According to a recent report by Inside EVs, Subaru of America has continued its remarkable sales momentum, marking its 17th consecutive month of increased car sales in the United States. In December alone, the company sold 57,764 vehicles, a 1.8% year-over-year increase. Throughout 2023, Subaru’s sales reached a total of 632,083 cars, showcasing a significant 13.6% growth compared to the previous year.
The spotlight shines on the all-electric Subaru Solterra, a model developed in collaboration with Toyota, which has consistently maintained a sales rate of approximately 1,000 units per month. This consistent performance is noteworthy in the evolving electric vehicle market.
In the final month of the year, Subaru reported that 956 Solterra units were sold, representing a 16% increase from the previous year and accounting for about 1.7% of Subaru’s total sales volume. This stability in sales rate, observed over a 14-month period, highlights the Solterra’s growing presence in the market.
The fourth quarter of the year saw an impressive surge in Solterra sales, totaling 3,109 units, which is a staggering 238% increase year-over-year. For the entire year of 2023, Solterra sales in the U.S. reached 8,872 units, approximately 1.4% of Subaru’s total sales. This is a significant jump from the initial 919 units sold in late 2022, marking an 865% year-over-year growth.
Subaru’s venture into the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) segment with the Solterra reflects the company’s strategic move towards electrification. The 2023 Subaru Solterra, starting at an MSRP of $44,995 (+$1,225 Destination and Delivery), offers up to 228 miles of EPA Combined range with a 72.8-kilowatt-hour battery. The pricing for the 2024 model year remains undisclosed.
In an upcoming post, Garage Dreams will delve into the performance of Subaru Solterra’s cousins in the electric vehicle market — the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ 450e — providing a comparative analysis of their market impact.
Subaru’s journey with the Solterra is not just a story of numbers but a testament to the evolving consumer interest and market trends in electric vehicles. As the company continues to navigate the EV landscape, the Solterra stands as a significant milestone in Subaru’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
