The 2026 Subaru Solterra is not simply a minor refresh. The updated Australian electric SUV brings a larger battery, a substantial power increase, longer claimed range, faster three-phase charging and a lower entry price than the version it replaces. For drivers who want an EV with all-wheel drive, genuine ground clearance and Subaru’s familiar emphasis on all-weather confidence, those changes make the Solterra far more competitive than before.
It remains a five-seat midsize SUV with a focus on secure road manners rather than outright sportiness. Every Australian Solterra uses two electric motors for Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and its X-Mode traction settings, Grip Control and hill-descent assistance give it useful capability for gravel roads, snow trips and poor-weather travel. It is still best treated as a comfortable all-road SUV rather than a hardcore off-roader, but that distinction will suit many Australian households.
Subaru Solterra price and variants in Australia
The MY26 Subaru Solterra range has two variants. The entry Solterra AWD is priced from $63,990 before on-road costs, while the Solterra AWD Touring costs $69,990 before on-road costs. Both use the same 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery and dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain; the Touring focuses on additional comfort and convenience equipment.
| 2026 Subaru Solterra | Price before on-road costs | Claimed WLTP range |
|---|---|---|
| AWD | $63,990 | Up to 566km |
| AWD Touring | $69,990 | 517km |
The standard AWD arrives with 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a 14-inch central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and 64-colour ambient lighting. The Touring moves to 20-inch alloy wheels and adds a panoramic glass roof, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and Vehicle-to-Load capability.
The 2026 update matters because it reduces the previous model’s biggest compromises. The Solterra now gives buyers a more credible range-and-equipment package alongside the expected Subaru attributes of permanent all-wheel drive and generous ride height. The smaller upcoming Subaru Uncharted will offer another battery-electric option in the brand’s local line-up, but the Solterra remains the all-wheel-drive midsize SUV choice today.
Battery, range and charging
A 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery is shared by both Australian variants. Subaru quotes up to 566km of WLTP range for the Solterra AWD and 517km for the Touring. Real-world results depend on speed, temperature, terrain, load, tyres and air-conditioning use, but the revised range figures give the Solterra a much stronger touring case than the outgoing model.
The 2026 Solterra can charge at up to 7kW on single-phase AC, 22kW on three-phase AC and 150kW on DC fast charging. Subaru claims a 10–80 per cent DC charge in around 30 minutes in suitable conditions. That means a highway charge stop should be planned around the available charger power and the vehicle’s battery temperature, rather than assuming the maximum DC figure will always be reached. Evee’s Australian EV charging network guide explains what to look for when planning a public charging stop.
| Key specification | 2026 Subaru Solterra |
|---|---|
| Battery | 74.7kWh lithium-ion |
| Powertrain | Dual-motor Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive |
| Maximum combined power | 252kW |
| Maximum DC charging | 150kW |
| Maximum AC charging | 7kW single-phase / 22kW three-phase |
| Braked towing | 1,500kg |
| Ground clearance | 212mm |
All-wheel-drive confidence and safety equipment
The Solterra’s dual motors produce a combined 252kW, a considerable step up from the prior model. More importantly for the Subaru audience, all-wheel drive is standard rather than an expensive upgrade. X-Mode adjusts traction systems for slippery surfaces, while Grip Control and hill-descent assistance can make unsealed access roads, wet grass and steep descents less stressful.
With 212mm of clearance and a 1,500kg braked towing rating, the Solterra has useful numbers for an electric family SUV. It should not be confused with a low-range four-wheel drive, especially given the lack of a conventional spare tyre, but its clearance and all-wheel-drive hardware set it apart from many road-focused electric SUVs. The closely related Toyota bZ4X Touring is useful reading for buyers considering this electric-SUV class.
Safety technology includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-monitoring system and surround-view monitoring. The MY26 Solterra retains a five-star ANCAP rating. Eight airbags, a driver’s knee airbag and acoustic glass are among the meaningful update details, rather than just cosmetic changes.
Space, ownership and the right Solterra
The Solterra provides a roomy rear bench for this class, including rear air vents and USB-C charge points. The cabin favours simple, durable materials and a mix of physical controls with the large central screen. It is a sensible environment for family duties, although buyers should inspect the driving position and the high-mounted instrument display themselves, as personal preference will play a role.
The rear boot is adequate rather than class-leading, and the Solterra does not provide a front boot. Its strengths instead are rear passenger room, ride comfort, all-wheel-drive security and the flexibility of a 1,500kg tow rating. The AWD is the straightforward choice for buyers who prioritise value and smaller wheels, while the Touring makes sense for those who want the glass roof, ventilated front seats, V2L and upgraded audio.
Subaru backs the Solterra with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km high-voltage battery warranty. For a broader explanation of the ownership structure that may suit eligible employees, see evee’s novated lease guide. If you would like to experience electric driving before committing to your next vehicle, explore EVs on evee.
