2026 Subaru Solterra Gets More Range, Tesla Plug. But That Design...

The new 338-horsepower XT trim can hit 60 mph in less than five seconds.

Photo by: Subaru

By: Anthony Alaniz

Apr 16, at 9:25am ET

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Subaru's first electric vehicle is getting a makeover for 2026. The Solterra, which Subaru co-developed with Toyota, will arrive later this year with new styling, a bigger battery, more power, and a new XT trim.

The standard 2026 Solterra features improved all-wheel drive, 8.3 inches of ground clearance, and a 233-hp dual-motor powertrain, making 18 more horsepower than the 2025 model. The new XT trim also has two motors, but the system produces 338 horsepower, which Subaru claims will send the EV from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than five seconds. Nice.

Photo by: Subaru

The five-seat crossover also has a 74.7-kilowatt-hour battery, larger than the 72.8-kWh pack listed for the 2025 model. The updated Solterra comes with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port as standard, allowing it to access thousands of Tesla Superchargers. You'll be able to charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than 35 minutes at up to 150 kilowatts.

Subaru also added a new battery preconditioning system. The updated Solterra, which is debuting at the New York auto show, can now drive more than 285 miles on a charge, significantly more than the 227-mile rating for the 2025 model.

Photo by: Subaru

The Solterra has an updated design, too. Subaru revamped the front fascia, giving the Solterra its new EV lighting signature and an illuminated logo. It also has new headlights, a restyled bumper, and new wheel designs in 20- and 18-inch sets.

The only noticeable change at the rear is the new Subaru wordmark between the taillights, replacing the brand's six-star logo. Don't worry, it still has the stylish roof spoiler. Specific 2026 Solterra models will even have color-matching front fenders, giving it a less rugged appearance. The new styling tones down the outgoing model's aggressiveness, but it still looks awkward in places, like below the headlights.

Photo by: Subaru

Inside, the Subaru gets a reconfigured center console and a new 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. It comes standard with Subaru EyeSight, which includes a suite of safety features such as pre-collision braking, front cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more.

Subaru will announce the Solterra's pricing closer to its on-sale date, which will happen sometime later this year. The 2025 Solterra starts at $39,915, which includes the $1,420 destination charge. Subaru Solterra sales jumped 172.9 percent in the first quarter of 2025. The addition of more power, more range, and a better battery should only help ... so long as the new looks don't hurt.