Is the 2025 Subaru Solterra a Good First EV?

Choosing your first electric vehicle is a significant step for anyone, especially for novice drivers. If you’re ready to make the switch to an EV, the 2025 Subaru Solterra might be the friendly nudge you need.

Awarded a 5-star overall safety rating by the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, this EV comes loaded with Subaru’s standard safety tech. Plus, it stands out with its Symmetrical AWD, high-tech cabin, and advanced driver assistance.

But is the Solterra 2025 beginner-friendly enough for your first EV? Before you drive off to your first San Diego, CA adventure, let’s see if this EV is a solid or shaky choice.

What Makes The 2025 Subaru Solterra Stand Out For First-Time EV Buyers?

While all electric SUVs impress, not all designers create them with beginner drivers in mind. But the 2025 Subaru Solterra checks all the right boxes.

With its design reminiscent of a traditional SUV, the 2025 Subaru Solterra makes it easy to transition between gas and electric modes. As to the specifics, you’ll know more about them below.

Pros of Choosing the 2025 Subaru Solterra as Your First EV

Symmetrical All Wheel Drive

Not all electric cars are created equal. Most don’t get the all-wheel drive feature unless you pay extra to avail of a higher trim. But that isn’t the case for the 2025 Subaru Solterra. You’ll find the symmetrical all-wheel drive in every trim level.

That means that the Subaru Solterra 2025 would have a better grip on the road, no matter the weather and terrain conditions. This is possible as power is distributed to all four wheels, not just the front or rear wheels. Result? Better stability and control.

And, for this to be available on an electric vehicle makes all the difference. You will be able to feel safe and confident with every drive, something that Subaru has been known for.

Driver-Friendly Technology

Another 2025 Subaru Solterra specs that make it a great first EV for beginners is its driver-friendly technology. Even if you haven’t driven an electric car before, you won’t get confused with tech screens or complicated buttons.

Here’s a breakdown of the tech features every budding driver will love in this year’s Subaru Solterra:

• Multimedia Navigation: This is the touch-sensitive, bright display at the center of your dashboard, controlling your maps, music, and Solterra settings. It comes in two variations: 8.0-inch Subaru Multimedia (Premium) and 12.3-inch Subaru Multimedia Navigation (Limited, Touring, and Touring Onyx).
• Built-In Navigation: No need to connect your phone to the touchscreen display just to access maps. This EV already comes with a GPS that gives you step-by-step directions right off the screen. You just have to search for your destination and let Solterra provide you with the real-time route guidance you need.
• 360-Degree Camera System*: This feature provides a bird’s-eye view of the Solterra by utilizing all the cameras surrounding the vehicle. This is helpful when you’re driving through small streets, backing out of driveways, or needing to park in tight spots.
• Locator for Charging Station: All EVs have built-in locators for charging stations — Solterra included. This feature guides you to the nearest recharge station to load up on your EV’s battery.
• Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® Integration (Wireless): This feature connects your iPhone or Android phone to the Solterra without cables. Your favorite apps are then mirrored on the screen.

From there, you can see that the 2025 Solterra has all the needed modern vehicle driver tech to make everything more seamless and easier.

Note:

* – Only available for Limited, Touring, and Touring Onyx Edition trims

Practical and Spacious Cabin Design

Apart from the tech and symmetrical AWD, the 2025 Subaru Solterra is also known for its spacious cabin. With a passenger volume of 95.7 cubic feet (except for the Touring Onyx, which has 94.4 cubic feet) and cargo volume of 23.8 cubic feet, fitting in your family and belongings has never been easier.

But what sets the Subaru Soltera interior apart is the added cargo space that you can enjoy. With its 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks, you can have a maximum cargo volume of 63.5 cubic feet. And that’s across all trims of the 2025 Subaru Solterra EV.

Despite the extra cargo space, all passengers of the 2025 Solterra can still sit comfortably. It has plenty of headroom and legroom everyone seated at the back doesn’t feel squished. Even taller adults don’t feel cramped despite being in the rear seats.

But the biggest win you get from the Solterra is that you get to enjoy a quiet ride. No more engine humming issues. Since this EV’s engine isn’t loud, you can enjoy a relaxing vibe, allowing you to hear what the other passengers are saying.

Whether you’re with friends, family, or pets, the Subaru Solterra gives you the space you need without feeling bulky.

Safety Tech = Top-Notch Safety Ratings

With Subaru’s promise of care, safety is its number one priority. Hence, it’s not surprising that you’ll find in the 2025 Subaru Solterra a host of safety features. No wonder it earned the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.

Look at the safety tech that you can expect when buying this electric vehicle:

• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: This feature acts as your extra pair of eyes. It uses cameras near the rearview mirror to monitor the road ahead. That way, it can warn you of potential accidents even before they happen.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: As part of the EyeSight® system, this feature keeps the Solterra moving at a steady speed. If it senses the car in front of it slowing down, it will slow down the EV’s speed, too. This is great for those driving through rush-hour traffic or on long drives; it gives time for you to rest your legs.
• Lane Keeping Assist: Still part of the EyeSight® system, this particular safety feature helps you stay within your lane. Should it detect you’re swerving without using a turn signal, it will gently nudge the steering wheel.
• Pre-Collision Braking: Another safety feature included in the EyeSight®, pre-collision braking helps detect a possible crash. It then hits the brakes for you if you can’t react that fast to avoid contact.

Other safety features that the Solterra has include:

• Blind Spot Monitor
• Front/Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System
• 4-Wheel Anti-lock Braking System/Brake Assist/Brake Override System
• SubaruConnect Enabled
• Airbag System (Front, side curtain, seat-mounted front side, knee)
• Rear child safety locks
• LATCH system
• Whiplash-protection front seats

And many more! More good news: ALL these safety features are standard across the 2025 Subaru Solterra trims. This way, you can focus your eyes more on the road and practice with your new EV.

Possible Cons to Consider Before Buying the 2025 Subaru Solterra

Limited Driving Range

With its robust engine, the Subaru Solterra has an EPA estimated range of up to 227 miles* on a fully-charged battery. This means that the Subaru Solterra range can go for up to 227 miles before recharging. With most people driving 30-50 miles a day, a single full charge can last you for several days.

But while this range already works well for daily commutes or quick vacation trips, this EV SUV doesn’t suit longer road trips. Since there aren’t enough public chargers currently, you’ll have to plan your trip to find a charging station to arrive at point B.

Hence, if you don’t want to constantly check your EV’s battery level, stick to city or suburban driving for the Solterra.

Note: * – 222 miles for the Limited, Touring, and Touring Onyx Edition trims

Charging Network is Still Growing

Despite the convenience that electric vehicles near me, like the 2025 Solterra, bring, you can’t refuel them anywhere. While there are a lot of Tesla Supercharger stations, the Solterra still can’t use most of them. This is, unless Subaru partners up with Tesla in the future.

However, you have two options for charging this EV. One, you can charge the Solterra before your trip at home with its Level 2 charger. Once the battery’s full, no need to make a pit stop at the nearest gas or charging station. The other option, of course, is the public DC fast charger stations in malls, rest stops, and grocery stores.

So if you’re driving a Subaru Solterra 2025, plan your trip and check charger availability in the area. Don’t forget to check the current battery level, too. This is most essential, especially if going to less-traveled highways or smaller towns.

Less “Punch” Than Fellow EVs

One of the Subaru Solterra reviews is its limited power. With the EV’s capacity to produce up to 215 horsepower, it isn’t the fastest electric car on the market. So if you love to take off like a rocket, the Solterra feels a tad slower than other EVs.

But if you’re the driver who prefers safety above everything else, being slower to speed up won’t be a problem. This just means that when you’re out driving and you need to merge onto highways, sit in traffic, or run errands, you can do so smoothly

And, for beginner drivers like you, the 2025 Subaru Solterra can make you feel more comfortable and stress-free. Before you know it, you’re already a pro at driving this EV around town.

The Verdict: Is The 2025 Subaru Solterra Your Perfect First EV?

If you value safety, all-weather capability, and a beginner-friendly entry into the EV life, the 2025 Subaru Solterra is your best pick. Despite offering plenty of tech, support, and space, this EV won’t overwhelm you with complexity.

It may not be the fastest car out there, but the Subaru Solterra 2025 is quick and smooth enough to drive around town. Hence, this vehicle is a perfect fit for beginner EV drivers not looking for speed.

So, if you’re ready to explore your EV options, schedule your test drive today at Dalton Subaru National City. Or, you can check our current inventory using our simple system and let our expert team guide you.

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