Subaru Solterra Reliability: What To Expect From Subaru’s First EV

Subaru has built its name on rugged, all-wheel-drive vehicles that can handle just about anything. But the Solterra is a whole new game. It’s Subaru’s first fully electric SUV, and while it still promises solid engineering, its reliability is a big question mark.

Though Subaru has offered hybrid models in the past—most notably the Crosstrek Hybrid that uses Toyota’s hybrid system—the Solterra is indeed the brand’s first full-fledged EV, marking a significant step in Subaru’s electrification journey.

Being built alongside the Toyota bZ4X gives it a head start in EV tech, but it also means it shares some of Toyota’s early hiccups. Charging performance, software quirks, and cold-weather efficiency have already been talking points for early owners. So, is the Solterra built to last, or will Subaru’s first EV come with growing pains? Let’s break it down.

1. A Deeper Look at the Subaru Solterra’s Origins

Toyota’s Influence in the Solterra’s Development

The Solterra might have Subaru’s name on it, but Toyota had a major hand in its creation. Built on the e-TNGA platform, the same architecture used for the Toyota bZ4X as well as the Lexus RZ 450e, this electric SUV borrows heavily from Toyota’s engineering. That’s both a good and bad thing.

Toyota’s reputation for reliability is well-earned, and their cautious approach to EVs suggests they took durability seriously. But the bZ4X’s early rollout didn’t go smoothly. Software bugs, charging limitations, and a now-infamous wheel detachment recall raised eyebrows.

This recall affected both the bZ4X and Solterra and led to a stop-sale order until the issue was fixed in late 2022. It involved insufficient torque on hub bolts, creating a risk that wheels could detach—not the wheels themselves failing.

Since the Solterra shares much of its mechanical and electrical systems with the bZ4X, any reliability concerns tied to Toyota’s EV could carry over to Subaru’s version as well.

Subaru’s Leap into the EV Market

Subaru is no stranger to electrification; however, the Solterra is its first full-fledged EV. Although the brand dabbled in hybrids and plug-in hybrids like the Crosstrek Hybrid, the Solterra represents new territory for Subaru and a significant leap forward in its electrification efforts. While Toyota’s influence helps on the engineering side, Subaru still has to prove that its first EV can hold up in the long run.

Since real-world data is still limited, the biggest question is how well Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD tuning and rugged-focused calibration hold up when combined with an all-electric drivetrain. Will it stay true to Subaru’s reputation for reliability, or will the first-generation EV experience bring unexpected issues? That remains to be seen.

2. Built to Last? Evaluating Mechanical Durability

Subaru’s AWD System Meets Toyota’s e-TNGA Platform

Subaru and Toyota took two different paths to get here. Toyota prioritized efficiency and urban driving with the bZ4X, while Subaru leaned into its off-road heritage with the Solterra.

Underneath, though, both SUVs share the same e-TNGA platform, meaning they have the same electric motors, chassis structure, and battery pack.

Subaru made its mark by tweaking the AWD system for better grip in tough conditions. The Solterra’s X-Mode settings and Grip Control system give it an edge over its Toyota sibling on rough terrain. But does this added traction affect long-term reliability?

From a mechanical standpoint, the platform itself is solid. Toyota’s engineers have spent years refining it, and early crash tests show it holds up well.

However, early reports from bZ4X owners suggest that battery performance in extreme temperatures and suspension durability may not be as refined as Toyota’s usual standards.

Since the Solterra shares these core systems, its long-term durability will depend on whether Toyota and Subaru can fine-tune these issues over time.

Suspension and Steering: Proven Design or a Potential Weak Link?

Subaru used a MacPherson strut front suspension and a double-wishbone rear setup, both of which are tried-and-true designs in the crossover world. These components have been used for years across different models, making them a safe bet for reliability.

The steering system is another story. Toyota’s bZ4X introduced steer-by-wire technology in some markets, removing the physical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels.

That setup raised concerns about long-term reliability, but Subaru played it safe, keeping traditional hydraulic steering in the Solterra. This means one less potential failure point and a more familiar feel behind the wheel.

Mechanically, there’s little reason to doubt the Solterra’s durability. The real question is whether the electronics and battery system will hold up just as well.

3. Battery and Charging System: Strengths and Weaknesses

How Solid Is the Battery System?

The 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery in the Solterra is the same pack found in the Toyota bZ4X, which means it benefits from Toyota’s extensive testing. That should inspire confidence, but early data suggests the system isn’t perfect.

One major concern is cold weather performance. Some bZ4X owners have reported that charging slows down significantly in freezing temperatures, and in extreme cases, the system struggles to maintain expected efficiency.

Since the Solterra uses the same battery and thermal management system, these problems could carry over. Early tests also indicate that Solterra’s thermal management isn’t as robust as that of some competing EVs—like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y—which feature more advanced battery pre-conditioning for cold weather.

That said, Toyota and Subaru designed the battery with longevity in mind. The pack is structurally reinforced to protect against impact, and its active cooling system helps regulate temperature.

Unlike some early EVs that suffered from rapid degradation, this setup is expected to hold up well over time—provided the software is optimized correctly.

Charging Hardware and Potential Pitfalls

On paper, the Solterra supports DC fast charging up to 100 kW, allowing it to reach 80% charge in around 56 minutes under ideal conditions. However, real-world charging speeds have been inconsistent, particularly in cold weather.

Some owners have reported that charging slows down far more than expected when temperatures drop, a problem that Toyota and Subaru may need to address through software updates.

For home charging, the 6.6 kW onboard AC charger is fairly standard for EVs in this class. That means a full charge from empty takes about 9 hours on a Level 2 charger, which is manageable for most overnight charging setups.

Toyota’s battery technology has historically been reliable, and Subaru’s history of engineering durable drivetrains suggests the Solterra’s battery should hold up well long-term. However, early charging issues raise questions about software tuning and real-world usability, especially in colder climates.

4. Infotainment and Driver Assistance: High-Tech, But Reliable?

Subaru’s Infotainment System—A Toyota Hand-Me-Down?

The Solterra’s infotainment system isn’t purely Subaru’s creation. It borrows heavily from Toyota’s latest interface, and while that means modern features, it also raises some reliability concerns.

Toyota’s infotainment software has had mixed reviews, with some owners reporting occasional slow response times and software glitches. However, it’s important to note that the bZ4X and Solterra share an updated system that differs from older Toyota models.

This cloud-based system requires an active internet connection for certain features, which can lead to slow response times or unavailability if connectivity is poor. Since the Solterra runs a similar system with Subaru-specific UI tweaks, there’s a chance these issues could carry over.

That said, the larger touchscreen and integrated voice controls are a step up from Subaru’s older Starlink system. Subaru also allows over-the-air (OTA) updates, meaning software refinements could fix bugs and improve long-term stability. However, early EV adopters know that first-generation software can take a few updates to become truly stable.

Advanced Safety Features—Subaru EyeSight Meets Toyota Safety Sense

Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance suite has always been a strong selling point, but the Solterra’s version is a hybrid of Subaru and Toyota technologies.

The system includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and emergency braking, but since it’s tuned differently than Subaru’s gasoline-powered models, real-world performance may feel slightly different.

In fact, the Solterra doesn’t use Subaru’s standard EyeSight cameras. Instead, it relies on Toyota’s radar and camera setup, meaning lane-centering and adaptive cruise may behave more like Toyota’s Safety Sense than a traditional Subaru EyeSight system. Some owners report that lane-keeping assistance is more aggressive compared to gas-powered Subaru models.

The biggest concern with new ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) is sensor calibration. Some first-year Toyota bZ4X owners reported false warnings or inconsistent lane-keeping behavior, and since the Solterra’s system shares similar hardware, it may require software updates to refine accuracy.

On the plus side, Subaru’s track record with EyeSight reliability is strong, and since the Solterra retains some of Subaru’s calibration, it may avoid some of the bZ4X’s quirks. Over-the-air updates should also help improve long-term performance if early issues appear.

5. Real-World Feedback and Early Ownership Experience

What Are Early Owners Saying?

Since Solterra launched in 2022, there has not been a huge pool of long-term ownership data yet. But early feedback from owners provides a glimpse into what’s working well—and what isn’t.

On the positive side, many drivers appreciate how smooth and quiet the Solterra feels compared to Subaru’s gas-powered models. The all-wheel-drive system performs well in slippery conditions, and handling feels stable, even in bad weather.

Build quality has also been praised, with solid materials and minimal cabin noise compared to some other EVs in the same class.

That said, there have been some complaints. Echoing the cold-weather charging concerns, some Solterra owners report that DC fast charging slows significantly during winter. While this doesn’t affect daily driving, it can be frustrating for long road trips, especially in cold climates.

Also, owners on forums like InsideEVs and Reddit have noted that real-world range often falls short of official estimates—particularly in colder temperatures.

Some have also reported that Toyota and Subaru are rolling out software updates aimed at improving battery management and charging speeds, suggesting ongoing efforts to address these concerns.

Comparisons with Toyota bZ4X—Lessons from a Shared Platform

Since the Solterra and bZ4X are nearly identical under the skin, looking at the Toyota’s early issues helps predict how the Subaru might hold up.

The biggest initial problem for the bZ4X wasn’t a battery or drivetrain failure—it was the wheel recall. Subaru took early action to ensure this wouldn’t happen to the Solterra, so it has largely avoided that problem.

However, some software-based issues with the bZ4X’s charging performance, range estimates, and driver-assistance quirks could also affect the Solterra. Toyota has worked on software fixes, and Subaru should benefit from those updates as well.

Overall, most early Solterra owners haven’t reported major mechanical failures or widespread reliability concerns, but software refinement and charging consistency seem to be the biggest areas needing improvement.

6. Pros and Cons: Weighing Reliability Factors

What Solterra Gets Right

The Toyota-Subaru collaboration gives the Solterra a strong foundation. Toyota’s track record with hybrid and EV powertrains means the battery and electric motors are likely to be durable over time.

Subaru’s AWD tuning also ensures better traction than many other EVs in bad weather, which aligns well with the brand’s reputation for rugged capability.

Build quality has also been a bright spot. Owners have noted that materials feel solid, and the cabin is well-insulated from road noise. Unlike some first-generation EVs that feel like unfinished prototypes, the Solterra has a well-put-together feel, which is a good sign for long-term reliability.

Warranty coverage is another plus. Subaru offers an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, which should give buyers confidence that major failures are unlikely.

Where Reliability Concerns Linger

The biggest concern so far is charging performance in cold weather. Some Solterra owners, similar to bZ4X owners, have reported slower-than-expected DC fast-charging speeds in freezing conditions. This may not impact most daily driving, but for long trips, it’s a real inconvenience.

Software refinement is another area to watch. The infotainment system has needed updates to fix minor glitches, and some driver-assistance features may require further tuning.

While over-the-air updates can help, first-year EVs often go through a period of software refinement before everything works smoothly.

Long-term battery health is also an open question. While Toyota and Subaru’s battery design places a strong emphasis on longevity, neither brand has offered an advanced battery pre-conditioning system for the Solterra. This could affect charging consistency and overall battery performance over time.

Final Verdict: Can Subaru Deliver a Reliable EV?

Overall Reliability Outlook

The Solterra’s Toyota-engineered battery and drivetrain provide a solid base for long-term reliability, and Subaru’s AWD tuning makes it a capable all-weather EV. Mechanically, there’s little reason to doubt its durability—the platform has been tested, and early feedback suggests it’s holding up well.

That said, charging performance in cold weather remains a concern. While this won’t affect most daily driving, it’s something to consider for those who rely on fast charging for longer trips.

Software updates have been needed to iron out minor infotainment and driver-assist quirks, which isn’t unusual for a first-generation EV but still something to keep an eye on.

What Owners Should Expect

For everyday reliability, the Solterra is shaping up to be a low-maintenance, well-built EV. Its battery warranty provides peace of mind, and Subaru’s track record of long-lasting vehicles suggests it should hold up well over time.

However, early software refinements and cold-weather charging quirks are part of the first-generation experience, and future updates may improve both.

Long-Term Projection

As more real-world data comes in, Subaru and Toyota will likely continue refining the software, battery management, and charging performance through updates.

Given their track record, major failures seem unlikely, but early owners should be prepared for occasional updates and tweaks as the system matures.

Still, the long-term durability of the battery—particularly its capacity retention—remains somewhat unknown. The 8-year/100,000-mile warranty does cover capacity degradation, but neither Toyota nor Subaru has explicitly stated their threshold for acceptable capacity loss.

In contrast, some automakers guarantee a minimum of 70% battery capacity within the warranty period. The Solterra’s lack of advanced battery pre-conditioning may also factor into its long-term charging consistency.

For Subaru fans looking to go electric, the Solterra is a promising start. It’s not perfect, but its foundation is strong, and as the technology evolves, it should only get better.