Automotive
Subaru’s first electric vehicle didn’t exactly land with a bang, but that’s changing fast. With a major overhaul for the 2026 model year, the Subaru Solterra has transformed from a forgettable EV into a genuinely competitive contender in the electric crossover space. Revealed at the New York International Auto Show, the updated Solterra gains sharper styling, serious improvements in range and performance, and a much-needed tech upgrade—all while retaining Subaru’s signature all-wheel-drive identity.
Visually, the 2026 Solterra is far more confident in its own skin. The awkward ties to its Toyota bZ4X cousin are finally severed, most notably at the front. Gone is the vestigial grille and harsh surfacing, replaced by a smoother bumper and a more cohesive design that looks and feels like a Subaru. The headlights now feature a split-style arrangement with six LED elements per side, and the high-mounted daytime running lights give the face a futuristic edge. Subaru’s illuminated six-star emblem sits proudly up front, while the rear gets a cleaner look with a full-width wordmark replacing the old blue logo.
The updates continue inside, though they’re more about refinement than reinvention. The biggest news is a huge 14-inch infotainment screen—the largest Subaru has ever offered—mounted prominently in the center stack. A redesigned console brings two wireless phone chargers and still leaves room for an open storage shelf underneath, keeping the cabin practical. Most other interior elements carry over, but the new tech centerpiece helps the Solterra feel more modern, especially compared to the outdated cabin of the outgoing model.
The most meaningful improvements, however, are found beneath the skin. Subaru has squeezed significantly more range out of the same basic hardware. Using a slightly upsized 74.7-kWh battery, the 2026 Solterra now promises up to 285 miles on a full charge—a massive leap from the previous 227-mile estimate. Subaru hasn’t detailed exactly how it managed the efficiency gains, but it’s likely a mix of software, thermal management, and possibly revised drivetrain tuning.
Power is also up slightly in the base dual-motor setup, now delivering 233 horsepower. But the real surprise is the introduction of the Solterra XT trim, which turns things up with 338 horsepower—making it one of the most powerful Subarus ever built, only narrowly edged out by the new Trailseeker EV. With standard all-wheel drive and multiple drive modes via X-Mode, including Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud, the Solterra is still aiming for outdoorsy credibility. It even keeps hill descent control, a rare feature among its EV peers.
Charging is another area where the 2026 Solterra finally catches up. The new model adopts the NACS connector for access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, and DC fast-charging speed jumps from 100 kW to 150 kW. With a pre-conditioning system to prep the battery before plugging in, Subaru says a 10–80 percent charge still takes around 35 minutes—but now you’re getting more miles for your time.
No, the Solterra still isn’t leading the segment in any one spec, but it’s no longer dragging behind either. Its improved range and faster charging put it shoulder to shoulder with popular electric crossovers like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Chevrolet Equinox EV. The de-Toyota’d design helps it fit in more naturally among Subaru’s own lineup, while the introduction of the larger Trailseeker gives buyers a clear choice depending on space and power needs.
After a slow and shaky start in the EV space, Subaru has found its footing. The 2026 Solterra may not be revolutionary, but it’s exactly the kind of evolution the brand needed to stay relevant in a rapidly changing market. For longtime Subaru fans—and new EV shoppers alike—it’s finally a compelling option.
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