The 2026 Subaru Solterra mid-size electric SUV has undergone a significant mid-life facelift, boasting more range and power. While it’s set to hit right-hand drive markets in early 2026, its arrival in Australia is still pending confirmation from the brand’s local distributor.
Key Updates
The heavily upgraded Subaru Solterra was unveiled at the New York motor show alongside the brand-new Trailseeker EV wagon. The updates follow similar overhauls to the closely related Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ.
Design and Performance Enhancements
The headline feature is a fresh front end, including new headlamps. Beneath the skin, significant improvements include a new 74.4kWh lithium-ion battery, replacing the old 71.4kWh cell. Subaru claims a US EPA test cycle range of 459km, a 25% increase over the outgoing model. On the European WLTP test, the Subaru is expected to cover up to 573km on a single charge.
The new battery features a pre-conditioning function, making it better suited to colder climates and faster to charge in all temperatures. Subaru states that the new battery can be topped up at up to 150kW using a DC fast charger, with a 10-80% fill taking around 35 minutes.
Powertrain Updates
Entry-level all-wheel drive Solterras receive an 11kW power boost to 172kW, while flagship XT versions now produce around 250kW. This enables a 0-100km/h sprint in under 5.0 seconds. The electronics managing the two motors have also been upgraded, enhancing the all-wheel drive powertrain’s performance on- and off-road, as well as in various weather conditions.
While an official announcement on the updated 2026 Subaru Solterra’s Australian release is expected shortly, the current model’s sales have been modest compared to segment leaders like the Tesla Model Y.
