With higher performance and a vastly improved driving range, the 2026 Subaru Solterra continues to deliver on the brand's renowned off-road capability while showcasing a new look for this five-passenger electric crossover.
Photo: Perry Stern
Subaru's first electric vehicle (EV) in America, the Solterra gets significant updates for the 2026 model year. The refreshed Solterra features an all-new electric platform with a 74.7-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery, which gives the Subaru an estimated range of more than 285 miles—better than a 25-percent improvement over the current version.
With its updated platform, the new Solterra gets more powerful front and rear motors for a boost to 233 horsepower—up 18 from today's version. For those looking for higher performance, Subaru will offer the Solterra XT, which bumps up to 338 hp while delivering a Subaru-estimated zero-to-60-mph time of less than five seconds.
Photo: Perry Stern
A new preconditioning system that activates when navigating to a charging station improves charging time dramatically. According to Subaru, the new Solterra will charge at speeds up to 150 kW, getting from 10 to 80 percent in about 35 minutes. With a standard North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port, Solterra owners can take advantage of the extensive Tesla Supercharger network, eliminating some of the range anxiety inherent with EV ownership.
Off-road capability is one of the hallmarks of Subaru models, and the Solterra is no exception. The 2026 Solterra gets a new all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that Subaru says better distributes power between the front and rear motors, improving performance on and off the pavement. With 8.3 inches of ground clearance, the Solterra comes standard with X-Mode, which optimizes the AWD system with modes for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud. The automaker also says the refined suspension and power steering system should provide better handling and driving dynamics.
While many of the most critical updates are under the skin, the Solterra also gets fresh exterior styling for the 2026 model year. The front end gets a modern look with redesigned headlights, a new front bumper, and an illuminated logo at the center. New 18- and 20-inch wheels and “Subaru” spelled out on the rear complete the new look.
Photo: Perry Stern
Updates inside provide a more open feeling with a cleaner dashboard design, a new 14-inch infotainment screen, and a revised center console that now features dual wireless phone chargers. Climate functions move to the display screen with physical knobs for temperature control, and the system also retains a volume knob.
Like other models in the automaker’s lineup, the updated Solterra comes standard with the latest version of EyeSight—Subaru's suite of advanced driver assistance systems.
Photo: Perry Stern
With a respectable driving range, proper off-road capability, and an available high-performance variant, the Subaru Solterra has developed past its infancy. The improvements for 2026, along with its fresh styling inside and out, will help to make the Solterra competitive with established EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Volkswagen ID.4 when it arrives later in 2025.
Subaru is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of April 16, 2025, but it may have changed since then. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving almost every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for JDPower.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry remains passionate about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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