There Are Serious Bumps In The Road Ahead For The Subaru Solterra

Every month, I report the Subaru Solterra compact SUV EV sales. In the past four months, the Solterra has set records. Now the Solterra cools off. And there are bumps ahead for Subaru's first-ever EV. 

Solterra's latest numbers are less than stellar.

In October, Solterra had its best sales month, with 1,210 compact electric SUVs delivered to customers. But in November, Solterra is not as hot. 

photo credit: Competition Subaru

After four record months of sales, the Solterra EV cools off. SOA delivered 943 compact electric SUVs to EV customers in November compared with 94 in November 2022, its first sales month. SOA has sold 7,916 models to EV customers in the first eleven months of 2023. 

"Enthusiasm for Subaru vehicles remains high and has helped us put another month of consecutive sales growth under our belts," said Troy Poston, Senior Vice President of Sales. "Car buyers have much to look forward to, including the 2025 Forester, which we recently debuted at the LA Auto Show. We're excited for the spring availability of that sixth-generation SUV offering its history's most advanced features, modern design, and improved ride comfort."

photo credit: Competition Subaru

There are bumps in the road ahead for the Solterra.

I recently reported that Automotive News (by subscription) says the Solterra will soon be redesigned entirely because it has some flaws. The report says, "After a rough launch, Subaru's first EV (the Solterra) will be due for a freshen in 2026 under the brand's regular product-cycle cadence, but that change may also include a re-engineering. 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."

My take

I have uncovered two problems with the Solterra and have written about both. The Solterra is an above-average EV in reliability but needs more range. The Solterra is also Subaru of America's most expensive model.

The Solterra is Subaru's most expensive model in its lineup. Subaru developed the Solterra with Toyota, and it's only affordable for some buyers. Subaru has new EVs coming, and they must be reasonable and under $30,000, like the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and other models. 

6 New Subaru Models Are Coming in 2024 @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #foresterhybrid #outback #solterraev #wrxtr #brztshttps://t.co/214ULAsDzV
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) November 30, 2023

Consumer Reports says, "Though it isn't cheap, the Solterra drives well and uses an EV-specific platform. This frees up a lot of space for storage and passenger room in the car. Our tests show that it has quick acceleration and agile handling. But its limited Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 222-mile range is significantly less than the competition's, as is the slow rate at which it charges." 

Consumer Reports recommends the 2023 Subaru Solterra and says it's one of the twelve best new electric cars for shoppers. I agree with CR on some points, and it's a good choice if you live in a non-mountainous region. 

Automotive News says the Solterra has issues with limited range that Subaru will likely address soon, and it could get a redesign sooner than expected. 

The Solterra has many good attributes, but the compact SUV needs more range and is too expensive for budget-minded customers. Subaru is designing new EVs, which will arrive in the next few years. They will likely have an extended range and be cheaper. Stay tuned.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru 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

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• New Subaru Recall Alert - 96,000 Models Have Defective Backup Lights And Rearview Camera
• The Sound Of Silence Will Be The Electric Subaru STI’s Death Knell

Watch the 2023 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.

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photo credit: main image Tucson Subaru