When the Subaru Solterra was launched in 2022, you bought the impression that Subaru was pushing out its first EV beneath duress. Produced in collaboration with Toyota, it solely had 227 miles of vary, and it was accessible in restricted portions. 4 years later, Solterra will get an enormous refresh, and that – together with the model’s latest launch of two further EVs – makes you suppose Subaru is likely to be critical about this EV factor.
2026 Subaru Solterra: First Spin
The 2026 Subaru Solterra will get extra vary, extra energy, and several other modifications beneath the pores and skin that lastly make this an EV price contemplating.
What’s new on the 2026 Subaru Solterra
In some methods, the higher query is what’s not new. The exterior design isn’t drastically completely different, however you do see a brand new entrance fascia, new headlights and a brand new light-up Subaru badge on the nostril. The again ditches the emblem in favor of the spelled-out Subaru. On the within, you’ll see a brand new 14-inch infotainment display screen and twin wi-fi chargers.
These are the plain modifications. The not-so-obvious modifications embrace an up to date 74.7 kWh battery that brings extra vary, allows preconditioning (which helps with cold-weather charging), and can cost from 10% to 80% in half-hour. You’ll now see as much as 288 miles of electrical vary in Premium trim and as much as 278 miles of vary within the Restricted, Restricted XT and Touring XT trim ranges. Solterra additionally will get an influence increase with 233 horsepower in non-XT trims and 338 horsepower within the XTs.
The opposite massive change: The 2026 Subaru Solterra comes commonplace with a North American Charging Customary (NACS) port and a CCS adapter – so it opens up much more charging choices should you’re taking a street journey.
Sure, it goes off street
The 2026 Solterra comes commonplace with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and the X-Mode Twin Mod System that has grip management, downhill help, and driving modes for filth and deep snow, mud and snow.
Throughout the media preview, we had the chance to take it on a light off-road course with moguls, steep declines, and uneven terrain. With 8.3 inches of floor clearance the Solterra Touring XT we have been driving did properly, managing the obstacles with ease. Whereas Solterra isn’t going to take you to the Rubicon Path, it’s going to get you to a campsite or trailhead with out issues.
When in X-Mode, an digicam view pops up at low speeds, and it offers you a great view of the terrain round you and in entrance of you. That is particularly useful in slender passes or when the nostril of the automobile is pointed on the sky and you’ll’t see the street out of the windshield.
The way it did on street
I appreciated the unique Subaru Solterra, and this new iteration helps it stage up. With a sound-insulating windshield and entrance door glass, recontoured facet mirrors, reduced-noise axles, and extra insulation, the cabin is quiet on most street surfaces. We solely drove the Touring XT trim stage on the preview, however with 338 horsepower the Solterra was enjoyable to drive on winding roads and when passing on the freeway.
I discovered it to be a snug cruiser as properly. I spent a great chunk of the day within the driver’s or front-passenger seat, and I discovered the seats to be agency however comfortable and didn’t stroll away stiff.
A grievance within the earlier model of the Solterra from taller drivers was that the highest of the steering wheel would bisect the digital gauge cluster. As a petite driver I by no means had that drawback, so I requested somebody who was 6’3’’. He mentioned his driving place was significantly better on this 2026 Solterra, and the issue was resolved.
With its compact dimension, the Solterra is a kind of automobiles that can do properly in an city surroundings, being simple to park and becoming in tight areas. Nevertheless it’s not so small that you simply sacrifice total trip and dealing with.
A few ache factors
The brand new Solterra is a wonderful car, however there are a pair issues I’d change if I might. First up, whereas the usual twin wi-fi chargers are cool and so they maintain your cellphone in place properly, they do are likely to warmth up your cellphone. I examined it with and with out my case to the identical impact, charging was placed on maintain as a result of my cellphone was overheating. Lest you say that is due to inductive charging and all wi-fi chargers overheat your cellphone, I’ll say I’ve usually had good luck with Basic Motors wi-fi chargers. The ethical of the story: If you’ll be within the automobile for greater than an hour and really must cost your cellphone, carry a wire.
The opposite factor I’d change is the off-road digicam that pops up when in X-Mode. It’s an awesome digicam with high-definition high quality, nevertheless it solely stays on as much as about 8 mph. Whereas I perceive that is meant for low-speed maneuvers, there are occasions you’re going just a little quicker than that and nonetheless would possibly desire a gauge of what’s occurring round you.
A number of phrase concerning the Toyota collaboration
Sure, the Subaru Solterra is in-built collaboration with Toyota. It’s the sibling to the Toyota bZ small electrical crossover. Subaru and Toyota went 50/50 on design, growth, and engineering. Toyota does the manufacturing. It’s additionally price noting that in accordance with one of many Subaru executives available on the preview, the bZ makes use of Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD, even when Toyota doesn’t name it that. Each the Solterra and bZ are constructed at a Toyota plant in Japan.
So, what’s it gonna price?
Sadly, pricing hasn’t been introduced on the time of this writing. The 2026 Solterra gained’t hit the streets till November, and pricing gained’t be launched till nearer to launch. Nevertheless, Subaru mentioned that pricing on the base stage could be a minimal enhance. The bottom 2025 Premium trim begins at $40,390, so we anticipate the 2026 Premium will begin round $41,000.
Talking of the Solterra lineup, it will get a little bit of a shakeup for this mannequin 12 months. Beforehand, you had the Premium, Restricted, Touring, and Touring Onyx Version. Now you’ll have the Premium, Restricted, Restricted XT, and Touring XT.
Trim Ranges
That is what we all know to this point concerning the trim stroll:
Premium: Comes commonplace with 233 horsepower, energy rear liftgate, 14-inch infotainment display screen, artificial leather-based seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, headlight washers, and twin wi-fi cellphone chargers.
Restricted: Provides kick activated liftgate, Harman Kardon audio system, 20-inch alloy wheels, 120V outlet, energy passenger seat, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and a multi-terrain monitor.
Restricted XT: Will get all of the tools from the Restricted plus the 338-horsepower powertrain with a claimed 0-to-60-mph time of 4.9 seconds.
Touring XT: Provides a panoramic glass roof, ventilated entrance seats, digital rearview mirror, radiant leg heaters, accessible two-tone paint, accessible leather-based inside, and painted black exterior accents.
CG Says:
Whereas we appreciated the outdated Solterra, our major beef was with the vary. Having 227 miles simply isn’t sufficient to keep away from road-trip nervousness. With the ability increase, extra commonplace facilities, and the elevated vary, the 2026 Subaru Solterra lastly hits the mark. In case you are available in the market for a compact electrical SUV, that is now a must-test car.
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2026 Subaru Solterra Photos
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