Overview

Solterra is Subaru’s first global all-electric vehicle, it was developed alongside Toyota (sharing its underpinnings with the bZ4X), but tuned to retain Subaru’s traditional strengths: stability, durability and all-weather confidence.

In the Touring trim tested here, the Solterra is fully loaded, pairing dual electric motors with Subaru’s familiar symmetrical all-wheel drive philosophy.  Albeit now delivered by electrons rather than a boxer engine. It’s not intended to be the most cutting-edge EV on sale, but rather a first step into electrification for loyal Subaru buyers.

Driving

On the road, the Solterra Touring delivers smoothness and predictability rather than excitement. The dual-motor setup delivers brisk but not neck-snapping performance, with power fed to all four wheels seamlessly. Acceleration is linear and refined, making it easy to drive in town or on faster A-roads.

Where the Solterra stands out is its composure in poor conditions. Wet roads, greasy roundabouts and wintery surfaces barely trouble it, and the AWD system inspires confidence in a way many front-wheel-drive EVs simply cannot. The steering is light but accurate, while the suspension is tuned more for comfort than sportiness.

It is not a car that encourages enthusiastic driving, but for everyday use like commuting, family trips and long motorway journeys, it feels relaxed and confident.

Range and running costs

The Solterra’s range is modest rather than class-leading. In Touring trim, the official combined figure sat at just over 280 miles, though I saw it typically returned closer to 240–260 miles depending on conditions and driving style.

DC rapid charging peaked at around 130kW, which is acceptable but not exceptional. A 10–80 per cent charge could be completed in roughly half an hour, while a full charge on an 11kW home wallbox took around six to seven hours. Subaru’s conservative battery management prioritises longevity over outright charging speed. A sensible approach, though one that means the Solterra trails behind newer rivals on long journeys.

Design

The Solterra’s exterior design combines clean, aerodynamic surfacing with subtle nods to Subaru’s SUV heritage. A blanked-off grille, slim LED headlights and pronounced wheel-arch cladding gave it a purposeful, upright stance, while short overhangs give it family SUV proportions. In Touring trim, it's larger alloy wheels and contrasting black and silver details added a touch of sophistication. The overall look is stylish and understated rather than eye-catching.

Inside, the Solterra focuses on clarity and usability. The high-mounted digital driver display sits above the steering wheel for improved visibility, while the central touchscreen handles infotainment duties with simple, logical menus. Materials are robust and well assembled, if not especially luxurious, reflecting Subaru’s practical approach. However, Touring trim adds higher-quality upholstery, heated seats and a panoramic roof, which helped lift the cabin ambience. It’s not the most visually dramatic interior in the class, but it is comfortable, intuitive and well suited to everyday use.

Comfort and practicality

The Solterra is a comfortable and easy car to live with, particularly on longer journeys. Supportive seats, good all-round visibility and a settled ride helped reduce fatigue, while road and wind noise were minimal at motorway speeds. In Touring trim, the extra features such as heated seats and dual-zone climate control contributed to a relaxed cabin environment.

Practicality met my expectations for a mid-size electric SUV. Rear-seat passengers benefit from generous legroom and a flat floor, making it a comfortable space for adults, while wide-opening doors improved access for child seats. The boot is sensibly shaped and easily usable for everyday family duties, though overall capacity does lag slightly behind the most spacious rivals in this class.

Verdict

The Subaru Solterra Touring is a dependable, thoughtfully engineered electric SUV rather than a headline-grabbing one. It doesn’t deliver maximum range or ultra-fast charging, instead it focuses on safety, comfort and year-round usability.

For buyers who value all-wheel drive security, a calm driving experience and Subaru’s reputation for durability, the Solterra is a compelling (if slightly niche) choice in an increasingly crowded EV market.

Key Specs

Subaru Solterra Touring 2021

Price (RRP OTR): From £52,995
Top speed: 99mph
0–62mph: 6.9 seconds
Power: 160kW
Torque: 248lb-ft
Driving range (combined): Up to 286 miles
Charging time: 6.5 hrs (11kW AC, 0–100%), 30 min (130kW DC, 10–80%)
Insurance group: 39
Vehicle warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles
Battery warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles