I drove the 2026 Subaru Solterra for a week — here’s my pros and cons

Frankly, I wasn’t all that impressed with the Subaru Solterra when I drove it last year. It was probably because it was a rebadged version of the Toyota bZ4X, which I actually tested out beforehand — so you could say I was spoiled by that model. However, I feel differently about the 2026 Subaru Solterra.

Nearly just about everything feels fresh and new with the Solterra. From its subtle redesign that makes it sleeker and more attractive looking, to how it’s more future proof with a NACs charging port, the 2026 Subaru Solterra is shaping to be one of the most underrated EVs I’ve tested all year.

I know, that’s something I don’t typically say too often, especially when EVs are still notoriously more expensive than hybrid cars. But it’s warranted here because after driving the 2026 Subaru Solterra Touring XT for a week, it’s undeniably a best electric car contender.

2026 Subaru Solterra: Specifications

2026 Subaru Solterra: Testing summary

Before my first drive on the road, I wasn’t expecting anything extraordinary out of the 2026 Subaru Solterra Touring XT — but I ended up being surprised in a big way. That’s because it ended up being one of the most efficient EVs I’ve tested this year, reaching an average of 4.2 mi/kWh driving a total of 373.7 miles.

To put that into perspective, I got 2.9 mi/kWh efficiency out of last year's Solterra. The only other EV that gets better efficiency is the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric at 4.3 mi/kWh. This is a big deal for the Solterra because it beats the manufacturer’s claim of having 278 miles of range. If it were to sustain that 4.2 mi/kWh efficiency, it would get nearly 313 miles of range — which would be an extra 35 miles over its EPA-estimated claim.

Not only is it one of the most efficient EVs, but it also charges pretty fast with Level 1 charging at home. It charges at the rate of 3.82 mi/hr, which gives back 45 miles of range in 11.77 hours. That’s more than enough for what I need, but I still recommend installing a Level 2 charger if your daily commute is farther.

2026 Subaru Solterra: What I Like

Ridiculously good efficiency

Like I’ve said, I wasn’t expecting an average efficiency of 4.2 mi/kWh. For a compact crossover SUV, it’s ridiculously good because larger sized SUVs like this don’t often get above 3.5 mi/kWh efficiency. For example, one of my favorite all-electric SUVs, the Honda Prologue, topped out at 3.4 mi/kWh.

Why’s this important? It’s because it proves how much more efficient the Subaru is, resulting in fewer recharges over its life. And, it only has a slightly larger 74.7 kWh battery, versus the 72.8 kWh one in the model I drove last year.

More access to chargers thanks to NACs port

Another benefit of the 2026 Subaru Solterra is that it features a NACs charging port, the same used by Telsa EVs. This gives drivers more flexibility when it comes to charging it on the road because it can be charged at Tesla supercharger locations, in addition to other charging stations like EVgo and Chargepoint. Similar to how I tried this with the Hyundai Ioniq 9 at a Tesla Supercharring station, it proves my point about why this decision is good.

In order to charge the Solterra at those other locations with Level 3 charging, you’ll need to use J1772 and CCS adapters — which come included. By going with a NACs charging port, Subaru makes charging easier for drivers.

Sleek design

Way before I stepped inside of the new 2026 Subaru Solterra, I was admiring its redesign. On the surface, it appears to have the same hard angles of the previous model that made it so futuristic looking. However, the subtle changes with the 2026 model make it look more refined — complete with a sleeker look.

It all starts at the front with the tapered hood, stacked headlights, and six-star illuminated logo, which at night commands a lot of attention. There’s also the luster of the paint job, Midnight Tide Mica, which dazzles when light hits it at the right angle. And while the rear sports a similar design as before, the new rear spoiler gives it more of an aerodynamic look.

Super responsive, even on ECO mode

Efficiency oftentimes has this reputation of scaling back on power, but that’s not the case with the 2026 Subaru Solterra Touring XT. In fact, it drives with the same kind of pep I find in sportier cars like the BMW i4 M50 Gran Couple and Mini Cooper Countryman EV.

This responsiveness is attributed to the 338 hp performance from its dual electric motors, which makes accelerating a breeze from a full stop. Although I prefer the handling and driving of the Volvo EX40 a bit more, I have to admit I wasn’t expecting the Solterra to be this fun.

Dual wireless chargers

Just about every EV has a wireless charger, but the Solterra adds a second one that I think is helpful. Since I use wireless Android Auto and CarPlay when I drive, it’s a big drain to my phone — so that’s why I always try to keep it on the charger.

With a second one, though, it gives passengers the option to charge their phones as well. And you know what? It’s not just the more expensive Touring XT trim that has dual wireless chargers — all trims of the 2026 Subaru Solterra have them.

Lots of storage space and legroom

One common complaint about compact SUVs is that they’re generally light on storage space and have terrible legroom with the back seats. Thankfully that’s not the case with the 2026 Subaru Solterra, as it comes with an abundance of storage space and nooks just about everywhere.

I’m even more impressed by the amount of legroom in the back seats, which is always a point of contention wherever I test a new vehicle. Even when the front seats are in their normal driving positions, there’s ample legroom in the back that makes it comfortable for taller sized individuals.

2026 Subaru Solterra: What I Don't Like

It’s hard to find

The only thing I don’t like about the 2026 Subaru Solterra is that it’s hard to find. That’s partly due to the fact that dealers are still waiting for 2026 models to arrive on their lots, but I suspect that it won’t be that long. The wait is the hardest part, especially when this EV is such a huge upgrade.

2026 Subaru Solterra: Bottom Line

I can’t tell you what a difference a year makes because the Subaru Solterra feels, looks, and performs so differently from last year’s model. All the upgrades make it a satisfying option if you’re on the market for an EV, which at $38,495 for the base Premium trim, is excellent value considering how it’s $600 cheaper than the outgoing model — and way more efficient too.

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