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Subaru is showing us all kinds of views of its upcoming Solterra electric crossover today. Teasers for the front, rear, side and interior of the crossover are available to pore over, and you can scroll through them all in the gallery above.
We’ll start with the tiny shreds of information Subaru gave us in addition to the photos, though. Subaru confirmed that all-wheel drive will be standard with the Solterra. It also claimed “ample backseat and cargo room,” but did not provide figures or photos to back the claim up. Lastly, Subaru said to expect it to come with “advanced safety technology,” but didn’t further define what that tech consisted of.
Now, onto the photos. The completely unshrouded and undisguised photo of the rear bumper and taillights is a good place to start. We can see some sharp LED lights on either side of the hatch with a spoiler in between them. There’s a ton of badging out back with five total emblems (including the center Subaru logo). The blue “EV” logo in the lower right corner is the most intriguing new badge. Below the bumper is some black plastic cladding, presumably to give the EV’s rear some rugged vibes.
The front view gives us our first glance at the car’s LED headlights. They’re sharp and angular, matching the shape of the sheetmetal formed around them. The hood line appears to turn sharply upwards right after the headlight ends, too. We can see the smallest glimpse of the grille. A Subaru logo is visible through the forest, and flat black panels appear to be the backsplash for which the logo rests. However, the finer details here are still impossible to fully suss out.
Subaru’s last exterior teaser shows the entire side profile, including production wheels. This is where it’s given away that the Solterra is going to look nearly identical to its Toyota twin (the car is being jointly developed with Toyota), the bZ4X. The two are just about exact copies of each other from the side, as they share every body line and crease down to the lights in front and back. Even the body cladding/Toyota trim decor shapes are the same. Subaru’s one differentiator we can see here is in wheel design. The wheels on the Solterra appear more rugged than the stylish rims on the bZ4X. Nevertheless, if you’ve seen the bZ4X, you can basically say that you’ve seen the Solterra now.
Perhaps the most exciting teaser photo of all is the single interior shot Subaru dropped today. It depicts a darkened interior in order to highlight the screens and basics of the interior design, and it sure does look upmarket versus Subaru’s current interior design language. Even with the recent shift upward with the new Outback and Legacy, this one’s a cut above. A giant widescreen dominates the center stack, while touch haptic control buttons waterfall below it. This leads into a rotary shift knob flanked by even more touch controls. There’s also a strange sequence of lights just behind the shifter that we’re not entirely sure of yet. The last bit of light we can see is from the digital instrument cluster that looks pushed fairly far forward to the windshield — just look at how long that steering column appears.
Both the door panel and dash look like they’re slathered in some unknown (perhaps green/recycled?) trim materials that we’re eager to explore. It certainly doesn’t look like any Subaru interior we’ve ever seen, and once again, that’s due to how much Toyota is in it. If you look at photos of the bZ4X’s interior, the Solterra’s general design and materials mirror what Toyota is using. That’s not a bad thing, but it’s worth noting how similar these two cars will ultimately be.
As of now, the Solterra is scheduled to go on sale in mid-2022 as a 2023 model year vehicle.
Subaru's Japanese HQ released its first vid showing off the company's first EV, the Solterra, and while it's nice to finally see the crossover in motion, we're not sure why Subaru's being so flirtatious with the rollout. Everything in the video reaffirms all the evidence we have so far that this is Subaru's tweaked version of the Toyota bZ4X, and we've virtually crawled all over the Toyota already. The only mystery left is figuring out what the panel is behind the rotary knob on the center console. In every Toyota bZ4X video we've watched, there is, at most, one tiny illuminated light. In the Solterra teaser images and video, the panel is covered in lights laid out like an illuminated spreadsheet. There's also a shutline and a depression at the leading edge like it's a cover to be opened. It can't hide anything that deep, though, because of the tunnel cutout beneath.
The other notable difference in the Subaru is the seriously bolstered seats, which look like they belong in a WRX. They could just be digital units just for the video.
It's a good-looking package, and there's a chance it might actually work better as a Subaru than a Toyota — a Crosstrek gone all mature. Bettors seem to think pricing will fall in the high $30,000s to low $40,000s. With the Tokyo Motor Show canceled, the L.A. Auto Show is the only big showcase left; it's possible we could finally get hard intel on both the Toyota and Subaru then. It goes on sale in various markets including the U.S. next summer, likely as a 2023-model-year offering, so next year's auto show circuit might be more appropriate.
Subaru is a brand that so often plays second fiddle to the might of its rivals at Honda and Toyota. But, on November 17th, 2021, at 10:45 a.m., nothing's going to stop them from being the center of media attention with the launch of the all-new, all-electric 2023 Solterra SUV. 6 photo
Designed to compete with other EV SUVs like the Tesla Model Y, the Solterra is a massive departure from Subaru's normal repertoire and much the same in others. Gone is the iconic boxer engine so notorious for blowing head gaskets like a toddler blows through Fortnite V-Bucks. In its place, there is a new EV powertrain paired to an all-wheel-drive system made by the team that made AWD a must-have.
The Solterra will be the very first zero-emission to hit Subaru showroom floors in America. It will also be their first attempt at an all-electric powertrain in the U.S. market. Only time will tell if that combination has the potential to make even a slight dent in the market domination that Elon Musk's Tesla has had over the EV SUV market held down by their Model's X and Y.
Whether or not this near-monopoly can be broken by the Solterra will depend on whether or not it provides as many creature comforts and gadgets as the Teslas or if the Solterra delivers more bang for your dollar by placing itself at a more affordable price point to undercut competition.
We've seen how EV buyers would pinch their pennies saving up for a Tesla rather than buy an alternative from another brand. Could the Solterra be the SUV that stops this trend? We suppose we'll see what happens.
Subaru's had a bit of a rough go of things in the last two decades. Strong sales of their Legacy and Outback platforms paired with the appeal of the iconic WRX have done little to see their paltry successes measure up favorable against their much larger and more profitable rivals at other Japanese automakers.
If the Solterra can buck this trend by providing a fun and affordable EV SUV, it will be the first time they've stood on top of a market segment in quite some time, unless you count the Outback. But then again, who else even makes a station wagon anymore?
The company explains that its goal was to create a practical vehicle, with capable all-wheel drive system, so that existing Subaru customers can feel that it truly is a Subaru.
Visually, the Subaru Solterra very closely resembles the Toyota bZ4X, unveiled two weeks earlier. The specs are almost the same (see Toyota bZ4X specs here), as the e-Subaru Global Platform is a joint project and a sister platform to the Toyota e-TNGA. Subaru announced two versions, at least in Japan: a front-wheel drive with a 150 kW synchronous electric motor and a dual motor, all-wheel drive version with two 80 kW motors. Both versions are equipped with a 71.4 kWh battery, just like in the Toyota bZ4X.
The only noticeable difference that we see is the range of about 530 km (329 miles) in the FWD version, compared to about 500 km (311 miles) stated by Toyota.
The market launch of the Subaru Solterra is scheduled for the middle of 2022 in selected markets, including Japan, U.S., Canada, Europe (most likely initially only in selected markets), and China. Here are the four main points of the Solterra listed by Subaru:
Exterior and Interior
The seamlessly shaped hexagon grille expresses the energy efficiency of a BEV. The body with the horizontal axis starting from that hexagon and the dynamic fenders bulging out from the inside show the strength as an SUV.
Low instrumental panel and top mounted meters, a first for Subaru, located on the instrumental panel and visible above the steering wheel realized the spacious interior.
e-SUBARU Global Platform
Utilizing the know-how cultivated with the highly recognized Subaru Global Platform, we have jointly developed the e-Subaru Global Platform together with Toyota Motor Corporation as a BEV-dedicated platform.
The e-Subaru Global Platform enables a driving experience with superior driving dynamics, that brings high stability and handling linearly responds to driver’s steering operation.
High capacity battery packs are placed under the floor as it is a BEV, and by utilizing that battery as a part of the structure, a low center of gravity and high body strength and rigidity are realized.
Driving Performance/AWD System
SOLTERRA has adopted a new system that drives the front and rear wheels with separate motors. Taking advantage of the expertise in AWD technology precisely controlling the four tires that SUBARU has accumulated over many years, the agile response of the electric motors and the flexible driving force distribution between front and rear, SOLTERRA fully utilizes the grips of the four wheels and offers a driving with confidence and peace of mind.
Like the other SUBARU SUV models, SOLTERRA features the X-MODE AWD control system that enhances the sense of security on rough roads. By adding the new Grip Control function, which enables the vehicle to run at a constant speed while stabilizing the vehicle even on rough roads, the capability is further enhanced.
Safety
By devising the skeleton shape of each part of the body and optimizing the material strength, SOLTERRA achieves both weight reduction and superior collision safety at the same time.
In the event of a collision, the structure that transfers the load to multiple body skeletons efficiently absorbs the collision energy. It protects not only the vehicle occupants, but also protects the high-voltage equipment in the BEV.
2023 Subaru Solterra specs (Japan)
Subaru Solterra FWD version:
Cruising range (WLTC, Japan standard): about 530 km (329 miles)
71.4 kWh battery
355 V, liquid cooled
front-wheel drive
AC synchronous electric motor
peak system output of 150 kW
AC charging (on-board): 6.6 kW
DC fast charging: up to 150 kW (up to 80% in about 30 minutes)
Weight: about 1,930 kg (2,205 kg total)
Dimensions: Length - 4,690 mm, Width - 1,860 mm, Height - 1,650 mm, Wheelbase - 2,850 mm
Heat pump-type air-conditioning
e-Subaru Global Platform (sister platform to Toyota e-TNGA)
Subaru Solterra AWD version:
Cruising range (WLTC, Japan standard): about 460 km (286 miles)
71.4 kWh battery
355 V, liquid cooled
dual motor all-wheel drive
two 80 kW AC synchronous electric motors
peak system output of 160 kW
AC charging (on-board): 6.6 kW
DC fast charging: up to 150 kW (up to 80% in about 30 minutes)
Weight: about 2,020 kg (2,295 kg total)
Dimensions: Length - 4,690 mm, Width - 1,860 mm, Height - 1,650 mm, Wheelbase - 2,850 mm
Heat pump-type air-conditioning
e-Subaru Global Platform (sister platform to Toyota e-TNGA)
LOS ANGELES — Subaru is finally taking its first step into the world of electric cars with the launch of the Solterra. The amped crossover is positioned as the EV that will do everything a petrol Subaru does, including ferry its nature-loving occupants to the great outdoors. As such, it's built with light off-roading in mind, something not many other EVs have addressed.
Subaru isn't shy about the fact that the Solterra was developed jointly with Toyota, their second joining of forces since the BRZ and 86 sports coupes. In fact, the Solterra and Toyota bZ4X are nearly indistinguishable. Subaru representatives say that the two forged a natural partnership, with Subaru contributing its all-wheel-drive and chassis expertise, and Toyota supplying its hybrid and battery know-how.
Subaru being Subaru, however, the Solterra is only available with the dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, while the Toyota is offering both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations (at least in Japan, where both have been revealed; we'll know more about the U.S. bZ4X later this month). With its twin mills, the Solterra puts out a combined 215 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.
Of course, the main question when it comes to EVs is one of range. Subaru is still awaiting final numbers from testing, but estimates over 220 miles in the EPA's driving cycle. That puts it between the Hyundai Ioniq's 208 and the Nissan Leaf Plus' 237. The battery pack can be charged with Level 2 AC and DC fast charging, but as far as charging times go, Subaru would only say that it's capable of "a significant charge in under an hour."
Subaru is adamant that the Solterra is just as durable as the other AWD trail dogs in its lineup. Engineers capitalized on the EV's lack of an engine to build in an extremely short front overhang, with an equally pithy one at the rear. They also gave the Solterra an 8.3-inch ground clearance, which is 0.4 less than the Subaru norm but still greater than most compact SUVs. It's designed to accommodate kayaks, bikes, and other outdoor gear with the addition of optional roof racks as well.
Subaru still calls its enhanced traction system X-mode even though with no throttle or transmission to manage, it's vastly different from its gasoline cars' X-modes. It has both hill descent and and ascent assistance, and Subaru says that in some ways this AWD system is more controllable because with the electric motors all the torque is available down low.
Indeed, Subaru showed us some fairly impressive videos of the Solterra in low traction situations. Some of them included an offset contact test where only tires on kitty corner from one another touched the ground. The Solterra was able to claw its way over these obstacles from a stop with no problem while a Jaguar i-Pace struggled to gain traction like an overturned turtle. Other testing clips showed the Solterra climbing a set of steep wet concrete stairs with little issue and, naturally, drifting through gravel like an WRC racer.
Cabin-wise, the Solterra offers a decent environment. Materials don't look bargain-basement, but they don't look nearly as swanky as a Mazda MX-30's, either. Seating is generous, with enough room for one 6-footer to sit behind another without banging their knees. An available panoramic roof lends to the airy feel.
One extremely strange feature of the interior is that the instrument display is pushed extremely far forward to the base of the windshield. For me and a few other journalists, that meant the top of the steering wheel cut off part of the screen no matter how we tilted or telescoped it. Others said they had no problems. We've seen that the Toyota bZ4X will be offered with a yoke in Japan, which would alleviate this issue even as it creates many more and bigger problems. Please Subaru, no yoke.
The center stack is basically a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen. Below it reside climate controls that are sadly not buttons but touch-sensitive zones on swath of gloss black plastic. Oh and that neat grid-like array behind the command knob? It's a cover for a wireless phone charging dock. The windows are there so you can see your phone through it. Mystery solved!
Like other connected EVs, the Solterra can be tailored to your liking before you even open its door. Climate control, door locks, nav instructions and the remote start function can all be controlled via a phone app. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard as well.
The Solterra boasts a mountain of modern safety equipment as well. Since there's no motor, EVs crash differently than gas cars and Subaru says the body was designed to accommodate that. Technological assistance comes in the form of a list that should be pretty familiar by now: automatic pre-collision braking and throttle management, lane change departure warnings and assist as well as blind spot alerts, automatic high beam dimming, rear braking assist, and rear cross-traffic alerts.
The Solterra also boasts a couple of new safety tricks. One, called Safety Exit Alert, notifies you if there are obstacles or pedestrians around before you throw open the door. The Solterra also offers a 360-degree surround-view camera.There's also a comprehensive array of airbags, including fronts, side curtains, sides aimed at the pelvis and torso, and one to protect the driver's knee.
While Toyota is going to sell essentially the exact same car, we have seen one facet that's unique to the Subaru.The paint color in these photos is a hue called Harbor Mist Gray Pearl and is exclusive to Subaru. If it reminds you of some of the solid colors seen on the Crosstrek over the years, that's no coincidence.
Subaru has not announced pricing yet, and that will probably come closer to when the Solterra goes on sale in 2022. If you're looking to make the switch to an electric car designed to carry you to trailheads and campsites, it'll be one to watch.
PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — Subaru owners are a loyal bunch, but as more drivers decide to go greener by driving an electric vehicle, those loyalists have been left behind. The closest thing has been the Crosstrek Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid with a meager 17 miles of electric range. Now, though, there’s the new 2023 Subaru Solterra, the brand’s first all-electric vehicle. However, it was developed in partnership with Toyota and without a Subaru-trademark boxer engine, is it really Subaru enough to keep those loyalists loyal?
The company has told you time and time again that love is “what makes a Subaru a Subaru.” We’d argue there’s more to the recipe than just that (and a boxer engine), as we’ve come to expect certain things from vehicles bearing the stars of Pleiades on their nose. They also need to support an active lifestyle, whether that’s an enthusiast hitting the track in a WRX, or the whole family hitting the trail in the new Outback Wilderness. Of course, in all but the BRZ, we expect standard all-wheel drive to help get to a campsite or make it to work on a snowy day. Subaru even makes sure its crossovers’ roof rails are more capable than most for supporting roof-mounted tents. Also, it’s gotta be good for dogs. Subaru loves dogs.
The Solterra, which appropriately combines the Latin words for sun and Earth, promises all this and more. Besides the missing boxer engine, there’s no continuously variable transmission sending power onto all four wheels. Instead, the Solterra is motivated by a pair of 80-kilowatt electric motors providing the familiar all-wheel drive that helps define Subaru as a brand. Those e-motors are good for a total of 218 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque, and its 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds feels like a suitable answer to those who lament the absence of a turbocharged flat-four in something like the Forester.
Its 72.8-kilowatt-hour battery provides over 220 miles of driving between charging sessions (228 for the base Premium trim, and 222 for Touring and Limited), which, while not anything close to segment-leading, is plenty for the vast majority of use cases. With a 355-volt battery architecture, the Solterra can take advantage of a 100-kW DC fast charger, recovering 80% of a charge in about 56 minutes. Again, that’s acceptable, but greatly outdone by the 800-volt architecture of the faster-charging Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 that can take advantage of 150- and 350-kW fast chargers. A recharge of the Solterra takes nine hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger (what you can have installed at home), meaning you can start each day with a full battery.
Are you worried the Solterra won’t be quite as capable as your trusty Outback? Fear not, for the Solterra boasts 8.3 inches of clearance, just a fraction of an inch shy of the excellent 8.7 inches found in Subaru’s other crossovers (minus the new Wilderness models that boast even more). With its relatively short front and rear overhangs, the Solterra has an approach angle of 17.7 degrees, a departure angle of 25.4 degrees and an 18.2-degree breakover angle — not in the realm of purpose-built off-roaders, but enough to allow you to explore many of those forestry roads with confidence. Furthermore, the Solterra has a wading depth of 19.7 inches, which is just a few tenths of an inch shy of the Jeep Cherokee’s safe fording capability.
The ability to clear rocks and ruts is all well and good, but what about the rest of the whole soft- and off-road experience? The Solterra features an electrified version of Subaru’s dual-function X-Mode drive system with a setting for Snow/Dirt and for Deep Snow/Mud. There’s also the Grip Control feature, which is essentially a crawl mode for maintaining an adjustable low speed, especially during steep hill ascent and descent. This all works as well as you’d hope it would, allowing us to traverse loose gravel roads with speed and grace, while the stability control works nearly imperceptibly to keep the Solterra’s nose pointed where we wanted it (the only clue the car was doing behind-the-scenes work was the stability control icon lighting up on the display). It was happy to crawl over rocks and furrows, and up and down steep dirt hills. The Subaru felt right at home on Tonto National Forest trails we wouldn’t dare tackle in a Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, VW ID.4 or Ford Mustang Mach-E.
For on-road driving, the Solterra has Normal, Eco and Sport modes to allow you to trade speed for efficiency, or vice versa. The differences between these modes aren’t as dramatic as they can be in other vehicles, but you definitely notice a difference when you put the Solterra into Sport and step on the accelerator. Either way, it pulls smoothly and quickly to highway speeds. There are also four levels of regenerative braking, selectable via paddles mounted on the back of the steering wheel. For the most regen force, there’s a button to turn on S-Pedal mode. Sorry one-pedal drivers, you’ll still have to use the brake pedal to bring the Solterra to a complete stop, no matter what you do.
One piece of the driving experience that doesn’t feel typically Subaru is the ride. The Solterra is exceptionally smooth and quiet, giving it a level of comfort beyond what we’d normally expect. It glides down the road, and handles dips and heaves with a stoic calm, even riding on the 20-inch wheels of the Limited and Touring trims. The four-wheel independent suspension features MacPherson struts up front and double wishbones in the rear, which rebound softly over imperfections taken at speed. Additionally, despite the vehicle’s tallness, body roll is well controlled. After all, its center of gravity is about 3.5 inches lower than that of the standard Forester. In addition to reducing motion in the cabin, the Solterra does a fine job of limiting noise. Of course, there’s no boxer engine chugging away under the hood, but we were also blissfully unaware of tire roar and wind noise.
The Solterra’s cargo area is of a competitive volume. It has an adjustable load floor that, in its higher position, is level with the base of the liftgate. At this height, the Solterra claims 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which is half a cube larger than that of the Hyundai Ioniq 5. With the floor in its lower position, the Solterra offers 30.3 cubic feet, which is closer to the Forester’s 31.1 (without the sunroof) and the Outback’s 32.5 cubes. Unlike those siblings, however, the steeper raking of the rear window means that the rearmost height of that cargo area is limited. It might do well in one of Autoblog’s luggage tests, but it seems likely to struggle with bigger, bulkier loads a Forester would swallow with ease.
That might include bigger, bulkier dogs, but at least the rear bumper’s unpainted plastic extends all the way up to the opening of the cargo space to help prevent a dog from scratching the paint has they hop inside. Subaru loves dogs, and so do we.
Need to exceed that volume? Solterra’s flush-mounted roof rails may not be the more functional raised variety found on other Subarus, but they are still rated to support up to 700 pounds, or the same as the standard Forester's and considerably more than other brands provide (the Ioniq 5 and EV6 don’t have roof rails at all). In addition to being able to mount a box or rack up there, that also means you can mount a rooftop tent. While the Solterra isn’t rated to tow, there is still an available “activity mount” that can be used for a bike rack or low-capacity cargo boxes. So while you can reserve the roof space for your nightly accommodations, you’ll still be able to surpass the standard cargo capacity.
Oh, and there’s no frunk under the hood. Instead, Subaru smartly packaged things like the front motor, crash structure, and cooling tech for the battery and HVAC systems in that space. In addition to reducing that front overhang, the result is a crossover with excellent legroom in both seating rows. Having that extra legroom is crucial, as the Solterra’s floor feels high, and the roof feels low. The front occupants are hemmed in in what feel like individual pods by the doors and center console. The lack of a transmission, though, means that there is storage space beneath that center console as well.
The mounting of the digital gauge cluster is a bit odd, but the low dash and cowl mean excellent forward visibility (another expected Subaru trait). The instrument cluster is mounted far forward, surprisingly close to the windshield. The gives an effect similar to a head-up display, as you have to adjust your focal point less when your eyes move from the road ahead to the gauges on the dash. That distance means some of the smaller information, like the digits on your trip meter, can be hard to read. It also means that, depending on your seating position, your view of the instruments might be partially obscured by the steering wheel. We found we had to strike a balance between a comfortable wheel position and our ability to see that digital screen, which we were able to do after some fidgeting.
The base Solterra Premium comes standard with an 8-inch infotainment system, and the Limited and Touring models are equipped with a bright, crisp 12.3-inch unit with cloud-based navigation. Both are effectively Toyota infotainment systems reskinned for Subaru. The larger screen is also home to the 360-degree parking camera feed (a first for Subaru) that’s also standard on the two higher trims. They also feature a virtual assistant, so you can give the Solterra voice commands, waking it with the phrase, “Hey, Subaru.” It works well, but be careful, as the car can be told what to do by passengers in the second row as well (like we need our backseat drivers having that power). Regardless of the trim level, every Solterra comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Limited and Touring models also have a wireless phone charger on the center console.
The Solterra also advertises Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system, but it’s almost certainly Toyota’s latest driver assistance systems renamed for Subaru use. This isn’t a bad thing. It still employs a camera and radar, while providing a lineup of features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, emergency forward braking, emergency steering assist, pedestrian and cyclist avoidance, lead vehicle start alert and road sign recognition. The Solterra also features blind spot monitoring, auto reverse braking with pedestrian detection, as well as a “Safe Exit Assist” that warns you if you’re opening your door into traffic. In all, we found that the Solterra beeped and nagged us less than our seemingly anxious long-term Forester, and also performed the driving assistance more adeptly and seamlessly.
There are still some things we don’t yet know about the Solterra, the biggest being pricing. Subaru told us we can expect “ballpark competitive” pricing with other electric crossovers. That includes, presumably, the Solterra’s Toyota bZ4X twin that we’ll be driving in two weeks. If the base MSRP can do the limbo under $40,000, we won’t be surprised. The Solterra will also be eligible for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit, along with any other local incentives. We also don’t know what sort of charging freebies customers can expect. Subaru is partnering with EVgo, and will offer some sort of incentive through that charging network, but those details haven’t been disclosed as of yet.
What we do know is that this electric Solterra does, indeed, feel like a Subaru. Customers who have been patiently waiting for an EV from their brand will finally get their chance around the middle of the year. Thankfully, the Solterra lives up to expectations, providing most of the capabilities of the trusty Foresters and Outbacks it will replace in loyal customers’ driveways and garages. It will just do it a lot more cleanly and quietly.
Pricing for the 2023 Subaru Solterra is out, and the new electric crossover is set to start at $46,220, including the $1,225 destination charge. That’s a decent amount more expensive than we were hoping for after our First Drive of the Solterra, as first impressions had us wishing for a sub-$40,000 starting price.
The base model (Premium) Solterra comes with a good amount of standard equipment, but we’d be tempted to upgrade to the mid-level Limited right away. Opt for the Limited at $49,720, and you add 20-inch wheels (upgrade over 18-inch alloys), roof rails, a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated steering wheel/heated rear seats, the big 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/wireless Android Auto, a wireless phone charger and more.
For the extra $3,500, all that equipment leaves the mid-tier trim feeling like the one to get. If you pony up to the top-line Touring model, it’ll cost you $53,220. This adds a digital rearview mirror, ventilated front seats, panoramic moonroof and front and rear LED footwell lighting. You also gain the ability to spec a two-tone paint option, while the other trims are all monotone.
Anybody who reserved a Solterra gets a small charging bonus. You’ll be able to choose between EVGo charging credits, or money toward the purchase and installation of a Level 2 home charger from QMerit. All customers will also be able to redeem a 10-day no-charge rental from participating Subaru dealers. That said, the rental time appears to be a one-time deal, not a recurring/annual perk.
We’ll also mention that the Solterra qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit that should make the price a good bit more agreeable for many buyers. Compared to its Toyota bZ4X twin, the Solterra is slightly more expensive. A base AWD bZ4X starts at $45,215. If you don’t need all-wheel drive, the bZ4X can be had as cheaply as $43,215. And if the Solterra is on your shortlist of EVs to consider, know that it’ll be hitting dealerships this summer.
The 72.8 kWh batteries in the Solterra (and AWD bZ4x) are supplied by CATL, so it's quite likely LFP. Probably with a huge buffer as well, to go along with the lower charge rate; just to maintain the long battery warranty.
Subaru of America, Inc. unveiled the all-new 2026 Subaru Solterra EV at the 2025 New York International Auto Show. First debuted for 2023, the new Solterra all-electric SUV adds significant improvements to overall driving performance, efficiency, styling, and cabin comfort. The 2026 Solterra comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a suite of Subaru EyeSight® driver-assistance technologies, and adds an all-new, 14-inch Subaru Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.
Upgraded All-Electric Platform
The new 2026 Subaru Solterra is powered by a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery, providing an estimated range of more than 285 miles, up more than 25% compared to the outgoing model. Thanks to a newly added battery preconditioning system, when navigating to a charging station or activated by the driver, the Solterra's battery works to maintain optimal charging temperature, even in cold weather.
A new all-wheel drive system integrates independent front and rear motor outputs for improved driving performance on- and off-roads. The front and rear motors are managed with an improved controller, enabling more flexible drive power distribution and drive power control in wet and dry conditions.
The 2026 Subaru Solterra adds more powerful front and rear motors to make 233 horsepower, an improvement compared to the outgoing version. For the first time, a Solterra XT trim level adds more powerful dual electric motors that combine to make 338 horsepower and propel the Solterra XT from 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds.
The 2026 Solterra's new high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack charges from 10% to 80% in less than 35 minutes at speeds up to approximately 150 kW. Standard NACS charging ports will allow Subaru EV owners to charge at more than 15,000 Tesla Superchargers across North Americai. At home, the Solterra offers convenient Level 1 or Level 2 charging compatibility.
Pure EV All-Terrain Capability
The new 2026 Subaru Solterra is equipped with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system for increased capability off-road. All models feature X-MODE® Dual-Mode System with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes with Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control for confidence in low-grip or off-road capability. The 5-seat SUV includes 8.3 inches of ground clearance for genuine off-roading - a Subaru hallmark and best in class among small electric SUVs.
Refinements to the suspension and electric power steering have been made for better handling and responsiveness. New all-wheel drive control predicts the load applied to the front and rear tires and optimizes power distribution and suspension to reduce roll and sway, giving a better sense of control and a smoother ride.
Improved Technology
The new 2026 Subaru Solterra adds several significant technology improvements for driver and passenger comfort. An all-new 14-inch Subaru Multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility quickly relays entertainment, weather, and vehicle information. New, wireless 15W smartphone chargers for the driver and front passenger are standard and rear, high-power USB-C charge points keep devices ready while on the go.
The Subaru Solterra also includes a suite of EyeSight® driver-assist technologies including Pre-Collision Braking, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitors, Lane Departure Alert, a panoramic view monitor, Emergency Stop Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, and more.
Sophisticated Styling
The front of the new 2026 Solterra debuts an all-new Subaru EV lighting signature with a six-star illuminated logo, redesigned headlamps, a new front bumper design, and newly designed 20- and 18-inch wheels. Around the back, a new rear badge, rear gate garnish, and spoiler bring a distinctive nighttime lighting presence and improve aerodynamic performance.
Inside, the Subaru Solterra's bright cabin is enhanced by a low center touchscreen and an open greenhouse for a better view of the road ahead. Metallic finishes along the dash emphasize the horizontal themes, and a wide center console creates a centralized hub for devices and personal items for easy storage.
On certain colors, the new 2026 Solterra features new body-color front fenders for a sleeker, urban look. Available 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels punctuate the Subaru Solterra's curb appeal, and available two-tone color configurations add a unique touch to the capable SUV.
Subaru announced two versions, at least in Japan: a front-wheel drive with a 150 kW synchronous electric motor and a dual motor, all-wheel drive version with two 80 kW motors. Both versions are equipped with a 71.4 kWh battery, just like in the Toyota bZ4X.
Here are the four main points of the Solterra listed by Subaru:
I hope they’re using LFP batteries
