Subaru’s First Electric Car
First launched in 2023, Subaru’s first electric vehicle, the Solterra crossover included a spacious, well-equipped, comfortable cabin and a fine driving experience. As an EV, however, its range and charging speed weren’t competitive with similarly priced vehicles. However, the 2026 Solterra, introduced at the recent New York Auto Show, rectifies the Solterra’s EV shortcomings, while building on its strengths.
2026 Solterra Design
You’ll immediately be able to recognize the new Solterra, even though it is a major upgrade of the existing model, versus a complete redesign. It has a new face, with a new light design and blanked-out grille that look friendlier and more high-tech than the previous version.
Gone are the grey wheel-arch trims, which are replaced by body-color items, though you can still choose the grey items for a more rugged look. New 18- and 20-inch wheel designs are available, and you can get two-tone paint. Distinctive nighttime lighting includes an illuminated Subaru logo and new rear lamps, as well as a different rear spoiler to improve aerodynamics and therefore range.
The Solterra’s bright, spacious interior was always one of its best features, and it’s been enhanced by a lowered central touchscreen, which together with the large glass area, provides a better view of the road ahead. There are new metallic trim pieces, and the wide center console has plenty of storage as well as wireless charging.
25 Percent More Range and Faster Charging
Thanks to updated software, better aerodynamics, and many other upgrades, the 2026 Solterra can go a lot further on a charge than before. Its EPA-estimated range of 285 miles from the 74.7-kWh battery pack is over 25 percent higher than the outgoing model.
A new battery preconditioning system works either in concert with the navigation system, or when activated manually by the driver. This allows you to pre-heat or pre-cool the battery ensuring the fastest charging speeds on a Level 3 charger. This also allows the Solterra to maximize its 150-kW charging speed.
This upgrade means the EV can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just over half an hour. A standard Tesla-style charging port allows Solterra owners to easily access more than 15,000 Tesla Superchargers across North America.
Improved Performance On- and Off-Road
Despite the range increase, the Solterra is also more powerful than before. Standard all-wheel drive comes from more powerful electric motors on the front and rear axles, combining to produce 338 horsepower. Zero to 60 mph takes less than 5 seconds, making the new Solterra far more rapid an responsive than before.
The upgraded all-wheel drive system electronically controls the front and rear motor outputs for improved confidence on- and off-road. These are managed with a new controller, enabling more flexible drive power distribution and control in wet and dry conditions. All models come with the X-Mode drive mode controller, which offers a choice of regular, snow/dirt and deep snow/mud modes, as well as downhill assist control. Plus, 8.3 inches of ground clearance gives the Solterra surprising off-road capability.
The Latest Tech
All Solterra models come equipped with Subaru’s suite of EyeSight driver assist features, including pre-collision braking, front cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, lane departure alert, a panoramic-view monitor, emergency stop assist, traffic jam assist, lane change assist, adaptive cruise control, and more.
From a convenience perspective, drivers also get a 14-inch multimedia system, the biggest such screen ever fitted to a Subaru, as well as standard navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, and tons of USB-C charge points.
2026 Solterra Pricing and Availability
The 2026 Subaru Solterra will go on sale in late 2025. Pricing and detailed specifications will be available closer to the vehicle’s official launch, but we expect a modest price increase over the current Solterra’s starting MSRP of $38,495.
