Flash Drive: 2026 Subaru Solterra EV

Much-Improved All-Electric Crossover

Subaru entered the electric vehicle world in 2023 with the first generation Solterra SUV, the sister car to the Toyota BZ4X. The BZ4X never caught the eye of EV savvy consumers while the Solterra did well with Subaru owners.

Not standing still, Subaru designers and engineers began developing the second generation 2026 Solterra. The outcome is a markedly impressive achievement that places Subaru squarely on buyer’s shopping list for small all-electric SUVs.

Subaru brought automotive journalists to Denver, Colorado, for first drives of the 2026 Solterra. The overall consensus was Subaru has a winner on their hands.

This Flash Drive review highlights the 2026 Solterra. Clean Fleet Report will write a more detailed Road Test review in the coming months when we have a chance to spend a week with the vehicle. Until then, here are some notes to get started.

• Four trims: Premium; Limited; Limited XT and Touring XT
• Standard all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Standard X-Mode for enhanced off-road driving
• *New for 2026*Standard the North American Charging System (NACS)
• Dual motors
• *New for 2026*Horsepower: Limited XT: 233; Touring XT: 338
• *New for 2026*Battery: 74.7 kWh Lithium-ion battery with cooling and heating.
• *New for 2026*11 kW onboard charger.
• Curb Weight: 4,395 – 4,510 pounds
• *New for 2026*Driving Range: Premium: 288 miles; Limited, Limited XT and Limited Touring: 278 miles.

Hitting the Road

Smooth, instant acceleration and torque available at any speed is what makes driving an electric vehicle so wonderful. There is no engine or transmission lag, just seamless power when needed. The all-new 2026 Solterra more than competently delivers all those.

The Solterra shines in town and on the open road. My drive partner and I headed-out from the Populous Hotel in downtown Denver in sunny (climbing to near 90º) weather on city streets and freeways. We headed high into the Rocky Mountains first through Idaho Springs, on to Nederland, then returning home on the Peak to Peak Byway through Golden Gate Canyon State Park. This was an excellent test for the Solterra EV as the elevation went from 5,280 feet to just under 9,500 feet, passing majestic peaks reaching 14,000 feet.

With dual motors and AWD, the Solterra delivered spirited acceleration from a stop. When on the freeway at 60 mph and needing to pass traffic, we reached 70 mph quickly. The rush of power was linear and was pulling strong even at 70 mph.

The 5-door, 5-passenger SUV has two drive modes—Normal (default) and Eco. The former is where we kept the Solterra for strong and even ascending and descending, only opting for Eco when long-range cruising on the open road.

The all-new Solterra has paddles on the backside of the steering wheel for brake regeneration, which replenishes the battery by converting kinetic energy into electricity when braking or coasting. The regeneration can be increased four levels with the left paddle or decreased with the right paddle. The regeneration levels are not as strong as we have tested elsewhere, but with time and practice we acclimated and ended up using the maximum strength setting.

The AWD handling was solid with a low center of gravity as the batteries are placed under the floorboard. We were driving the Touring XT with Bridgestone Turanza 235/50 all-season tires mounted on 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on Premium trim while Limited and Limited XT get 20-inch. The 4-wheel independent suspension has MacPherson struts up front, a double-wishbone rear suspension and coil springs and stabilizer bars on both ends.

We pushed the Solterra Touring XT hard at times, most definitely harder than a family of four or five would ever do. We learned corners taken briskly produced little-to-no body roll. Modulating the accelerator pedal utilizes the regenerative braking, making for the smoothest way to take mountain turns. There were some very accommodating esses to test higher-speed stability as we smoothly rolled through with absolute zero concern for loosing grip.

The Solterra is not a sports SUV, and Subaru does not market it as such. This does not take anything away from what Subaru engineers have designed. The quick-ratio electric power steering, vehicle dynamics control with all-wheel, all-speed traction control, active cornering assist and torque vectoring will make emergency highway avoidance maneuvers as safe and controlled as possible.

Getting Dirty

Subaru cut an off-highway course through an Aspen forest and a broad, alpine meadow. It was nearly too difficult following the dirt trail with all the surrounding beauty. The Solterra is built to take moderate off-roading adventures so tackling a gravel forest road to get to your favorite fly fishing stream or ski cabin will not present any issues. We were glad to have 8.3-inches of ground clearance when we engaged X-Mode to descend a steep section. Features of Subaru’s off-road system include drive settings for Snow, Dirt and Deep Snow and Mud, Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control.

Slowing and Stopping

The Solterra does not have full one pedal driving, where it would come to a complete stop through regenerative braking, or more accurately the electric motors reversing would bring the car to a stop. Subaru did include a Brake Hold button that, when engaged and the brake pedal is pushed, holds the Solterra at a stop, eliminating the need to press on the brake pedal. This is a welcome feature for anyone that has commuted as it relieves pressure on the driver’s right leg.

The ventilated front and rear anti-lock disc brakes, with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, stopped the Solterra straight without pedal fade.

Charging

The Solterra comes with a pre-conditioner that brings the battery to an optimum charging temperature (heated or cooled to 70º F). The battery can be trickle charged with a 120V common wall plug, but expect replenish times to be long and slow. The best bet for owners will be to install a 240V Level 2 home charger that will deliver a full charge overnight while sleeping.

The 2026 Solterra is equipped with a North American Charging System (NACS) charging port, giving it access to thousands of high-speed Tesla Supercharger stations nationwide. DC fast charging, at a 150 kW maximum, will go from 10-80% battery capacity in around 30 minutes.

New Platform

The 2026 Solterra has had so many changes that Garrick Goh, carline planning manager for Solterra, said “our attorneys said we could call it all-new.” This is an important distinction that differs from “refreshed,” as it indicates some serious changes were made over the previous model. These are some of what you will find in the 2026 Solterra versus the 2025 Solterra, with a more detailed list at the end of this story.

Changes from 2025 to 2026 to the Solterra platform include:

• Front subframe redesign
• Radiator support structure
• Motor mounts
• Steering rack mounting
• Control arms, hubs, wheel bearings, bushings and axles
• Roof structure
• Retuned suspension
• Improved crash structure
• Additional sound insulation
• Lighter motors with more power
• Increased vibration-absorbent structural adhesives in the floorpan

Sleek Exterior

The exterior design has been updated with a sleeker front end through changes to the fascia and lighting. On some trims the option for color-matched over-fenders was added. The nose and bumper are curved, leading to sleek, narrow slit LED headlights and illuminated six-star Subaru logo. Headlight washers will be appreciated as your Solterra will certainly be getting muddy off-road. Sculpting on the doors and rear quarter panels added a nice touch for the six exterior color options.

The front and rear overhangs are short, with low profile roof rails that can support 700 pounds when parked and 178 pounds when moving. Depending on the trim, there is an optional power sunroof and foot-activated power lift gate. The dual-wing ducktail top spoiler and a more conventional lip spoiler at the bottom of the steeply sloped glass work together to keep the rear glass clean. Narrow LED tail lights, with a connecting light strip, take-up little space on the rear.

New Interior Design

Driver visibility is very good with thin A-pillars, a sloping hood and tall windows. The front seats are heated and supportive with power adjustments for the driver and for the passenger in all but the Premium trim. The rear seat holds two comfortably, three in a pinch. The cargo space behind the rear seats increases when the 60:40 second row split seat is laid flat.

Seats are covered in SofTex, a synthetic leather, while leather seat coverings are available in the Touring XT.

The standard multimedia system has a 14.0-inch color touchscreen with a six-speaker audio unit that includes SiriusXM, AM/FM radio and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Harmon Kardon premium audio system is optional as is a digital rearview mirror with Homelink. Navigation, Siri, USB-C ports (4), a 1,500-watt AC outlet and wireless phone charging are standard.

Safety

Active and passive advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) include eight airbags, a pre-collision system that includes pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, full-speed adaptive cruise control, child protector rear door locks and power window lockout, a tire pressure monitoring system and an anti-theft system with engine immobilizer.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing and on-sale dates have not been announced. Clean Fleet Report will update this story when both are available.

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews, including when we get the chance to drive the Solterra with a full report on its performance, charging speed, and driving range.

Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Subaru.

Features, specifications and equipment for the 2026 Subaru Solterra Premium, Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT

• Solterra is Subaru’s first global all-electric vehicle
• All-electric drivetrain delivers on-demand torque at all speeds with driver-selectable power and regenerative modes
• Five-door SUV offering full range of Subaru SUV capabilities and advanced safety technology
• Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• 8.3-inch ground clearance
• Built on e-Subaru global platform
• EPA-estimated EV range of 288 miles for Premium, 278 miles for Limited, Limited XT, and Touring XT 

New for 2026

• New Solterra Limited XT and Touring XT:
  • Uprated front and rear electric motors for 338 horsepower
• Uprated front and rear motors on Solterra, making 233 horsepower
• NACS-style compatible charging port on right front fender
• Dual wireless 15W smartphone chargers
• 14-inch Subaru Multimedia touchscreen
• Astro Black Mica fenders and cladding (body color on Smoked Carbon and Cosmic White Pearl)
• New front lighting signature with illuminated six-star Subaru logo and headlight washers
• New Subaru badging
• Uprated 74.7-kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery
• 11-kW onboard charger

Key Facts / Mechanical

• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive via synchronous electric motors with integrated transaxle and power inverter at front and rear axles
• 233 total horsepower (Solterra)
• 338 total horsepower (Solterra XT)
• DC fast-charging: 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes
• Charge port integrated into right fender
• Single-ratio reduction-gear front and rear transaxles
• Driving Mode Select (Eco, Normal Power)
• Regenerative Braking Force Selection (5 settings)
• X-Mode® Dual Mode System
  • Snow / Dirt and Deep Snow / Mud modesGrip Control
  • Downhill Assist Control
• Four-wheel independent suspension
• 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers standard on Premium
• 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels on Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT
• Active Cornering Assist
• Hill-Start Assist Control
• Traction Control
• Vehicle stability control (VSC)

Key Facts / Design and Function

• Aerodynamic vehicle under-covers
• Lower body cladding in black
• Standard low-profile roof rails
• Standard ducktail spoiler at bottom of rear glass
• Roof-mounted dual-spoiler with aerodynamic fins on Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT models
• Standard 14-inch high-resolution touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto standard
• Intelligent Assistant with dual-zone voice control for HVAC, audio, phone, vehicle information, and more (subscription)
• Sound-insulating windshield and front door glass standard
• LED daytime running lights
• LED low- and high-beam headlights with Automatic High Beam standard
• Two-position load floor for maximum cargo and passenger flexibility; up to 119.5 cu. ft. of passenger + cargo space

Key Facts / Safety

• Standard EyeSight® driver assist technologies include:
  • Emergency Steering Assist
  • Intersection Collision Avoidance Support
  • Pre-Collision Brake Assist
  • Pre-Collision Acceleration Suppression (low speed)
  • Proactive Driving Assist for pedestrian, vehicle, and cyclist avoidance assistance
  • Lane Departure Prevention
  • Lead Vehicle Start Alert
  • Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Lane Tracing Assist
  • Emergency Driving Stop Assist
  • Road Sign Assist with Vehicle Speed Limit Warning
  • Front Radar Sensor
  • Hands-free driving at speeds slower than 25 MPH on supported roads (Active Navigation subscription required)
  • Automatically resumes driving when traffic starts moving again (Active Navigation subscription required)
  • Assists with changing lanes when the turn signal is activated
  • Front Cross Traffic Alert makes it easier to enter a busy intersection

• Blind-spot monitors
• Parking Support Brake System with object and vehicle detection
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Rear camera detection with pedestrian warning
• Safe Exit Assist
• Panoramic View Monitor (360-degree overhead view) standard on Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT
• Eight airbags: Advanced frontal airbags, front seat side pelvis/torso airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, driver and front passenger knee airbags

Basic Specifications

• Body                      5-passenger SUV
• Wheelbase           112.2 in.
• Length                  184.6 in.
• Height                   65.0 in.
• Width                    73.2 in.
• Ground clearance  8.3 in.
• Base curb weight   4,395 lbs.
• Drivetrain: Synchronous electric motor with integrated transaxle at front and rear axles `
• Horsepower (Solterra):    233 hp
• Horsepower (Solterra XT): 338 hp
• Range:        288 miles Premium/278 miles Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT

Standard Equipment – Solterra Premium

• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Subaru StarDrive® Technology (EV drivetrain)
• Shift-by-wire: rotary shift knob
• Park position button
• Driving Mode Select: Eco, Normal, Power
• Regenerative Braking Force Selection: 5 levels
• EyeSight® Driver Assist Technologies
• 12-volt power outlet
• 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers
• 235/60 R18 103V all-season tires
• 60/40 split-folding rear seatback
• 10-way power driver’s seat, including 2-way power lumbar support w/ two-position memory and Power Easy Access System
• Active Cornering Assist
• Ambient interior lighting
• Automatic climate control with S-Flow HVAC management
• Automatic charging cable lock
• Auto anti-glare inside rear view-mirror with Homelink®
• Vehicle charge port on rightfront fender
• Blindspot monitors
• Brakes: 4-wheel disc with ABS, Brake Assist, Brake Hold, and Brake Override
• Combination meter with 7-inch LCD
• Dark tint privacy glass
• Digital Key (using SubaruConnect app)
• X-Mode® Dual Mode System with Grip Control
• Electronic parking brake
• Electric adaptive power assist steering
• Footwell lighting: Front seat positions
• Heated front seats: 3-mode with auto setting
• Heated exterior mirrors
• Hill-Start Assist Control
• Illuminated inner door handles
• Impact Detection Door Lock Release and Interior Illumination System
• Keyless Access with Power Switch
• LATCH system
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with infotainment, driver-assist control, paddle shift switches
• LED daytime running lights
• LED headlights (multi-beam low and single-beam high)
• My Room Mode: Vehicle accessory operation via external power source while charging
• 14-inch multimedia system with touchscreen; wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto; and available cloud-based navigation (subscription required)
• Parking Support Brake System
• Power door locks, exterior mirrors, and charging door
• Power front and rear windows with one-touch auto up/down
• Power rear door with automatic close and height memory
• Front Cross-Traffic Alert
• Rain-sensing wiper system
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Rear door “ducktail” spoiler
• Rear seat reminder
• Rear vision camera with pedestrian warning and camera washer
• Safe Exit Assist
• SubaruConnect (subscription)
• Intelligent Assistant (subscription)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual wheel display
• Turn signals with one-touch lane changer
• Dual 15W wireless smartphone chargers – front center console, upper
• (Dual) USB-C charge ports – front center console, lower (Driver side input)
• (Dual) USB-C charge ports – rear center console (60W total)
• Upholstery: Black StarTex® 
• Vehicle stability control
• Welcome Lighting
• Windshield wiper deicer

Standard Equipment – Limited/Limited XT adds or substitutes over Premium

• 8-way power front passenger seat
• 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
• 235/50 R20 100V all-season tires
• Advanced Park
• Exterior mirrors: power-folding with integrated turn signals; passenger side auto tilt; two-position memory synchronized with driver’s seat position and footwell lighting
• Harman Kardon® premium speaker system
• Heated rear seats (outboard positions)
• Heated steering wheel: 360-degree Parking Support Brake System (adds pedestrian detection)
• Panoramic View Monitor
• Power rear lift gate with kick to open/close
• Roof-mounted dual-spoiler with aerodynamic fins

Standard Equipment – Touring XT adds or substitutes over Limited/Limited XT

• Digital rear-view mirror camera with view position adjustment and Homelink®
• Ventilated front seats
• LED footwell lighting: front and rear seat positions
• Panoramic moonroof with power sunshade
• Radiant leg warmers: Driver and passenger
• Retractable luggage cover
• Available two-tone paint
• Optional Black and Blue Leather Upholstery

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