2024 Subaru Solterra returns with same price, faster charging

The 2024 Subaru Solterra electric crossover returns for its second year with the same price but quicker charging times, an improved battery conditioning system, and a new low-speed hands-free driving system, Subaru announced Thursday. 

The Solterra costs $46,340, including a destination fee that increased by $120 to $1,345. Otherwise, the price is the same as it when it launched in 2023. Since it’s built in Japan, it doesn’t qualify for the federal EV tax credit.    

The related 2024 Toyota bZ4X costs about $2,000 less, but it has a single-motor front-whee-drive setup, whereas the Subaru has standard dual-motor all-wheel drive. The dual motors generate 218 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque, and the 72.8-kwh battery pack helps with a 228-mile range estimate.

The battery can now DC fast-charge from 10% to 80% in 35 minutes, down from about an hour, according to Subaru. An improved battery conditioning system allows for faster charging in sub-zero temperatures, as well. A new state-of-charge display in the cluster shows battery percentage remaining and estimated charge times.

Subaru enhances its suite of driver-assist technology with a low-speed hands-free driving function at speeds up to 25 mph to ease the pain of stop-and-go traffic. Automatic lane changes via a flick of the turn signal is also new, as is a driver attention monitor. Front cross-traffic alert and a driver-attention monitor are also new. That complements standard automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and active lane control.

A new steering wheel design comes with regenerative-braking paddles, and newly standard roof rails can hold up to 700 pounds when parked—good enough for a rooftop tent and a couple people. 

The $46,340 base Premium trim has heated front seats, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The $49,840 Limited upgrades to a 12.3-inch touchscreen, heated rear seats, and a surround-view camera system.

The Touring tops the Solterra lineup at $53,340. It adds a panoramic roof, a rearview camera mirror, cooled front seats, and two-tone body styles.