2026 Subaru Solterra

The Solterra is Subaru’s first dedicated electric vehicle, an SUV that debuted for the 2023 model year as a joint project with Toyota and a twin to that brand’s bZ4X. While the initial Solterra filled an EV-sized hole in Subaru’s lineup, it trailed rivals in range and power. Subaru is addressing both for the 2026 Solterra — and adding some cherries on top.

This new version can travel more than 285 miles between charges and has 233 horsepower. Both are improvements over the last Solterra, and while still not class-leading, at least put the new one in serious competition with rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Chevrolet Equinox EV. Perhaps best of all, the Solterra is instilled with the Subaru traits of all-wheel drive (AWD) and an adventurous attitude, while the new Solterra XT injects potency into the mix.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of electric SUVs.

The Solterra gets a major makeover for the 2026 model year, with a larger battery pack that allows much greater driving range, more standard power, and the higher-performance Solterra XT variant. Charging times have also improved, a NACS charging port is added, there’s an all-new 14-inch touchscreen display and wireless phone chargers, and styling has been updated inside and out.

At these prices, the Solterra would be in line with competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, and above the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Ariya, and Chevrolet Equinox EV.

Before buying a Subaru Solterra EV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what you should be paying. In the past the Subaru Solterra’s resale value has been meager, similar to the residual value of other EVs. Recouping more money when you sell a car can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

We expect the 2026 Solterra to feel even more emboldened with its 233 hp, a bump up from the 215 of the past model. One of the many cool things about electric vehicles is that acceleration is immediate. Like flicking a light switch, pressing the accelerator provides instant thrust. That thrust will be even more apparent in the 2026 Subaru Solterra XT, which has motors outputting 338 hp. Subaru says it will enable a zero-to-60-mph sprint in less than five seconds. That’s quick indeed.

All Solterra models are all-wheel drive thanks to a motor at each axle. Being a Subaru, the Solterra is also meant for at least some light off-roading. Here, its 8.3 inches of ground clearance, a retuned all-wheel-drive system, and drive modes including Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud. Yes, there are two different settings for snow. The Solterra is a Subaru, indeed.

Range and Charging

For its 2026 reboot, Subaru says the Solterra has 25% better range than the outgoing model. That is, it is estimated to go more than 285 miles between charges, versus the rather meager 227 miles of the outgoing model.

Furthermore, Subaru says the new Solterra can charge from 10% to 80% in less than 35 minutes on a DC fast charger. Both these numbers still trail the Ioniq 5, but are still pretty impressive. Also helping the public charging cause, the 2026 Solterra will include a North American Charging System (NACS) charge port, meaning the 2026 Solterra can drink electrons from the Tesla Supercharger network.

The Solterra sees upgrades to its 5-passenger cabin for its 2026 reintroduction. Front and center is a standard 14-inch touchscreen, along with dual wireless phone chargers so you don’t have to argue with your spouse or friend over who gets to juice their phone. We still have some reservations about the dial-based gear selector, but hopefully, familiarity at least leads to acceptance for owners. We are, however, fans of square-shaped steering wheels, and the Solterra has one. With its chunky console between driver and passenger, the Solterra doesn’t feel as open and airy as, say, an Ioniq 5. But they’ve gotta put all those electronics and dual charging pads somewhere.

We’ll be the first to acknowledge that the past Solterra’s exterior styling was, uh, unique. Like its bZ4X sibling from Toyota, it had a lot going on. This new one has tamed much of that busyness while retaining familiar elements like the boomerang taillights and sleek sloping rear window. The new front end is almost minimalist. We’ve only seen photos of the new Solterra in white, so it’s all quite stark. We imagine more color schemes will bring added appeal.

The 2026 Subaru Solterra EV uses a 74.7-kWh battery pack. Its MPGe is still to be determined. Unlike rivals that offer both single and dual motors for either front- or rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, all Solterra models use two motors and have all-wheel drive standard, a well-loved Subaru trait.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Like most mainstream carmakers, Subaru offers bumper-to-bumper limited warranty protection for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Powertrain coverage is for five years or 60,000 miles. Additionally, Subaru covers the EV components for eight years or 100,000 miles.

Safety

The last Solterra earned top marks for its crash safety, and we expect the new one to also perform well. However, we must await testing for official scores. The Solterra does come standard with a long list of safety and driver-assist features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and much more.