Updates inbound for Subaru Solterra EV

SUBARU has announced details for its ready-to-order MY26 Solterra EV range.

The Japanese importer says the updated SUV will offer Australian buyers greater driving range, more power, and a sharper price, the entry model now available from $63,990 plus on-road costs – or $6000 less than before – and the high-grade Touring from $69,990 or $7000 less.

More powerful dual electric motors now offer a combined 252kW of power, a significant 57 per cent increase over the outgoing model, while a larger 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack (up from 71.0kWh) delivers a maximum WLTP driving range of 566km.

Additionally, AC charging capacity also increases, rising from 11kW to 22kW. DC charging remains at 150kW.

Subaru says the model rides on a “significantly improved” version of its e-Subaru Global Platform (e-SGP) architecture and is said to offer enhanced dynamics, improved all-wheel drive control and a quieter ride.

Together, Subaru says these improvements create the stability, traction and confidence that have long defined the brand, the Solterra continuing to offer 212mm of ground clearance, Dual X-Mode all-wheel drive and a marked increase in braked towing capacity to 1500kg (+750kg).

Moving inside, the Solterra is refreshed to offer improved ergonomics and a new 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard across the range, so too are dual wireless phone chargers, acoustic glass, and 64-colour LED ambient lighting.

The Touring grade adds a premium seven-speaker harman/kardon audio bundle to the deal.

Other new features include vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, ventilated front seats, Subaru’s Multi-Terrain Monitor, upholstery options, and a powered tailgate with kick sensor.

Visually, the revised MY26 Solterra range is characterised by a more “sophisticated aesthetic”. A new front bumper, redesigned headlighting, more distinctive rear garnish, and newly designed 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels (grade dependant) give the model what Subaru says is “an athletic, confident stance”.

Altitude Black is added to the swatch card with Cosmic White, Dark Blue, Elemental Red, Smoked Cargon, and Harbour Mist Grey retained. Premium colours add $660 while two-tone hues add $1500.

The Solterra continues to offer a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance technologies including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, emergency steering assist, lane tracing assist, parking assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, a 360-degree camera system, and 10 airbags.

“The new MY26 Solterra builds on our all-electric SUV with more range, more power and a richer feature set for Australian’s who want an electric SUV, without compromise,” said Subaru Australia general manager Scott Lawrence.

“It stays true to Subaru capability, safety and reliability, with genuine all-wheel drive confidence and it marks an exciting start to a run of new Subaru product coming to Australia.”

As elsewhere in the Subaru range, the Solterra is backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with an eight-year warranty on the high-voltage battery. Home charging solutions are available, as is 12 months’ of included roadside assistance.

Subaru has sold just 139 examples of the Solterra this year to date, down 60.5 per cent on the same time last year.

By way of contrast, Toyota has sold 676 copies of its twin-under-the-skin bZ4X (down 12.3 per cent YOY), Volkswagen 729 examples of its ID.4 and 234 examples of its ID.5, Skoda 166 Enyaq variants, Hyundai 535 Ioniq 5s, and Kia 3901 examples of its EV5.

Tesla has sold 735 copies of the Model Y in Australia in the year to date, up 74.2 per cent on the same time last year.

2026 Subaru Solterra pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.