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10 New Electric Models With The Shortest Range, Subaru Solterra Ranks Among The Worst

If you are looking for an electric vehicle with the longest range, avoid the ten models I'll cover in this report. Check the worst and best new EV model ranges here. I'll cover the 2024 Subaru Solterra and why it's among the worst in range. 
2024 Subaru Solterra EV

Not all electric vehicles are created equal in the miles of range before they need to be recharged. Which are the best and the worst? If you want a new 2024 model year electric vehicle with the longest range, I'll list them here from U.S. News data. I'll also cover the 2024 Subaru Solterra ranking among the worst. 

You should be aware of those with the shortest range, and I've listed them, starting with the shortest max range in miles first. If you are driving on short commutes, it's not an issue. But they will not be a good option if you need to take a more extended trip. They all have under 250 miles range. The Subaru Solterra is among the four with the shortest range.

2024 Subaru Solterra in the snow

U.S. News says, "Limited driving range causes some people to hesitate about buying an electric vehicle (EV). That reason had validity when EVs first hit the mainstream over a decade ago; some of the earliest models had a driving range of fewer than 100 miles. You couldn't travel far without refueling." 

But a lot has changed in ten years. The car with the shortest range now has over 200 miles of range. However,  many EV buyers need more than that. 

Which electric vehicles have the shortest range? Check the ten models with the least miles of range. 

  1. 2024 Nissan Leaf - 212 
  2. 2023 Lexus RZ - 220
  3. 2023 Audi e-tron - 226
  4. 2024 Subaru Solterra - 227
  5. 2023 Audi e-tron GT - 232
  6. 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70 - 236
  7. 2024 Porsche Taycan - 246
  8. 2023 Jaguar I-Pace - 246
  9. 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV - 247
  10. 2024 Audi e-tron GT - 249

So, if those are the lowest, which electric vehicles have the longest range?

U.S. News says, "The good news is that EVs have evolved over the years, and the current crop includes models that travel more than 400 miles on a fully charged battery. So you have some excellent choices if you want an EV with a convenient driving range for your lifestyle."

The new 2024 model year electric vehicles with the longest range. 

  1. 2024 Lucid Air - 516
  2. 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV - 450
  3. 2024 Rivian R1T - 410
  4. 2024 Tesla Model S - 402
  5. 2024 Rivian R1S - 400
  6. 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 - 361
  7. 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan - 352
  8. 2024 Tesla Model 3 - 341
  9. 2024 Tesla Model X - 335
  10. 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV - 324

If you want the electric car with the longest range you can buy today, prepare for sticker shock. The 2024 Lucid Air Grand Touring is priced at $138,000. Not all EVs with the most extended range are that expensive, but many are in the upper price range.

If you want an electric car with the shortest range that you can buy today, it's only  $28,140 for the Nissan Leaf, which is over $100,000 less than the Lucid Air. But it's a great city commuter.

Solterra Is Not The Most Affordable

What is the price of the 2024 Subaru Solterra? The 2024 Solterra has three trim levels: Premium, Limited, and Touring. The Solterra Premium trim 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). 

Unfortunately, the Subaru Solterra isn't as affordable as the Leaf. Solterra is the most expensive model in Subaru of America's all-wheel-drive lineup, yet it has one of the shortest ranges. Its Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is a significant reason why because it adds weight. 

Why Does The Toyota bZ4X Have A Longer Range Than Solterra?

The Solterra and bZ4X are nearly identical, yet the front-drive Toyota bZ4X has a range of 252 miles. That's the difference. So you can see the difference between all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive in the same EVs. It's significant. 

The 2024 Solterra is one of the safest new EVs. It received the highest Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. But all that safety technology also adds weight and lowers the range before it needs a charge. 

I recently test-drove the Solterra at a high altitude in Colorado and up a steep mountain incline. Check out what I experienced here. I was shocked at what I found out. 

Many active Subaru customers want to buy the Solterra and use its all-wheel drive and X-Mode to get further away from the city. However, the limited range prevents longer trips deep in the high country for camping, hiking, and biking. Its restricted range puts the Solterra at a disadvantage. 

If you are an EV shopper anxious about driving range, stay away from the models with the shortest range. But you'll have to pay considerably more if you want an electric model that travels the farthest between charges. It's like the adage says, "You get what you pay for." 

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Are you shopping for a new electric vehicle? What are your biggest concerns? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Solterra electric vehicle range story. See you tomorrow for my latest report.

Before you go, check out the Subaru Solterra Electric Crossover Review and Off-Road Test

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter 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.

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Photo credit: Subaru of America

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Comments

Duke Woolworth (not verified)    May 11, 2024 - 11:36AM

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The Solterra is Toyota ugly and slow to charge besides. Controls un-Subaru-like; require gloves off in winter. Steering wheel blocks view of some instruments for many. What's to like?

bob E (not verified)    May 13, 2024 - 8:11AM

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Actually, the electric MINI Cooper is the EV with the shortest range: 114 miles. There are 264 left in the US. Once those are sold, we won't see any more until the Oxford plant starts producing them again. (I'm so glad that I got an electric MINI Cooper instead of the Solterra that I had originally ordered.)

Ryan (not verified)    May 13, 2024 - 4:45PM

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Love my 2023 Solterra!
So far I have 24,000 miles on my Solterra and I consistently get 265 miles on a charge except when temps drop below freezing, then I get approx 215. It handles like a dream, very comfortable and well built, smooth and peppy, position of steering wheel is adjustable (why the complaints? I’m 5’5” for reference). I’ve only bothered to use a public charger once in 15 months just out of curiosity. Just plug in and it’s charged when I get up.