What You Need To Know Before You Buy A 2023 Subaru Solterra EV

Here are the top things to know (good and bad) before you decide to order Subaru's first EV in America.

#SubaruEV #Subaru #SubaruSolterra #Soltera #Solterra #SubaruSoltera #EV #ElectricCar #AWD #2023Solterra #Toyota #BZ4X

[RichardJoashTan]

I am happy that I will buy a fully loaded Subaru Solterra.

[wattsnottherms]

Alex, one other thing that prospects should know that you didn’t mention is the very limited allocation for the US in the first year of production. It’s going to be hard for buyers to get their hands on a Solterra for a while. Love the EV content on this channel!

[FrankC]

Showing the dashboard and how the interior works was helpful.

[mjorn]

Coming from a RAV4 and looking to get an EV one would think this would be the EV for me, but it's not. Initially the specs were disappointing and now after this longer look at the vehicle it's still underwhelming. I think the black panels are ugly, the steering column and dash are weird, lack of glove box storage, no rear wiper, slower charging, lowish range. For me thats just way too many negatives that outweigh the ride height and low price. Not a tradeoff that's worth it imo.

[rtm]

Seems like Subaru and Toyota are willing to take some polarizing risks that they wouldn't dare do with their volume offerings like the Forrester or RAV4. The lack of a glovebox seemed shocking at first, but then I realized that I only use mine to store the manuals, registration, and insurance card. Still not sure what the benefit is from removing it, though. The 2-tone front fenders, the lack of a power passenger seat, the lack of turn signal repeaters on the BZ4X (at least from what I could see), the weird gauge cluster...all bother me, yet somehow I'm still thinking I might want one.

[AnalogueKid]

Thanks for all the info Alex. I have a reservation in for the Solterra but I’m on the fence about going through with it. Since range is just whelming, price needs to be very competitive

[PackFan]

Excellent review - appreciate all of the detail. One recent review said no recline of rear seats..you clarified that they do recline. One important question - why does Uk/Euro specs with same vehicle, electric motors and battery size state 280-320 miles (450 to 515 km) of range?

[wtfx]

Hrmm. Range on the lower end, DC fast charging on the slower end….better be significantly less expensive

[aldrichryan]

Hi. Just landed a solterra yesterday and drove it over donner summit with 3 feet of snow. Handled well. One thing I noticed and I’m
Concerned is the heat stopped working when my range dropped under 50. Designed? Or flaw?

[keangfamily]

I can’t buy one in Las Vegas because they were pre sold. I went for Volkswagen ID.4 Pro AWD instead for $45, 000. Thanks Alex

[alliejr]

I love that they are trading high-speed charging for longevity. I charge up overnight. Always. Just like my cellphone. I don’t want or need “fast” if it kills longevity.

[_CarlosA]

Great video, Alex! Keep it up! Love all the EV content!

[jzman]

I like how Tesla is not even mentioned. There are Teslas and Non-Teslas EV

[ScramJett]

I certainly hope cellular connected navigation doesn’t become the norm. There are still a lot of places with bad cell service where I really rely on SatNav. If this becomes the norm, I’ll probably buy my first Garmin…or go back to paper maps.

[MundialiLLC]

Thanks for the detailed review, very helpful. I'm still not convinced especially at current prices. I have ordered one of these, but the price of the car can't be over $40k I just don't see the value in a car like this for over $40k. If EVs are ever to take off, these prices have to get normal levels, otherwise why would I buy this - I'd rather get a crosstrek.

[mikeimprovius]

Actually makes me feel even better about the XC40 I just got.

[makinawake]

Not a fan of the cluster

You know I would really be surprised if car manufacturers aren't ready for both solar upgrade options as well as wireless charging. These 2 things alone start making range and charge time a smaller condition of purchase.

As we all know wireless charging has different limits than a cord can- it can enable faster charging in the case of a phone if it is enabled to do so.

I am on the list for this, because honestly anyone that drives enough in their daily could use a capable vehicle. And anyone that drives enough is tired of the noise, smells and maintenance of the ICE versions.

[liltomtom]

If Subaru put the infotainment from the spotters in all of their other vehicles, their number one complaint about their vehicles would be fixed, but Subaru forever no matter how slow the screen is

[MarioDallaRiva]

Yikes, that cluster looks like a bedpan crossed with a booster seat 😖

[bryan]

Looks like a respectable start for Subaru in the EV realm. How about a Solterra Wilderness ? :)