Subaru’s first electric vehicle (EV) got off to a slow sales start in 2023, but the company has improvements in store for 2024 that may make the car attractive to more buyers. These updates include faster charging times and Subaru’s first-ever hands-off driver assistance system.

Best of all, the price stays flat despite the changes.

The Subaru Solterra is a compact all-electric SUV built in partnership with Toyota, sharing most of its parts and engineering with the Toyota bZ4X. Our expert test driver liked its standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and long list of safety features but found its range (a maximum of 228 miles) and slow charging times to be significant limitations.

Subaru hasn’t boosted the range for 2024 but has addressed the charging time problem. Automakers are learning how to pre-condition EV batteries to help them charge faster. Thanks to new conditioning routines, Subaru says, the Solterra can now “replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 35 minutes” at a suitable DC fast charger. Charging performance improves in below-freezing conditions, the company says.

The Solterra also debuts a more advanced version of Subaru’s EyeSight safety system. This one can “travel in its lane at speeds up to 25 mph with only driver supervision, including stop-and-go traffic,” Subaru says. Drivers can tap the turn signal and rely on the car to change lanes when it’s safe.

Other changes include a new steering wheel with paddles that adjust regenerative braking and standard roof rails that support up to 700 pounds of gear.

2024 Subaru Solterra Pricing:

Subaru also charges a mandatory $1,395 delivery fee on all Solterra models.