2026 Subaru Solterra is Much Better and Also Cheaper Than Old One
While the Subaru Solterra has largely disappointed since launching in 2023, forcing the company to offer big discounts and even skip the 2025 model year, the story could be very different with the significantly improved 2026 Solterra which is now on sale in Canada.
Before we share pricing details, which represent good news in these times of inflation, let's briefly recall how Subaru's electric SUV has changed.
- Also: 2026 Subaru Solterra: Back in Front With the Others
- Also: Refreshed 2026 Subaru Solterra is Classier and Way More Powerful
First, designers have revised the front fascia and some of the accents around the vehicle in addition to creating new sets of wheels (18 and 20 inches in size), giving it a more elegant appearance. Unfortunately, the only body colours available are white, grey (two shades) and black, although the first two can be combined with a black roof.
Furthermore, the charging door on the right front fender hides a new NACS connector that allows direct access to over 15,000 Tesla Superchargers in North America (a CCS adapter is provided).
Inside, comfort is enhanced and a 14-inch touchscreen is now included as standard, as are dual 15W wireless phone chargers for both the driver and front passenger.
The bigger story, mind you, is the number of technical improvements that have been made to the 2026 Subaru Solterra. For starters, the new 77kWh lithium-ion battery provides an estimated range of 446 km, or 25 percent longer than before. Maximum DC fast charging capacity now reaches 150 kW, so going from 10-80 percent takes about 30 minutes under ideal conditions, according to Subaru. A new battery preconditioning system accelerates the process in cold weather, and an improved 11kW onboard charger does the same for AC charging.
Those who’ve complained about the Solterra being underpowered and uninspiring to drive will rejoice: the two electric motors now generate 338 horsepower, a 57-percent increase that reduces the 0-100 km/h acceleration time to under 5 seconds. For real. Moreover, the all-wheel drive system has been improved, and further refinements have been made to the suspension and steering to enhance handling.
How Much Does the 2026 Subaru Solterra Cost?
The icing on the cake? Subaru has slashed the Solterra's prices. For 2026, the base model has an MSRP of $52,495 (plus destination and other fees of approximately $2,850), which is $4,000 less than the equivalent 2024 model. The Luxury and Technology packages are cheaper, too, requiring an extra of $3,000 and $6,000, respectively (previously $4,000 and $7,000).
All of this is a good thing, especially with the federal government no longer offering incentives of up to $5,000 for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles.
If you haven't yet read our first driving impressions, now's the time to catch up. And don’t forget that Subaru will soon be launching an entry-level electric crossover called Uncharted (a sort of electric Crosstrek) and a more adventurous electric SUV called Trailseeker (closely related to the Toyota bZ Woodland). Their prices will be announced at a later date.