When Subaru first launched the Solterra in the US, it was a solid first attempt at an electric car, but it arrived with a few asterisks. Its driving range was modest to say the least, and its charging speed could test your patience. For its second act, the 2026 Subaru Solterra is delivering big upgrades in nearly every category. The most surprising part? Subaru is doing all this while holding the line on the starting price.
The headline improvement for the 2026 Subaru Solterra is its newfound stamina. The original model's 227 miles range was a tough sell in a market full of long-legged EVs. Subaru took that feedback seriously, fitting the new Solterra with a larger 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. This new power pack pushes the estimated driving range up to 288 miles. That is a decent enough jump to move the Solterra from a city-focused crossover to a capable road-tripper.
To complement the bigger battery, Subaru also overhauled the charging experience. The 2026 Solterra now comes standard with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, granting it access to Tesla's vast Supercharger network of over 15,000 chargers across the country. A new battery preconditioning system helps prepare the battery for optimal charging speeds, especially in cold weather, and allows the Solterra to charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.
Subaru is also injecting extra performance into its electric crossover. The 2026 Solterra lineup is now split into two distinct power levels. The base Premium and mid-range Limited trims receive a power bump to 233 horsepower. Two new "XT" trims, the Limited XT and the range-topping Touring XT, get improved front and rear motors that work together to deliver a combined 388 horsepower, transforming the Solterra into a surprisingly quick and responsive vehicle.
Of course, a Subaru wouldn't be a Subaru without its signature all-terrain capability. The 2026 Solterra features an updated version of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, a staple of the brand for decades. An improved drive controller helps optimize power delivery in slippery conditions, while the generous 21 cm of ground clearance remains. The driver can also use Subaru's X-Mode system, which offers tailored settings for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud.
Inside and out, the 2026 Solterra gets a fresh look and feel. The exterior design is updated with a new "EV lightning signature," redesigned headlights and taillamps, a new rear spoiler, and an illuminated version of the brand's iconic six-star logo.
The cabin gets a major upgrade with a standard 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system on all trims, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is all built on a new platform with a revised front subframe and a retuned suspension, which promises a quieter and more comfortable ride with improved battery protection.
But the most compelling part of this story is the price. Despite the long list of improvements, the 2026 Subaru Solterra Premium starts at $38,495 in the US, the exact same price as the outgoing model. The value proposition gets even better with the Limited trim - its price dropped by $600 to $41,395. The new Touring XT model tops the range at $45,555.
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