2026 Subaru Solterra | Photo: Daniel Rufiange
When two automakers join forces to co-develop a model, the final product is rarely a 50-50 effort. Usually, one brand takes the lead while the other plays a supporting role.
Take the Toyota Supra, for example, essentially a rebadged BMW Z4. The German manufacturer provided the platform, powertrain, and interior architecture.
In the case of the Solterra, Subaru finds itself in a similar situation with Toyota calling most of the shots. That’s why the model is back in Canada for 2026 after being pulled for the 2025 model year. Toyota quickly made corrections to its bZ, previously plagued by criticism, giving Subaru the perfect opportunity to reintroduce its version.
As previously mentioned, Toyota’s bZ4X was slammed upon arrival: poor range, sluggish charging, underwhelming cold-weather performance, and weak output for an EV.
Something had to be done, and Toyota followed through, even going as far as rebranding the vehicle as simply the “bZ.”
The 2026 Subaru Solterra now benefits from the same key updates, resulting in a more attractive proposition overall, but especially a more well-rounded and competitive offering in the increasingly crowded electric segment.
The game isn’t won yet, but the new Solterra is clearly stronger than its predecessor. Let’s begin with the major changes, followed by smaller updates.
The most important upgrade is invisible as it lies in the battery, which grows from 72.8 to 77.0 kWh. This translates to a range increase from 359 km to around 450 km. Estimates vary from 465 km to 445 km depending on whether the model is equipped with 18- or 20-inch wheels.
Either way, the roughly 25% gain is significant and places the 2026 Solterra in a more comfortable range category.
This boost is also thanks to better charging technology. Improvements in cold-weather battery temperature management and the addition of a preconditioning system contribute to faster and more efficient charging. Subaru promises a 30% efficiency increase and shorter charging times overall.
Charging from 10% to 80% now takes approximately 30 minutes using a DC fast charger. And it can be done on Tesla Superchargers too, since the Solterra now comes with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port.
Maximum DC charging speed remains 150 kW. Home charging also improves, with onboard AC charging upgraded from 7 kW to 11 kW.
Bottom line: Subaru did their homework. Still, you can’t help but wonder why all of this wasn’t done in the first place. That’s a question for Toyota.
On the performance side, both front and rear motors are now more powerful (167 kW and 88 kW, compared to 80 kW each previously), bringing total output up from 215 to 338 horsepower.
The 2026 Solterra is no longer a slug; it’s now a solid, sprightly performer.
Subaru, following Toyota’s lead, doesn’t disclose total torque output. No matter: the immediate torque delivery means the vehicle surges forward with just a light press of the throttle.
That said, don’t expect a thrilling experience behind the wheel. Like most EVs, the Solterra offers a quiet, drama-free drive. There’s not much in terms of engagement, even if the acceleration is impressive.
Fortunately, this car wasn’t meant to be a performance machine. Instead, its strengths lie in its smooth ride quality, stable handling, and relatively restrained curb weight at 4,510 lbs, or about 500 lbs less than a Chevrolet Equinox EV.
Note that regenerative braking is quite aggressive, especially at its highest of four levels. Be kind to your passengers, especially those in the back. Either disable the system or keep some Gravol handy.
Being a Subaru, off-road ability also had to be part of the equation. Subaru made sure our test route included several kilometres of rugged, unpaved roads to demonstrate that the Solterra could handle it. For context: we passed a BMW 3 Series parked at one of the homes along the trail, so nothing too wild.
Still, the 2026 Solterra benefits from Subaru’s X-Mode function, which includes features like hill descent control and enhanced traction.
Let’s be clear, though: off-road adventures won’t be a common scenario with this model.
The 2026 Solterra also gets a cabin update.
The dashboard has been redesigned and simplified, with sleeker, more discreet air vents. Subaru claims to have improved the driver information display near the windshield, but the steering wheel still blocks part of the screen.
Your experience will vary depending on your driving position and body shape, but the layout is far from optimal. And the seat adjustments don’t help as there’s not much flexibility, making it tough to find the ideal seating position.
The centre console has been revised to include two wireless charging pads, made possible by relocating some controls. Convenient.
Rear-seat legroom is excellent, helped by a flat floor that enhances spaciousness. The cargo area offers 674 litres of volume, expanding to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded.
Another notable change: the multimedia screen is now 14 inches. It’s supplied by Toyota and runs the same imperfect interface found in other recent Toyotas.
You’ll easily recognize the 2026 Solterra on the road.
The front end has been revised with a repositioned, illuminated logo and new headlights reflecting Subaru’s upcoming EV design language, soon to be featured on the future Trailseeker and Uncharted SUVs.
As for colours, it’s a bleak story. One white and one grey option, both available in monochrome or two-tone. There’s also black and a greyish-blue hue exclusive to the Solterra.
Inside, it’s mostly black. The Technology package adds a two-tone scheme with blue accents, but overall, it’s a sombre environment.
It’s a missed opportunity. A little colour would go a long way toward boosting interest in the model. Instead, we get a funeral palette.
We’ll have to wait until the model launches at the end of the year to get official pricing. Subaru says the lineup will be similar to before, with a base price just under $60,000. Two option packages will be available: Luxury and Technology.
Depending on what the federal government decides regarding the return of EV purchase incentives, Subaru will likely adjust accordingly.
The 2026 Subaru Solterra is clearly a better product than before—that much is obvious.
However, given the rapid evolution of the market and the missteps of the initial version, the damage may already be done. Add to that the fact that Subaru will soon offer two additional EV models, and the Solterra could face competition from within its own brand.
Subaru will have to rely on brand loyalty to help the Solterra succeed. Time will tell if customers are willing to give it another shot.
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