Follow us today...
Why should you consider the 2023 Subaru Solterra compact SUV when looking for an electric model? A new ranking from Consumer Reports (CR) (by subscription) gives the new Solterra EV seven good marks and two bad grades. Check the report and see if it's a good electric vehicle for you.
Consumer Reports' ten best electric cars are ranked from vehicles they have driven on road tests, have good reliability, owner surveys, and have a full complement of advanced driver assistance and safety features as standard equipment. CR says they also score the electric car's fuel economy, range, and energy use.
CR picks the 2023 Subaru Solterra as number eight among the top ten new EVs. Kia EV6 is number one, with a score of 91. It is followed by the BMW iX (85), Genesis GV60 (84), BMW 14 (84), Tesla Model 3 (78), Hyundai Ioniq 5 (76), Kia Niro Electric (80), Subaru Solterra (75), Toyota bZ4X (75), and Nissan Leaf (70).
Why does Consumer Reports rank the Solterra lower than the top seven electric cars?
Consumer Reports says the Solterra is not inexpensive. We reported here on Torque News that the Solterra may be overpriced for many Subaru customers who like the brand for its value pricing. You can read the report here.
What is the price of the 2023 Solterra?
The 2023 Solterra has three trim levels, Premium, Limited, and Touring. Pricing for the Solterra Premium trim level starts at $46,615. The Limited trim carries a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $50,115. The top-of-the-line Touring trim is priced at $54,110. Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,225).
Consumer Reports says the all-new Solterra EV has limited range and slower charging. "But its limited EPA-estimated 222-mile range is significantly less than the competition's, as is the slow rate at which it charges," says CR.
What is the Subaru Solterra range?
How many miles can a Subaru Solterra go on a charge? The Solterra's StarDrive electric powertrain gives you an estimated range of over 220 miles (about 222-228-mile range) with standard Symmetrical all-wheel drive. Unfortunately, the U.S.-spec Solterra does not come with a front-wheel-drive configuration which would give it more range.
Comparing the Subaru Solterra range with its competitors, an equally equipped Ioniq 5 all-wheel-drive Extended Range delivers 256 miles of range, and the ID.4 Pro all-wheel-drive will cover 241 miles between charges.
How fast does the Subaru Solterra charge?
Subaru says that one of the DC Fast Charging (DCFC) stations can give you up to 80 percent of your battery capacity in about an hour. It takes nine hours of charge time (approximate) with an L2 charger (240V@32A).
Consumer Reports gives seven reasons why it's a top-ten pick.
Consumer Reports says, "Though it isn't cheap, the Solterra drives well and uses an EV-specific platform. This frees up a lot of space for storage and passenger room in the car. Our tests showed that it has quick acceleration and agile handling."
CR says, "We like that the Solterra comes standard with comprehensive driver assistance and active safety systems, including automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, AEB that works at highway speeds, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert."
Compact SUV Customers looking for an electric model with standard all-wheel-drive have many options. Even though it is not inexpensive, it has less range than the competition, and it has slower charging, Consumer Reports picks the 2023 Subaru Solterra among the ten best electric cars for EV shoppers.
You Might Also Like: 5 Hidden Fees Some Subaru Dealers Charge On New Cars You Should Never Pay For
Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.
Please leave your comments below, share the article with friends, and tweet it to your followers!
Photo credit: Subaru
Follow us today...
