Subaru Solterra overhauled! Electric SUV freshens up with more daring looks and extra power as it tries to make a dent in Tesla Model Y sales
The 2026 Subaru Solterra mid-size electric SUV has undergone a radical mid-life facelift and been boosted with more range and power.
On sale in right-hand drive markets from early 2026, its Australian arrival has yet to be locked in by the brand’s local distributor.
But the heavily upgraded Subaru Solterra revealed at the New York motor show alongside the brand new Trailseeker EV wagon, might be fast-tracked for our market where it currently sells in minscule numbers compared to the segment leading Tesla Model Y.
READ MORE: The first real off-road EV? Subaru Trailseeker unveiled at the New York show, now to get it into Australia!
READ MORE: Target Tesla Model Y Performance and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N! Wildly hot 2025 Subaru Solterra STi set to unleash WRC-honed handling and performance
READ MORE: Stylish Subaru Sport Mobility Concept gives us a sneaky peek at a future battery-powered BRZ coupe
Following on from the closely-related Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ that have also both been overhauled recently, the headline news is a fresh snout that includes a pair of new headlamps.
Beneath the skin significant improvements have included a new more energy dense 74.4kWh lithium-ion battery that replaces the old 71.4kWh cell.
On the US EPA test cycle Subaru claims a range of 459km – which is said to be 25 per cent more than the outgoing car. A similar improvement is expected on the European WLTP testing we’re familiar with.
The Subaru is tipped to cover up to 573km on a single charge.
Now better suited to colder climates, thanks to a battery pre-conditioning function, the new power pack is claimed to be faster to charge in all temperature.
Subaru says the new battery can be topped up at up to 150kW using a DC fast charger with a 10-80 per cent fill taking around 35 minutes.
The entry all-wheel drive Solterras also get an 11kW power boost to a more generous 172kW, while the flagship XT versions now pump out around 250kW for a 0-100km/h sprint in less than 5.0 seconds.
As well as extra punch, the electronics managing the two motors are now more sophisticated, improving the all-wheel drive powertrain’s performance on- and off-road and in different weather conditions.
An announcement on when Australia will get the updated 2026 Subaru Solterra is expected to be released shortly.
