2025 Subaru Solterra Review: The Electric Subie
About this episode
The 2025 Subaru Solterra is reviewed as a mid-sized all-electric crossover, highlighting its design, features, and performance. The episode discusses its competitive pricing, spacious interior, and the driving experience, noting its 215 horsepower and 222-mile range. Comparisons are made with competitors like the Toyota BZ4X and Volkswagen ID4, while also touching on Subaru's future EV plans. The hosts debate whether potential buyers should wait for the refreshed 2026 model or take advantage of current deals on the 2025 version, emphasizing Subaru's appeal to pet owners.
Subaru’s Solterra joined the Subie lineup in 2022 for the 2023 model year after making its debut at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show. Sharing the bones with the Toyota bZ4X, the Solterra offered Subaru shoppers a battery-electric option. While the Solterra is gearing up for a major overhaul for 2026, the 2025 Solterra still packs effectively the same powertrain as its launch edition. That means there’s a 72.8-kWh battery pack underneath, which feeds a pair of electric motors. Together, those electric motors send 215 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. For 2025, the folks at Subaru slashed the Solterra’s price and brought the starting price to $39,915.
On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek executive editor Tom Murphy hops behind the wheel of the 2025 Subaru Solterra and puts it through its paces. Murphy takes you on a guided tour of the ’25 Solterra and highlights some of his favorite features. Later, Murphy takes you along for a live drive review. Adding to these segments, Murphy chats with host Wesley Wren about the 2025 Solterra, its spot in the market, and Subaru’s future in the battery-electric space. Closing the show, the pair breaks down what makes the 2025 Subaru Solterra special.
Toyota Solterra
"...this is the outgoing version of the Solterra because there's going to be a refreshed version coming along..."
The Toyota Solterra is another new electric SUV from Toyota. It’s built to be spacious and safe, making it a good choice for families who want to drive an electric vehicle.
The Toyota Solterra is an all-electric SUV that shares its platform with the BZ4X. It is designed to offer a spacious interior and advanced safety features, appealing to families and eco-conscious drivers.
Toyota bZ4X
"...the newer Toyota version, which is no longer the BZ4X. It's the BZ."
The Toyota bZ4X is a new electric car that looks like an SUV. It's important because it shows that Toyota is making cars that run on electricity instead of gas, which is better for the environment.
The Toyota bZ4X is an all-electric SUV that represents Toyota's entry into the electric vehicle market under its new bZ (Beyond Zero) lineup. It is significant as it showcases Toyota's commitment to electrification and aims to compete with other electric SUVs in terms of range, technology, and design.
all-electric crossover
"And it's a mid-sized two-row all-electric crossover, which means you may have barely noticed it on the highway and byways..."
An all-electric crossover is a car that uses only electricity to run, without any gasoline or diesel. It's a mix between a car and an SUV, offering more space and comfort.
An all-electric crossover is a type of vehicle that runs entirely on electric power, combining the features of an SUV with the efficiency of electric propulsion.
ground clearance
"It has 8.3 inches of ground clearance, so it sits high enough to feel somewhat like an SUV."
Ground clearance is how high a car sits off the ground. A higher ground clearance can help a car drive over bumps and rough terrain more easily.
Ground clearance refers to the distance between the ground and the lowest point of a vehicle's body. Higher ground clearance can improve off-road capability and provide a more commanding view of the road.
Honda Element
"SUV. One stylistic element I don't like on this 2025 Soltara is the oversize..."
The Honda Element is a type of SUV that has a unique square shape and lots of space inside. It was made until 2011 and is loved by many people for its practicality and cool design.
The Honda Element is a compact SUV known for its boxy design and versatile interior, which includes rear-hinged doors and a spacious cargo area. Although it was discontinued in 2011, it remains popular among those seeking a practical and unique vehicle with a strong following in the used car market.
2025 Soltara
"When the Soltara was new in 2022, it came with a starting price of $44,995, with symmetrical all-wheel drive, of course."
The 2025 Soltara is a new electric SUV from Subaru. It has a starting price of $44,995 and comes with all-wheel drive, which helps with traction and stability on the road.
The 2025 Subaru Soltara is an all-electric SUV that features advanced technology and a modern design. It is notable for its starting price and all-wheel drive capabilities, which are standard in this model.
symmetrical all-wheel drive
"...with symmetrical all-wheel drive, of course."
Symmetrical all-wheel drive means that power is sent to all four wheels of the car equally. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in bad weather like rain or snow.
Symmetrical all-wheel drive is a system used by Subaru that provides power to all four wheels evenly, enhancing traction and stability in various driving conditions. This setup is particularly beneficial for handling in adverse weather.
destination charges
"Touring Onyx stickers for $47,767, with destination charges of $1,420. Now that $47,000, $48,000 is pretty close to the average price of a vehicle in the US today."
Destination charges are extra fees that you pay when buying a car to cover the cost of getting it to the dealership. It's like a shipping fee for the car.
Destination charges are fees added to the price of a vehicle to cover the cost of transporting it from the manufacturer to the dealership. This fee is typically non-negotiable and can vary based on distance and logistics.
Chevrolet Equinox EV
"although we're looking at a Chevy Equinox EV, which comes in more like $30,000, $35,000. If you can cash in the credit while you can, you can even get that price down below $30,000."
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is an electric version of the regular Equinox SUV. It's designed to be more affordable and practical for everyday use.
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is an electric version of the popular Equinox SUV, offering a more affordable option in the growing electric vehicle market. It aims to provide a balance of range, technology, and practicality.
Volkswagen Id4
"But in the marketplace, it's going up against, let's say Volkswagen ID4, which is 9,700 vehicles sold in the first six months."
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an electric SUV made by Volkswagen. It's designed to be a practical and sustainable vehicle for families.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric compact SUV that is part of Volkswagen's ID family, representing their commitment to electric mobility.
Nissan Aria
"We're looking at also Nissan Ariya, almost 12,000 units sold for that one."
The Nissan Ariya is a new electric SUV from Nissan. It's designed to be eco-friendly and has a lot of high-tech features.
The Nissan Ariya is an all-electric SUV that represents Nissan's entry into the electric vehicle market, featuring modern design and advanced technology.
Tata Motors Aria
"...e first six months. We're looking at also Nissan Aria, almost 12,000 units sold for that one. We're lo..."
Kia EV6
"We're looking at the Kia EV6, about 7,000 units there."
The Kia EV6 is a new electric car from Kia. It's a crossover, which means it's a mix between a car and an SUV, and it's designed to be fun to drive.
The Kia EV6 is an all-electric crossover that showcases Kia's commitment to electric mobility, featuring a sporty design and impressive performance.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
"The Ioniq 5, which is more like 19,000 units."
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a new electric car from Hyundai. It has a cool design and lots of space inside, making it a great choice for families.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a groundbreaking electric vehicle that features a unique design, spacious interior, and advanced technology, marking Hyundai's shift towards electrification.
Ford Mustang
"So we have a Mustang Mach-E, 22,000 units for the Mach-E."
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric SUV that takes inspiration from the classic Mustang sports car. It's designed to be powerful and fun to drive.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric SUV that blends the iconic Mustang performance with modern electric vehicle technology, appealing to both Mustang enthusiasts and new buyers.
Subaru Solterra
"... the market for a long time. Tom, so we have the Solterra. Where the heck is Subaru in the EV space?"
The Subaru Solterra is a new electric SUV from Subaru. It's important because it combines the features that Subaru is known for, like good handling in tough conditions, with the benefits of being an electric car.
The Subaru Solterra is an all-electric SUV that marks Subaru's first foray into the electric vehicle segment. It is significant as it combines Subaru's reputation for all-wheel drive and ruggedness with electric efficiency, targeting environmentally conscious consumers who still want the brand's signature capabilities.
Subaru Uncharted
"but Subaru is also going smaller with a new Uncharted. They're calling it the Subaru Uncharted 2-Row Smaller Battery Electric crossover."
The Subaru Uncharted is a new electric crossover vehicle from Subaru that is smaller than the Solterra. It's part of their plan to offer more electric cars.
The Subaru Uncharted is a new model introduced by Subaru, described as a smaller battery electric crossover. It reflects the brand's strategy to expand its electric vehicle offerings.
battery electric crossover
"They're calling it the Subaru Uncharted 2-Row Smaller Battery Electric crossover. They're also going larger with the Trailseeker from Subaru, larger than the current Solterra."
A battery electric crossover is a car that runs entirely on electricity and has the features of an SUV. These cars are becoming popular because they are better for the environment.
A battery electric crossover is a type of vehicle that uses electric power stored in batteries to drive, combining the characteristics of a crossover SUV with electric vehicle technology. This segment is rapidly growing as more consumers seek eco-friendly options.
Subaru Trailseeker
"but they're also going larger with the Trailseeker from Subaru, larger than the current Solterra."
The Subaru Trailseeker is a larger electric crossover vehicle that Subaru is planning to release. It will be bigger than the Solterra and is designed for those needing more room.
The Subaru Trailseeker is a larger battery electric crossover that Subaru plans to introduce, expanding their lineup of electric vehicles. It aims to cater to consumers looking for more space and capability.
electric vehicle market
"which suggests that the folks in Japan know more about this market than we do. We're all thinking, oh geez, this market doesn't look so hot."
The electric vehicle market is the part of the car industry that sells cars that run on electricity instead of gas. More people are buying these cars because they are better for the planet.
The electric vehicle market refers to the segment of the automotive industry focused on vehicles powered by electric energy instead of traditional gasoline or diesel. This market is expanding rapidly as technology improves and consumer demand for sustainable options increases.
torque
"Solterra launched in 2022 with 215 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque, which is the same today on this 2025 Solterra that we are test driving."
Torque is a measure of how much force an engine can use to turn things. It helps a car accelerate and move quickly, especially from a stop.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, indicating how much twisting power an engine can produce. It's crucial for acceleration and the vehicle's ability to move from a standstill.
horsepower
"Solterra launched in 2022 with 215 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque, which is the same today on this 2025 Solterra that we are test driving."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. In the automotive context, it indicates how much power a car's engine can produce.
permanent magnet motors
"Power comes from two permanent magnet motors, one on each axle."
Permanent magnet motors are a type of electric motor that uses magnets to help it run. They are often used in electric cars because they are efficient and powerful.
Permanent magnet motors are electric motors that use permanent magnets to create a magnetic field, allowing for efficient and powerful performance. They are commonly used in electric vehicles for their compact size and high efficiency.
lithium-ion battery
"This current Solterra has a 72.8 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery that delivers 222 miles of range..."
A lithium-ion battery is a type of battery that can be recharged and is often used in electric cars because it stores a lot of energy in a small space.
A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery commonly used in electric vehicles due to its high energy density and efficiency.
range
"This current Solterra has a 72.8 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery that delivers 222 miles of range..."
Range is how far an electric car can go before it needs to be recharged. For example, the Solterra can go 222 miles on a full charge.
In the context of electric vehicles, range refers to the distance a vehicle can travel on a single charge of its battery.
kilowatt-hours
"Also, with a slightly smaller battery, we're used to seeing EVs with batteries of about 100 kilowatt-hours. Now with this one being 72 or 72.8..."
Kilowatt-hours is a way to measure how much energy a battery can hold. The bigger the number, the longer the car can drive before it needs to be charged.
Kilowatt-hours (kWh) is a unit of energy that measures how much electricity a battery can store and deliver. In electric vehicles (EVs), a higher kWh rating typically means a longer driving range before needing to recharge.
four-wheel independent suspension
"I think slightly better handling, four-wheel independent suspension."
Four-wheel independent suspension means that each wheel can move separately. This helps the car handle better and feel smoother when driving on bumpy roads.
Four-wheel independent suspension allows each wheel to move up and down independently of the others. This design improves ride quality and handling, especially on uneven surfaces.
GTI
"Got in a GTI who wants to catch me."
The GTI is a fun and sporty version of the Volkswagen Golf. It's known for being quick and enjoyable to drive.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a sporty hatchback known for its performance and handling. It's popular among enthusiasts for its fun driving experience and practicality.
noise vibration harshness
"the noise vibration harshness people at these automakers have gotten so good, pretty quiet in there."
Noise vibration harshness is a term used to describe how much noise and shaking you feel inside a car while driving. Car makers try to make cars quieter and smoother for a better ride.
Noise vibration harshness (NVH) refers to the various factors that contribute to the overall sound and feel of a vehicle while driving. Automakers focus on reducing NVH to improve passenger comfort and driving experience.
EJ-25
"Why the heck isn't there an EJ-25 under the hood of this thing?"
The EJ-25 is a type of engine made by Subaru. It's a flat-four engine, which means it has a unique design that helps make cars more stable.
The EJ-25 is a 2.5-liter flat-four engine produced by Subaru, known for its use in various Subaru models. It's recognized for its distinctive boxer engine design, which helps lower the vehicle's center of gravity.
Subaru EV
"Tom, thank you so much for driving this thing. I know it was a challenge out there cruising 500 miles in a Subaru EV, but hey, somebody has to do it."
The Subaru EV is an electric car made by Subaru. Electric vehicles run on electricity instead of gasoline, making them more environmentally friendly.
The Subaru EV refers to Subaru's electric vehicle offerings, which are part of the brand's efforts to transition to more sustainable transportation options. Subaru has been exploring electric vehicles to meet growing consumer demand for eco-friendly cars.
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