Much-Improved All-Electric Crossover
Subaru entered the electric vehicle world in 2023 with the first generation Solterra SUV, the sister car to the Toyota BZ4X. The BZ4X never caught the eye of EV savvy consumers while the Solterra did well with Subaru owners.
Not standing still, Subaru designers and engineers began developing the second generation 2026 Solterra. The outcome is a markedly impressive achievement that places Subaru squarely on buyer’s shopping list for small all-electric SUVs.
Subaru brought automotive journalists to Denver, Colorado, for first drives of the 2026 Solterra. The overall consensus was Subaru has a winner on their hands.
This Flash Drive review highlights the 2026 Solterra. Clean Fleet Report will write a more detailed Road Test review in the coming months when we have a chance to spend a week with the vehicle. Until then, here are some notes to get started.
Four trims: Premium; Limited; Limited XT and Touring XT
Standard all-wheel drive (AWD)
Standard X-Mode for enhanced off-road driving
*New for 2026*Standard the North American Charging System (NACS)
Dual motors
*New for 2026*Horsepower: Limited 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 pounds
*New for 2026*Driving Range: Premium: 288 miles; Limited, Limited XT and Limited Touring: 278 miles.
Hitting the Road
Smooth, instant acceleration and torque available at any speed is what makes driving an electric vehicle so wonderful. There is no engine or transmission lag, just seamless power when needed. The all-new 2026 Solterra more than competently delivers all those.
The Solterra shines in town and on the open road. My drive partner and I headed-out from the Populous Hotel in downtown Denver in sunny (climbing to near 90º) weather on city streets and freeways. We headed high into the Rocky Mountains first through Idaho Springs, on to Nederland, then returning home on the Peak to Peak Byway through Golden Gate Canyon State Park. This was an excellent test for the Solterra EV as the elevation went from 5,280 feet to just under 9,500 feet, passing majestic peaks reaching 14,000 feet.
With dual motors and AWD, the Solterra delivered spirited acceleration from a stop. When on the freeway at 60 mph and needing to pass traffic, we reached 70 mph quickly. The rush of power was linear and was pulling strong even at 70 mph.
The 5-door, 5-passenger SUV has two drive modes—Normal (default) and Eco. The former is where we kept the Solterra for strong and even ascending and descending, only opting for Eco when long-range cruising on the open road.
The all-new Solterra has paddles on the backside of the steering wheel for brake regeneration, which replenishes the battery by converting kinetic energy into electricity when braking or coasting. The regeneration can be increased four levels with the left paddle or decreased with the right paddle. The regeneration levels are not as strong as we have tested elsewhere, but with time and practice we acclimated and ended up using the maximum strength setting.
The AWD handling was solid with a low center of gravity as the batteries are placed under the floorboard. We were driving the Touring XT with Bridgestone Turanza 235/50 all-season tires mounted on 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on Premium trim while Limited and Limited XT get 20-inch. The 4-wheel independent suspension has MacPherson struts up front, a double-wishbone rear suspension and coil springs and stabilizer bars on both ends.
We pushed the Solterra Touring XT hard at times, most definitely harder than a family of four or five would ever do. We learned corners taken briskly produced little-to-no body roll. Modulating the accelerator pedal utilizes the regenerative braking, making for the smoothest way to take mountain turns. There were some very accommodating esses to test higher-speed stability as we smoothly rolled through with absolute zero concern for loosing grip.
The Solterra is not a sports SUV, and Subaru does not market it as such. This does not take anything away from what Subaru engineers have designed. The quick-ratio electric power steering, vehicle dynamics control with all-wheel, all-speed traction control, active cornering assist and torque vectoring will make emergency highway avoidance maneuvers as safe and controlled as possible.
Getting Dirty
Subaru cut an off-highway course through an Aspen forest and a broad, alpine meadow. It was nearly too difficult following the dirt trail with all the surrounding beauty. The Solterra is built to take moderate off-roading adventures so tackling a gravel forest road to get to your favorite fly fishing stream or ski cabin will not present any issues. We were glad to have 8.3-inches of ground clearance when we engaged X-Mode to descend a steep section. Features of Subaru’s off-road system include drive settings for Snow, Dirt and Deep Snow and Mud, Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control.
Slowing and Stopping
The Solterra does not have full one pedal driving, where it would come to a complete stop through regenerative braking, or more accurately the electric motors reversing would bring the car to a stop. Subaru did include a Brake Hold button that, when engaged and the brake pedal is pushed, holds the Solterra at a stop, eliminating the need to press on the brake pedal. This is a welcome feature for anyone that has commuted as it relieves pressure on the driver’s right leg.
The ventilated front and rear anti-lock disc brakes, with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, stopped the Solterra straight without 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 can be trickle charged with a 120V common wall plug, but expect replenish times to be long and slow. The best bet for owners will be to install a 240V Level 2 home charger that will deliver a full charge overnight while sleeping.
The 2026 Solterra is equipped with a North American Charging System (NACS) charging port, giving it access to thousands of high-speed Tesla Supercharger stations nationwide. DC fast charging, at a 150 kW maximum, will go from 10-80% battery capacity in around 30 minutes.
New Platform
The 2026 Solterra has had so many changes that Garrick Goh, carline planning manager for Solterra, said “our attorneys said we could call it all-new.” This is an important distinction that differs from “refreshed,” as it indicates some serious changes were made over the previous model. These are some of what you will find in the 2026 Solterra versus the 2025 Solterra, with a more detailed list at the end of this story.
Changes from 2025 to 2026 to the Solterra platform include:
Front subframe redesign
Radiator support structure
Motor mounts
Steering rack mounting
Control arms, hubs, wheel bearings, bushings and axles
Roof structure
Retuned suspension
Improved crash structure
Additional sound insulation
Lighter motors with more power
Increased vibration-absorbent structural adhesives in the floorpan
Sleek Exterior
The exterior design has been updated with a sleeker front end through changes to the fascia and lighting. On some trims the option for color-matched over-fenders was added. The nose and bumper are curved, leading to sleek, narrow slit LED headlights and illuminated six-star Subaru logo. Headlight washers will be appreciated as your Solterra will certainly be getting muddy off-road. Sculpting on the doors and rear quarter panels added a nice touch for the six exterior color options.
The front and rear overhangs are short, with low profile roof rails that can support 700 pounds when parked and 178 pounds when moving. Depending on the trim, there is an optional power sunroof and foot-activated power lift gate. The dual-wing ducktail top spoiler and a more conventional lip spoiler at the bottom of the steeply sloped glass work together to keep the rear glass clean. Narrow LED tail lights, with a connecting light strip, take-up little space on the rear.
New Interior Design
Driver visibility is very good with thin A-pillars, a sloping hood and tall windows. The front seats are heated and supportive with power adjustments for the driver and for the passenger in all but the Premium trim. The rear seat holds two comfortably, three in a pinch. The cargo space behind the rear seats increases when the 60:40 second row split seat is laid flat.
Seats are covered in SofTex, a synthetic leather, while leather seat coverings are available in the Touring XT.
The standard multimedia system has a 14.0-inch color touchscreen with a six-speaker audio unit that includes SiriusXM, AM/FM radio and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Harmon Kardon premium audio system is optional as is a digital rearview mirror with Homelink. Navigation, Siri, USB-C ports (4), a 1,500-watt AC outlet and wireless phone charging are standard.
Safety
Active and passive advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) include eight airbags, a pre-collision system that includes pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, full-speed adaptive cruise control, child protector rear door locks and power window lockout, a tire pressure monitoring system and an anti-theft system with engine immobilizer.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing and on-sale dates have not been announced. Clean Fleet Report will update this story when both are available.
Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews, including when we get the chance to drive the Solterra with a full report on its performance, charging speed, and driving range.
Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Subaru.
Features, specifications and equipment for the 2026 Subaru Solterra Premium, Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT
Solterra is Subaru’s first global all-electric vehicle
All-electric drivetrain delivers on-demand torque at all speeds with driver-selectable power and regenerative modes
Five-door SUV offering full range of Subaru SUV capabilities and advanced safety technology
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
8.3-inch ground clearance
Built on e-Subaru global platform
EPA-estimated EV range of 288 miles for Premium, 278 miles for Limited, Limited XT, and Touring XT
New for 2026
New Solterra Limited XT and Touring XT:
Uprated front and rear electric motors for 338 horsepower
Uprated front and rear motors on Solterra, making 233 horsepower
NACS-style compatible charging port on right front fender
Dual wireless 15W smartphone chargers
14-inch Subaru Multimedia touchscreen
Astro Black Mica fenders and cladding (body color on Smoked Carbon and Cosmic White Pearl)
New front lighting signature with illuminated six-star Subaru logo and headlight washers
New Subaru badging
Uprated 74.7-kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery
11-kW onboard charger
Key Facts / Mechanical
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive via synchronous electric motors with integrated transaxle and power inverter at front and rear axles
233 total horsepower (Solterra)
338 total horsepower (Solterra XT)
DC fast-charging: 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes
Charge port integrated into right fender
Single-ratio reduction-gear front and rear transaxles
Driving Mode Select (Eco, Normal Power)
Regenerative Braking Force Selection (5 settings)
X-Mode® Dual Mode SystemSnow / Dirt and Deep Snow / Mud modesGrip Control
Downhill Assist Control
Four-wheel independent suspension
18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers standard on Premium
20-inch aluminum alloy wheels on Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT
Active Cornering Assist
Hill-Start Assist Control
Traction Control
Vehicle stability control (VSC)
Key Facts / Design and Function
Aerodynamic vehicle under-covers
Lower body cladding in black
Standard low-profile roof rails
Standard ducktail spoiler at bottom of rear glass
Roof-mounted dual-spoiler with aerodynamic fins on Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT models
Standard 14-inch high-resolution touchscreen
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto standard
Intelligent Assistant with dual-zone voice control for HVAC, audio, phone, vehicle information, and more (subscription)
Sound-insulating windshield and front door glass standard
LED daytime running lights
LED low- and high-beam headlights with Automatic High Beam standard
Two-position load floor for maximum cargo and passenger flexibility; up to 119.5 cu. ft. of passenger + cargo space
Key Facts / Safety
Standard EyeSight® driver assist technologies include:Emergency Steering AssistIntersection Collision Avoidance SupportPre-Collision Brake AssistPre-Collision Acceleration Suppression (low speed)Proactive Driving Assist for pedestrian, vehicle, and cyclist avoidance assistanceLane Departure PreventionLead Vehicle Start AlertDynamic Radar Cruise Control with Lane Tracing AssistEmergency Driving Stop AssistRoad Sign Assist with Vehicle Speed Limit WarningFront Radar SensorHands-free driving at speeds slower than 25 MPH on supported roads (Active Navigation subscription required)Automatically resumes driving when traffic starts moving again (Active Navigation subscription required)Assists with changing lanes when the turn signal is activated
Front Cross Traffic Alert makes it easier to enter a busy intersection
Blind-spot monitors
Parking Support Brake System with object and vehicle detection
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Rear camera detection with pedestrian warning
Safe Exit Assist
Panoramic View Monitor (360-degree overhead view) standard on Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT
Eight airbags: Advanced frontal airbags, front seat side pelvis/torso airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, driver and front passenger knee airbags
Basic Specifications
Body 5-passenger SUV
Wheelbase 112.2 in.
Length 184.6 in.
Height 65.0 in.
Width 73.2 in.
Ground clearance 8.3 in.
Base curb weight 4,395 lbs.
Drivetrain: Synchronous electric motor with integrated transaxle at front and rear axles `
Horsepower (Solterra): 233 hp
Horsepower (Solterra XT): 338 hp
Range: 288 miles Premium/278 miles Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT
Standard Equipment – Solterra Premium
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Subaru StarDrive® Technology (EV drivetrain)
Shift-by-wire: rotary shift knob
Park position button
Driving Mode Select: Eco, Normal, Power
Regenerative Braking Force Selection: 5 levels
EyeSight® Driver Assist Technologies
12-volt power outlet
18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers
235/60 R18 103V all-season tires
60/40 split-folding rear seatback
10-way power driver’s seat, including 2-way power lumbar support w/ two-position memory and Power Easy Access System
Active Cornering Assist
Ambient interior lighting
Automatic climate control with S-Flow HVAC management
Automatic charging cable lock
Auto anti-glare inside rear view-mirror with Homelink®
Vehicle charge port on rightfront fender
Blindspot monitors
Brakes: 4-wheel disc with ABS, Brake Assist, Brake Hold, and Brake Override
Combination meter with 7-inch LCD
Dark tint privacy glass
Digital Key (using SubaruConnect app)
X-Mode® Dual Mode System with Grip Control
Electronic parking brake
Electric adaptive power assist steering
Footwell lighting: Front seat positions
Heated front seats: 3-mode with auto setting
Heated exterior mirrors
Hill-Start Assist Control
Illuminated inner door handles
Impact Detection Door Lock Release and Interior Illumination System
Keyless Access with Power Switch
LATCH system
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with infotainment, driver-assist control, paddle shift switches
LED daytime running lights
LED headlights (multi-beam low and single-beam high)
My Room Mode: Vehicle accessory operation via external power source while charging
14-inch multimedia system with touchscreen; wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto; and available cloud-based navigation (subscription required)
Parking Support Brake System
Power door locks, exterior mirrors, and charging door
Power front and rear windows with one-touch auto up/down
Power rear door with automatic close and height memory
Front Cross-Traffic Alert
Rain-sensing wiper system
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Rear door “ducktail” spoiler
Rear seat reminder
Rear vision camera with pedestrian warning and camera washer
Safe Exit Assist
SubaruConnect (subscription)
Intelligent Assistant (subscription)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual wheel display
Turn signals with one-touch lane changer
Dual 15W wireless smartphone chargers – front center console, upper
(Dual) USB-C charge ports – front center console, lower (Driver side input)
(Dual) USB-C charge ports – rear center console (60W total)
Upholstery: Black StarTex®
Vehicle stability control
Welcome Lighting
Windshield wiper deicer
Standard Equipment – Limited/Limited XT adds or substitutes over Premium
8-way power front passenger seat
20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
235/50 R20 100V all-season tires
Advanced Park
Exterior mirrors: power-folding with integrated turn signals; passenger side auto tilt; two-position memory synchronized with driver’s seat position and footwell lighting
Harman Kardon® premium speaker system
Heated rear seats (outboard positions)
Heated steering wheel: 360-degree Parking Support Brake System (adds pedestrian detection)
Panoramic View Monitor
Power rear lift gate with kick to open/close
Roof-mounted dual-spoiler with aerodynamic fins
Standard Equipment – Touring XT adds or substitutes over Limited/Limited XT
Digital rear-view mirror camera with view position adjustment and Homelink®
Ventilated front seats
LED footwell lighting: front and rear seat positions
Panoramic moonroof with power sunshade
Radiant leg warmers: Driver and passenger
Retractable luggage cover
Available two-tone paint
Optional Black and Blue Leather Upholstery
The post Flash Drive: 2026 Subaru Solterra EV first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.
