How Did The Subaru Solterra Beat Outback, Forester And Crosstrek?

I know EVs are the hot models now, but how did the 2023 Subaru Solterra beat the number one-selling Outback, number two Crosstrek, and number three-selling Forester? As I have covered Subaru models for decades, I've never seen something so surprising as which Subaru model is the most researched on the Edmunds website.

I cover the monthly report to give customers an idea of which Subaru models are the most in-demand now and could be the hardest to find when you visit a Subaru retailer. 

Here's what I found this month. The 2023 Subaru Solterra EV is the 6th most researched new vehicle in September on the Edmunds website. I find that strange because the interest in the Solterra EV does not translate to sales across North America.  

As I reported earlier this month, the Solterra is the eighth best-selling model in Subaru of America's (SOA) all-wheel-drive lineup. The Solterra had 1,118 model sales in September compared with Outback, which had 14,545 models sold, Forester (15,237), and Crosstrek (13,341). 

The Outback was number thirteen on Edmunds' most research list, which is what I would expect. Outback is SOA's number-one selling model through the first nine months of 2023. 

The Subaru Forester was twenty-six on the top 50 most searched list. I am not surprised the Forester is ranked lower than the Outback because it needs a remodel. But the Forester was the top-selling model for Subaru in September. 

The Subaru Crosstrek was number twenty-nine on the top 50 most searched list. I am surprised the next-generation Crosstrek is not getting more interest. The Crosstrek is all-new and gets significant upgrades over the 2023 model year.

The top 10 most researched new cars.

The top ten most researched new cars are the number one Honda CR-V, followed by the Volvo XC90, Acura RDX, Toyota RAV4, Acura MDX, Subaru Solterra, Honda Civic, Honda Passport, Honda Accord, and Honda Pilot. 

Solterra Video You May Enjoy:

Try watching this video on www.youtube.com, or enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser.

I have included the top 5 Subaru model sales for the first three quarters compared with the Solterra.

• Outback midsize SUV 122,881
• Crosstrek subcompact SUV 114,632
• Forester Compact SUV 106,345
• Ascent 3-Row SUV 46,881
• Impreza 27,164
• Solterra 5,763

My Take

I have found that interest in the new 2023 Solterra EV is high, and customers are checking it out because Subaru is offering special financing on the new EV right now. But the Solterra is the most expensive model. Subaru customers are value-minded, and the Solterra may be too expensive for many customers.  

Time for Your Subaru Model Comments

Which of these Subaru vehicles are your favorites and the one you are most likely to research and shop for this fall?

Is it the 6th most researched Subaru Solterra?

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Solterra report. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

Here are a few of my top stories you may be interested in related to the Subaru Solterra.

• The Solterra EV Hits A New Milestone, Why Is Subaru Unhappy?
• Consumer Reports Says Subaru Solterra Is One Of The 12 Best EVs When It Really Needs A Redesign
• Subaru Solterra Isn't Even Due For A Refresh But Could Get A Complete Remodel

Denis Flierl - I have over twenty years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Subaru Report, All Subaru and WRX STI social media channels:  Also Facebook, Social Platform X, and Instagram. 

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time. 

Please leave your comments below, share the article with friends, and post X to your followers!

Photo credit: Subaru