does subaru make electric cars

[LaAmy]

Yes, Subaru does make electric cars, but its approach is distinct. Currently, their primary electric vehicle is the Subaru Solterra, which was developed in partnership with Toyota. This means Subaru is not yet building EVs on a unique, ground-up platform developed entirely in-house. The Solterra is a battery electric vehicle (BEV), meaning it operates solely on electricity with no gasoline engine.

The Solterra is a compact SUV that leverages Subaru's hallmark symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system, but in an electric form with dual motors—one on each axle. A key feature is its X-MODE with Grip Control, designed to enhance capability on light off-road trails, a nod to Subaru's adventurous brand identity. However, its driving range is a point of consideration for potential buyers.

Specification	Details
EPA-Estimated Range	228 miles
Powertrain	Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive
Combined Horsepower	218 hp
DC Fast Charging (10-80%)	Approximately 56 minutes
Cargo Volume	30.6 cubic feet (behind rear seats)
Starting MSRP	Around $45,000

Subaru has announced a more aggressive electrification strategy. They plan to launch four new electric models by the end of 2026 and aim for EVs to constitute 50% of their global sales by 2030. Their future EVs are expected to be built on their own dedicated platform, likely offering more differentiation from Toyota models. For now, the Solterra represents their entry into the market, offering a familiar Subaru experience in an electric package. If you're a loyal Subaru customer wanting to go electric, the Solterra is your only direct option, but it's important to test drive it and compare its range and charging speed against competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Tesla Model Y.

[MacKaleb]

As a longtime Subaru driver, I was curious too. They’ve got one: the Subaru Solterra. It feels like a Subaru—it has that great AWD for bad weather and even some light trails. But honestly, the range is just okay. It works perfectly for my daily commute and errands, but I’d think twice before taking it on a really long road trip without careful planning for charging stops. It’s a solid first step into electric for the brand.

[StThomas]

Looking at it from an industry perspective, Subaru’s current EV, the Solterra, is a strategic partnership product with Toyota. This allows them to enter the market faster while they develop their own proprietary EV technology. The key question is brand differentiation. The Solterra incorporates Subaru's AWD DNA, but future models on their own platform will be the true test of whether they can translate their unique driving feel and ruggedness into a purely electric vehicle that stands out.

[DelIsabel]

Think of it like this: Subaru is definitely in the electric game, but they're playing a different opening move. Instead of building everything from scratch alone, they teamed up with Toyota to get the Solterra to market. This makes sense—it shares development costs. The car itself is practical and has that famous Subaru all-wheel drive, which is a big plus. It’s a sensible, reliable choice for an EV, especially if you live somewhere with snow, but it may not have the flashier tech or ultra-fast charging of some newer rivals.

[McKendra]

I see it as a transitional phase. Subaru makes an electric car, the Solterra, which is a competent and safe SUV. However, it's essentially a collaboration model. The real excitement will come in the next few years when Subaru starts releasing EVs built entirely on their own new platforms. Those future models are what will truly define Subaru's electric identity. For now, the Solterra is a credible, if not class-leading, option for buyers who specifically want an electric vehicle with the Subaru badge and all-weather confidence.