2026 Solterra EV : The rugged trail opportunities at Montana’s Glacier National Park spread out in front of me as I clutched the leather-wrapped steering wheel of Subaru’s latest creation.
The morning dew remained on the wildflowers next to the mountain pass, and the cool air sent the smell pine wafting through the panoramic glass roof above me.
Instead, this was my first experience with the 2026 Subaru Solterra, and it wouldn’t be just any test drive either — it was an SVX-style first encounter between what an electric SUV could be and what the great outdoors of America can offer.
“We didn’t want to make just another EV,” Jack Harrison, Subaru’s lead engineer on the Solterra project, had told me the night before over locally brewed IPAs.
“Basically anyone can throw together a battery in wheels. We wanted to build something that makes you forget you’re driving electric — until you notice that you can go 350 miles without ever stopping for gas.’
Harrison’s confidence was not unwarranted. The dual motor AWD system spooled the torque to each wheel with a precision only an algorithm can muster, making the Solterra feel supernaturally grounded, dancing over loose gravels with the agility of a mountain goat as I carved the switchbacks up to Logan Pass.
Evolution, Not Revolution
The 2026 Solterra is the second generation of Subaru’s all-electric SUV and what’s new is more than cosmetic.
The original model (2023) was developed in collaboration with Toyota, but this new and improved version springs from its own true dedicated EV platform, what Subaru calls its Symmetrical Electric Vehicle System, or SEVS — a reference to the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive logbook.
The design language says ‘hi’ to Subaru loyalists, while also looking toward the future. The somewhat awkward proportions of the first-generation model are gone, replaced by a muscular stance and pronounced fenders that host standard 20-inch alloy wheels (21-inch options can be had with the Wilderness trim).
The front fascia retains the hexagonal pattern shape that Subaru is known for, but it’s mostly covered up for aerodynamic efficiency and has active shutters that only open when battery cooling requires airflow.
Dimensionally, the new Solterra is a tad larger—2.3 inches longer, 1.1 inches wider, and the wheelbase has stretched 1.7 inches.
This translates to significant improvements in interior space, especially in the back seat where there are now 2.4 additional inches of legroom.
An Economy That Surprises
Taking the straight-line speed out of the equation, Subaru has never been about going fast — it’s all about capability and confidence. But the 2026 Solterra has plenty of both.
In the Premium and Limited trims, the standard dual-motor hardware produces 312 hp, while the Touring and Wilderness variants bring that number up to an impressive 389 hp—the most powerful production Subaru ever to exist.
The Wilderness edition I drove leapt from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds according to my stopwatch — enough to catch the Porsche Macan driver I met at a mountain overlook by surprise.
“That’s a Subaru?” he asked, looking through the Solterra’s driver-side window with newfound respect.
But the true magic is off pavement. The Wilderness trim adds 9.3 inches of ground clearance (versus 8.7 for standard models), rugged Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain rubber, and a beefed-up version of Subaru’s X-MODE system with new settings for Snow/Dirt; Deep Snow/Mud; and even a Rock Crawl mode, which turns this family hauler into an unexpectedly rugged off-roader.
On my test drive, I took it on a technical trail normally for modified Jeeps and purpose-built off-roaders.
With X-MODE switched on and the air suspension raised to its highest setting, the Solterra picked its way through the kind of obstacles that would’ve halted lesser vehicles in their tracks.
The instantaneous torque response of the electric motors are superb for slow-speed rock crawl, and the one-pedal driving mode with regenerative braking gave us good control going down steep descents.
Technical Specifications: Battery Technology & Range
Under the floor of the Solterra is Subaru’s new high-density battery pack, which employs silicon-anode technology that offers a major rise in energy density over traditional lithium-ion cells.
The standard setup offers 87 kWh of usable capacity and it’s rated at an EPA-estimated 320 miles of range for the Premium trim.
With its all-terrain tires and added heft, the Wilderness sacrifices a bit of efficiency, but still pulls off an impressive 295 miles between charges.
The charging ability is even more impressive. It accepts up to 250 kW of DC fast charging, with a 10-80% charge achievable in just under 25 minutes in perfect conditions.
In the midst of my Montana adventure, I plugged in at an Electrify America station in Whitefish and added 200 miles of range to the car during a 22-minute coffee break.
Subaru has also added what it calls “Cold Weather Battery Conditioning,” which pre-warms the battery pack when navigating to a charger in cold climates — a way of addressing one of the key pain points of EV ownership in areas with extreme winters.
My test drive happened to coincide with an unusual spring snowstorm that left overnight lows at 28°F and the system performed perfectly, and there was no use of DOT salt.
Interior: Rugged and Refined
Open the door and you’ll see an interior that marries outdoor-ready utility with luxury you wouldn’t expect.
The standard fabric upholstery is made with recycled materials that have a water-repellent finish; higher trims get our available sustainable StarTex synthetic leather — a premium-feel material that is durable enough for muddy boots and wet dogs.
A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster relays info that can be customized, and at the center is a new 14.6-inch touchscreen that runs Subaru’s latest infotainment system.
While many automakers have removed physical controls entirely, Subaru still has physical knobs and buttons for the climate control settings and volume adjustments — a considerate touch for drivers who wear gloves.
“We looked at how consumers are actually using their vehicles in the real world,” said Sarah Chen, Subaru’s UI/UX director. “Our owners are coming back from hiking, mountain biking or skiing on a regular basis.
“There are have dirty hands, they’re wearing glove, and they just want to turn the heat up and not scroll through three menu screens.”
This philosophy is carried throughout the cabin. Storage is plentiful and includes some smart touches like a water-resistant bin in the center console that’s ideal for hiding wet stuff.
It also comes with a washable rubber mat with raised edges to contain spills or muddy gear, and offers 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats (66.5 cubes with the seats folded).
Perhaps most impressive of all is how Subaru has designed quiet without isolation. Road and wind noise are most impressively minimized, though the acoustic glass does not isolate you from the outside world.
When I drove through Glacier, I could still hear the rushing water of the mountain streams with the windows up — a sensory detail that enhanced rather than muted the experience.
Technology Integration
The Solterra not only welcomes electric propulsion but also full connectivity. Various controls for charging and climate settings and vehicle status can also be monitored and controlled remotely via the Subaru Care app.
More uniquely, it connects with popular outdoor-targeting apps such as AllTrails and Gaia GPS, allowing drivers to push routes straight into the vehicle’s navigation system.
Standard driver assistance features include Subaru’s EyeSight system, which has been upgraded with a third camera for better detection in difficult light conditions.
Adaptive cruise control works well in traffic, and the lane-centering function strikes a reasonable balance between assistance and driver involvement.
One feature that I enjoyed was the new Campsite Power system, which turns the Solterra into a mobile power station.
The vehicle is able to power everything from campsite amenities to literal home appliances during blackouts with 3.6 kW available via multiple 120V outlets in the cabin and cargo area, as well as a 240V outlet in the rear bumper.
The Market Position
Kicking off a $47,890 Premium trim and rising to a $58,750 fully-loaded Wilderness edition (before federal or state incentives), the 2026 Solterra slots as a premium product—but the equivalent of a seriously attractive product considering similarly outfitted competitors.
Compared to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID. 4, or even the Tesla Model Y, the Solterra stands out with true off-road prowess, thoughtful design details aimed at outdoor adventurers, and that Subaru reliability.
“There is no doubt that there is a real EV transition going on,” Tom Doll, Subaru’s North American President, said during the vehicle’s press briefing, “but we didn’t want to follow the lead immediately, we wanted to ensure that we got it right.
Our customers are looking for vehicles that are integral to their active lifestyles, and they want them to work perfectly in all conditions. The new Solterra fulfills that promise.”
An Evolution Well Worth It
As I returned the Solterra to Subaru’s Montana test facility after three days of driving, I was legitimately impressed.
This isn’t just another entry in the ever-crowded electric SUV market — it‘s a purpose-built adventure vehicle that just happens to be electric.
The first-generation Solterra seemed like Subaru testing the waters of electricity. This new model is a bold plunge into the deep end, bringing genuine Subaru DNA into the electric age.
For loyalists to the brand who want to go battery-powered without sacrificing capability or character, the 2026 Solterra makes a strong case.
In a segment where vehicles can feel increasingly homogenized, Subaru has crafted something with true personality and purpose.
Much like the original Outback helped shape the crossover segment nearly 30 years ago, the new Solterra may very well serve as the template for what adventure-ready EVs ought to be.
The 2026 Subaru Solterra will hit dealers in September 2025 and start taking pre-orders in late spring. Production specifications and prices are subject to change.