The Solterra EV Holds 2 Surprising Subaru Records

You either love the Solterra, or you hate it.

The 2024 Subaru Solterra, the Japanese automaker's first electric SUV, now holds two records. On second thought, there are three. The Subaru EV, with its unique features, is a polarizing model for Subaru of America (SOA); you either love it or hate it. Hate is a strong word, ok, so you dislike it a lot. There's no middle ground with this new model.

First, I'll cover Solterra's sales performance record, a significant achievement for Subaru, and then explain another surprising record Solterra holds. 

Subaru of America reports they delivered 1,074 Solterra EV electric SUVs to customers in September compared with 1,118 models sold in September 2023. That's a decrease of 3.9 percent, which is the first drop in Solterra sales since March 2024, a surprising turn of events. 

Solterra has steadily increased sales for the past five months, a trend worth exploring in my report here on Solterra's meteoric rise. 

But that's not the surprise record that Solterra holds. 

The Solterra has the most significant gain in the percentage of sales compared with last year and to any Subaru model in SOA's lineup. Solterra has increased 58.6 percent year over year. 

In 2023, through the first nine months, Subaru of America sold 5.763 EVs compared with 9,137 in 2024. It's up a record 58.6 percent. The next highest increase in sales performance is Forester, with a 22.3 percent improvement over last year. 

The Solterra is a polarizing model. 

You either love the new electric SUV, or you dislike it. Despite its deficiencies, low range, and expensive price tag, Subaru's faithful customers who want an electric model love the new EV SUV. 

Those who dislike the Solterra say it is nothing more than a rebadged Toyota, which is partially true. Toyota and Subaru developed the Solterra and bZ4X in a collaborative effort. The Solterra gets Toyota's electric technology, and Toyota received Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode for severe weather and off-road features. It was supposed to be a win-win. 

However, Solterra sales were languishing before April 2024. What happened, and why is the Solterra EV selling so well now?

Subaru is offering hefty incentives (customer discounts) to sell the Solterra. And it's working. I will share new information from Consumer Reports. Don't worry if you don't have a subscription; I've got you covered. 

Solterra holds more records. 

The Solterra is not only the most discounted Subaru but also the most discounted new car right now.

Consumer Reports (CR) updated report says the 2024 Subaru Solterra is the most discounted new car, and its current sales reflect that it's 14 percent lower than the manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP).

Here's what CR says about the 2024 Subaru Solterra:

• Price Range:  $44,995 - $51,995
• CR MPGE:  Overall 102 / City 111 / Hwy 93 MPGe
• #5 of 16  Electric SUVs

2024 Subaru Solterra Premium AWD trim level.

• MSRP: $44,995
• Average savings off MSRP: $6,218
• Average transaction price: $38,777

CR says, "For the analysis presented here, we looked back at recent transaction data from TrueCar, a CR partner, to see where people found significant savings off the sticker price on 2024 models."

Customers can get the EV at a significant discount right now. The Solterra Premium trim level sells for a whopping $6,218 less than MSRP. 

Here is the updated 2024 Solterra pricing. There have been recent price increases for customers to be aware of. 

The 2024 Solterra has three trim levels: Premium, Limited, and Touring. Pricing for the Premium trim level starts at $46,735. The Limited trim carries a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $50,235. The top-of-the-line Touring trim is priced at $54,230. Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,345). 

Should customers who want the Solterra EV buy one now?

CR says, "Of course, you may be able to negotiate an even lower price, but bear in mind that there's a limit to how low prices can go, especially as demand sometimes outstrips supply these days. And as we've found in buying cars for testing, a decent deal can vanish quickly, so you may need to act fast."

I would say that Subaru of America will continue to offer significant discounts and attractive financing and lease terms to sell the 2024 Solterra. 

If you are considering buying a new EV, now could be the best time. Acting fast could lead to significant savings and attractive financing and lease terms.

Customers can get the 2024 Solterra for 0% APR financing for 72 months. The offer is good now through October 3, 2024. You can lease a 2024 Solterra for $329 monthly for 36 months with $0 down due at signing, plus taxes and license. 

There's still more. 

However, one of my readers recently seized a unique opportunity and purchased a Subaru Solterra from Hertz at a deep discount. I delve into why the Solterra pricing is so attractive at Hertz and if you should consider doing the same thing. Check out my recent report here for more information.

Should you wait for the 2025 Solterra?

Subaru has yet to announce the 2025 Solterra EV model changes and upgrades. Stay tuned. 

In addition, a new 3-Row all-electric Subaru SUV is coming in 2026. Check out my report here and find out if you should wait for it. 

How About You?

Do you love or hate the new Subaru Solterra EV? Tell us why or why not. If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Tucson Subaru