The New Subaru Solterra Had The Best Month Ever, And Why It May Not Last Long

The Solterra has nine months of sales history, and Subaru of America (SOA) reports the all-electric SUV has another record month of sales. In July, Solterra had its best sales month with 758 compact electric SUV sales, and now, in August, Solterra beats its previous sales high. Even with another record month, the Solterra may not last for long in its current configuration. 

SOA reports the all-new 2023 Subaru Solterra EV had 915 compact electric SUV sales in August. SOA has delivered 4,645 Solterra all-electric models to customers in the first eight months of 2023. 

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How does the Solterra compare with Subaru's gas-powered models? In contrast, the Subaru Ascent 3-Row SUV has 4,860 model sales, the Outback has 14,503, and Forester has 15,294 compact SUVs delivered to U.S. customers. 

But significant changes could be coming to the 2023 Subaru Solterra EV. 

A recent report from Automotive News (by subscription) says, "After a rough launch, Subaru's first EV (the Solterra) will be due for a freshen in 2026 under the brand's normal product-cycle cadence, but that change may also include a reengineering. Subaru may intervene sooner to address some of the Solterra's initial teething pains, including a ho-hum battery range. That product decision would depend on Toyota's plans for the bZ4X."

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The Subaru Solterra could get a significant overhaul shortly to compete in its range better. 

How many miles can a Subaru Solterra go on a charge? The Solterra's StarDrive electric powertrain has 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 have a front-wheel-drive configuration, which would give it more range.

The Solterra needs more range, so Subaru may give the EV a remodel sooner than expected. The Solterra will need to be more efficient. New Subaru EVs are coming in the next five years and will likely have an extended range.

New Subaru CEO Atsushi Osaki announced the new ramped-up EV plan and that more electric models are coming to U.S. customers. The Japanese automaker wants to get half its global volume, an estimated 600,000 units, from full-electric models in 2030.

Osaki said the shift in demand for EVs has been faster than Subaru expected, especially over the last year. He noted that Subaru customers in the U.S. are environmentally conscious and increasingly receptive to EVs. A sizable number of Subaru drivers also own Teslas, the Subaru CEO said in the report. Torque News reported recently that a new Subaru electric 3-Row SUV will soon be produced in the U.S. 

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A recent report from Automotive News says Toyota will build a new three-row electric crossover in 2025 in Kentucky for Subaru shortly after it starts making its version, which is tentatively called the bZ5X, said people with knowledge of the plans.

The new EV will not be an electric version of the Subaru Ascent 3-Row SUV now being sold to its U.S. customers. It's an all-new model. The report says the name and other details of Subaru's 3-Row electric SUV have yet to be announced, though the Japanese automaker said in May that it planned four battery-powered SUVs in its lineup by 2026.

The new 2023 Solterra EV sped up and had its best month ever for Subaru of America. But more changes could be coming to the Solterra to give it more range. Stay tuned. 

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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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