A lot-Improved All-Electrical Crossover
Subaru entered the electrical car world in 2023 with the primary technology Solterra SUV, the sister automotive to the Toyota BZ4X. The BZ4X by no means caught the attention of EV savvy shoppers whereas the Solterra did nicely with Subaru house owners.
Not standing nonetheless, Subaru designers and engineers started growing the second technology 2026 Solterra. The result is a markedly spectacular achievement that locations Subaru squarely on purchaser’s purchasing listing for small all-electric SUVs.
Subaru introduced automotive journalists to Denver, Colorado, for first drives of the 2026 Solterra. The general consensus was Subaru has a winner on their palms.
This Flash Drive assessment highlights the 2026 Solterra. Clear Fleet Report will write a extra detailed Street Take a look at assessment within the coming months when we have now an opportunity to spend per week with the car. Till then, listed here are some notes to get began.
- 4 trims: Premium; Restricted; Restricted XT and Touring XT
- Commonplace all-wheel drive (AWD)
- Commonplace X-Mode for enhanced off-road driving
- *New for 2026* Commonplace the North American Charging System (NACS)
- Twin motors
- *New for 2026* Horsepower: Restricted 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 kilos
- *New for 2026* Driving Vary: Premium: 288 miles; Restricted, Restricted XT and Restricted Touring: 278 miles.
Hitting the Street
Easy, on the spot acceleration and torque out there at any velocity is what makes driving an electrical car so fantastic. There is no such thing as a engine or transmission lag, simply seamless energy when wanted. The all-new 2026 Solterra greater than competently delivers all these.
The Solterra shines on the town and on the open street. My drive accomplice and I headed-out from the Populous Resort in downtown Denver in sunny (climbing to close 90º) climate on metropolis streets and freeways. We headed excessive into the Rocky Mountains first via Idaho Springs, on to Nederland, then returning house on the Peak to Peak Byway via Golden Gate Canyon State Park. This was a wonderful check for the Solterra EV because the elevation went from 5,280 toes to only below 9,500 toes, passing majestic peaks reaching 14,000 toes.
With twin motors and AWD, the Solterra delivered spirited acceleration from a cease. When on the freeway at 60 mph and needing to cross visitors, we reached 70 mph shortly. The frenzy of energy was linear and was pulling robust even at 70 mph.
The 5-door, 5-passenger SUV has two drive modes—Regular (default) and Eco. The previous is the place we saved the Solterra for robust and even ascending and descending, solely choosing Eco when long-range cruising on the open street.
The all-new Solterra has paddles on the bottom of the steering wheel for brake regeneration, which replenishes the battery by changing kinetic power into electrical energy when braking or coasting. The regeneration could be elevated 4 ranges with the left paddle or decreased with the proper paddle. The regeneration ranges will not be as robust as we have now examined elsewhere, however with time and follow we acclimated and ended up utilizing the utmost power setting.
The AWD dealing with was stable with a low heart of gravity because the batteries are positioned below the floorboard. We had been driving the Touring XT with Bridgestone Turanza 235/50 all-season tires mounted on 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Eighteen-inch wheels are commonplace on Premium trim whereas Restricted and Restricted XT get 20-inch. The 4-wheel unbiased suspension has MacPherson struts up entrance, a double-wishbone rear suspension and coil springs and stabilizer bars on each ends.
We pushed the Solterra Touring XT onerous at instances, most positively tougher than a household of 4 or 5 would ever do. We discovered corners taken briskly produced little-to-no physique roll. Modulating the accelerator pedal makes use of the regenerative braking, making for the smoothest method to take mountain turns. There have been some very accommodating esses to check higher-speed stability as we easily rolled via with absolute zero concern for loosing grip.
The Solterra is just not a sports activities SUV, and Subaru doesn’t promote it as such. This doesn’t take something away from what Subaru engineers have designed. The fast-ratio electrical energy steering, car dynamics management with all-wheel, all-speed traction management, lively cornering help and torque vectoring will make emergency freeway avoidance maneuvers as secure and managed as potential.
Getting Soiled
Subaru lower an off-highway course via an Aspen forest and a broad, alpine meadow. It was practically too troublesome following the grime path with all the encompassing magnificence. The Solterra is constructed to take average off-roading adventures so tackling a gravel forest street to get to your favourite fly fishing stream or ski cabin is not going to current any points. We had been glad to have 8.3-inches of floor clearance after we engaged X-Mode to descend a steep part. Options of Subaru’s off-road system embody drive settings for Snow, Grime and Deep Snow and Mud, Grip Management and Downhill Help Management.
Slowing and Stopping
The Solterra doesn’t have full one pedal driving, the place it will come to a whole cease via regenerative braking, or extra precisely the electrical motors reversing would convey the automotive to a cease. Subaru did embody a Brake Maintain button that, when engaged and the brake pedal is pushed, holds the Solterra at a cease, eliminating the necessity to press on the brake pedal. This can be a welcome function for anybody that has commuted because it relieves stress on the motive force’s proper leg.
The ventilated entrance and rear anti-lock disc brakes, with digital brake-force distribution and brake help, stopped the Solterra straight with out 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 could be trickle charged with a 120V widespread wall plug, however count on replenish instances to be lengthy and gradual. The perfect wager for house owners shall be to put in a 240V Stage 2 house charger that can ship a full cost in a single day whereas sleeping.
The 2026 Solterra is provided with a North American Charging System (NACS) charging port, giving it entry to hundreds of high-speed Tesla Supercharger stations nationwide. DC quick charging, at a 150 kW most, will go from 10-80% battery capability in round half-hour.
New Platform
The 2026 Solterra has had so many modifications that Garrick Goh, carline planning supervisor for Solterra, mentioned “our attorneys mentioned we might name it all-new.” This is a vital distinction that differs from “refreshed,” because it signifies some severe modifications had been revamped the earlier mannequin. These are a few of what one can find within the 2026 Solterra versus the 2025 Solterra, with a extra detailed listing on the finish of this story.
Modifications from 2025 to 2026 to the Solterra platform embody:
- Entrance subframe redesign
- Radiator assist construction
- Motor mounts
- Steering rack mounting
- Management arms, hubs, wheel bearings, bushings and axles
- Roof construction
- Retuned suspension
- Improved crash construction
- Further sound insulation
- Lighter motors with extra energy
- Elevated vibration-absorbent structural adhesives within the floorpan
Smooth Exterior
The outside design has been up to date with a sleeker entrance finish via modifications to the fascia and lighting. On some trims the choice for color-matched over-fenders was added. The nostril and bumper are curved, resulting in glossy, slim slit LED headlights and illuminated six-star Subaru emblem. Headlight washers shall be appreciated as your Solterra will definitely be getting muddy off-road. Sculpting on the doorways and rear quarter panels added a pleasant contact for the six exterior colour choices.
The entrance and rear overhangs are brief, with low profile roof rails that may assist 700 kilos when parked and 178 kilos when shifting. Relying on the trim, there’s an non-obligatory energy sunroof and foot-activated energy elevate gate. The twin-wing ducktail prime spoiler and a extra standard lip spoiler on the backside of the steeply sloped glass work collectively to maintain the rear glass clear. Slender LED tail lights, with a connecting gentle strip, take-up little house on the rear.
New Inside Design
Driver visibility is superb with skinny A-pillars, a sloping hood and tall home windows. The entrance seats are heated and supportive with energy changes for the motive force and for the passenger in all however the Premium trim. The rear seat holds two comfortably, three in a pinch. The cargo house behind the rear seats will increase when the 60:40 second row break up seat is laid flat.
Seats are coated in SofTex, an artificial leather-based, whereas leather-based seat coverings can be found within the Touring XT.
The usual multimedia system has a 14.0-inch colour touchscreen with a six-speaker audio unit that features SiriusXM, AM/FM radio and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Harmon Kardon premium audio system is non-obligatory as is a digital rearview mirror with Homelink. Navigation, Siri, USB-C ports (4), a 1,500-watt AC outlet and wi-fi telephone charging are commonplace.
Security
Energetic and passive superior driver-assist techniques (ADAS) embody eight airbags, a pre-collision system that features pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering help, full-speed adaptive cruise management, youngster protector rear door locks and energy window lockout, a tire stress monitoring system and an anti-theft system with engine immobilizer.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing has not been introduced, however the projected on-sale date is November 2025. Clear Fleet Report will replace this story when extra particulars can be found.
Ensure that to opt-in to the Clear Fleet Report publication (prime proper of web page) to be notified of all new tales and car opinions, together with after we get the prospect to drive the Solterra with a full report on its efficiency, charging velocity, and driving vary.
Story by John Faulkner. Images by John Faulkner and Subaru.
Options, specs and tools for the 2026 Subaru Solterra Premium, Restricted, Restricted XT and Touring XT
- Solterra is Subaru’s first international all-electric car
- All-electric drivetrain delivers on-demand torque in any respect speeds with driver-selectable energy and regenerative modes
- 5-door SUV providing full vary of Subaru SUV capabilities and superior security know-how
- Commonplace Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- 8.3-inch floor clearance
- Constructed on e-Subaru international platform
- EPA-estimated EV vary of 288 miles for Premium, 278 miles for Restricted, Restricted XT, and Touring XT
New for 2026
- New Solterra Restricted XT and Touring XT:
- Uprated entrance and rear electrical motors for 338 horsepower
- Uprated entrance and rear motors on Solterra, making 233 horsepower
- NACS-style suitable charging port on proper entrance fender
- Twin wi-fi 15W smartphone chargers
- 14-inch Subaru Multimedia touchscreen
- Astro Black Mica fenders and cladding (physique colour on Smoked Carbon and Cosmic White Pearl)
- New entrance lighting signature with illuminated six-star Subaru emblem and headlight washers
- New Subaru badging
- Uprated 74.7-kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery
- 11-kW onboard charger
Key Info / Mechanical
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive by way of synchronous electrical motors with built-in transaxle and energy inverter at entrance and rear axles
- 233 whole horsepower (Solterra)
- 338 whole horsepower (Solterra XT)
- DC fast-charging: 10% to 80% in roughly half-hour
- Cost port built-in into proper fender
- Single-ratio reduction-gear entrance and rear transaxles
- Driving Mode Choose (Eco, Regular Energy)
- Regenerative Braking Pressure Choice (5 settings)
- X-Mode® Twin Mode System
- Snow / Grime and Deep Snow / Mud modesGrip Management
- 4-wheel unbiased suspension
- 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers commonplace on Premium
- 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels on Restricted, Restricted XT and Touring XT
- Energetic Cornering Help
- Hill-Begin Help Management
- Traction Management
- Car stability management (VSC)
Key Info / Design and Perform
- Aerodynamic car under-covers
- Decrease physique cladding in black
- Commonplace low-profile roof rails
- Commonplace ducktail spoiler at backside of rear glass
- Roof-mounted dual-spoiler with aerodynamic fins on Restricted, Restricted XT and Touring XT fashions
- Commonplace 14-inch high-resolution touchscreen
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay® and wi-fi Android Auto™ commonplace
- Clever Assistant with dual-zone voice management for HVAC, audio, telephone, car info, and extra (subscription)
- Sound-insulating windshield and entrance door glass commonplace
- LED daytime operating lights
- LED low- and high-beam headlights with Computerized Excessive Beam commonplace
- Two-position load flooring for optimum cargo and passenger flexibility; as much as 119.5 cu. ft. of passenger + cargo house
Key Info / Security
- Commonplace EyeSight® driver help applied sciences embody:
- Emergency Steering Help
- Intersection Collision Avoidance Help
- Pre-Collision Brake Help
- Pre-Collision Acceleration Suppression (low velocity)
- Proactive Driving Help for pedestrian, car, and bicycle owner avoidance help
- Lane Departure Prevention
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Management with Lane Tracing Help
- Emergency Driving Cease Help
- Street Signal Help with Car Pace Restrict Warning
- Palms-free driving at speeds slower than 25 MPH on supported roads (Energetic Navigation subscription required)
- Routinely resumes driving when visitors begins shifting once more (Energetic Navigation subscription required)
- Assists with altering lanes when the flip sign is activated
- Entrance Cross Visitors Alert makes it simpler to enter a busy intersection
- Blind-spot screens
- Parking Help Brake System with object and car detection
- Rear Cross-Visitors Alert
- Rear digicam detection with pedestrian warning
- Secure Exit Help
- Panoramic View Monitor (360-degree overhead view) commonplace on Restricted, Restricted XT and Touring XT
- Eight airbags: Superior frontal airbags, entrance seat facet pelvis/torso airbags, facet curtain airbags with rollover sensor, driver and entrance passenger knee airbags
Fundamental Specs
- Physique 5-passenger SUV
- Wheelbase 112.2 in.
- Size 184.6 in.
- Top 65.0 in.
- Width 73.2 in.
- Floor clearance 8.3 in.
- Base curb weight 4,395 lbs.
- Drivetrain: Synchronous electrical motor with built-in transaxle at entrance and rear axles `
- Horsepower (Solterra): 233 hp
- Horsepower (Solterra XT): 338 hp
- Vary: 288 miles Premium/278 miles Restricted, Restricted XT and Touring XT
Commonplace Gear – Solterra Premium
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Subaru StarDrive® Expertise (EV drivetrain)
- Shift-by-wire: rotary shift knob
- Park place button
- Driving Mode Choose: Eco, Regular, Energy
- Regenerative Braking Pressure Choice: 5 ranges
- EyeSight® Driver Help Applied sciences
- 12-volt energy outlet
- 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers
- 235/60 R18 103V all-season tires
- 60/40 split-folding rear seatback
- 10-way energy driver’s seat, together with 2-way energy lumbar assist w/ two-position reminiscence and Energy Straightforward Entry System
- Energetic Cornering Help
- Ambient inside lighting
- Computerized local weather management with S-Circulation HVAC administration
- Computerized charging cable lock
- Auto anti-glare inside rear view-mirror with Homelink®
- Car cost port on rightfront fender
- Blindspot screens
- Brakes: 4-wheel disc with ABS, Brake Help, Brake Maintain, and Brake Override
- Mixture meter with 7-inch LCD
- Darkish tint privateness glass
- Digital Key (utilizing SubaruConnect™ app)
- X-Mode® Twin Mode System with Grip Management
- Digital parking brake
- Electrical adaptive energy help steering
- Footwell lighting: Entrance seat positions
- Heated entrance seats: 3-mode with auto setting
- Heated exterior mirrors
- Hill-Begin Help Management
- Illuminated internal door handles
- Influence Detection Door Lock Launch and Inside Illumination System
- Keyless Entry with Energy Change
- LATCH system
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel with infotainment, driver-assist management, paddle shift switches
- LED daytime operating lights
- LED headlights (multi-beam low and single-beam excessive)
- My Room Mode: Car accent operation by way of exterior energy supply whereas charging
- 14-inch multimedia system with touchscreen; wi-fi Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™; and out there cloud-based navigation (subscription required)
- Parking Help Brake System
- Energy door locks, exterior mirrors, and charging door
- Energy entrance and rear home windows with one-touch auto up/down
- Energy rear door with computerized shut and top reminiscence
- Entrance Cross-Visitors Alert
- Rain-sensing wiper system
- Rear Cross-Visitors Alert
- Rear door “ducktail” spoiler
- Rear seat reminder
- Rear imaginative and prescient digicam with pedestrian warning and digicam washer
- Secure Exit Help
- SubaruConnect™ (subscription)
- Clever Assistant (subscription)
- Tire Strain Monitoring System with particular person wheel show
- Flip indicators with one-touch lane changer
- Twin 15W wi-fi smartphone chargers – entrance heart console, higher
- (Twin) USB-C cost ports – entrance heart console, decrease (Driver facet enter)
- (Twin) USB-C cost ports – rear heart console (60W whole)
- Upholstery: Black StarTex®
- Car stability management
- Welcome Lighting
- Windshield wiper deicer
Commonplace Gear – Restricted/Restricted XT provides or substitutes over Premium
- 8-way energy entrance passenger seat
- 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
- 235/50 R20 100V all-season tires
- Superior Park
- Exterior mirrors: power-folding with built-in flip indicators; passenger facet auto tilt; two-position reminiscence synchronized with driver’s seat place and footwell lighting
- Harman Kardon® premium speaker system
- Heated rear seats (outboard positions)
- Heated steering wheel: 360-degree Parking Help Brake System (provides pedestrian detection)
- Panoramic View Monitor
- Energy rear elevate gate with kick to open/shut
- Roof-mounted dual-spoiler with aerodynamic fins
Commonplace Gear – Touring XT provides or substitutes over Restricted/Restricted XT
- Digital rear-view mirror digicam with view place adjustment and Homelink®
- Ventilated entrance seats
- LED footwell lighting: entrance and rear seat positions
- Panoramic moonroof with energy sunshade
- Radiant leg heaters: Driver and passenger
- Retractable baggage cowl
- Accessible two-tone paint
- Non-obligatory Black and Blue Leather-based Upholstery
