MSRP: $38,495
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Overview
The 2025 Subaru Solterra compact electric SUV is twinned with the Toyota bZ4x; they were jointly developed, and the Solterra was Subaru’s first EV. Whereas the bZ4x is available with FWD, the Solterra comes only with dual electric motors developing 215 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque and AWD. A 72.8-kWh battery provides up to 227 miles of range, and it can be DC fast-charged at up to 100 kW, replenishing the battery from 10 to 80% in about 35 minutes.
All Solterras come with dual-function X-Mode to optimize AWD traction in dirt, snow, and mud, and have an impressive 8.3 inches of ground clearance, making it more capable than most compacts off the beaten track. It is, therefore, ideal for Subaru loyalists looking for a compact electric SUV capable of light off-road duty.
What’s New for 2025?
The biggest news is that the 2025 Solterra receives a big price cut. The base Premium trim drops by $6,500, which means that the 2025 Subaru Solterra price list now starts at $38,495. The Touring’s price is reduced by $7,000.
The only other change is the addition of the Solterra Touring Onyx Edition, which comes with gloss-black rear badging, a black rear roof spoiler, black 20-inch alloy wheels, and black interior accents. The rest of the car, its features, and powertrain carry over unchanged.
Exterior
The front end features a closed-off version of the familiar Subaru grille, and slit-like LED headlights outlined by horizontal LED DRLs. The black cladding on the wheel arches is a distinctive styling cue. The Premium rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, but all the other trims get 20s. The Touring Onyx Edition features black badging, wheels, and exterior accents, and a black rear roof spoiler. Roof rails are standard, and all but the base trim get a power liftgate. A length of 184.6 inches puts it between the slightly larger Mustang Mach-E and slightly smaller Ioniq 5.
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Interior
The base Premium comes with a small 8-inch touchscreen with Wi-Fi, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 6-speaker audio system. The others upgrade to a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Heated front seats, cloth upholstery, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster are standard at the base level. The Limited adds power front seats, heated outboard rear seats, StarTex leatherette upholstery, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, a surround-view camera, advanced parking assistance, and an app-based digital key. The two top trims gain a glass panoramic roof.
Rear legroom is a decent 35.3 inches, and headroom is 38 inches, but the panoramic roof reduces that to a less generous 37.1 inches. Cargo volume behind the rear seats is 23.8 cu-ft, or 63.5 cu-ft with it folded.
Price Range and Best Value Trim
| Trim Level | Price | Wheels | Range |
| Base: Premium | $38,495 | 18-inch | 227 mi |
| Limited | $41,995 | 20-inch | 222 mi |
| Touring | $44,995 | 20-inch | 222 mi |
| Top: Touring Onyx Edition | $45,495 | 20-inch | 222 mi |
| Best value: Limited | $41,995 | 20-inch | 222 mi |
Key Specs
Powertrain
| Motors | HP | Torque | Battery | Drivetrain |
| Dual electric (front + rear) | 215 hp | 249 lb-ft | 72.8 kWh Li-ion | AWD |
Charging
| Method | Time |
| DC Fast Charge (100 kW) | 10-80% in ~35 min |
| Level 2 AC (6.6 kW) | ~12 hours (0-100%) |
Efficiency (MPGe)
| Configuration | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Cost |
| AWD (18″ wheels) | 114 | 94 | 104 | $700 |
| AWD Limited/Touring (20″ wheels) | 111 | 93 | 102 | $750 |
Warranty
| Coverage | Duration |
| Basic Limited | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| EV Battery | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | Not included |
| Corrosion Perforation | 5 years / unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Standard AWD with X-MODE for genuine all-weather capability
- 8.3 inches of ground clearance is among the highest for any EV
- Significant 2025 price cuts make it more competitive in the segment
- Cold-weather-optimized charging maintains speed in freezing temperatures
Cons:
- 215 hp feels underpowered compared to EV competitors at this price
- 227-mile maximum range trails the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Chevrolet Equinox EV
- 23.8 cu-ft of cargo is tight for a compact SUV
- Base Premium trim with 8-inch screen feels Spartan for the class
Verdict
The Solterra is much more compelling now with big price cuts bringing the base trim to below $39,000, but the Premium is rather Spartan inside, and the $3,500 more expensive Limited adds a host of niceties, such as the big 12.3-inch touchscreen, a surround-view camera, leatherette upholstery, heated rear seats, wireless charging, and Harman Kardon audio, so it’s the best deal.
Negatives remain the limited range compared to rivals, and the cabin and trunk aren’t all that roomy against the class best, either. But for the Subaru faithful who love AWD security and generous ground clearance, the Solterra is among the most capable and sure-footed when the going gets tough.
Competitors:
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor