Subaru has just unveiled the details on the redesigned 2026 Solterra, and, honestly, it is looking mighty fine—and this is coming from a guy who has long joked that all Subaru models come off the assembly line already ten years old. The latest Solterra might finally force me to come up with new and better jokes. Until then, let’s take a closer look at what Subaru has in store for us for the new model year…
A Clean and Capable Exterior
For starters, this sleek compact BEV looks unlike the average Subaru or even last year’s Solterra—perhaps owing to the futuristic styling that is expected of all EVs. Sure, it retains Subaru’s classic boxy frame, but it is smooth and sculpted. The front fascia follows the tradition of EVs by being androgynously bare, save for Subaru’s logo, which is illuminated. The headlights are of particular interest, as they’re each a two-by-three array of LED slits akin to robotic bug eyes (but in a cool way).
Perhaps the best element of the 2026 Solterra’s body is its 8.3 inches of ground clearance, making this the most off-road-amenable SUV in its class. On top of Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive coming standard, the Solterra is going to be exceptionally ready for rough terrain despite its size, which makes me wonder if it’s trying to bridge the gap between a Cadillac CT5 and a Jeep Wrangler. And that brings me to…
A Square (But Not “Square”) Interior
Somebody forgot to tell Subaru to ease up on the interior amenities; last I checked, this was not a brand that indulged its customers. Apparently, I am again forced to update my criticisms. The futuristic styling of the exterior travels inside, bringing the same modern sensibilities of an EV as well as Subaru’s classic boxy nature—and I mean this literally, in that the Solterra has a chic “square” theme in all of its design elements.
The rear seats are squared off, looking firm and supportive, with square headrests and a square flip-down armrest and cupholder combo hiding inside the middle seat. Up front, the driver and copilot seats are similarly squarish but with embracing wings on the sides, cradling their occupants rather than merely maintaining their posture. The driver may rest their elbow on the square center console while their other hand grips the squared steering wheel. Yes, this steering wheel is about as square as you can get without being able to objectively label it as such.
But it works. Maybe it’s because it’s in line with the EV style or because the square theme permeates the interior, but it doesn’t look weird. In fact, it’s pretty cool; it’s sporty and futuristic. To the right of the wheel is a larger, 14-inch, landscape-oriented multimedia touchscreen that stands upright just in front of the dashboard, putting it just a touch more in reach of the driver. This system is, of course, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Leaning further into futurism, the 2026 Solterra provides a wireless charging pad for both the driver’s and copilot’s smartphones, while rear passengers are given USB-C charging ports. The dashboard is a clean, linear surface that doesn’t impede on personal space, and the gear shift, drive mode selector, e-brake, etcetera are a nest of physical controls at the bottom of the tech stack. Subaru understands that while we want a minimalist layout in a futuristic EV, we still want our simplest needs to be met with tactile buttons and knobs that don’t require us to take our eyes off the road.
As for the rear, it has the utilitarian build of your typical SUV, so the cargo area is shared with the passenger cabin, making it easier to extend your storage space if you’re willing to momentarily sacrifice seating. This area is accessible via a rear liftgate. We can expect the same cargo space figures to carry over from last year: 23.8 cu.ft. behind the rear seats, able to be extended to 63.5 cu.ft. with the rear row down.
Electrifying Performance
Perhaps the most impressive elements of the 2026 Solterra are its upgraded stats. The slightly larger 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery has helped improve both horsepower and range, getting an 8.4% and 25.6% boost, respectively, to 233 hp and an estimated 285 miles. If you go for the tweaked powertrain of the new XT trim, you’ll get a whopping 338 hp, helping you achieve a zero-to-60 time of under five seconds!
Using a Level 3 DC fast charging station, you can bring your battery from 10% to 80% in under 35 minutes; this feat is possible thanks to Subaru’s new battery preconditioning system, which brings the battery to the ideal temperature for charging. The 2026 Solterra’s charging port has also been moved to the front passenger side and updated to the NACS standard that most automakers are adopting for the American market, making it more compatible with Tesla Supercharger stations.
As for the aforementioned drive modes, all trims will have the X-MODE system with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, as well as Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control for better stability and traction in trickier terrains and poorer weather conditions. Last but not least, the new Solterra will have Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver assistance features, which includes Blind Spot Monitors, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Change Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Pre-Collision Braking, and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, among other features.
The All-New 2026 Subaru Solterra
We don’t know the full trim lineup yet, nor do we know pricing, but knowing Subaru, this is going to be a rather affordable model—and given its rundown of excellent performance, tech, and style perks, on top of being an EV, I’m positive that the new Solterra is going to sell like gangbusters. Frankly, I might even look into getting one—and this is coming from a guy who has long joked that all Subaru models come off the assembly line already ten years…okay, yeah, let’s not go there.
