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The Least Satisfying Electric SUVs, The Subaru Solterra And Toyota bZ4X Get The Cold Shoulder From Owners

Which are the least satisfying new electric SUVs? Consumer Reports says it's the Subaru Solterra And Toyota bZ4X.
2024 Subaru Solterra

I cover all Subaru models, and here is the updated Most and Least Satisfying Electric Vehicles from Consumer Reports (by subscription.) It's not good for the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X electric SUVs. 

The two new electric SUVs are now ranked the least satisfying new electric SUVs according to owner surveys. I recently covered the Most Loved SUVs, and the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Forester make up half of the best new models.  

2024 Subaru Solterra in the snow

So what's wrong with the Solterra?

Consumer Reports says they ranked the new mainstream electric vehicles (EVs) in terms of overall satisfaction based on its latest owner surveys. So, it's not Consumer Reports ranking the vehicles; it's the owners.

In the Electric SUV category, the most satisfying model is the Kia EV6

CR says," Like the Hyundai Ioniq 6, which shares its EV platform, the Kia EV6 tops its rating category, thanks to its agile handling, comfortable ride, quiet interior, and quick acceleration. Our tested dual-motor version was able to go 277 miles on a full charge. The EV6 scored high in the subcategories of comfort, styling, and driving enjoyment."

The Least Satisfying in the Electric SUV category are the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X.

2024 Subaru Solterra on the road

The 2024 Subaru Solterra is Ranked #6 of 7 Electric SUVs overall

The Solterra's road test score is 67/100. The predicted reliability is 3/5, and the expected owner satisfaction is 2/5. 

What does CR say about the 2024 Subaru Solterra?

"The Solterra is Subaru's first-ever electric vehicle, although it's essentially a Toyota bZ4X. It comes with front and rear motors to form an all-wheel-drive system. It has a functional small-SUV interior, but its EPA-estimated driving range of 222 miles is notably shorter than rival EVs." 

"The 215 hp its motors produce is also less than the competition, but the power is smooth and predictable. Handling is agile, and the ride is mostly comfortable. Oddly, there is no glove box or a rear wiper, and the instrument panel is positioned far away from the driver, which can take some getting used to." 

"With a weak 6.6-kW onboard charger, home charging is on the slow side. A maximum acceptance rate of just 100 kW at DC fast-charging stations is also skimpy. Auto Emergency Braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcyclist detection; AEB highway; Blind spot warning; and rear cross-traffic warning all come standard."

MY TAKE

The 2024 Subaru Solterra gets new upgrades with no price increase except dealer fees went up ($120). Will the Solterra updates be enough to change the owner scores? We'll have to wait a year to find out. 

Check out my 2024 model-year Solterra upgrades here. 

What is the 2024 Subaru Solterra pricing?

The 2024 Solterra has three trim levels: Premium, Limited, and Touring. Pricing for the Solterra Premium trim level starts at $46,340. The Limited trim carries a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $49,840. The top-of-the-line Touring trim is priced at $53,340. Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,345). 

This is the latest information regarding the Subaru Solterra owner satisfaction scores. I'll keep you updated with any new information.

Until then, visit torquenews.com/subaru regularly and bookmark the page for my latest updates.

If you are a 2023 Subaru Solterra owner, please tell us your opinion of the electric SUV. Let us know in the comments below. 

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

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

Watch Subaru Solterra Early Review | Consumer Reports

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ 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, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Subaru USA

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