Overview Subaru’s OG EV, the Solterra, is a five-passenger compact SUV that mixes a modicum off-roadability with a small footprint. Co-developed with the near-identical Toyota bZ4x, the cosmetic similarities are obvious. But the Solterra comes only as a dual-motor, all-wheel drive vehicle while the Toyota is also offered in single-motor, front-wheel-drive form. Formerly hobbled by its limited range, the 2026 Solterra sees a roughly 25 percent jump in miles-per-charge. That, along with faster charging and a freshly styled front end, makes the Solterra significantly more competitive and appealing. Interior styling is tidy if not overly expressive, there’s sufficient space for commuting and grocery runs. While it’ll likely never be considered sporty, the new XT trim’s 338 horsepower output promises to add a little pep to the proceedings. What’s New for 2026?Quite a bit. Range is up by about 25 percent compared to the 2025 Solterra, to a claimed 285 miles. Horsepower of the base model gets a bump to 233 from 215 ponies, and the new XT model packs a total of 338 horsepower. A NACS (North American Charging Standard) port replaces the old CCS port, so the Solterra can now charge at Tesla Superchargers, and the battery sees a slight increase from 73 kWh capacity to 75 kWh. DC max charging speed increases from 100 kW to 150 kW, and a new preconditioning system makes sure the battery is at optimum charging temp before you plug in. Styling is updated too, featuring an updated fascia while the rear gets unique badging, lighting, and a new spoiler. Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Subaru Solterra is expected to start around $40,000 and go up to $49,000 depending on the trim and options.Premium$40,000 (est)Limited$44,000 (est)Touring$47,000 (est)Onyx Edition$47,500 (est)XT$49,000 (est)Subaru hasn’t confirmed pricing or the trim hierarchy for the revised 2026 Solterra yet, but we’ll update this section as the 2026 Solterra’s late-2025 debut date nears. Getting Started with EVsEV Motor, Power, and Performance Horsepower for the standard dual motor powertrain rises from 215 to 233, and a new-for-2026 XT trim sees a total of 338 horsepower from its dual motor setup. Additionally, the all-wheel drive system has been updated with an improved controller that Subaru says better integrates the front and rear motors’ power outputs to reduce roll and sway. They’ve also tweaked the suspension and electric power steering for improved response. All models get Subie’s X-MODE all-wheel drive system with specific Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes; there’s also Grip Control which operates not unlike a low-speed off-road cruise control, and Downhill Assist. 0–60-MPH Times Subaru claims the new 338-horsepower Solterra XT should be able to hit 60 mph in less than five seconds. More on the Solterra SUVRange, Charging, and Battery LifeSubaru says the range of the new Soltera is 285 miles. Charge speed is increased also: the new Solterra’s peak DC rate of 150 kW is an improvement over the previous model’s 100 kW maximum rate. Level 1 and 2 charging capability continues as well. The battery preconditioning can be activated by the driver or automatically when a charging station is selected as the destination in the navigation system. Interior, Comfort, and CargoThe Solterra’s interior incorporates a square-ish steering wheel and a high-mounted digital gauge cluster. The windshield’s steep slope makes for a deep dashboard top and long A-pillars. There’s a big central touchscreen for the infotainment system and an elevated, bridge-like center console with a rotary shift knob and open storage underneath. The laid-back windshield, large side glass, and panoramic sunroof give the cabin an airy feel. A mix of attractive textures throughout the cabin also contributes to a fetching aesthetic. Along with the various storage spots, the Solterra makes for a useful travel companion with 24 cubic feet of luggage space, which expands to 64 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityWhile we’ll reserve final judgment of the infotainment system until we get our hands on it to suss out the details, we do know the 2026 Solterra benefits from an all-new 14-inch touchscreen with a center-mounted volume knob and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. There are also standard dual wireless smartphone chargers for the driver and front passenger and high-power USB-C charge points for the rear passengers. How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesWhile full details are TBD, we do know the updated 2026 Solterra continues Subaru’s practice of packing ample standard driver-assistance technology. That includes front and rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver-distraction monitor. For more information about the Solterra’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageSubaru offers average warranty coverage. However, the brand doesn’t offer any complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
Source: caranddriver.com
