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 a large refresh, and that – together with the model’s latest launch of two further EVs – makes you suppose Subaru may be severe 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 value 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 totally 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 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 customary with a North American Charging Customary (NACS) port and a CCS adapter – so it opens up much more charging choices in case you’re taking a street journey.
Sure, it goes off street
The 2026 Solterra comes customary with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and the X-Mode Twin Mod System that has grip management, downhill help, and driving modes for dust and deep snow, mud and snow.
In the course of 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 had been driving did nicely, managing the obstacles with ease. Whereas Solterra isn’t going to take you to the Rubicon Path, it would get you to a campsite or trailhead with out issues.
When in X-Mode, an digital camera view pops up at low speeds, and it provides you view of the terrain round you and in entrance of you. That is particularly useful in slim passes or when the nostril of the automobile is pointed on the sky and you may’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 degree up. With a sound-insulating windshield and entrance door glass, recontoured aspect mirrors, reduced-noise axles, and extra insulation, the cabin is quiet on most street surfaces. We solely drove the Touring XT trim degree 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 nicely. I spent chunk of the day within the driver’s or front-passenger seat, and I discovered the seats to be agency however soft 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 stated his driving place was significantly better on this 2026 Solterra, and the issue was resolved.
With its compact dimension, the Solterra is a type of autos that may do nicely in an city atmosphere, being simple to park and becoming in tight areas. However it’s not so small that you simply sacrifice total experience and dealing with.
A few ache factors
The brand new Solterra is a superb automobile, however there are a pair issues I’d change if I might. First up, whereas the usual twin wi-fi chargers are cool they usually maintain your cellphone in place nicely, they do are inclined 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 typically 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 have to cost your cellphone, carry a twine.
The opposite factor I’d change is the off-road digital camera that pops up when in X-Mode. It’s an important digital camera with high-definition high quality, however 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 slightly quicker than that and nonetheless would possibly need a gauge of what’s occurring round you.
A couple of phrase in regards to the Toyota collaboration
Sure, the Subaru Solterra is inbuilt collaboration with Toyota. It’s the sibling to the Toyota bZ small electrical crossover. Subaru and Toyota went 50/50 on design, improvement, and engineering. Toyota does the manufacturing. It’s additionally value 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 received’t hit the streets till November, and pricing received’t be launched till nearer to launch. Nevertheless, Subaru stated that pricing on the base degree could be a minimal improve. 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 yr. 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 in regards to the trim stroll:
Premium: Comes customary with 233 horsepower, energy rear liftgate, 14-inch infotainment display, 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 main beef was with the vary. Having 227 miles simply isn’t sufficient to keep away from road-trip anxiousness. With the ability increase, extra customary facilities, and the elevated vary, the 2026 Subaru Solterra lastly hits the mark. If you’re available in the market for a compact electrical SUV, that is now a must-test automobile.
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2026 Subaru Solterra Photos
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