MSRP: From $38,495
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Overview
The 2027 Subaru Solterra compact electric SUV comes into the new model year without any changes after a big update last year that finally brought a NACS charging port and a far better range of up to 288 miles. There are five trims in total, and all have dual motors, though the two base trims have 233 hp and the XT trims 338 hp. Blessed with standard AWD and a generous 8.3-inch ground clearance, the Solterra is actually useful off the beaten path, much more so than most of its rivals.
What’s New for 2027
After a major update last year that included a new electric architecture, a larger battery, faster charging capability, and a facelift, there will be no changes for this year’s model. The 2027 Subaru Solterra’s price even stays exactly the same.
Exterior
The Solterra was modernized last year and looks clean and distinctive with two parallel 3-line DRL motifs on each side, lower-set LED headlights, and a closed-off grille panel. Most models have black fender trim, but it’s color-coded on cars painted Smoked Carbon or Cosmic White. Wheel sizes vary from 18 to 20 inches, and a roof spoiler, roof rails, and power-folding side mirrors are standard.
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Interior
The 2027 Solterra’s cabin is the same as last year, with the same 7.0-inch high-mounted cluster display and 14.0-inch touchscreen with dual 15W wireless charging pads, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-C ports for both rows, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and 6-speaker audio. Higher trims gain 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio.
Cabin space is good, with a reasonable 35.3 inches of rear-seat legroom and between 37.1 and 38.6 inches of scalp clearance. The cabin is durable, not plush, but the plastics feel solid enough. Heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, and SofTex leatherette upholstery are standard. Higher trims gain a power front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and rear seats, and more. The top trim comes with leather upholstery.
Price Range and Best Value Trim
| Trim Level | Price |
| Base Trim: Premium | $38,495 |
| Top Trim: Touring XT Leather | $45,855 |
| Best Value: Limited | $41,395 |
The Limited adds niceties such as 20-inch wheels, 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio, a surround-view camera, advanced parking assistance, rain-sensing wipers, a power passenger seat, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel for about $3K.
2027 Subaru Solterra Key Specs
Powertrain Options
| Powertrain Type | Front Motor | Rear Motor | System Horsepower | Drivetrain |
| Dual Motor (Standard) | 117 hp / 125 lb-ft | 117 hp / 125 lb-ft | 233 hp | AWD |
| Dual Motor (XT) | 224 hp / 198 lb-ft | 117 hp / 125 lb-ft | 338 hp | AWD |
Range, Efficiency, and Charging (MPGe)
| City | Higway | Combined | Battery | Range | |
| 233 hp | 131 | 109 | 120 | 74.4 kWh | 288 miles |
| 338 hp | 128 | 105 | 117 | 74.4 kWh | 278 miles |
Last year, the Solterra received a NACS port to give it access to the Tesla Supercharger network, as well as a new electrical architecture with a higher 150-kW maximum charging speed, which can fill the battery from 10-80% in about 28 minutes. The 11-kW on-board Level 2 charger needs eight hours to fully charge a flat battery. A battery preconditioning system for maximum charging speed from the moment you plug in.
Performance and 0-60 MPH
The base 233-hp Solterra sprints to 60 mph in an entirely decent 5.9 to 6.4 seconds, depending on the as-tested weight and testing conditions. The 338-hp variants cut this time to around 4.3 to 4.4 seconds, and are proper performance models, with effortless overtaking ability. The car handles very well, despite the high ground clearance, but the ride feels quite firm on 20-inch wheels.
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Dimensions
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Length | 184.6 in |
| Width | 73.2 in |
| Height | 65.0 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in |
Interior Space (Front and Rear)
| Measurement | Front | Rear |
| Headroom | 38.0-38.8 in | 37.1-38.0 in |
| Legroom | 42.1 in | 35.3 in |
| Shoulder Room | 57.8 in | 56.0 in |
Cargo Space
The Solterra’s trunk is adequate at best, with a middling 23.8 cu-ft behind the rear seats. This does increase to a useful 63.5 inches with the rear seat folded, and the load floor is low. There is more storage under the cargo floor, but no front frunk.
Ground Clearance
The 8.3 inches of ground clearance is surprisingly generous, and combined with AWD, the Solterra can handle light off-road work like a true Subaru SUV. X-Mode provides Deep Snow/Mud and Snow/Dirt modes, as well as hill-descent control.
Warranty
| Coverage | Duration |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | Not included |
| EV Battery/Components | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Standard AWD and surprising off-road ability
- 8.3-inch ground clearance
- Quick in XT trim
- NACS port gives Tesla Supercharger access
Cons:
- Cabin materials mediocre
- Range trails some rivals
- No one-pedal driving mode offered
- Firm ride on the 20-inch wheels
Verdict
The Solterra has caught up with the class average in terms of charging speed and driving range thanks to last year’s update, and it’s well ahead of most rivals when it comes to off-road ability, thanks to standard AWD and more than 8.0 inches of ground clearance. The Limited will be more than adequate for most people at just over $41K, but XT trims provide a strong performance punch for those more sportily inclined. Cabin plastics are mediocre, and the trunk is only average, but this does little to detract from a thoroughly accomplished compact crossover.
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Competitors
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor