Is The New Subaru Solterra EV Too Expensive? Sales Say Yes

The all-new 2023 Subaru Solterra EV just finished the halfway mark of 2023. How is the new Subaru electric compact SUV doing? Customer interest in the all-new 2023 Solterra is only average, as the June sales report from Subaru of America indicates.

The all-new 2023 Subaru Solterra EV, in its seventh full month of sales, had 574 compact electric SUV sales in June. SOA has delivered 2,972 Solterra all-electric models to customers in the first six months of 2023. It's average for an all-new model, but is the new Solterra too expensive for Subaru of America's all-wheel-drive lineup?

You may only find some trim levels, but new 2023 Subaru Solterra EVs are available at most Subaru retailers. That wasn't always the case, as there were inventory issues as they were shipped from the Toyota factory in Japan. Now we can see what the demand is for Subaru's first EV.

The Solterra is the most expensive Subaru SUV. Is it too expensive for the Camden, N.J. automaker's all-wheel-drive lineup?

Compared with the other Subaru midsize and compact SUVs, the 2023 Ascent (starts at $35,120), 2023 Outback (starts at $30,190), and Forester (starts at $27,720). The Solterra Premium trim level starts at $46,615, the Limited is $50,115. The Touring trim level tops out at $54,110. All pricing includes destination and delivery fees. 

The all-new 2023 Subaru Solterra is too expensive for Subaru of America's all-wheel-drive lineup. Subaru is not a luxury brand and is known for its value pricing. When Subaru rolls out the new EVs, they will need to be value priced for Subaru's customers. 

Subaru Corporation says three new electric SUVs are coming by 2026. The announcement was made at Subaru's fiscal year-end press conference. New incoming Subaru President and CEO Atsushi Osaki said they will roll out three all-electric crossovers by the end of 2026, a jump from the single nameplate, the Subaru Solterra, in the brand's current portfolio.

With the collaboration of Toyota, the 2023 Subaru Solterra was the Japanese automaker's first stab at the electric vehicle market. It's a good vehicle, but the all-new compact EV is too expensive for customers looking for value. The other issue is the range of the Solterra, which you can read about here.

Are you considering a new electric SUV? Will the Subaru Solterra be on your shopping list? Let us know in the comments below.

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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. 

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Photo credit: Subaru