Subaru Solterra XT Review: Subaru's Electric Leap

For decades, Subaru has traded on a very specific reputation in Singapore: Honest engineering, all-weather security and a slightly stubborn refusal to follow fashion. You bought a Subaru because you valued mechanical integrity over badge bravado; you tolerated the fuel consumption because you appreciated the grip in a thunderstorm. And I should know all these fairly well, having owned several Subarus myself…

So the Solterra XT - Subaru’s first fully electric SUV - is more than just another model launch. It is, in many ways, a test of identity.

And in a market like Singapore’s - where EVs are no longer novelty acts but serious COE-category contenders - that identity matters.

The Inside Story

It would be disingenuous not to address the shared development with Toyota. The Solterra’s architecture is co-developed, and elements of the cabin carry a certain Lexus-like tactility. Depending on your perspective, that’s either dilution… or enhancement.

In practical terms, it elevates the Solterra beyond Subarus of old. The materials feel more substantial, the switchgear more polished, and the overall ambience less utilitarian. The large 14-inch central touchscreen is responsive without being ostentatious. The 7.0-inch driver’s display, positioned further forward than usual, takes a few drives to acclimatise to; but proves legible once you adjust.

There are, however, minor ergonomic quirks. Some physical controls sit lower than ideal, and the cabin design, while modern, lacks a distinct visual identity. It feels competent rather than characterful.

Still, for Singaporean buyers who prioritise durability and sensible ergonomics over theatrical interior - too much lighting options, for example - the Solterra strikes a reasonable balance.

Powering It

The Solterra XT runs a dual-motor setup producing 338 bhp and 437 Nm of torque, powered by a 73.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. On paper, the WLTP-rated range is up to 436 km.

In Singapore’s climate - air-conditioning permanently engaged and traffic rarely cooperative - a realistic figure is closer between 380 to 420 km; which is enough for a week’s commute without charging anxiety, though it doesn’t lead the class in range.

DC fast charging takes around 30 minutes under optimal conditions. AC charging supports up to 22 kW.

Acceleration is brisk rather than startling. It will dispatch traffic-light sprints confidently, but it doesn’t attempt to overwhelm you with neck-snapping theatrics. Some buyers may find this measured approach refreshing, and assuring. Others, especially those sampling more aggressively tuned EVs, might wish for greater urgency.

Ride & Handling

Where the Solterra XT begins to justify its badge is in its composure.

Subaru’s long-standing emphasis on symmetrical all-wheel drive is carried forward here, in electric form. One motor drives each axle, the battery sits low in the chassis, and weight distribution is carefully managed. The result? A planted, balanced feel that’s rare among EV SUVs of this size.

In heavy rain - and we have no shortage of that - the Solterra tracks with reassuring stability in the fast lane. There’s none of the nervousness that usually afflict high-riding EVs when surfaces turn slick; you sense traction rather than electronic intervention working behind the scenes.

Through sweeping bends, the chassis feels neutral and predictable. Steering is accurate, if slightly filtered. Body roll is well contained, though you remain aware of the vehicle’s mass when pushing harder. It doesn’t encourage hooliganism, but it definitely rewards tidy driving.

It is, in short, confidence-inspiring - and that has always been Subaru’s quiet strength.

Refinement And Daily Use

Ride quality is generally composed. The suspension absorbs uneven surfaces and expansion joints with maturity, though sharper imperfections can transmit a firm thud into the cabin. It’s not harsh, but neither is it limousine-soft.

Noise insulation is commendable. Without an engine soundtrack, tyre and wind noise inevitably become more noticeable, but I must say, they’re well managed here.

Regenerative braking is adjustable, though it doesn’t offer the most aggressive one-pedal driving experience in the segment. Some may appreciate the more conventional feel; others might prefer stronger energy recovery. To each its own, but my personal preference is the former.

Cabin space is competitive. Rear passengers benefit from a flat floor and adequate legroom, and the boot handles everyday family duties without complaint. It remains, fundamentally, a practical SUV.

In A Nutshell

The Solterra XT enters a crowded and increasingly competitive EV landscape. There are rivals offering longer ranges, quicker acceleration and more visually dramatic interiors.

However, what Subaru offers, instead, is reassurance.

For existing Subaru owners - many of whom have been waiting patiently for an EV from a trusted Japanese brand - the Solterra feels like a natural progression. It doesn’t attempt to reinvent the brand’s ethos; it translates it.

Frankly, the Subaru Solterra XT is not a revolutionary EV. It does not redefine performance benchmarks, nor does it set new standards for range or charging speed.

Instead, what it does offer is balance. It drives with composure, particularly in adverse weather. It feels solidly built. Interior quality is improved, aided by shared development with Toyota. And it maintains the brand’s longstanding emphasis on stability and usability.

It has its shortcomings, still. The Solterra just lacks a strong visual, dynamic flourish that might emotionally sway undecided buyers. Some competitors feel more futuristic, more overtly impressive.

But perhaps that restraint is deliberate. The Solterra XT is less about spectacle and more about continuity. While for some that may not be enough, for others - particularly loyal Subaru drivers ready to embrace electrification without abandoning familiarity - it could be precisely the point.

In the end, the Solterra doesn’t shout; it simply gets on with the job.

And in Singapore’s measured, pragmatic automotive landscape, that approach may resonate more than we think.

Photos by Azfar Hashim (@azfar.talks)

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