Cars

2025 Subaru Solterra Review: Specs, Range, and AWD Test

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

2025 Subaru Solterra Review: Specs, Range, and AWD Test

The 2025 Subaru Solterra marks a pivotal moment in Subaru’s journey toward electrification. As the brand’s first fully electric SUV, the Solterra arrives with bold promises: zero emissions, advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) capability, and the rugged reliability Subaru is known for. In this comprehensive review, we dive deep into the 2025 Subaru Solterra’s specs, real-world range performance, AWD capabilities, and overall driving experience to help you decide if this EV is the right fit for your lifestyle.

What’s New in the 2025 Subaru Solterra?

While the 2024 Solterra introduced Subaru to the EV market, the 2025 model refines the formula with subtle but meaningful updates. Subaru has listened to early feedback and implemented improvements in efficiency, infotainment responsiveness, and driver-assistance features. The 2025 Solterra now offers:

Despite these enhancements, the core design and engineering philosophy remain unchanged: a rugged, capable electric SUV built for adventure and daily driving alike.

Exterior Design: Rugged Meets Modern

The 2025 Subaru Solterra carries forward Subaru’s SUV design language with a futuristic twist. Its bold front grille, though non-functional due to the absence of an internal combustion engine, features a sleek black panel with blue trim accents that signal its electric identity. The aggressive wheel arches and high ground clearance (8.3 inches) reinforce its off-road-ready stance.

LED headlights and signature D-shaped LED daytime running lights enhance visibility and give the Solterra a distinctive nighttime presence. The flush door handles and aerodynamic body panels help reduce drag, contributing to a coefficient of drag (Cd) of just 0.28—impressive for a compact SUV.

Available in nine exterior colors—including popular options like Horizon Blue Pearl and Crystal White Pearl—the Solterra maintains Subaru’s rugged aesthetic while embracing modern EV styling cues. The 20-inch alloy wheels, standard on higher trims, add to the vehicle’s premium look without compromising efficiency.

Interior: Practical, Spacious, and Tech-Forward

Inside, the 2025 Solterra blends functionality with modern comfort. The cabin features a minimalist design with soft-touch materials, water-repellent StarTex® upholstery (on Premium and Limited trims), and thoughtful storage solutions. Subaru’s commitment to durability is evident in the easy-to-clean surfaces and stain-resistant fabrics—ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

The front seats are supportive and offer generous legroom, while rear passengers benefit from a flat floor (thanks to the underfloor battery pack), allowing for three-across seating comfort. With 22.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 54.1 cubic feet when folded, the Solterra competes well with rivals like the Toyota bZ4X and Honda e:Ny1.

Standard features include a dual-zone climate control system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. The Limited trim adds a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof for an elevated experience.

Infotainment and Technology

The 2025 Solterra features the updated Subaru Starlink 8.0 Multimedia Plus system, now with improved processing speed and a more intuitive interface. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is responsive and supports pinch-to-zoom gestures. Wireless smartphone integration is standard across all trims, eliminating the need for cables.

Subaru has also enhanced voice recognition and added over-the-air (OTA) software update capability, ensuring the vehicle’s tech remains current. The system supports Amazon Alexa integration, allowing drivers to control smart home devices, check weather, or play music using voice commands.

Safety tech takes center stage with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, now expanded to include:

Additionally, the Solterra comes standard with 10 airbags, including front seat-mounted side-impact and roof-mounted side curtain airbags, reinforcing Subaru’s reputation for safety.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2025 Subaru Solterra is powered by dual electric motors—one on each axle—delivering a combined output of 215 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque. This symmetrical all-wheel-drive setup is a hallmark of Subaru engineering and ensures optimal power distribution for enhanced traction and stability.

Thanks to instant torque delivery, the Solterra accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.5 seconds—an average figure for the EV compact SUV segment. While not a performance car, it provides ample power for city driving, highway merging, and light off-roading.

The single-speed transmission delivers smooth acceleration, and the regenerative braking system offers adjustable levels via paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. In higher regen modes, the Solterra can achieve one-pedal driving under most conditions, reducing brake wear and increasing efficiency.

Battery and Range: Real-World Performance

The 2025 Subaru Solterra is equipped with a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which powers the dual-motor AWD system. According to the EPA, the Solterra delivers an estimated 222 miles of range on a full charge—a figure that places it at the lower end of the EV spectrum compared to rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (303 miles) and the Tesla Model Y (330 miles).

However, real-world testing reveals a more nuanced picture. In mixed driving conditions—urban, highway, and mountain roads—our test vehicle achieved approximately 205 miles of range. In colder climates (below freezing), range dropped to around 175–180 miles, consistent with industry-wide EV behavior due to increased HVAC load and reduced battery efficiency.

Subaru has improved the battery’s thermal management system for 2025, which helps maintain performance in extreme temperatures. Preconditioning the battery while plugged in (via the MySubaru app) before fast charging significantly improves charging speed and efficiency in cold weather.

Charging: Speed and Convenience

The Solterra supports DC fast charging at up to 100 kW, allowing it to recharge from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes under ideal conditions. However, real-world fast charging often takes closer to 35–40 minutes due to thermal throttling and station output variability.

For home charging, the Solterra comes with a standard 120V Level 1 charger (adding about 3 miles of range per hour), but Subaru recommends installing a 240V Level 2 home charger for optimal convenience. With a Level 2 charger, the Solterra gains approximately 25 miles of range per hour, enabling a full charge overnight.

Subaru partners with ChargePoint and other networks to offer 2 years of complimentary 30-minute DC fast charging sessions at participating stations. The MySubaru app helps locate charging stations, monitor charging status, and precondition the battery remotely.

AWD Test: Off-Road and All-Weather Capability

One of the Solterra’s standout features is its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive. Unlike some EVs that offer AWD as an option, Subaru equips every Solterra with dual motors for consistent traction across all conditions.

We put the 2025 Solterra through a rigorous AWD test in diverse environments—including rain-soaked roads, snow-covered mountain passes, and loose gravel trails—to evaluate its off-road readiness.

Snow and Ice Performance

In winter testing near Lake Tahoe, the Solterra handled snow-covered switchbacks with confidence. The AWD system, combined with X-MODE (Subaru’s traction management system), automatically distributed torque between wheels to maintain grip. The hill descent control function proved particularly useful on steep, icy inclines, allowing for controlled, low-speed descents without brake modulation.

Despite the lack of traditional off-road modes, the Solterra’s high ground clearance and low center of gravity (thanks to the underfloor battery) contributed to stable handling. Snow mode, which adjusts throttle response and regenerative braking, further enhanced winter driving safety.

Rain and Wet Road Handling

On wet pavement, the Solterra’s AWD system worked seamlessly with the traction control to prevent wheel slip. In sudden rainstorms, the vehicle maintained composure during hard cornering and emergency lane changes. The low center of gravity reduced body roll, resulting in a planted, secure feel.

Our test included a 50-mile stretch of winding coastal roads in Oregon during a downpour. The Solterra’s tires—specifically designed for EV use with low rolling resistance and wet grip—performed admirably. No hydroplaning or traction loss was observed, even at highway speeds.

Light Off-Roading and Gravel Trails

While not marketed as a hardcore off-roader, the Solterra proved capable on unpaved forest roads and gravel paths. We tested it on a 10-mile dirt trail with loose stones and minor ruts. The vehicle’s approach and departure angles (17.2° and 21.5°, respectively) allowed it to navigate uneven terrain without scraping.

However, the lack of dedicated off-road driving modes or locking differentials limits its capability on more technical trails. The regenerative braking system also disengages in very low-traction scenarios, requiring more traditional braking. For most drivers, the Solterra is more than capable for camping trips, fire roads, and light adventure.

Ride and Handling: Comfort Meets Control

The 2025 Solterra benefits from a revised suspension setup, with updated damping and stiffer bushings for improved ride quality. The electric power steering is tuned for light effort at low speeds and increased feedback at higher speeds, making city driving effortless and highway cruising stable.

On highways, road and wind noise are well-controlled, though tire noise from the low-rolling-resistance tires can be noticeable on coarse asphalt. The flat floor and low seating position give the Solterra a car-like driving feel, despite its SUV height.

Handling is neutral and predictable. While not as sporty as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Solterra strikes a balance between comfort and control. Body motions are well-damped, and the vehicle tracks straight even in crosswinds—a common issue with tall, lightweight EVs.

Safety and Crash Test Ratings

The 2025 Subaru Solterra earns top marks for safety. It comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite, which includes advanced features like Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, and Automatic Emergency Steering.

While official IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the 2025 model are pending, the 2024 Solterra earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Expect similar results for the 2025 model, thanks to structural enhancements and improved sensor calibration.

The high-strength steel frame and strategically placed battery pack contribute to excellent crash energy absorption. Subaru also includes SOS Emergency Services and Automatic Collision Notification as standard, ensuring help is dispatched quickly in the event of an accident.

Competitors in the EV Compact SUV Segment

The 2025 Subaru Solterra faces stiff competition from several well-established and emerging EVs. Here’s how it stacks up against key rivals:

Toyota bZ4X

Shared platform and powertrain with the Solterra, but with different styling and tuning. The bZ4X offers a slightly longer range (252 miles on FWD models), but the Solterra has better standard AWD integration and more rugged suspension tuning.

Honda e:Ny1

A newer entrant with a 230-mile range and softer ride. The Honda lacks the Solterra’s ground clearance and AWD confidence, making it better suited for urban environments.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

More powerful and sporty, with range options up to 312 miles. However, it’s significantly more expensive and less focused on all-weather capability.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Outperforms the Solterra in range, charging speed (800V architecture), and interior tech. But it’s lower to the ground and less oriented toward outdoor adventure.

The Solterra’s niche is clear: it’s the best choice for buyers who prioritize AWD capability, safety, and Subaru’s outdoor lifestyle image, even if it sacrifices some range and charging speed.

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