2024 Subaru Solterra Will DC Charge Faster, Brings New Features

Subaru has just announced pricing and product updates for the all-electric 2024 Subaru Solterra, which in its second model year on the market will get several new features.

The 2024 Subaru Solterra will be available in three versions—Premium, Limited, and Touring. Interestingly, there are no price changes, besides a slightly higher destination charge (up by $120).

The base 2024 Subaru Solterra Premium has an MSRP of $44,995 plus a $1,345 destination charge ($1,495 in Alaska), for a total of $46,340.

The better-equipped Limited version costs $3,500 more, while the top-of-the-line version costs $7,000 more.

Because the Subaru Solterra is imported from Japan, it does not qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit when purchasing, although the incentive might be available through leasing.

In recent months, Subaru Solterra sales oscillated at around 900-1,000 units a month. The new 2024 model year will begin arriving at Subaru dealers in February 2024.

Specs

The 2024 Subaru Solterra is equipped with a 72.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack featuring CATL’s lithium-ion cells, just like in the 2023 MY.

Without changes to the battery and powertrain (dual motor, all-wheel drive), there are no changes to the driving range, besides a tiny one—the Premium version is now rated at 227 miles instead of 228 miles.

The EPA range and energy consumption numbers are already available and, as usual, reveal that the trims with bigger wheels (20-inch vs. 18-inch) have less range.

Energy consumption, including charging losses, of the 2024 Subaru Solterra Premium AWD with 18-inch wheels, is estimated at 104 MPGe or about 324 watt-hours per mile.

The 20-inch wheels appear to increase the energy consumption by almost 2%.

One of the biggest changes for the 2024 Subaru Solterra is an improved DC fast charging capability, thanks to a more robust battery conditioning system.

The 2023 version was able to recharge from 10-80% state-of-charge (SOC) in about 56 minutes (at up to 100 kilowatts), which was considered a major weak point of the car. The 2024 version will be able to recharge from 10-80% SOC in 35 minutes (also at up to 100 kW), which is closer to the industry average and good news for those who take their Subaru Solterra on longer trips.

An additional benefit of the new thermal management system is improved cold weather charging speed: “Thanks to an upgraded battery conditioning system, the 2024 Solterra can charge at temperatures below freezing significantly faster than its predecessor, up to 80 minutes faster in certain conditions.”

Another positive detail is a state of charge indicator displaying the estimated time to 80% or 100% SOC.

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New Features

The 2024 Subaru Solterra adds “several enhanced features to improve comfort, driver safety, and versatility.” These features are highlighted below:

• Standard Subaru EyeSight driver-assist technologies, including driver-supported, hands-free driving at speeds up to 25 mph
• a redesigned steering wheel with regenerative braking force paddle switches
• standard roof rails with a static load capacity rated up to 700 pounds – ideal for a rooftop tent – and a dynamic load capacity of up to 176 pounds
• Front Cross-Traffic Alert, the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, and others.

Here is how Subaru describes the new features:

“The 2024 Solterra debuts all-new Subaru EyeSight® advanced driver-assistance features not yet found on other Subaru vehicles. New for this year, the Solterra can travel in its lane at speeds up to 25 mph with only driver supervision, including stop-and-go traffic. The 2024 Solterra can also change lanes on command by activating a turn signal, and the addition of Front Cross Traffic Alert makes pulling into an intersection safer by alerting the driver of potential collisions. What’s more, Blind Spot Monitors, Rear Camera Detection with Pedestrian Warning, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Lane Tracing and Road Sign Assist, plus the newly added DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System all help to keep driver and passengers safe on the road.

In 2023, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Subaru Solterra with its TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, its highest honor, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration gave the Solterra a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score.

For added convenience, the Solterra is available with a 12.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen for infotainment, with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. The 2024 Solterra includes five USB charge points: one USB-A and two USB-C connections for front-seat occupants and two USB-C charge points for rear-seat riders. A wireless phone charger is included on Solterra Limited and Touring trim levels”