The 3 Biggest Changes to the 2024 Subaru Solterra
A newcomer to the rapidly growing small all-electric SUV market, the Subaru Solterra is already undergoing some significant changes for the 2024 model year. Safety, charging, and aesthetics have all been tweaked.
We break down three of the larger updates below.
2024 Subaru Solterra First Drive: All The Details
DriverFocus Safety Features
The Solterra gets a new DriverFocus distraction mitigation system this year. Besides monitoring the driver to ensure they are not drowsy or distracted, the new safety feature also includes what Subaru calls Hands-Free Driving. This system lets drivers take their hands off the wheel at speeds 25 mph and lower. It also works in stop-and-go traffic. The driver still needs to pay attention to the road ahead but can relax their arms and legs.
There’s also Active Lane Change Assist, which helps drivers change lanes if the lane is clear when a driver hits the turn signal. Finally, Front Cross-Traffic Alert helps to alert the driver if there’s anything crossing their path ahead.
New Steering Wheel
All the above new features and systems rely on the driver-facing camera that only works with an equally new steering wheel. Subaru calls it an oval wheel, but we think it’s a bit square to our eyes. Whatever shape it is, the wheel has nice grips at the sides and unlike a yoke, drivers can have hands placed anywhere on it during tight turning maneuvers.
This new wheel and subsequent safety systems are not on the Toyota bZ4X.
Faster Charging Speeds
The final big change is a faster charging speed for the SUV’s battery. We don’t mean actual kW charging speed as that’s still capped at 100 kw. The brand is referring to a new battery conditioning system that has been equipped, notably for handling cold conditions. Subaru states in certain frigid climates the battery charges up to 80 minutes faster than in the 2023 model year Solterra.
When in more comfortable weather, the Solterra can charge its 72.8 kW battery from 10% to 80% in 35 minutes.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
More by Mike Schlee
Comments
Join the conversation