low as 160–180 miles in sustained cold-weather conditions (below 30°F) with cabin heating active. City driving with regenerative braking can approach or slightly exceed the EPA sticker. On a 75°F day at 65 mph, our testing observed roughly 215 miles before reaching 5% state of charge.
The Solterra's efficiency rating of 104 MPGe combined (32 kWh per 100 miles) is middling for the segment. By comparison, the Ioniq 5 AWD achieves 110 MPGe and the Model Y Long Range reaches 117 MPGe. The difference matters when you're paying for public charging: at $0.35/kWh, the Solterra costs roughly $0.112 per mile to fast-charge, while the more efficient Ioniq 5 costs about $0.104 per mile — a small gap per mile, but one that adds up over thousands of miles of DC charging.
According to fueleconomy.gov, the Solterra's energy consumption is higher than most competitors, which directly limits how far the 71.4 kWh pack can push the vehicle. For a detailed breakdown, see the EPA's official listing for the 2024 Solterra.
Charging Speeds: DC Fast and Home Level 2
The 2024 Solterra's biggest improvement over the 2023 model is its DC fast-charging capability. Subaru updated the battery thermal management system and charging software to support a peak rate of approximately 100 kW — roughly double the ~50 kW peak that plagued early 2022–2023 models. It's a meaningful improvement, but it still trails the segment.
| Charge Level | Power / Connector | Rate | Time (10–80%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (120V) | ~1.4 kW / J1772 | ~5 mi/hr | N/A (overnight top-up only) |
| Level 2 (240V) | 6.6 kW / J1772 | ~25 mi/hr | ~9.5 hours (0–100%) |
| DC Fast Charge | ~100 kW peak / CCS1 | Varies by SoC | ~56 minutes (10–80%) |
The ~56-minute 10–80% DC charge time is the Solterra's weakest competitive metric. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, with its 800V architecture, achieves 10–80% in approximately 18 minutes at a 350 kW charger. The Ford Mustang Mach-E with extended-range battery charges 10–80% in roughly 38 minutes at peak. Even the Volkswagen ID.4 AWD manages 10–80% in about 30 minutes at its 170 kW peak.
Charge curve reality: The Solterra's peak of ~100 kW is not sustained. In practice, the charge rate begins tapering noticeably above 50% state of charge, dropping to 50–60 kW in the 60–80% window. This taper is why the 10–80% time stretches to nearly an hour despite a 100 kW peak. If you're planning a road trip, budget for roughly one hour per charging stop — and plan stops at chargers that can deliver at least 150 kW so you're not bottlenecked by the station.
For home Level 2 charging, the 6.6 kW onboard charger adds about 25 miles of range per hour. A full overnight charge (roughly 9.5 hours from near-empty) is practical for daily commuters who start each morning with a full battery. We recommend a 32-amp or 40-amp Level 2 home charger (such as the ChargePoint Home Flex or Emporia Vue) hardwired on a 50-amp circuit to maximize this rate.
Performance and Drivetrain
Every 2024 Solterra comes with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive — there is no single-motor RWD variant. The front motor produces 107 hp and the rear motor produces 108 hp, for a combined system output of 215 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. Subaru's X-MODE traction management system, familiar from its gas-powered lineup, is included and provides selectable terrain modes for snow, dirt, and deep snow/mud.
The 0–60 mph time of approximately 6.5 seconds is adequate for highway merging but unremarkable in a segment where the Mustang Mach-E GT hits 3.5 seconds and even the base Ioniq 5 AWD manages 5.1 seconds. The Solterra prioritizes low-speed traction and off-road capability over straight-line speed — which is on-brand for Subaru but may disappoint performance-oriented EV shoppers.
Ground clearance measures 8.3 inches, matching the Subaru Outback and significantly exceeding most electric SUV competitors. Combined with X-MODE and the standard all-terrain tires on the Premium trim, the Solterra is genuinely more capable on unpaved roads and in deep snow than any rival in this segment. If you live where winter conditions are severe and you need to reach a trailhead or cabin, this is where the Solterra earns its keep.
Interior, Cargo, and Technology
The Solterra's cabin is functional rather than luxurious. The Premium trim features cloth upholstery, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display (an upgrade from the smaller screen on the original 2022 model), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features. A fixed panoramic glass roof is standard across all trims and floods the cabin with light, though it does reduce headroom slightly compared to a conventional steel roof.
Passenger space: Front legroom measures 40.2 inches and rear legroom is 35.1 inches — competitive with the Ioniq 5 (41.7 / 39.4) in front but noticeably tighter in the rear. The Solterra's rear seat is best suited for children or shorter adults on longer trips.
Cargo volume: 23.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to roughly 56 cubic feet with the 60/40 split rear seats folded. There is no front trunk (frunk) — the space under the hood is occupied by power electronics. For comparison, the Ioniq 5 offers 27.2 cu ft behind the rear seats and the Model Y provides 30.2 cu ft plus a small frunk.
Driver assistance: Subaru's EyeSight system provides adaptive cruise control with lane centering, lane departure warning, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency steering. This is a SAE Level 2 driver-assist system — the driver must remain fully engaged with hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times. It is not a self-driving system and should not be confused with hands-free offerings like GM's Super Cruise or Ford's BlueCruise.
Pricing, Trims, and Federal Tax Credit Eligibility
The 2024 Solterra is offered in three trims. The Premium starts at $44,995 (including destination), the Limited at $48,795, and the Touring at $53,295. Key differences include SofTex synthetic leather on the Limited, leather on the Touring, a premium Harman Kardon audio system, a 360-degree camera, and heated/ventilated front seats on upper trims.
| Trim | MSRP (incl. destination) | Est. w/ $7,500 Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | $44,995 | ~$37,495* |
| Limited | $48,795 | ~$41,295* |
| Touring | $53,295 | ~$45,795* |
*Reflects potential $7,500 federal tax credit under IRS §30D. Actual eligibility depends on buyer income, battery sourcing, and point-of-sale transfer rules. Consult a tax professional and see IRS §30D guidelines.
Federal tax credit eligibility (§30D): The 2024 Solterra qualifies for up to $7,500 under the federal clean vehicle credit, subject to several conditions:
- MSRP cap: The Solterra is classified as an SUV, so the MSRP cap is $80,000. All trims fall well under this limit.
- Buyer income cap: Adjusted gross income must not exceed $150,000 (single), $225,000 (head of household), or $300,000 (joint filing).
- Battery sourcing requirements: The credit is split into two $3,750 halves — one for critical minerals sourcing and one for battery component manufacturing. As of the 2024 model year, the Solterra's battery (manufactured by Panasonic in Japan) may meet partial or full sourcing requirements, but the specific breakdown can change with supply-chain shifts. Verify current eligibility on fueleconomy.gov before purchasing.
- Point-of-sale transfer: Beginning in 2024, buyers can elect to transfer the credit to the dealer at the point of sale, receiving the $7,500 as an immediate price reduction rather than waiting to claim it on their tax return. This is subject to dealer participation.
Warranty and Long-Term Ownership
Subaru backs the Solterra's battery pack with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, which is the industry standard for EVs. The warranty covers battery capacity loss below 70% of original capacity — meaning if your battery degrades to less than 70% of its 71.4 kWh usable capacity (roughly 50 kWh) within the warranty period, Subaru will repair or replace it.
The basic vehicle warranty covers 3 years/36,000 miles, and the powertrain warranty extends to 5 years/60,000 miles. Subaru also includes 2 years of complimentary scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance.
Degradation expectations: The Solterra uses an NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) lithium-ion battery. Based on industry data from similar NMC packs, expect approximately 10–15% capacity loss over 8 years or 100,000 miles under normal use patterns. Keeping daily charging to 80% state of charge and avoiding frequent DC fast charging can help minimize degradation. Subaru's battery thermal management system — which received the 2024 model year update — actively manages pack temperature during charging and driving, which should support long-term health.
Who Should Buy the 2024 Solterra Premium?
The Solterra Premium is a strong fit for a specific buyer profile: someone who values standard AWD, needs genuine winter and light-off-road capability, charges primarily at home, and drives less than 180 miles per day. It's also appealing to existing Subaru loyalists who want to go electric without switching brands and who appreciate the EyeSight safety suite and X-MODE traction system.
It is not the right choice if you regularly road-trip more than 200 miles between charging stops, if you need the fastest DC charging in the segment, or if maximum rear-seat legroom and cargo space are priorities. The 56-minute 10–80% charge time makes long-distance travel noticeably slower than in an Ioniq 5 or Model Y, and the 227-mile EPA range (real-world ~190–210 highway) means you'll need to plan charging stops carefully on routes without dense fast-charging infrastructure.
Pros
- Standard dual-motor AWD with X-MODE on every trim
- 8.3 inches of ground clearance — best-in-class for off-road/snow
- Competitive pricing at $44,995 for the Premium trim
- Eligible for up to $7,500 federal tax credit (subject to sourcing/income rules)
- Panoramic glass roof standard on all trims
- Subaru EyeSight driver-assist suite included
- 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty
Cons
- 227-mile EPA range trails most competitors (190–210 real-world highway)
- ~56-minute 10–80% DC fast charge is slowest in segment
- No front trunk (frunk)
- Rear legroom (35.1 in) is tight for taller adults
- Efficiency of 32 kWh/100 mi is below segment average
- CCS1 connector (no native NACS) — requires adapter for Tesla Superchargers
- 6.6 kW Level 2 onboard charger is slower than some rivals at 11.5 kW
2024 Solterra Premium vs. Key Competitors
| Spec | 2024 Solterra Premium | 2024 Ioniq 5 AWD | 2024 Mach-E Select AWD |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA Range | 227 mi | 260 mi | 250 mi |
| Battery | 71.4 kWh NMC | 77.4 kWh NMC | 70.0 kWh NMC |
| DC Fast (10–80%) | ~56 min | ~18 min (350 kW) | ~38 min (150 kW) |
| Level 2 Rate | 6.6 kW | 10.9 kW | 10.5 kW |
| HP / 0–60 | 215 hp / ~6.5s | 320 hp / ~5.1s | 266 hp / ~5.2s |
| MPGe (Combined) | 104 | 110 | 101 |
| Cargo (seats up) | 23.8 cu ft | 27.2 cu ft | 29.7 cu ft |
| AWD Type | Dual-motor + X-MODE | Dual-motor | Dual-motor |
| Base MSRP | $44,995 | $50,100 | $45,995 |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 in | 6.1 in | 5.7 in |
The Solterra's key advantages are ground clearance, X-MODE, and the lowest AWD MSRP in this comparison. Its disadvantages are range, charging speed, and onboard Level 2 rate. If you charge at home overnight and rarely drive more than 180 miles in a day, the Solterra's range deficit may not matter. But if you road-trip frequently, the Ioniq 5's 18-minute fast charge and 260-mile range make it the objectively more practical choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real-world range of the 2024 Solterra Premium?
The EPA rates it at 227 miles combined. In real-world highway driving at 70–75 mph in moderate temperatures, expect approximately 190–210 miles. In cold weather (below 30°F) with cabin heating, that can drop to 160–180 miles. City driving with regenerative braking may approach or slightly exceed the EPA figure.
How fast does the 2024 Solterra charge?
On a DC fast charger, the 2024 Solterra peaks at approximately 100 kW, achieving a 10–80% charge in roughly 56 minutes. At home on a 240V Level 2 charger, it draws up to 6.6 kW, adding about 25 miles of range per hour and requiring approximately 9.5 hours for a full charge.
Does the 2024 Solterra qualify for the federal EV tax credit?
The Solterra is eligible for up to $7,500 under IRS §30D, but eligibility depends on the buyer's adjusted gross income (caps of $150K/$225K/$300K by filing status), battery critical-mineral and component sourcing requirements, and the vehicle's MSRP (all trims are under the $80K SUV cap). The credit can be transferred to the dealer at point of sale for an immediate price reduction. Verify current eligibility at fueleconomy.gov and consult a tax professional.
Is the 2024 Solterra Premium worth buying vs. the Ioniq 5 or Mach-E?
It depends on your priorities. Choose the Solterra if you need genuine off-road and snow capability (8.3 inches of ground clearance, X-MODE), want the lowest AWD MSRP in the segment, and charge primarily at home. Choose the Ioniq 5 or Mach-E if range, fast-charging speed, cargo space, or performance are higher priorities.
What connector does the Solterra use?
The 2024 Solterra uses a CCS1 connector for DC fast charging and a J1772 connector for Level 1/Level 2 AC charging. It does not have a native NACS (Tesla) port. Subaru has indicated that future model years will adopt NACS, but for 2024, you'll need a CCS-to-NACS adapter to access Tesla Supercharger stalls that support non-Tesla vehicles.
How long will the Solterra's battery last?
Subaru warranties the 71.4 kWh NMC battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles against capacity loss below 70%. Based on industry degradation data for similar NMC packs, expect roughly 10–15% capacity loss over that period under normal use. Avoiding routine 100% charges and minimizing frequent DC fast charging can help preserve long-term battery health.
