In the case of the 2026 Subaru Solterra, a thin line can be said to exist between refreshed and all-new. Subaru’s marketing team touts the marque’s EV using the all-new honorific, while we here at Headlight.News see it more as being significantly updated.
Subaru says the 2026 Solterra is “all-new” but is it? If nothing else, it’s definitely better than before.
Yes, there have been a number of changes, however, the Solterra remains on the same platform and looks pretty much the same as it did when it came to market as Subaru’s first-ever EV offering for the 2023 model year.
Now, with that said, those updates do make the Solterra a more desirable proposition. capable. The 2026 version of the Subaru goes farther on a single charge, which it also achieves in a more timely fashion.
The Solterra’s front end has been refreshed too, which modernizes its look. There is also a new XT trim package, which offers greater output from the Solterra’s electric powertrain. Those of you who pay close attention to these matters may recall the Solterra was developed in conjunction with Toyota, which offers its version of the model as the bZ4x, which was also updated for the 2026 model year.
Powertrains and Fuel Economy
Solterra’s powertrain consists of a pair of direct drive permanent magnet synchronous AC electric motors that produce a combined 233 horsepower.
The 2026 Subaru Solterra’s powertrain consists of a pair of direct drive permanent magnet synchronous AC electric motors, now producing a combined 233 horsepower, which is up from 215 in the 2025 model.
The Solterra now has a new liquid-cooled 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is fed by a new 11-kW onboard charger. The charging port has been changed to a NACS-style for 2026, enabling the Subaru to use Tesla Supercharger stations.
A quartet of drive modes, Eco, Normal, Power and X-mode is offered. Capable independently apportioning the output received by each wheel, X-mode is intended for conditions in which traction may be compromised, such as in soft road and slippery conditions. Maximum range is an estimated 285 miles; however, the best I saw was 260.
Interior Accommodations
All in all, the Subaru EV’s interior treatment was best characterized as pleasant. The power-actuated driver’s seat was adjustable 10 ways and included an easy access feature, along with two-way power lumbar support.
Top range is an estimated 285 miles; however, the best I saw was 260.
Both front seats were heated and upholstered in a nice grade of vinyl, dubbed StarTex by Subaru, featuring a pleasantly perforated design. Legroom and headroom were good in both the front and rear seats. Ingress and egress were easy, thanks to four wide-opening doors and the Solterra’s low step-in height.
In-cabin storage was generous with bins beneath the center armrest and the center console. The Solterra offered 24 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the second-row seat backs deployed and 64 with them folded away.
The Subaru’s expansive areas of glass, along with the overall design of its passenger compartment contributed to an enjoyable impression of spaciousness.
Comfort, Convenience & Safety Tech
Perched behind the rounded square steering wheel was a seven-inch LCD display monitoring the Subaru’s vital functions. This was complemented by a 14-inch multimedia display for infotainment features with an actual dial for the volume of the audio system.
Perched behind the rounded square steering wheel was a seven-inch LCD display monitoring the Subaru’s vital functions.
The automatic climate control system’s functions were managed within that screen as well, with inset dials for temperature adjustments. CarPlay and Android compatibility were offered as standard equipment. Dual-zone voice control for HVAC, audio, phone and vehicle information are standard too.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel featured infotainment, driver-assist control and paddle shift switches. A pair of wireless smartphone chargers was afforded front seat occupants and complemented by a pair of USB-C ports in the rear of the center console for second-row passengers.
Front and rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring and a driver-distraction monitor were included as standard equipment.
The Solterra was also fitted with forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control — all as standard features.
The Solterra offers plenty of cargo space for a vehicle it’s size.
Driving Impressions
Acceleration off the line was brisk, if not exactly thrilling. As is the case for most EVs power delivery was both smooth and linear. The Solterra permits one pedal operation, so I seldom needed to avail myself of the actual brakes.
With that said, the binders did prove effective when called upon to perform a sudden stop (For the life of me I do not understand why people insist on reading text messages while they drive and braking suddenly right in front of me when they finally look up — but I digress …).
Handling was competent, if not exactly razor sharp. The Solterra would accommodate being hustled along twisty roads and its steering proved accurate, though lacking road feel.
Still though, the Solterra’s demeanor was well in keeping with the family transporting requirements upon which it will most often be called to provide.
Offering better performance, greater range and freshened styling, the 2026 Subaru Solterra is a definite upgrade from its predecessors.
In Summary
Offering better performance, greater range and freshened styling, the 2026 Subaru Solterra is a definite upgrade from its predecessors. The Solterra also charges faster than before, which helps further its case to be a consideration for your driveway.
I found the Subaru EV to be somewhat more sophisticated than the other Subaru models I’ve driven of late. While all were both competent and capable, they seemed to be just a bit less than polished to perfection. The Solterra comes much closer in this regard. Pricing starts at $38,495.
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