2026 Subaru Solterra electric car overhauled with more power, driving range and tech to tackle new Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Toyota bZ4X

The Subaru Solterra is one of three new models unveiled by the Japanese carmaker at the New York motor show overnight, and it's promising significant improvements on driving range, power and tech.

For the 2026 model year, the Toyota bZ4X-based Solterra sports a new design, including a smoother front grille, an illuminated black-and-white Subaru badge, fresh LED headlight signatures and S-U-B-A-R-U letter branding at the rear.

Subaru has also dropped the black plastic wheel arches in favour of more uniform body-coloured panelling, while also adding newly designed 18 and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Under the bonnet, the Solterra’s previously 71.1kWh lithium-ion battery has been traded for a slightly larger 74kWh unit, which the brand says will deliver a 25 per cent improvement in range.

Currently, Subaru claims the Solterra will cover up to 414km under the WLTP cycle, with this latest announcement suggesting that figure will grow closer to 517km.

Power is up too, with punchier dual electric motors delivering a maximum total output of 248kW, up from 160kW. Torque figures remain unconfirmed, but Subaru said the changes will see the car dash from 0-97km/h in under five seconds on the new top-spec XT grade.

Inside, the central multimedia screen has increased from 12.3 to 14.0-inches. It is now also flanked by two 15W wireless charging pads.

As before, the Solterra will offer Subaru’s trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive with X-mode configurable driving modes that include snow/dirt and deep snow/mud. Ground clearance is still rated at a welcome 212mm.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed, nor is an official launch for the Australian market, although it is expected to attract a premium over the current two-variant line-up, which starts at $69,990 before on road-costs for the base AWD, if it lands here.

Subaru has sold 43 Solterras in the first three months of this year, a decline of 70.3 per cent compared to the same period last year.