“Don't do it if you ever want to drive more than 150 miles without stopping who knows where to charge for 3 hours (minimum). The car itself has great driving dynamics, and is comfortable, but the overuse of technology, software, and complex electrical systems has the car losing its own mind and no one knows how to diagnose and fix it all yet.”
Subaru Solterra: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Subaru Solterra is a compact electric SUV with five seats, standard all-wheel drive, and more ground clearance than many road-focused electric crossovers. It is known for bringing Subaru’s all-weather, outdoors-friendly character to an everyday EV.
The Solterra arrived for 2023 as Subaru’s first all-electric SUV. Its defining idea has stayed consistent: electric commuting without giving up confident traction in snow, rain, or on rough roads. Updates have steadily improved charging, range, power, safety technology, and cabin refinement, with the most substantial changes arriving for 2026.
Strengths
- Every Solterra combines dual-motor all-wheel drive with traction settings designed for slippery or rough surfaces.
- Its 8.3 inches of ground clearance gives it more room underneath than many electric crossovers built mainly for pavement.
- For 2026, EPA-estimated range stretches from 278 to 288 miles depending on trim.
- Charging became meaningfully quicker for 2024, when Subaru estimated a 10% to 80% fast-charge time of about 35 minutes.
- The five-seat cabin and useful cargo area make it practical for commuting, family errands, and weekend gear.
- Its driver-assistance technology has grown steadily, including added support for stop-and-go traffic, lane changes, and driver-attention monitoring in recent years.
Who it's for
The Solterra fits commuters and small families who want to move to an EV but still expect an SUV to handle bad weather, dirt roads, and weekend outings. It makes the most sense for someone who values standard all-wheel drive and useful ground clearance more than a strictly road-focused design.
Subaru Solterra lineup
Premium is the straightforward entry point for shoppers who want the Solterra’s core electric and all-wheel-drive experience. Limited is the step up for more comfort and parking technology. In recent lineups, the XT name marks the stronger 338-hp models: Limited XT is the performance-focused middle choice, while Touring XT sits at the top for shoppers who want the stronger output with the lineup’s more upscale character. The earlier Touring Onyx Edition was a style-focused version offered for 2025 rather than an enduring part of the range.
Subaru Solterra generations
From 2023 to 2026, the Solterra spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2023.
1st Generation (2023–Present)
The Solterra debuted as Subaru’s first all-electric SUV, with dual-motor AWD and added ground clearance for rough roads. For 2026, this same generation received a major rework with a larger battery, longer range, faster charging, more power, updated styling, and a quieter, stiffer structure.
19 In Stock
2026Mid-cycle update
Major redesign brings a 74.7-kWh battery, 278–288 miles of EPA-estimated range, faster charging, more power, a native NACS charge port, refreshed styling, and a 14-inch touchscreen.
2025Trim changes
The appearance-focused Touring Onyx Edition joins the lineup; the rest of the range largely carries over.
2024
Faster DC charging, better cold-weather charging, added driver-assistance features, and a squared-off steering wheel arrive across the lineup.
2023New generation
The Solterra launches as Subaru’s first all-electric SUV, with dual-motor AWD on every trim.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Subaru Solterra.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Subaru Solterra fully electric?
Yes. The Solterra is a battery-electric SUV with no gasoline engine. Every version uses two electric motors and all-wheel drive.
Does every Subaru Solterra have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every Solterra trim has dual-motor all-wheel drive. It also has 8.3 inches of ground clearance and traction settings for slippery or uneven surfaces.
How many people does the Subaru Solterra seat?
The Solterra seats five people in a four-door SUV body. It is sized for everyday commuting and family use, with a rear cargo area for routine hauling.
How far can a Subaru Solterra travel on a charge?
Range depends heavily on model year and trim. Since the major redesign, EPA estimates run from 278 to 288 miles. Earlier Solterras have lower estimates, topping out at 227 miles in the 2023–2025-era lineup.
Is the Subaru Solterra suited to snow and rough roads?
Yes, it is designed with poor weather and uneven roads in mind. Standard all-wheel drive, multiple traction modes, Grip Control, and 8.3 inches of ground clearance support that role.
How many generations of the Subaru Solterra are there?
There is one Solterra generation, beginning with its 2023 debut. The vehicle received a major redesign for 2026 with a substantially revised electric platform, longer range, quicker charging, and more power.
Who is the Subaru Solterra a good fit for?
It fits commuters and small families who want an electric SUV with five seats and extra confidence in bad weather. Its all-wheel drive, ground clearance, and traction modes also suit drivers who regularly encounter snow or rough access roads.
Subaru Solterra Reviews
What owners are saying about the Subaru Solterra.
4.0
Subaru Solterra
(534 reviews)
“Don't buy it as it charges so slowly you can't take it on a trip. Subaru misrepresented its capabilities.”
“This car is great. If there ever a chance to upgrade the battery or converter to a faster charging or longer range, I would love to upgrade.”
“The Subaru Solterra is a fantastic and very capable vehicle that does fantastic for daily type commutes, and great comfort for long distance trips.”
“if you rarely need to go more than >150 miles in a single day this car is great, especially as a second car if you have a primary vehicle with long range (a better EV, phev, or gas vehicle).”
“Other brands charge faster. This car has a problem with the 12v battery. Other than that- it's a decent EV car.”
Sources
- subaru.com — Vehicles / Solterra / 2026
- subaru.com — Solterra / 2026 / Features
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2026 / SOL
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2025 / SOL
- subaru.com — Brochures / 2026 / 2026 Solterra Brochure 010826
- subaru.com — Brochures / 2025 / MY25 Solterra Brochure 030625
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2024 / SOL
- subaru.com — Solterra / 2025 / Features
- subaru.com — Brochures / 2024 / 2024 Solterra Brochure 042424
- subaru.com — Vehicle Info / Articles / 2023 Vs 2024 Solterra
- subaru.com — 2023 / Solterra / MY23 Solterra Brochure
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2023 / SOL