The first Subaru Solterra received a lukewarm reception, often feeling like a step behind its rivals in power, range, and charging speed. But for 2026, Subaru has delivered a major overhaul. This isn’t just a minor refresh; it’s the version of the Solterra that drivers have been waiting for. With a significant boost in performance, a much-needed increase in range, and faster charging, the 2026 Solterra is finally ready to compete seriously in the crowded electric SUV market.
What is the 2026 Subaru Solterra?
The 2026 Subaru Solterra is a heavily updated all-electric compact SUV, co-developed with Toyota. While it shares its platform with the Toyota bZ4X, the Solterra remains true to its brand by coming exclusively with dual-motor all-wheel drive. For 2026, Subaru addressed the key criticisms of the original model by introducing new motors, improving the battery, and updating its styling and interior tech, making it far more than just a minor model-year update.
Why the 2026 Solterra Matters Today
The updates for the 2026 Solterra aren’t just numbers on a spec sheet; they solve the real-world problems that held the original back. This new model raises the floor for what to expect from a mainstream EV.
-
Significantly More Range: The new base Solterra can now travel up to 288 miles on a charge, a massive improvement from the previous 227-mile rating. This added range makes it far more practical for daily driving and road trips.
-
Faster Charging Speeds: DC fast charging capability has increased from 100 kW to 150 kW, cutting the time to charge from 10% to 80% to about 30 minutes. The vehicle also now features a NACS (Tesla-style) charging port for wider access to Superchargers.
-
A Serious Power Boost: While the base model gets a modest bump to 233 horsepower, the new-for-2026 XT trim delivers a thrilling 338 horsepower. This makes the Solterra XT the quickest vehicle in Subaru’s lineup, capable of going from 0-60 mph in under five seconds.
-
Refreshed, Modern Styling: The Solterra gets a freshened front end that is less busy, with new headlight units and an illuminated Subaru badge. Some paint colors also feature body-color fender trim for a cleaner, more premium look.
Actionable Insights from the First Drive
Behind the wheel, the 2026 Solterra’s improvements are immediately obvious. It’s more engaging, comfortable, and capable than ever before.
On the Road: Quicker and More Composed
The new XT model feels significantly quicker, with smooth and immediate power delivery. While not as aggressive as some high-performance EVs, it offers plenty of power for confident passing and merging on the highway. Subaru also tweaked the suspension, stiffening the front and softening the rear. The result is a ride that feels composed and stable, though some reviewers noted it can be a little “starchy” over very rough pavement.
Interior and Tech Upgrades
Inside, the biggest change is a new, responsive 14-inch touchscreen that is a massive improvement over previous Subaru infotainment systems. The interior is spacious with comfortable seats, and visibility is excellent. However, some of the interior plastics still feel a bit low-end, and the center console design might irritate the knees of taller drivers.
Off-Road Prowess
Being a Subaru, the Solterra is more than capable of a little soft-roading. The standard dual-motor AWD system has been retuned for better power distribution, and features like X-Mode help manage speed and wheelspin on uneven terrain. While it handled a light off-road course with ease, some found the ride on bumpy gravel roads to be more jarring than expected.
What’s Next: Raising the Bar
The 2026 Subaru Solterra may not be the absolute best in its class, but its massive improvements make it a real contender. It brings features like 280+ miles of range, 150 kW charging, and high-performance options to a more accessible level. This push will likely force competitors to improve their own entry-level and mid-range offerings, ultimately benefiting all EV buyers. The Solterra is no longer just a compliance vehicle; it’s a desirable electric SUV that finally lives up to the Subaru badge.
With its major overhauls to power, range, and charging, the 2026 Subaru Solterra is the vehicle it should have been from the start. All of its predecessor’s major flaws have been sorted out, resulting in a fun, capable, and now highly competitive electric SUV. If you were on the fence before, Subaru has given you every reason to put the 2026 Solterra on your short list.
