Subaru Solterra 2023-2026 Owner's Manual: Utility vehicle precautions

The Subaru Solterra belongs to the utility vehicle category, engineered with increased ground clearance and a comparatively narrower track width relative to its center of gravity height. This design allows the Subaru Solterra to perform effectively across a wide range of off-road environments and challenging terrains.

Utility vehicle feature

• The Subaru Solterra features a higher center of gravity compared to standard passenger cars. This characteristic improves off-road capability but also increases the likelihood of rollover if the vehicle is not handled carefully. Utility vehicles, including the Subaru Solterra, inherently have a higher rollover risk than conventional vehicles.
• The elevated ride height of the Subaru Solterra provides enhanced road visibility, enabling the driver to better anticipate obstacles and changing driving conditions.
• The Subaru Solterra is not intended for high-speed cornering in the same manner as low-profile passenger cars. Taking sharp turns at excessive speeds may compromise stability and increase the risk of rollover.

WARNING

■ Utility vehicle precautions

Always follow these safety recommendations when driving the Subaru Solterra to reduce the risk of serious injury, accidents, or vehicle damage:

• Always ensure that all occupants in the Subaru Solterra are wearing seat belts. In rollover situations, unbelted occupants face a significantly higher risk of fatal injury.
• Avoid sudden steering inputs, sharp turns, or abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.

  Improper handling of the Subaru Solterra may result in loss of control or rollover, potentially leading to severe injury or fatal consequences.

• Loading cargo onto the roof carrier (if equipped) raises the center of gravity of the Subaru Solterra even further. When carrying roof loads, avoid high speeds, rapid acceleration, sudden braking, or aggressive steering to maintain stability.
• Reduce speed when driving in strong crosswinds. Due to its higher profile and elevated center of gravity, the Subaru Solterra is more sensitive to side winds than lower passenger vehicles.
• Avoid driving across steep slopes at an angle. Instead, drive straight up or down slopes whenever possible.

  The Subaru Solterra, like other off-road vehicles, is more prone to tipping sideways when traversing slopes laterally.

Off-road driving

When using the Subaru Solterra for off-road driving, follow these guidelines to ensure safety and preserve access to off-road areas:

• Operate the Subaru Solterra only in areas where off-road driving is legally permitted.
• Respect private property and always obtain permission before entering restricted land.
• Observe all posted signs, gates, and barriers that limit access to certain areas.
• Stay on designated trails and established roads.

  In wet conditions, adjust your driving technique or delay travel to prevent environmental damage and maintain safe traction.

■ Additional information for offroad driving

For owners in U.S. mainland and Hawaii:

For further guidance on operating the Subaru Solterra off-road, consider consulting the following resources:

• State and local parks and recreation authorities
• Motor vehicle regulatory agencies
• Off-road and recreational vehicle clubs
• Organizations such as the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management

WARNING

■ Off-road driving precautions

Observe the following precautions when driving the Subaru Solterra off-road to reduce the risk of injury or vehicle damage:

• Drive cautiously and avoid unnecessary risks when navigating difficult terrain.
• Do not grip the steering wheel spokes. A sudden impact may cause the wheel to jerk, potentially injuring your hands. Always hold the outer rim securely.
• Immediately check brake performance after driving through water, mud, sand, or snow.
• After driving through rough environments, inspect the underbody of the Subaru Solterra for debris such as grass, mud, stones, or other materials. Remove any buildup to prevent mechanical damage or fire hazards.
• Avoid excessive speeds, jumping, abrupt turns, or striking obstacles when driving off-road.

  Such actions may lead to loss of control, rollover, or costly damage to the Subaru Solterra suspension and chassis components.

NOTICE

■ To prevent water damage

Take all necessary precautions to protect the Subaru Solterra EV system, traction battery, and other components from water intrusion.

• Water entering the motor compartment can cause severe damage to the Subaru Solterra electrical systems.
• Water entering drivetrain components may degrade performance and trigger warning indicators, potentially making the vehicle inoperable.
• Exposure to water can wash away lubrication from wheel bearings, leading to corrosion and premature wear, and may also reduce lubrication effectiveness within drivetrain components.

■ When you drive through water

If crossing shallow water in the Subaru Solterra, always assess water depth and surface stability beforehand. Proceed slowly and avoid deep water that may compromise vehicle systems.

■ Inspection after off-road driving

• Accumulated sand or mud around brake components may reduce braking performance and damage system parts.
• After each off-road trip in the Subaru Solterra, perform a thorough inspection, especially after driving through sand, mud, water, or rough terrain. Refer to maintenance documentation for proper service intervals and recommendations.

Careful operation and regular inspection of the Subaru Solterra after off-road use will help maintain long-term reliability, safety, and performance across all driving environments.