In 2023 Subaru introduced their first EV, the Solterra. (Those playing at home will remember that it was co-developed with Toyota, and was also sold as the Toyota bZ4X.) Well, time moves quickly, and here we are testing what Subaru says is an all-new 2026 model. While we might argue it’s more of a serious refresh, it’s still a major improvement in many ways. Let’s take a test drive!

Hello Handsome!

The 2026 model starts things off on the right foot with a freshened exterior that’s handsome, but still unmistakably Subaru and Solterra.

Up front, there’s a new look, where the previous creased, pushed-in nose has been smoothed out, featuring a new six-star illuminated logo, new segmented LED headlights with a signature daytime running light dividing them up, and a new front bumper that looks cleaner, simplified and more cohesive.

The profile is unchanged, with a small greenhouse and swept-back a and c-pillars keeping a sporty, aggressive look. On our tester, the fender flares were a contrasting gloss black, but on certain colors they are now body-colore for a more sophisticated, if slightly less sporty vibe. Adding to that, our XT enjoyed newly designed 20-inch alloy wheels that really fill out the wheel wells.

The rear is also remians familiar, with changes being kept to a new rear badge, rear gate garnish and spoiler to add some aero cred. Finishing off our tester was a handsome gray-blue that Subaru calls Harbor Mist Gray Pearl. It’s an attractive shade that sells both elegance and sport. All in all, we’d call the Solterra a handsome SUV.

Upgraded Interior

There’s a new feeling of spaciousness when you open the door, thanks to a simplification of the dashboard, and a center info-tainment display that looks more integrated to the design.   We also loved our tester’s classy two-tone interior with rich blue accents, and a panoramic sunroof that bathes the interior in light, makes this a friendly place to be.

Like the exterior, the interior gets a fresh look and also adds some enhanced tech.  

The driver’s display remains high above the steering wheel, creating a heads-up display look that puts things more in your line of sight. It’s also supposed to make you feel you’re sitting lower in the vehicle, more sports sedan than SUV.

When this design motif first came out, it bugged us – we’re used to looking through the wheel to get info, but once you get used to it, it works fine. The info itself is nicely presented, and you can call up key info easily. All good here.

Because of the layout, the steering wheel sits a bit lower, but Subaru squares off the top and bottom of the wheel, giving you more legroom.  Interestingly, the equally updated Toyota bZ keeps a round steering wheel.

Info-tainment takes a big step up, with a larger 14-inch touchscreen (up from 12.3), that’s also more horizontal for a pleasing effect, and doesn’t look like a large monolith stuck on the dash. That large screen also looks great, and we happily used our WAZE app, and enjoyed easy hook up with wireless Apple CarPlay. Android Auto is also included. We also liked the operating system, just say “Hey Subaru” and loads of everyday actions can be handled by voice control – very cool.

With the larger screen, the majority of the climate controls are now on-screen, but by keeping certain things dedicated, like controls for the climate-controlled front seats, heated wheel, and nice rotating knobs for temp, it’s quick and easy to get comfy. We also applaud Subaru for continuing to offer a volume knob at the bottom of the display.

New dual wireless charging pads for your smartphones make keeping juiced up easy, and the rotating knob gear selector is large and falls right to hand. Those in back will appreciate high-power USB-C chargers as well.

Making the most of the layout an open area beneath the center console is a great place to stow stuff you’ll want handy, and it’s a good thing, because our only gripe with the Solterra’s interior is the lack of a traditional glovebox.

The glovebox went with good cause – radiant leg warmers that are linked to the heated seats use less energy to warm things up than traditional sources. So you’re probably getting a bit more range while losing a bit of storage.

Otherwise, spending time in the Solterra is great. The front seats are very supportive and comfy, the rear seats surprisingly spacious for adults, and cargo space is generous as well – not always the case with an EV’s larger batteries. Need more room? The rear seats fold easily to create a flat loading floor.

More Power, More Range, Mo Better!

Hands down, we think the driving experience is the best part of the 2026 Solterra.

We like power, so we’re happy to report that the 2026 Solterra gets a nice bump to 233 horsepower– up from the previous model’s 215. Better yet, is the XT model like our tester, serves up a powerful 338 horsepower.

And it is powerful. We estimate 0-60 mph in the mid 4-second range, and that’s plenty fast – especially off the line, where all that oomph is available immediately. This added power transforms the Solterra from a nice, friendly EV to one with real performance that will make drivers smile.

The range will make you smile, too. The lower-powered models enjoy an estimated range of 285 miles, up more than 25% of the previous model! And the XT model is no slouch, with an equally impressive with a range of 278 miles.

Charging is good, and the new high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack charges from 10% to 80% in about 28 minutes. Even more important, the Solterra features a NACS charging port that allow Subaru EV owners to charge at more than 15,000 Tesla Superchargers across North America.

The Solterra is more than just powerful and long legged, the suspension is improved as well, with a new all-wheel drive system that integrates for improved driving performance on- and off-roads.  And the ride and handling blend is excellent, too. You really feel the improvements on the road – responsive handling, delightful steering combine with a supple ride that makes it an easy vehicle for the daily grind or a twisty road.  

It’s not always easy to do, but we feel that the changes  adds up to one of those vehicles that just feels right and drives great as soon as you get in. We’d recommended it over the previous model just on that alone!

And How Much, Better?

Another great point, the Solterra remains mindful of your wallet. You can get into the new Solterra Premium starting at $38,495, with that added power, longer range, standard All Wheel Drive and enhanced charging, we think the entry-level model’s a great value.

Moving up to our top-of-the-line, much-more-powerful, XT tester, prices start at $45,855. We think you get a lot for that money, and if you can stretch to that price point, it’s well spent. The sole option on our tester was the  Harbor Mist Gray Pearl Two Tone ($970). Add in $1,450 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $48,275.

So with all of the changes also going to the Toyota bZ, it’s worth looking at as well. Toyota actually offers a less expensive front wheel drive model – but it’s also much less powerful with only 168 horsepower. Comparably equipped to our XT, the 2026 bZ comes in at just a hair less at $47,330. A slightly different nose, a round steering wheel vs. the Subie’s squared off one seem to be the major differences. It’s really whether you’re a Subie or Toyota fan. That’s also true for the larger Uncharted EV.

Another fave of ours is the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and we’d go for the new, off-road styled XRT model, at $47,875. It’s still more of a 5-door hatch, where the Solterra has more of a crossover/SUV vibe. We say test drive and compare and choose which one speaks to you – they are all great choices!

Enhanced inside and out, with new tech and excellent performance – especially in the XT model – the all-new, 2026 Subaru Solterra is a major improvement and a great EV!