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

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Here are the results for the top new model searches by customers looking for a new car. The results for the top Subaru models were quite surprising.

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:

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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.

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. 

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Photo credit: Subaru

Submitted by Brian (not verified) on October 15, 2023 - 10:04AM

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I researched because I'm looking for an EV that's as versatile and reliable as my Outback.
The EV needs to have:
* Good cargo space
* Excellent safety features
*Good technology - adaptive cc, Lane keep, Hill climbing, eyesight
* Minimal blind spots -don't like SUVs so raked in the back you can't see out
*Reliable
* A decent price tag
This isn't really too much to ask, but I haven't found one yet. The Rivian R1S meets most of the criteria, but it's too big and expensive. I had a reservation for one and test drove it, but cancelled the Rez after driving.

Submitted by W Jackson (not verified) on October 16, 2023 - 9:35PM

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The Solterra is a fun vehicle to drive.
It's range is limited as well as the plug they offer is not able to access Tesla Supercharger s, this will be the big hurdle to overcome.
A few horrible charging experiences will really dampen the enthusiasm of buyers IMHO .
If you have your own charger at home then the problem is a new model Y is a much better value in the long run .