It’s been two-and-a-half years since I first drove the Subaru Solterra electric crossover at its press preview in California. It was quiet on the streets of Santa Barbara and peppy on freeways, and it proved its off-road chops on Catalina. It was short on range, long on recharge times and a bit pricey but charming. It’s appreciably better now.

It looks like a Toyota RAV4 and a Subaru Outback had a child — and it's no surprise because the Solterra was co-developed with Toyota, which offers the similar bZ4X. Styling cribs Toyota, but Subaru influenced the details. The front fascia outline echoes Subaru’s trademark grille; the black wheel well cladding channels the Outback; and the roof rack supports 700 lbs. for tent camping. Check the 20-inch wheels and Wilderness-style black patch on the hood.

There’s a lot of Toyota inside, too. The 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system could have come from a Camry, but the flatscreen gauge cluster is placed high and deep for a heads-up effect. Seats come in cloth or StarTex vegan leather, but I prefer the latter for easy cleaning with kids and outdoor endeavors. Storage abounds with the flybridge console, door cubbies, and roomy luggage compartment, but don’t look for a glove box because there isn’t one.

Our car was loaded like a Lexus with heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon audio and panoramic sunroof. While the glass roof has power shades, it does not open, which is a pity. Comprehensive crash avoidance tech includes automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist and safe exit assist. Drivers relax with adaptive cruise and Traffic Jam Assist that allows hands-off driving at low speeds.

Big drawbacks for the Solterra were the 222-mile driving range and the lengthy charge time: an hour to charge 80%. Range hasn’t improved for 2024, but a re-engineered charging system brings the 10%-80% replenishment down to a more livable 35 minutes.

Fortunately, the Solterra is a joy to drive between stops. Its electric system routes 215 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque through dual electric motors all-wheel-drive. It glides through the city and whooshes onto freeways with grace. Subaru claims 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. One-pedal driving engages regeneration early and often to maximize range and ease city driving.

It may not be your first choice for a long-distance road trip, but the Solterra would be super convenient and a joy to own with a home charger. Prices start at $44,995, rising to $54,558 as-tested. Competitors include the Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevy Equinox Electric, Hyundai IONIQ5, and similar Toyota bZ4X.

Likes: Sleek style, tech-laden interior, all-road capability

Dislikes: Short range, fixed sunroof, no glove box

2024 Subaru Solterra

Five-passenger, AWD Crossover

Powertrain: Li-ion batteries/motors

Output: 215 hp/249 pound-feet

Suspension f/r: Ind/Ind

Wheels f/r: 20-inch/20-inch alloy

Brakes f/r: regen disc/disc

Driving range: 222 miles

0-60 mph: 6.5s

Base/As-tested price: $44,995/54,558

©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC