Three years after its debut, Subaru’s first electric vehicle is getting a host of significant powertrain, performance, in-cabin technology and design upgrades intended to make it more competitive in the compact crossover segment.
During a media presentation last month in Malibu, Calif., ahead of the EV’s debut April 16 at the New York auto show, Subaru said it is addressing issues that consumers have when rejecting EVs: price, charging speed and range.
The freshened 2026 Subaru Solterra’s range is boosted to an estimated 285 miles — a 25 percent improvement compared with its predecessor — bringing it closer to segment sales leaders such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. The Solterra has a 74.7-kWh lithium ion battery, and a new battery preconditioning system that optimizes charging temperature. Subaru says the battery pack can charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than 35 minutes at speeds up to 150 kWh. A Tesla network-compatible North American Charging Standard charging port is standard.
New front and rear motors improve power to 233 hp, 18 hp more than before. A new XT trim gets 338 hp and can go from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.
The exterior features a new EV lighting signature, a six-star illuminated logo, redesigned headlamps, a new front bumper design and newly designed 18- and 20-inch wheels, Subaru said. Customers who opt for certain colors will get matching body-color front fenders. The rear gets a new badge, gate design and a spoiler.
The cabin features a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system and new wireless phone chargers for driver and front passenger (rear passengers get USB-C charging ports.) The EyeSight suite of driver-assist technologies includes advanced adaptive cruIse control.
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Pricing and specifications for the updated Solterra will be revealed before it goes on sale this year. 2025 Solterra pricing starts at $39,915 including shipping.
The Solterra’s New York unveiling comes on the heels of the debut of a major freshening of the Toyota bZ4x electric crossover in March. The Solterra and bZ4x were codeveloped by Subaru and Toyota. Toyota made improvements to the bZ4x similar to those in the Solterra to make it more competitive.
2024 U.S. electric compact crossover sales
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: 51,745
- Hyundai Ioniq 5: 44,400
- Kia EV6: 21,715
- Nissan Ariya: 19,798
- Toyota bZ4x:18,570
- Volkswagen ID4: 17,021
- Subaru Solterra: 12,447
- VinFast VF8: 4,300
Source: Automotive News Research & Data Center
