Official: Subaru Solterra (EV) ...coming 2022

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Well, people seem to be liking it. Pretty good increase in sales. Still not a lot; but, better than I would have bet on.

https://media.subaru.com/newsrelease.do?id=2169&mid=1

Who would have thought that lower prices (discounts), paying down interest rates and increasing residuals, would be good for sales?

They are finally realizing that the car has compromises, the economy/market are at a certain point and if they play ball, people are interested.

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[chanomatik]

I was gonna say, even if a car isn't great, if it hits a low enough price point then people won't feel too cheated. That's why "Big Altima Energy" exists.

Slightly off-topic, but to drive home my point: I don't really have an interest in an EV until there's a stylish one starting at sub-$30k (I'd buy the upper trim above $30k). But I'd be more inclined to buy a VB WRX for below invoice for under or around $30k because that's the value it has in my eyes. GR Corolla Circuit Edition lost me at mid-$40k.

[JustyWRC]

I was walking over to our business office the yesterday and have to pass Nissan to do it. They have a Leaf sitting out front. $38K.


I know. I know. Rebates. Lease and all that. And probably top trim. Still though. I wasn't expecting THAT high.

[dwf137]

I'm really getting intrigued by the low lease offers on EV's... I think we've moved past the idea of owning our next EV, tech is just advancing too quick in this realm for me. Our leaf is already pretty dated and has a charge port that is all but abandoned.

Solterra premium for 329/mo, and the Ioniq5 for 229/mo... might be time to get out of our leaf and into something with awd and maybe a touch larger/nicer. Ioniq5 is really calling my name especially for the mid-tier package at 229/mo... Cheaper than my current payment on the leaf and we probably have just a smidge of equity in it (at 0% so no desire to pay off quicker).

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by dwf137

I'm really getting intrigued by the low lease offers on EV's... I think we've moved past the idea of owning our next EV, tech is just advancing too quick in this realm for me. Our leaf is already pretty dated and has a charge port that is all but abandoned.

Solterra premium for 329/mo, and the Ioniq5 for 229/mo... might be time to get out of our leaf and into something with awd and maybe a touch larger/nicer. Ioniq5 is really calling my name especially for the mid-tier package at 229/mo... Cheaper than my current payment on the leaf and we probably have just a smidge of equity in it (at 0% so no desire to pay off quicker).

That would be a big upgrade.

[dwf137]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

That would be a big upgrade.

for sure. We always eyed the Leaf as an entry level try at owning an EV. A pretty low-stakes entry that we wouldn't feel bad if we flipped it quickly. We ended up liking the EV as the regional commuter car, so it's sticking. Not liking the drawbacks such as constant wheel slip due to the combination of high torque, fwd, and ****ty tires. It's also a little tight. We're not big people but it's more cramped than we'd prefer.

we sat down and talked about it, i mean we could be in something even nicer like an audi, but we think the ioniq5 might hit a pretty good mid-ground. Since it's a local commuter car, we don't feel the need to pay for the higher end finishes in the Audi.

I am curious to try the Solterra and the ID4, but if the Ioniq5 is cheaper because of their crazy lease deal, we'll probably end up there.

Time to detail up the Leaf and get some offers.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by dwf137

for sure. We always eyed the Leaf as an entry level try at owning an EV. A pretty low-stakes entry that we wouldn't feel bad if we flipped it quickly. We ended up liking the EV as the regional commuter car, so it's sticking. Not liking the drawbacks such as constant wheel slip due to the combination of high torque, fwd, and ****ty tires. It's also a little tight. We're not big people but it's more cramped than we'd prefer.

we sat down and talked about it, i mean we could be in something even nicer like an audi, but we think the ioniq5 might hit a pretty good mid-ground. Since it's a local commuter car, we don't feel the need to pay for the higher end finishes in the Audi.

I am curious to try the Solterra and the ID4, but if the Ioniq5 is cheaper because of their crazy lease deal, we'll probably end up there.

Time to detail up the Leaf and get some offers.

Makes sense. I think you’ll like the Solterra over the ID.4, but the Ioniqs are even better.

[chanomatik]

I test drove a Solterra at Subiefest today. They have you go around the corner to a small course where you can do a 0-60, turn a tight corner, and slaloms. I had a good time. It felt like a Subaru.

The announcer mentioned that Subaru is offering $300/month with no money down. That sounds like a decent deal compared to what most people are spending money on these days (where new cars are concerned). Still eligible for the $7,500 discount too.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by chanomatik

I test drove a Solterra at Subiefest today. They have you go around the corner to a small course where you can do a 0-60, turn a tight corner, and slaloms. I had a good time. It felt like a Subaru.

The announcer mentioned that Subaru is offering $300/month with no money down. That sounds like a decent deal compared to what most people are spending money on these days (where new cars are concerned). Still eligible for the $7,500 discount too.

Yes, it drives very well. Handles pretty good and is very comfortable.

Subaru has been properly supporting the Solterra. I got a great deal last January for a 2023 Touring.

$329/mo deal is on the website for a 2024 Premium. Note, that does come with the 8" infotainment screen (vs 12.3" Limited/Touring).

[YungBoba]

Originally Posted by chanomatik

I test drove a Solterra at Subiefest today. They have you go around the corner to a small course where you can do a 0-60, turn a tight corner, and slaloms. I had a good time. It felt like a Subaru.

The announcer mentioned that Subaru is offering $300/month with no money down. That sounds like a decent deal compared to what most people are spending money on these days (where new cars are concerned). Still eligible for the $7,500 discount too.

I wanted to do the test drive, but it being 95+ degrees outside for much of the day, I was far too sweaty and miserable to do much of anything there pretty cool that they have it available there for folks to try out though.

[dwf137]

When we got our Ioniq 5, Subaru wasn't offering much financially to compete with the Hyundai discounts, and the range is a lot lower for similar price, so I didn't even bother testing one. Glad to see they dropped the price, maybe they'll move some more.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by dwf137

When we got our Ioniq 5, Subaru wasn't offering much financially to compete with the Hyundai discounts, and the range is a lot lower for similar price, so I didn't even bother testing one. Glad to see they dropped the price, maybe they'll move some more.

+1 when I first had a deposit down on a Touring they wanted around $900/month to lease. I cancelled. When I leased a year later, it was $500/month. They lowered interest rates, increased residual, and dealers were willing to discount.

[SCRAPPYDO]

^^ so what you are saying is the biggest issue with the car is the dealer selling it.

sounds 'bout right

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by SCRAPPYDO

^^ so what you are saying is the biggest issue with the car is the dealer selling it.

sounds 'bout right

The biggest issue is charging time and efficiency/range (2024 is a little better, but to be seen). If you can get over that, then it's price/leasing. Subaru has taken care of the price/leasing side by offering sweetheart deals. Then dealers are willing to take $4k or so off since they aren't moving.

It is a very good CUV. It's a so-so EV.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by dwf137

When we got our Ioniq 5, Subaru wasn't offering much financially to compete with the Hyundai discounts, and the range is a lot lower for similar price, so I didn't even bother testing one. Glad to see they dropped the price, maybe they'll move some more.

They have been increasing sales pretty good. For many months now. I'm not saying it's a sales hit by any means though. Just that it is becoming more popular.

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

The biggest issue is charging time and efficiency/range (2024 is a little better, but to be seen). If you can get over that, then it's price/leasing. Subaru has taken care of the price/leasing side by offering sweetheart deals. Then dealers are willing to take $4k or so off since they aren't moving.

It is a very good CUV. It's a so-so EV.

And it's the best combination of those two.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

And it's the best combination of those two.

If they had partnered with Hyundai, it would be a really compelling EV. The Toyota partnership has hampered them a lot.

I would argue the Model Y is #1 overall, still. The Rivian R2 will probably be #2 when it arrives. From there we have a lot of mediocre options in the compact SUV market. The Solterra, although still too expensive on paper, is squarely in the pack.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

If they had partnered with Hyundai, it would be a really compelling EV. The Toyota partnership has hampered them a lot.

I would argue the Model Y is #1 overall, still. The Rivian R2 will probably be #2 when it arrives. From there we have a lot of mediocre options in the compact SUV market. The Solterra, although still too expensive on paper, is squarely in the pack.

The Hyundais can do the things the Solterra can?

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

The Hyundais can do the things the Solterra can?

800V EV platform is what I mean. The EV side of the story is better at Hyundai than Toyota.

[dwf137]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

The Hyundais can do the things the Solterra can?

Ioniq 5 appears to do better on the unrealistic roller tests.

- YouTube

- YouTube

- YouTube

- YouTube

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by dwf137

Ioniq 5 appears to do better on the unrealistic roller tests.

- YouTube

- YouTube

Show me videos like this. I did a quick check and couldn’t find anything.

https://youtu.be/bOLB1l14ogQ?si=ZsUQ8Abb1HaBffIS

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Show me videos like this. I did a quick check and couldn't find anything.

https://youtu.be/bOLB1l14ogQ?si=ZsUQ8Abb1HaBffIS

EDIT: Here you go, dirt roads and hills. No vids, just words and pictures.

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...v-off-roading/

[dwf137]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

Show me videos like this. I did a quick check and couldn't find anything.

https://youtu.be/bOLB1l14ogQ?si=ZsUQ8Abb1HaBffIS

I couldn't find anything either. Didn't matter to me, I have zero intent to take this thing anywhere but a smooth gravel road. The risk of damaging the low slung batteries is too much for me.

The Solterra is also seriously lacking in power for the segment, just like every other Subaru. 215 hp/249 lbft. oof. No wonder it can't get itself off the rollers, it doesn't have enough power.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by dwf137

I couldn't find anything either. Didn't matter to me, I have zero intent to take this thing anywhere but a smooth gravel road. The risk of damaging the low slung batteries is too much for me.

The Solterra is also seriously lacking in power for the segment, just like every other Subaru. 215 hp/249 lbft. oof. No wonder it can't get itself off the rollers, it doesn't have enough power.

The Solterra is plenty quick. 0-60 in the 6s. It never feels underpowered. I have no complaints about power, and I also have a Model Y.

[dwf137]

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

The Solterra is plenty quick. 0-60 in the 6s. It never feels underpowered. I have no complaints about power, and I also have a Model Y.

I'm sure it's fine. Power delivery on EV's is great.

But they're not competitive with the higher trims of the competitors. Do I often use the 446 lbft in my Ioniq? No. But I do sometimes, and it's nice to have it especially at the prices that these EV's are at.

[Snow Drift]

Originally Posted by dwf137

I'm sure it's fine. Power delivery on EV's is great.

But they're not competitive with the higher trims of the competitors. Do I often use the 446 lbft in my Ioniq? No. But I do sometimes, and it's nice to have it especially at the prices that these EV's are at.

I get that. But, the Solterra is not competing in those classes. It easily puts a smile on your face, and never feels sluggish. Unlike most CVT Subarus.