Subaru is poised to introduce a significantly revamped version of its inaugural all-electric vehicle, the Solterra, for the 2026 model year. This updated iteration of the Solterra, a collaborative effort in development with automotive giant Toyota, is slated to arrive later in the current year, boasting a comprehensive suite of enhancements. These improvements encompass a refreshed exterior design, the integration of a larger capacity battery pack, a notable increase in overall power output, and the introduction of a brand-new, higher-performance XT trim level, signaling Subaru's commitment to evolving its electric vehicle offering.
The 2026 Solterra showcases a thoroughly updated design language, most notably in its front-end aesthetics. Subaru has undertaken a significant revision of the front fascia, endowing the Solterra with its distinctive new electric vehicle lighting signature, which includes a prominently illuminated logo. Complementing this are newly designed headlights that contribute to a more modern and assertive appearance, a restyled front bumper that enhances both form and potentially aerodynamics, and a selection of fresh wheel designs available in both 20-inch and 18-inch diameters, allowing for customization of the vehicle's stance and visual appeal.
Moving to the rear of the vehicle, the most conspicuous alteration is the replacement of Subaru's traditional six-star logo with a new, straightforward "Subaru" wordmark positioned between the taillight assemblies. Despite this change in branding, the Solterra retains its stylish roof spoiler, a design element that contributes to both its visual appeal and potentially its aerodynamic efficiency. Interestingly, select models of the 2026 Solterra will feature color-matched front fenders, a departure from the more rugged aesthetic of the outgoing model and a move towards a more streamlined and cohesive appearance. While the new styling direction appears to soften some of the previous model's more aggressive lines, certain areas, such as the region below the headlights, still present a somewhat unconventional or awkward visual integration.
Inside the cabin, the 2026 Solterra benefits from a reconfigured center console, designed to improve ergonomics and potentially offer more storage solutions. The centerpiece of the interior updates is the introduction of a new, expansive 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen display. This larger screen provides a more immersive and user-friendly interface and comes equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard, facilitating seamless integration of smartphone functionality. Furthermore, the 2026 Solterra comes standard with Subaru's acclaimed EyeSight driver assistance technology. This comprehensive suite of safety features includes functionalities such as pre-collision braking to mitigate potential accidents, front cross-traffic alert to enhance awareness at intersections, blind spot monitoring to aid in safer lane changes, adaptive cruise control for a more relaxed driving experience on highways, and a range of other advanced safety systems designed to enhance driver and passenger safety.
The standard 2026 Subaru Solterra features an enhanced all-wheel-drive system, a hallmark of the Subaru brand, along with a generous 8.3 inches of ground clearance, providing capability for light off-road excursions and improved handling in various weather conditions. The dual-motor powertrain in the standard model now produces 233 horsepower, representing an increase of 18 horsepower compared to the 2025 model, promising improved acceleration and overall performance. The newly introduced XT trim level also utilizes a dual-motor setup, but with a significantly boosted total system output of 338 horsepower. Subaru claims that this more potent powertrain will propel the Solterra XT from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in under five seconds, indicating a substantial leap in performance. The five-seat crossover is also equipped with a larger 74.7-kilowatt-hour battery pack, an upgrade from the 72.8-kWh pack listed for the 2025 model, suggesting an improvement in driving range. Notably, the updated Solterra comes standard with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, granting it access to the extensive network of Tesla Superchargers, significantly expanding charging options for owners. The vehicle will support rapid charging, allowing for a 10 to 80 percent charge in under 35 minutes at charging speeds of up to 150 kilowatts.
Subaru has also incorporated a new battery preconditioning system into the updated Solterra. This intelligent system optimizes the battery temperature before charging, particularly in colder climates, which can lead to faster and more efficient charging. As a result of these improvements, the updated Solterra boasts a significantly enhanced estimated driving range of over 285 miles on a single charge, a substantial increase compared to the 227-mile rating of the 2025 model, addressing a key concern for many potential electric vehicle buyers.
Subaru plans to announce the official pricing for the 2026 Solterra closer to its on-sale date, which is anticipated to occur sometime later this year. For reference, the 2025 Solterra has a starting price of $39,915, which includes a destination charge of $1,420. Interestingly, despite being the model year prior to this significant update, Subaru Solterra sales experienced a remarkable jump of 172.9 percent in the first quarter of 2025, indicating growing consumer interest in Subaru's electric vehicle offering and suggesting that the comprehensively updated 2026 model is poised for even greater success.