If you’ve been waiting for Subaru to spice up their electric SUV game, your patience might finally pay off. The Japanese automaker just pulled the wraps off the refreshed 2026 Solterra at the New York motor show, and there’s plenty to get excited about – especially if you’re the type who wants a bit more punch from your electric ride.
What’s New for 2026?
The biggest headline grabber is the introduction of the XT flagship model. Think of it as the performance variant that Solterra needed from day one. While the standard model gets a modest power bump to 174kW (up 14kW from before), the XT cranks things up significantly with 252kW of total system output.
That extra power isn’t just for bragging rights either. The XT can sprint from 0-60mph in under five seconds, which puts it in genuinely quick territory for an electric SUV. For context, that’s faster than many traditional performance crossovers that cost significantly more.
Better Range, Smarter Charging
Range anxiety gets a helping hand too. Subaru claims the updated Solterra can travel more than 459km on a single charge – that’s a 25% improvement over the outgoing model. The 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack remains the same size, but efficiency improvements help squeeze out those extra kilometers.
What’s clever is the battery pre-conditioning system. Before you arrive at a charging station, the battery warms itself to the optimal temperature for faster charging. It still maxes out at 150kW charging speeds, which isn’t class-leading but should get you back on the road reasonably quickly during longer trips.
Driving Experience Gets an Upgrade
All-Wheel Drive Improvements
Every Solterra comes with all-wheel drive as standard – there’s no front-wheel-drive option like you’ll find with the related Toyota bZ4X. The new system features independent front and rear motor outputs that work together more seamlessly than before.
Subaru has also refined the electric power steering and suspension tuning. The company promises better handling and responsiveness, though we’ll have to wait for a proper test drive to see how much of a difference these changes make in practice.
The X-Mode system carries over with its Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings, plus Grip Control and hill descent control. With 211mm of ground clearance, it’s only 10mm shorter than the new Outback, so it should handle light off-road duties without complaint.
Fresh Look Inside and Out
Exterior Updates
The styling changes aren’t revolutionary, but they’re definitely an improvement. The front end now looks more cohesive, borrowing design cues from the upcoming Trailseeker concept. New headlights and an illuminated Subaru logo give it a more premium appearance.
Some of the black plastic cladding has been toned down, with body-colored front fenders available on certain paint options. Two-tone color schemes and new 20-inch alloy wheels add some visual flair, while a redesigned front bumper and subtle rear updates complete the refresh.
Tech and Comfort Upgrades
Inside, the big news is a much larger 14-inch touchscreen that replaces the previous smaller unit. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and thankfully, Subaru kept physical knobs for volume and climate controls underneath the screen.
Two 15W wireless phone chargers on the center console mean you and your passenger can keep devices topped up without hunting for cables. Safety-wise, you get blind-spot monitoring, front cross-traffic alert, traffic jam assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Market Reality Check
Let’s be honest – the original Solterra hasn’t exactly set sales charts on fire. Last year in Australia, Subaru sold just 386 units compared to 977 Toyota bZ4X models and 673 Ford Mustang Mach-E crossovers. The Tesla Model Y absolutely dominated with 21,253 deliveries.
The competition is only getting tougher. This year brings an updated Model Y, plus new arrivals like the Nissan Ariya, Skoda Enyaq, and Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5. The Solterra needs to offer compelling reasons to choose it over these alternatives.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 74.7kWh lithium-ion |
| Range | 459km+ (EPA estimate) |
| Standard Power | 174kW AWD |
| XT Model Power | 252kW AWD |
| 0-60mph (XT) | Under 5 seconds |
| Charging Speed | Up to 150kW DC |
| Ground Clearance | 211mm |
| Touchscreen | 14-inch with wireless connectivity |
When Can You Get One?
The updated Solterra goes on sale in the US later this year, but Australian timing remains unclear. Subaru Australia says they’ll announce local plans “in due course,” which could mean anything from late 2024 to sometime in 2025.
Given the original model’s slow sales, Subaru might be taking their time to ensure proper pricing and positioning for our market.
The 2026 Solterra addresses many of the original’s shortcomings with better performance, improved range, and more appealing styling. The XT model, in particular, could attract buyers who want electric efficiency without sacrificing driving excitement.
Whether it’s enough to significantly boost sales remains to be seen. The electric SUV space is crowded and getting more competitive by the month. But for Subaru fans who’ve been waiting for a proper electric option, this updated Solterra looks like a step in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the main difference between the standard and XT models?
A: The XT model produces 252kW compared to 174kW in the standard version, with 0-60mph acceleration under 5 seconds.
Q: When will the 2026 Solterra arrive in Australia?
A: Subaru Australia hasn’t announced local timing yet, saying details will come “in due course.”
Q: How does the range compare to competitors?
A: The claimed 459km+ range puts it in the middle of the pack for electric SUVs, competitive but not class-leading.
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