DecodedCars2023 Subaru Solterra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- SUV
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV
- EV range
- 228 mi · 11 h on 240 V
- Length
- 184.6 in
- Curb weight
- 4,365 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 36 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Subaru Solterra is a small SUV powered by electricity and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,365 lb.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 228 miles and takes about 11 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Trims, performance & features
Powertrain–Electric motor
DriveAWD/4WD
Trims
15 Series
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Toyota City, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2023 Solterra configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV | 184.6 in | 73.2 in | 65 in | 112.2 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,365 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solterra AWD EV | TBD | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 228 mi · 30.9339 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
| Solterra Limited/Touring AWD EV | TBD | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 222 mi · 32.1274 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $8,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25 MPG2023 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Subaru Solterra SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.6% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Subaru Solterra (this car) | 228 mi | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Honda CR-V | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2023 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (4)
Safety advisory: 2 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Oct 30, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V744000 · 1,024,407 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System · Sep 4, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V577000 · 94,320 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2025 bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra vehicles. During certain HVAC system faults, such as electrical compressor failure, the defroster and defogger system may become inoperative.
- Risk
- An inoperative defroster and defogger system can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the HVAC control ECU software, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect the electrical compressor, and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB07 and 25TA07. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB04 and 25LA04. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-25.
Wheels › Hub · Feb 9, 2023 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 23V064000 · 1,182 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Solterra vehicles. Improperly tightened hub bolts may loosen and cause the wheels to detach from the vehicle.
- Risk
- Wheel detachment while driving can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair has been completed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the hub bolts, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-23.
Wheels › Hub · Jun 23, 2022 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 22V444000 · 661 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Subaru Solterra and Toyota BZ4X vehicles. The hub bolts on the wheels may loosen, causing a wheel to detach from the vehicle after low-mileage use.
- Risk
- A wheel detaching from a moving vehicle can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they are repaired. Dealers will replace the hub bolts and wheels, free of charge. Letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 27, 2022. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Not every 2023 Subaru Solterra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
42Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
16,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Subaru Solterra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Electrical System — 15 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 6 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Service Brakes — 6 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 16,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 228 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Subaru Solterra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Solterra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Solterra | 288 mi | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Solterra | 288 mi | 184.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 17 |
| 2025 Solterra | 227 mi | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 4 |
| 2024 Solterra | 227 mi | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 14 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →