2026 Subaru Solterra More Range, Faster Charging & More @ Same MSRP

Subaru unveiled on Thursday its most ambitious update yet to the Solterra, the company’s first fully electric sport-utility vehicle, underscoring how far the automaker has traveled in just a few years to compete in the increasingly crowded EV marketplace.

The 2026 Subaru Solterra arrives this fall at retailers nationwide with substantially more range, a newly uprated dual-motor powertrain and a suite of technological refinements, but without the higher entry price that typically accompanies such improvements. Starting at $38,495 — identical to last year’s base model — Subaru has not only resisted raising the cost of its entry EV, but has reduced the price of the midlevel Limited trim by $600, signaling a clear bid to broaden the vehicle’s appeal.

The redesign includes an increase in estimated range to as much as 288 miles on a single charge, representing more than a 25 percent gain over the outgoing Solterra. A new 74.7-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery underpins the expanded capabilities, offering both extended endurance and faster charging. Subaru says that, with the aid of an upgraded preconditioning system, the battery can replenish from 10 to 80 percent in roughly half an hour at speeds of up to 150 kilowatts — competitive among mainstream electric SUVs.

A notable addition is the Solterra XT, a performance-focused trim that delivers 338 horsepower, propelling the SUV from zero to 60 miles per hour in under five seconds. For customers opting for the Premium or Limited trims, the output is a more modest 233 horsepower, but still higher than the outgoing model. Across the lineup, Subaru’s hallmark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive remains standard, now enhanced with a predictive control system that better anticipates grip on wet, icy or gravel surfaces. The vehicle also boasts 8.3 inches of ground clearance, the highest in its class of compact electric SUVs, cementing its place as one of the few EVs engineered with off-road confidence in mind.

Inside, the Solterra has undergone a considerable transformation. A new 14-inch central touchscreen is now standard across trims, forming the centerpiece of a cabin that emphasizes both utility and refinement. Metallic accents and a redesigned console lend the interior a more horizontal, spacious feel, while storage solutions have been rethought to accommodate a wider array of devices. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, alongside a 4-month SiriusXM trial, HD Radio, Wi-Fi hotspot capability and the full suite of SubaruConnect services. Dual wireless smartphone chargers have been added, while rear-seat passengers benefit from additional high-output USB-C ports.

Safety technology also advances meaningfully. Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance suite now layers in features such as Emergency Steering Assist, Hands-Free Low-Speed Driving and a DriverFocus distraction mitigation system. Automatic parking assist, cross-traffic alerts, and a Multi-Terrain Monitor are available on upper trims, reflecting Subaru’s aim to make the Solterra not only more efficient but safer and more adaptable for daily use.

On the road, the company says, drivers will notice a revised suspension and steering calibration designed for greater agility and a smoother ride. A new, stiffer body platform with improved sound insulation contributes to a quieter cabin environment, while structural reinforcements and expanded use of high-strength steel promise both safety and refinement.

Visually, the 2026 Solterra adopts a sharper identity. An illuminated Subaru six-star badge at the nose introduces a new EV design language, complemented by recontoured headlights, reshaped bumpers, redesigned wheels and an aerodynamically efficient rear spoiler. Select Touring XT models offer two-tone paint finishes and, for the first time, optional blue leather upholstery.

Subaru’s decision to hold the line on pricing while improving nearly every aspect of the Solterra reflects a pragmatic approach to electric adoption. With rivals such as Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen and Toyota aggressively refreshing their EV portfolios, Subaru is signaling that its all-electric SUV is no longer a niche experiment but a core product in its American lineup. The Solterra is assembled in Japan and will be offered in six exterior colors, with several two-tone variations available for the range-topping Touring XT.

Buyers will also receive up to 10 complimentary days of access to Subaru’s “Just Drive” rental program, allowing them to test other Subaru models — gasoline-powered or otherwise — during the first years of ownership.

Below is the full pricing structure for the 2026 Solterra lineup:

2026 Subaru Solterra

Destination & Delivery is $1,450 for Solterra and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI and VT. D&D is $1,600 for retailers in Alaska.