auto_awesome AI-distilled Scoped 8 days ago starstarstarstarstar

Subaru soltera

“Subaru finally fixed the EV that was almost great.”

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7.8

Inside Scoop Score

Buy · 7.8 / 10

auto_awesome INSIDE SCOOP

The Inside Scoop

THE VERDICT

The 2026 Solterra is a genuine second-generation overhaul — new motors, bigger battery, 50% faster charging, and up to 288 miles of range address the core reasons the first-gen was hard to recommend. It still punches above its weight on ground clearance at 8.3 inches, making it the rare EV that can actually handle light off-road duty. At around $45,555 for the top XT trim, it's competitive, and InsideEVs called it 'a good, everyday, normal car that just happens to be electric' — which is exactly what most buyers want.

Anchored by Auto Buyers Guide | Alex on Autos's review

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Best-in-class ground clearance

At 8.3 inches of ground clearance with Subaru-developed X-Mode, the Solterra can handle genuine light off-road terrain that would beach nearly every rival EV crossover in the segment.

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Range problem finally solved

The 2026 model achieves 288 miles of EPA range — a 26% improvement over the outgoing model — driven by efficiency gains despite the battery growing only 2%, which is impressive engineering.

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Charging speed leaps forward

AC charging jumps from a sluggish 6.6 kW to a proper 11 kW, meaning a full charge from empty takes about 7 hours overnight, while DC fast charging hits 150 kW peak for a 10-to-80% fill in 30 minutes.

warning WATCH OUTS

Before You Buy — What Nobody Tells You

We analyzed the expert reviews and owner discussions to surface the surprises buyers only learn after.

  • heart_broken

    No glove compartment anywhere

    The passenger-side dash space is occupied by a radiant heat panel, so there is literally no glove box — you lose that standard storage spot entirely and only learn this after you go to stash your registration.

    — from Top reviewer (Alex on Autos)

    lightbulb The aftermarket center console organizer tray on Amazon ($26.99) helps compensate, but it does not replace a lockable storage compartment.

  • construction

    Steering wheel blocks instrument cluster view

    The driving position puts you looking across the top of the steering wheel at the instruments rather than through it, which is an unusual ergonomic quirk that short and average-height drivers notice immediately after delivery.

    — from Top reviewer (Alex on Autos)

    lightbulb The tilt-telescopic column helps somewhat, but the geometry is baked into the design and cannot be fully corrected.

  • emergency_share

    No spare tire, no factory solution

    The cargo floor hides only charge cables — there is no spare, not even a temporary one, and Subaru offers no factory fix, leaving you dependent on roadside assistance for any flat.

    — from Top reviewer (Alex on Autos)

    lightbulb An aftermarket compact spare reportedly fits the space under the cargo floor, but you will need to source and install it yourself.

groups VERDICT

Who it's for

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Best For

Subaru loyalists and outdoor-lifestyle buyers who want a capable, light off-road EV with real range and faster charging, without paying Rivian prices.

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Skip If

Buyers who need maximum cargo space, a conventional glove box, or who frequently road-trip without access to home charging infrastructure.

smart_display VIDEO REVIEWS

Video reviews

Show 6 more reviews expand_more
7:06
person

2026 Subaru Solterra | First Drive

Kelley Blue Book • 59686

"For the latest Subaru Solterra pricing and information: https://www.kbb.com/subaru/solterra/ Subaru's Solterra is only three years ..."

rocket_launch TIKTOK

TikTok takes

@coolcarfeatures

Let me show you some of the cool features of the 2026 Subaru Solterra electric compact crossover. Price as shown for this Touring XT trim is $45,555. #Subaru #Solterra #CarReview #electriccar #cartech

favorite 743

@coolcarfeatures

Here are some of the cool features you’ll find in the 2024 Subaru Solterra all-electric SUV. Price as shown for this Touring model is $53,340. #Subaru #Solterra #SubaruSolterra #EV #Electric #SUV #Review #CoolCarFeatures #AWD

favorite 739

@carbuzz.com

The new #subaru #soltera is a HUGE improvement #cars #carbuzz #carsoftiktok #fyp #foryou #foryourpage

favorite 1.1K

Show 5 more expand_more

@alexbrittonpeterson

🤮 what in the af is this @Subaru of America, Inc. #subaru #subarusolterra #ev #electricvehicle

favorite 508

@bank.seized.cars

2025 Subaru Solterra Limited!#bankseizedcarsforsale #SubaruSolterra #ElectricSUV #2025carreveal #fyp

favorite 33

@myrksubaru

Meet the all-new Subaru Solterra at RK Subaru In Vineland ⚡️ Bold new look. All-electric power. Adventure ready. 🌲🔋 #SubaruSolterra #RKSubaru #ElectricAdventure

favorite 16

@subarusingapore

Experience the perfect blend of Japanese precision and electric power. 🇯🇵⚡️ The all-new Subaru Solterra XT delivers 342 PS and hits 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds. It’s not just an EV; it’s a Japan premium EV designed for those who value substance over hype. 💨0-100km/h in 5.1s 4️⃣🚙Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive ⚡️🔌Class Leading 22kW AC Charging 📏211mm Ground Clearance 🔊10-speaker Harmon Kardon Sound System 📍Visit our showroom at 25 Leng Kee Road today. #Subarusg #sgcars #electricvehicles #SolterraXT #sgdriving

favorite 35

@makai.auto.sales

Take a quick look at the 2026 Subaru Solterra EV! Packed with convenience, luxury, safety, and comfort. . . . @Subaru of America, Inc. #fyp #subaru #subarusolterra #viral #subarunation

favorite 119

menu_book Editorial reviews · 4 expand_more
article
Car and Driver Aug 25, 2025
Editorial

2026 Subaru Solterra First Drive Review

Added power, longer range, and new creature comforts make for a more well-rounded compact electric crossover.

article
Electrifying.com
Editorial

Subaru Solterra review

True to Subaru heritage, the Solterra can handle a bit of gentle off-roading. It comes with a function called X-Mode, which is essentially a drive mode best ...

format_quote What people are saying · 3 expand_more

"The slow charging and short range made it difficult to recommend, but this is an all-new Solterra — Subaru sharpened their pencil."

person

Alex on Autos (YouTube)

"The Solterra is the dream: a good, everyday, normal car that just happens to be electric — not overpowered, not overpriced."

person

InsideEVs editorial

"Many owners appreciate its smooth handling, comfort, and good interior space, with some noting great performance in snowy conditions."

person

Edmunds editorial

The 2026 Solterra finally became the EV it always wanted to be — if you can live without a glove box.

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Scoped 8 days ago across 33 sources on 5 platforms.