2023 Subaru Solterra

Better than expected

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

This is my 3rd EV since 2015. Started with a 2013 LEAF S, traded up into a 2013 Model S 85, and finally traded into this 2024 Solterra Limited. The Model S I drove all over the country, and eventually wracked up 192,000mi. I'd like to think I'm a pretty seasoned EV owner, and spend a lot of time researching various offerings, and developments. Life circumstances change, apartment life being what it is meant no more home charging. While street parking a Tesla is fine during the summer, after 2 winters here in Central OR, it was clear I'd be better off with something AWD, more resistant to freezing up, and with less miles. A Model Y was out of the question for me due to Tesla's somewhat limited lease options. Test drove the ID.4, Ioniq 5/6, and Solterra. Despite the impressive specs around charging and range, the Hyundai's didn't speak to me from a driving perspective, felt like SUV's from the inside, and sedans on the outside if that makes any sense? The ID.4 seemed to tick most of the boxes, mostly conventional controls, quality interior, drove well. Kept coming back to the Solterra, not because of the specs, but just the vehicle as a vehicle, great feeling to drive, very comfortable, put together well, with the better AWD system between the two, a heat-pump, and being a Subaru fan (still have a 2003 WRX) I liked the quirky looks. It felt right. I did have some concerns about the charging speeds, which the 2024 model year reportedly improved upon, and the range is definitely not class leading. After putting 1100mi on it in a month, this is where I stand with it... It's more efficient than advertised, I've averaged 3.6mi per kWh (240'ish miles) with mixed driving, including a trip up to Paulina Peak (7984' elevation). This is with climate control on, and 90F to 109F summer temperatures. I attribute this to the heat-pump system, which makes heating and cooling an EV noticeably more energy efficient. As far as charging goes, I've been getting 88kWs peak all the way up past 50% on a 150kW EA charger. Granted the weather is warm so this is probably as good as I'm going to see, but it's still considerably faster than my 2013 Model S. Honestly the worst part is not having access to Tesla's charging network, people are not kidding about public level 3 chargers, they are crowded and flaky. Bonus feature almost no one mentions, and this is huge for us that don't have home charging. This car has zero phantom drain while parked, unlike Tesla's, or Rivians which can lose a few percent overnight. This adds up significantly. Pros: 8.3 inches of ground clearance True full time AWD, with identical motors front and rear (symmetrical). Heat pump ZERO vampire / phantom drain while parked Wireless Apple Carplay / Android Auto Actually gets stated range Comfortable to drive Subaru / Toyota quality Looks like the love child from a RAV4 / Forester Good sound system Cons: It's mostly built by Toyota, and their stance towards EV's is concerning No trip / route planner Mobile software is janky Level 2 charging is limited to 6.6kW No walk away power off, or locking Subscriptions for everything related to the infotainment Anyway I may update this after surviving through winter, until then.

Extreme loss of value/False advertising

Monday, April 29, 2024

This is my 4th Subaru. I have grown to trust the brand over the decades. The Solterra has been fun to drive, but an utter disappointment from a technical and economic standpoint. Advertised fast charging up to 100KW(In a lab with a perfectly preheated battery maybe). You'd be lucky to get half that. Often you are only getting 35KW. Onward to value. This vehicle has lost over $20,000 in value in ONE YEAR. No other vehicle I have ever seen has lost that much value that quickly. Disappointing.

Green value

Sunday, October 13, 2024

I traded my 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Premium for a 2024 Subaru SOLTERRA Premium and haven’t looked back. The improvement in road handling, speed, pickup and smooth ride is like night and day. I can charge on my 240volt at home with the Subaru charger in six hours and fast charge in 40 minutes at a CMO charging station EVGo or Checkpoint. Safety features are extraordinary in that if you look away for a second you get a notification on the dash. The look and feel is astronomical and I’m just happy. I can’t wait to drive it up to Park City this winter with its powerful AWD.