Close-up of Subaru Solterra 2026, "twin brother" of Toyota bZ4X

The new 2026 Subaru Solterra - the twin of the Toyota bZ4X - has just received an upgraded version in the US market. This electric car was introduced at the 2025 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) with a new look and improvements in performance and operating range.

On the outside, the 2026 Subaru Solterra electric SUV has a new front end with a smoother design. The black grille-like border on the front of the old version has been removed. Meanwhile, the main headlight cluster is separated from the 6-segment LED daytime running light strip. This is an identifying feature of new Subaru models, similar to the Outback and Trailseeker.

In addition, this electric car model also has a front logo with integrated lights and the rear logo is replaced with a raised "Subaru" sticker. The plastic border around the wheel wells is now painted the same color as the body. Depending on the version, the car will use 18-inch or 20-inch wheels.

Inside the cabin, the infotainment screen has been upgraded to 14 inches while the center console has two additional wireless charging pads. The covered storage compartment in the center console has disappeared. The gear lever and surrounding controls have also been repositioned.

In the new version, Subaru Solterra still uses a 4-wheel drive system with 2 electric motors, creating a difference from its brother Toyota bZ4X. The capacity of the standard Solterra version has increased from 215 horsepower to 233 horsepower. In addition, Subaru also added a new, more powerful XT version to this electric vehicle line.

The Solterra XT has a maximum capacity of 338 horsepower, so it can accelerate from 0-96 km/h in less than 5 seconds. Both versions of the 2026 Subaru Solterra use a larger battery pack, reaching 74.7 kWh, increasing the operating range to 459 km, surpassing the old version (357–365 km).

Not only does the battery increase capacity, it also supports faster charging with a maximum DC input power of 150 kW. Subaru says the car can charge from 10% to 80% in just 35 minutes. In addition, the Solterra is equipped with a NACS-standard charging port, allowing it to be used at more than 15,000 Tesla Supercharger fast charging stations across North America.

This is the charging standard that many other car manufacturers are also applying. In addition, the Subaru Solterra 2026 also has a ground clearance of 210 mm with the X-Mode system with two modes: Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud, integrated traction control system as well as downhill assist system.

Subaru also improved the suspension and electric power steering to improve handling and steering response. All versions of the new Subaru Solterra are equipped with the standard EyeSight safety technology package, which includes automatic pre-collision braking.

Front cross traffic alert, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, 360-degree camera, emergency stop assist, traffic jam assist, lane change assist, advanced adaptive cruise control,...