The Electric Vehicle from Our Favorite Brand

You have seen the advertisements in this magazine. We have covered Subaru countless times. Yet, there are more stories to tell about one of our favorite brands.

Have you ever been to Luther Bloomington Subaru? They moved into their massive new facility behind their old store on Lyndale Avenue near American Boulevard. The space itself is much larger than the one they used to share with the Acura store. It is quite the elevated experience when you get there.

What drives Luther Bloomington Subaru is what the company calls “The Love Promise”. Every dealer must adhere to this as a way to engage owners and potential customers. This program includes efforts towards being environmentally responsible, a good pet lover, supporting education, and so forth. It is because of the Love Promise that Luther Bloomington Subaru supports our local LGBTQ+ community.

One prime example is their sponsorship of Stonewall Sports MSP’s Pickleball group. This hot sport combined with an LGBTQ+-loving brand is really the perfect combination.

Another perfect combination that involves us is to feed our love of being on the edge of technology. That includes battery-electric vehicles.

The 2023 Solterra feeds into Subaru’s Love Promise perfectly. It is a green vehicle that invites LGBTQ+ motorists to enjoy a fuel-free lifestyle.

Although Subaru sold hybrids and plug-in hybrids in the past, neither of them were available as new in our market. Therefore, this is the first electrified Subaru sold in Minnesota – and all other 49 states.

The Solterra is a smaller SUV that is driven by two electric motors running of a 72.8 kilowatt-hour battery. Subaru calls this StarDrive, which has an overall system rating of 215 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque. As expected from a Subaru, it has an EV version of the brand’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode to enhance the system through rougher terrain and inclement situations.

Charging a Solterra can be done at a DC Fast Charging station. However, you can do so at home with a Level 2 charger. It will take between 9.5 to 11 hours to get back to a full battery level. Estimated range on the Solterra is 228 miles.

You may never see the StarDrive system, but you see a handsome exterior that about the same size as a Crosstrek. It is also very accommodating, with a 4-5 seat capacity that is roomy enough for adults, as well as Rainbow Families. It is also very comfortable, with supportive front seats and a lovely rear seat. The driver seat gets a 10-way power adjustment.

Behind the rear seats, there is 23.8 cubic feet of usable cargo space. Fold down the rear seats, and you get up to 63.5 cubic feet of pet space, if not your groceries or items for the Pride festival booth.

One might complain about the instrument panel and center console controls, but work with me here. It all works. The steering wheel may cut-off the instrument cluster screen for taller drivers, but the readouts are clean and easy to understand. The center stack is crowned by a wide 12.3-inch touchscreen with a navigation system included. You can connect with smartphone device wirelessly with superb integration. Our Limited model came with a Harman/Kardon Premium Audio System that includes 11 speakers positioned throughout the cabin.

It is the center console that will spark your attention. The shifter is a knob that requires depressing to engage Drive or Reverse. Park is a push button sitting on top of the piano black-finished console. You also have a set of buttons pertaining the drive system. Once you get the hang of everything, it is easy and logical to use. There is a hidden panel in the console that houses the wireless charging pad for your phone.

How does the Solterra drive? Very well, indeed! The ride quality is just smooth – even on rougher city streets. Handling is controlled and offers a lot of stability through evasive maneuvers. The steering offers a good turning radius, along with a solid on-center feel. The brakes feel great and stop very well. Pedal feel is solid and as expected from any other Subaru. You can also utilize the S-Pedal system, which will stop the Solterra without depressing the brakes.

Pricing for the Subaru Solterra starts at $44,995. You have a choice of trim levels. The mid-level Limited model we drove came with a sticker price of $50,432.

There is good news: Subaru Solterras are easily available through the Luther Bloomington store. All you have to do is ask!

Yes, there is a growing choice available of battery-electric vehicles. Which one should you choose? If you want to stick with a brand that is loyal to our community, the Subaru Solterra should be considered. It drives better than you think and is quite friendly to your needs and wants!