2026 Subaru Solterra XT First Drive

DENVER—Many called Subaru’s entry into the world of electric vehicles lukewarm. An effort that lacked ultimate conviction. If we’re being honest, with the original 2023 Subaru Solterra, these claims weren’t wholly unfounded.

The Solterra was a decent electric vehicle which offered some of the usual Subaru advantages, like off-road prowess compared to the competitive set. We were pleased well enough when we first drove it, but ultimately, it lacked the power, range, and the charging speed of many of its rivals. Unless one absolutely wanted an electric Subaru above all else, there were other appealing options.

But over the past six months, Subaru has been on an onslaught in the electric vehicle landscape. Two new, very appealing models have been introduced, the larger Trailseeker and smaller Uncharted. More importantly though, the Solterra, which competes in one of the hottest market segments, has received a major overhaul, rectifying many of the previous model’s weaknesses.

The biggest change to the outside of the 2026 Solterra is the front end. The vehicle now wears the same fascia found on Subaru’s other upcoming EVs. The six LED running lights are a key styling cue, playing off the brand’s six-star emblem. Central to the nose is that Subaru logo, which can be illuminated at night.

To better differentiate the Solterra from the more off-road orientate Trailseeker, it’s now possible to get the Solterra with body colored fender moldings, depending on trim and color choice. Lower trims of the new vehicle will feature 18-inch wheels, while higher trims get 20-inch wheels. One omission still on the Solterra; no rear wiper.

The headline-stealing updates are all found under the sheet metal. The Solterra has increased horsepower, which is either mild or wild depending on trim. In the United States, the dual-motor Premium trim now has 233 hp, which is a modest bump from the current model’s 215 hp. It’s the XT though that gets the serious shot of power. Those dual motors combine to unleash 338 hp, which is a 57% increase compared to the 2025 Solterra.

This extra oomph comes from a 167 kW front motor and an 88 kW rear motor. It’s enough thrust to propel the electric SUV from 0-60 mph in under five seconds. All Canadian versions of the 2026 Solterra include the 338 hp dual motor set-up which means they all can go from 0-100 km/h in under five seconds as well.

When driving electric vehicles under normal conditions, it’s harder to discern the power increase as instant torque has a way of exaggerating power delivery. When the mood strikes though, and the accelerate is pressed to the floor, the extra ponies are apparent at any speed. Like so many EVs, the Solterra has hilarious amounts of acceleration for a family adventure SUV.

More than just added power, Subaru’s engineers have been able to extract more range as well. It’s incredible to think of a vehicle gaining 57% more power and 25% more range, but here we are. With the added distance, the Solterra is capable of driving 285 miles (450+ km) on a single charge. Although much improved, it would be nice if Subaru can eclipse that 300 mile mark in the coming years.

Part of the reason for the added range is a slightly larger battery. How large that battery is depends on which country the Solterra is purchased in. For American consumers, it’s 74.7 kWh. For Canadian customers, it’s a 77.0 kWh battery pack. The difference in size relates to where the batteries are sourced for each region.

Regardless of battery, the Solterra comes with an 11 kW on-board charger and a pre-conditioner for quicker fast charging in various weather conditions. It’s now capable of charging at speeds up to 150 kW. For the American Solterra, that means it’s capable of recharging from 10% battery life to 80% in 30 minutes. For Canadian Solterra’s, the slightly larger battery does the same feat in 35 minutes. Charging can also be done at a good deal more stations now as the Solterra includes a NACS charging port which allows it to use the Tesla Supercharger network.

Along with the technology covered thus far, other Solterra highlights include dual wireless phone chargers, a 360-degree camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED lighting, and power driver’s seat.

Every trim of the Solterra includes EyeSight safety technology standard, featuring all the usual active safety systems, as well as blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert. More than just safety technology, the 2026 Subaru Solterra receives updated crash structure improvements, specifically around the battery.

The Solterra was always a good platform and solid vehicle. It just trailed a few steps behind the competition in some key areas. With the 2026 refresh, Subaru has addressed these short comings and then some.

Pricing and other details will be available closer to launch later this year. If Subaru can keep pricing around the same point as the current 2025 model, anyone looking at the small-to-mid size all-electric SUV segment should have the Solterra on their radar.

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