Subaru Solterra 2023-2026 Owner's Manual: Driving the vehicle

To ensure safe, smooth, and efficient operation of the Subaru Solterra, it is essential to follow the recommended driving procedures and precautions outlined below.

Driving procedure

■ Before starting the EV system

Before activating the Subaru Solterra EV system, always confirm that the charging cable has been completely disconnected from the vehicle.

■ Driving

1. While firmly pressing the brake pedal, shift the Subaru Solterra selector to position D.

Verify that the shift position indicator clearly displays D.

2. If the parking brake is engaged, release it.

When the Subaru Solterra parking brake is set to automatic mode, it will release automatically once driving conditions are met.

3. Gradually release the brake pedal and gently press the accelerator to smoothly begin moving the Subaru Solterra.

■ Stopping

1. Apply steady pressure to the brake pedal to slow and stop the Subaru Solterra.

2. Engage the parking brake if required.

For longer stops, shift the Subaru Solterra into position P to secure the vehicle.

■ Parking the vehicle

1. Bring the Subaru Solterra to a complete stop by pressing the brake pedal.

2. If the parking brake is not already applied, engage it securely.

Ensure that the parking brake indicator light is illuminated.

3. Move the shift selector to position P and confirm it is correctly displayed.

4. Press the power switch to turn off the Subaru Solterra EV system.

5. Slowly release the brake pedal.

6. Lock the Subaru Solterra doors, ensuring the electronic key is with you.

When parking on an incline, use wheel chocks if necessary to prevent unintended movement.

■ Starting off on a steep uphill

1. Firmly depress the brake pedal and shift the Subaru Solterra to D.

The hill-start assist control will automatically activate to prevent rollback.

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Release the brake pedal and gently press the accelerator to move the Subaru Solterra forward.

4. Release the parking brake once the vehicle begins moving.

■ When starting off on a uphill

The Subaru Solterra hill-start assist system will engage automatically, providing additional support when moving uphill.

■ Driving in the rain

• Drive the Subaru Solterra with increased caution in rainy conditions, as visibility is reduced and road surfaces become slippery.
• Be especially careful at the beginning of rainfall, when oil residues on the road can create extremely slippery conditions.
• Avoid high speeds when driving the Subaru Solterra on highways during rain, as hydroplaning may occur due to water buildup between the tires and the road.

■ Restraining the EV system output (Brake Override System)

• If both the accelerator and brake pedals are pressed simultaneously in the Subaru Solterra, the system may limit power output to enhance safety.
• A notification message will appear on the multi-information display while this system is active.

■ Breaking in your new SUBARU

To maximize the longevity and performance of the Subaru Solterra, it is recommended to follow these break-in guidelines:

• During the first 200 miles (300 km): Avoid sudden or harsh braking.
• During the first 600 miles (1000 km):
  • Avoid driving the Subaru Solterra at very high speeds.
  • Refrain from aggressive acceleration.
  • Do not maintain a constant speed for extended periods; vary your driving conditions.

WARNING

Always follow these critical safety precautions when operating the Subaru Solterra.

Failure to do so may result in serious injury or fatal accidents.

■ When starting the vehicle

Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal whenever the Subaru Solterra is stationary and the "READY" indicator is illuminated.

This prevents unintended vehicle movement (creep).

■ When driving the vehicle

• Do not drive the Subaru Solterra unless you are fully familiar with the positions of the accelerator and brake pedals to avoid incorrect pedal operation.
  • Pressing the accelerator instead of the brake may result in sudden acceleration and cause an accident.
  • When reversing, turning your body may make pedal operation more difficult.

    Always ensure proper control of both pedals.

  • Maintain a correct driving posture in the Subaru Solterra at all times to ensure accurate pedal operation.
  • Use your right foot to operate the brake pedal. Using the left foot may delay reaction time in emergencies.
• Because the Subaru Solterra operates quietly, pedestrians may not notice it approaching. Even with the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System, always drive carefully, especially in noisy environments.
• Do not turn off the Subaru Solterra EV system while driving. Although braking and steering remain functional, power assistance to steering may be reduced, making control more difficult.

In the Subaru Solterra, this condition can significantly affect steering responsiveness, making smooth handling more difficult. If such a situation occurs, safely pull over as soon as possible and bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

In emergency situations, such as when normal braking is no longer effective, immediate action must be taken to safely control and stop the Subaru Solterra.

• When descending steep slopes in the Subaru Solterra, utilize regenerative braking to help maintain a controlled and safe speed.

  Continuous use of the brake pedal alone may cause the braking system to overheat, reducing its effectiveness and increasing stopping distance.

• If the message "Regenerative braking limited.

  Press brake to decelerate." appears on the Subaru Solterra multi-information display, apply firm pressure to the brake pedal to reduce speed safely.

• Do not attempt to adjust the steering wheel, seats, or mirrors of the Subaru Solterra while the vehicle is in motion.

  Such actions may distract the driver and result in a loss of control over the vehicle.

• Always confirm that all passengers inside the Subaru Solterra keep their arms, head, and other body parts within the vehicle at all times.
• Avoid driving the Subaru Solterra off-road.

  This vehicle is not designed as a dedicated off-road model, and driving in such conditions may compromise safety and vehicle integrity. If unavoidable, proceed with extreme caution.

• Never drive the Subaru Solterra through rivers, deep puddles, or standing water.

  Water exposure may lead to electrical system failure, damage to EV components, or serious mechanical issues.

• Do not exceed safe driving speeds in the Subaru Solterra. Even if permitted by law, avoid speeds above 85 mph (140 km/h) unless the vehicle is equipped with tires rated for high-speed operation.

  Driving beyond this threshold may cause tire failure, loss of control, and increase the risk of accidents. Always verify tire specifications with a qualified dealer.

■ When driving on slippery road surfaces

• Sudden braking, rapid acceleration, or abrupt steering inputs in the Subaru Solterra can lead to tire slippage and significantly reduce vehicle stability.
• Aggressive acceleration or sudden regenerative braking during shift changes may cause the Subaru Solterra to skid, potentially resulting in a loss of control.
• After driving through water, lightly press the brake pedal to confirm proper brake function. Wet brake components may temporarily reduce braking performance.

  If braking efficiency differs between sides, steering stability of the Subaru Solterra may be compromised.

■ When shifting the shift position

• Do not allow the Subaru Solterra to roll backward while a forward driving gear is selected, or roll forward while in reverse (R).

  This may lead to accidents or mechanical damage.

• Never shift the Subaru Solterra into position P while the vehicle is moving.

  This may damage drivetrain components and result in a loss of control.

• Do not shift into reverse (R) while the Subaru Solterra is moving forward.

  This may cause severe damage to the transmission and compromise vehicle control.

• Avoid selecting a forward drive position while the Subaru Solterra is moving backward.

  This may damage internal components and increase the risk of an accident.

• Switching the Subaru Solterra to neutral (N) while in motion disengages the EV system.

  When disengaged, regenerative braking is not available, reducing overall vehicle control.

• Do not change the Subaru Solterra shift position while pressing the accelerator pedal.

  Switching to any position other than P or N under acceleration may cause sudden and unintended vehicle movement, leading to dangerous situations.

  After shifting, always verify the selected gear using the Subaru Solterra shift position indicator on the instrument panel.

■ If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indicators)

In the Subaru Solterra, a high-pitched squealing or metallic scraping sound may indicate that the brake pads have reached their wear limit. In such cases, have the brake pads inspected and replaced by an authorized SUBARU dealer without delay.

Operating the Subaru Solterra when the brake pad or disc wear limits are exceeded is unsafe and may significantly reduce braking efficiency, increasing the risk of accidents.

■ When the vehicle is stopped

• Avoid pressing the accelerator pedal unnecessarily while the Subaru Solterra is stationary.

  If the shift position is not set to P or N, unintended acceleration may occur, potentially leading to an accident.

• To prevent the Subaru Solterra from rolling unintentionally, always keep the brake pedal depressed while the "READY" indicator is illuminated, and apply the parking brake when needed.
• When stopped on an incline, firmly hold the brake pedal and engage the parking brake to prevent the Subaru Solterra from rolling forward or backward.

■ When the vehicle is parked

• Do not leave items such as glasses, spray cans, or beverage containers inside the Subaru Solterra when exposed to direct sunlight.

  High temperatures inside the vehicle may cause deformation, rupture, or leakage, which could damage the interior or create hazardous conditions.

  • Plastic lenses or frames of glasses may warp or crack due to heat buildup.
  • Pressurized cans may burst, potentially damaging the Subaru Solterra interior or electrical systems.
• Avoid attaching adhesive discs to the windshield or windows, and do not place objects such as air fresheners on the dashboard of the Subaru Solterra.

  Such items may act as magnifying lenses under sunlight, increasing the risk of fire.

• Do not leave doors or windows open when the Subaru Solterra glass is coated with reflective or metallized film.

  Reflected sunlight may concentrate and create a lens effect, potentially causing fire hazards.

• Always engage the parking brake, shift the Subaru Solterra into position P, turn off the EV system, and lock the vehicle before leaving.

  Never leave the Subaru Solterra unattended while the "READY" indicator is illuminated.

  If the vehicle is left in P without the parking brake applied, it may begin to move unexpectedly, leading to an accident.

■ When taking a nap in the vehicle

Always switch off the Subaru Solterra EV system before resting inside the vehicle.

Failure to do so may result in unintended movement if the shift position is changed or the accelerator is pressed accidentally, creating a serious safety risk.

■ When braking

• If the Subaru Solterra brakes become wet, drive with extra caution.

  Wet brake components can increase stopping distance and may cause uneven braking performance between wheels.

• If the electronically controlled brake system in the Subaru Solterra malfunctions, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and avoid routes requiring frequent braking, such as steep hills or sharp turns.

  Although braking remains possible, it will require greater pedal force and stopping distances will be longer. Immediate inspection by a SUBARU dealer is necessary.

• The Subaru Solterra braking system consists of multiple independent hydraulic circuits. If one circuit fails, the others will continue to function, but braking performance will be reduced.

  In such cases, apply the brake pedal more firmly and arrange for immediate servicing.

■ If the vehicle becomes stuck

If the Subaru Solterra becomes stuck in sand, mud, or similar conditions, avoid excessive wheel spinning.

Spinning the wheels can damage drivetrain components or cause sudden vehicle movement, increasing the risk of injury or further entrapment.

NOTICE

■ When driving the vehicle

• While operating the Subaru Solterra, avoid pressing the accelerator and brake pedals simultaneously, as this may limit the EV system output and reduce overall driving efficiency.
• Do not use the accelerator pedal, or a combination of accelerator and brake input, to hold the Subaru Solterra stationary on an incline. Instead, use the brake pedal or parking brake for proper control.

■ Avoiding damage to vehicle parts

• Do not turn the Subaru Solterra steering wheel to its full lock position and hold it there for extended periods.

  This may place excessive strain on the electric power steering system and lead to premature wear or damage.

• When driving the Subaru Solterra over speed bumps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, reduce speed significantly to prevent damage to the wheels, suspension, and underbody components.

■ If you get a flat tire while driving

If a tire on the Subaru Solterra becomes punctured or damaged while driving, maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel and gradually apply the brakes to safely slow down the vehicle.

• The Subaru Solterra may become harder to control due to uneven tire performance.
• Unusual noises or vibrations may be noticeable during operation.
• The vehicle may lean or pull to one side abnormally.

■ When encountering flooded roads

Avoid driving the Subaru Solterra through flooded or water-covered roads, especially after heavy rainfall.

Driving through water may result in severe damage, including:

• Short circuits in electrical systems
• Damage to the traction battery caused by water intrusion

If the Subaru Solterra has been exposed to flooding, immediately have the vehicle inspected by a SUBARU dealer, paying particular attention to the following:

• Brake system functionality
• Condition and level of transmission fluids
• Lubrication status of bearings and suspension joints, as well as overall joint functionality
• All components connected to the Subaru Solterra traction battery system

If flooding has affected the Subaru Solterra shift control system, it may no longer be possible to shift into P or out of P. In such cases, contact your SUBARU dealer immediately.

■ When parking the vehicle

Always engage the parking brake and set the Subaru Solterra shift position to P when parking. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to move unexpectedly or accelerate if the accelerator pedal is pressed unintentionally.

■ When involved in a minor accident

Even in the case of a minor collision, the Subaru Solterra traction battery or surrounding components may be affected. To ensure continued safety and performance, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized SUBARU dealer.

Sudden start restraint control (Drive-Start Control [DSC] )

The Subaru Solterra is equipped with Drive-Start Control (DSC), which helps suppress unintended acceleration by limiting EV system output under certain abnormal operating conditions.

• When the Subaru Solterra shift position is changed to R while the accelerator pedal is depressed*
• When shifting from P or R to a forward driving position such as D under acceleration*

When DSC activates in the Subaru Solterra, a notification message will appear on the multi-information display. Carefully read and follow the instructions provided.

*: In some situations, the Subaru Solterra may prevent the shift position from changing to protect the drivetrain.

■ Drive-Start Control (DSC)

• If TRAC (traction control) is disabled in the Subaru Solterra, the sudden start restraint control will also be deactivated. In situations such as being stuck in mud or snow, temporarily disabling TRAC may help the vehicle regain traction and escape.

Additionally, the Subaru Solterra sudden start restraint control will not operate when specific driving modes are active, such as when D.SNOW/MUD mode is selected within the X-MODE system.