Subaru, like many Japanese auto manufacturers, has been sluggish to embrace the electrical car (EV) world – a minimum of till now with the arrival of the facelifted Solterra mid-size electrical SUV.
However earlier than we get into it, it’s essential to rewind. As little as 5 years in the past, totally electrical SUVs just like the Tesla Mannequin Y had been taking the world by storm, sparking actual conversations concerning the want for Western legacy manufacturers to select up their tempo as a way to sustain, particularly because the Chinese language automotive business continued to rise.
Many European manufacturers introduced bold EV plans, however in Japan issues moved a bit extra slowly. Subaru was no totally different, at that time providing simply two half-baked ‘hybrid’ fashions amid a lineup dominated by petrol-powered combustion automobiles.
In 2022, although, Subaru introduced its first effort at correct electrification. By a longstanding partnership, Subaru assisted in engineering the Toyota bZ4X and ultimately rebadged and calmly restyled the mid-size electrical SUV because the Solterra, which was launched in Japan, Europe, China, and the US that yr.
It didn’t arrive in Australia till early 2024, and it wasn’t well-received. Too costly and a too-short driving vary had been key complaints, contributing to a meagre gross sales rely of simply 588 in virtually two years – a determine which was comprehensively dwarfed by the Mannequin Y’s 22,239 gross sales in 2025 alone.
That’s the place the up to date Solterra comes into play. Revealed abroad in early 2025, it has solely simply arrived in Australia and brings substantial upgrades, together with extra driving vary, much more energy and torque, and a closely revised inside – all whereas bringing costs down by 1000’s.
After all, this matches upgrades to the bZ4X, which differs from the all-wheel drive Solterra by providing a front-wheel drive mannequin on the backside of the vary. The result’s a pair of Japanese EVs that, if nothing else, current a lot better worth than earlier than – a transfer which ought to pave the way in which for extra EVs from each manufacturers.
The Solterra, together with the newer Trailseeker and Uncharted, leaves 5 as-yet-unknown Subaru EVs slated for international launch by 2028. These three are among the many majority to be sourced from Toyota, however the door continues to be open for a minimum of one mannequin to be developed solely by Subaru.
Is the up to date Solterra a powerful sufficient step ahead for Subaru, and does it give us hope for the model’s future EVs?
How a lot does the Subaru Solterra value?
Costs are down for the facelifted Solterra. The value of the top-spec Touring variant on check right here has been decreased by $7000, to $69,990 earlier than on-road prices.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-roads |
|---|---|
| 2026 Subaru Solterra AWD | $63,990 |
| 2026 Subaru Solterra AWD Touring | $69,990 |
Equally, the bottom Solterra is down by $6000. That doesn’t match Toyota’s $10,010 lower for the entry-level front-wheel drive bZ4X (now $55,990 earlier than on-roads), and the Touring continues to be roughly $2000 dearer than its Toyota equal.
The variety of mid-size electrical SUV rivals on sale in Australia is continually rising, however we will single out two key targets.
Naturally, the primary is the top-selling Tesla Mannequin Y, which prices both $58,900 earlier than on-roads in base, rear-wheel drive trim, or $68,900 earlier than on-roads for the Lengthy Vary AWD variant.
One other is the BYD Sealion 7, an choice that has skyrocketed up the gross sales charts in latest months. Its two variants are priced at $54,990 and $63,990 plus ORCs.
To see how the Subaru Solterra stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
Allow us to allow you to discover your new automotive
Purchase your new automotive with out the stress. It is quick, easy and utterly free.
Nice service from Travis and crew, second time I’ve used this enterprise wouldn’t hesitate to suggest them to anybody
Craig C.
Bought a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD
CarExpert helped Craig save 1000’s on his Ford Ranger, now allow us to prevent in your subsequent new automotive.
What’s the Subaru Solterra like on the within?
Noticeably modified from the primary iteration, for the higher.
Gone is the ocean of piano-black plastic that was a magnet for smudges and scratches, changed by a ‘floating’ centre console setup with way more palatable supplies. Floating isn’t strictly the proper phrase, however that’s the impression given by the multi-tiered structure.
Not solely ought to or not it’s extra sturdy with its boring plastics and softened edges, however it additionally contributes to a a lot classier presentation of the inside as an entire. It’s sensible too, because it now homes two wi-fi telephone chargers and locations all driving-related buttons additional again for simpler entry.
Toyota’s unconventional gear selector stays, which is able to confuse first-timers. The rotating part a minimum of has a really satisfying motion, however it loses marks not just for isolating the Park button, but in addition for ending it in piano black.
Between it and the central armrest is a pair of cupholders, which sit fairly low to accommodate tall cups and bottles. Beneath all of it is a deep storage tray that hides two USB-C ports and a 12V outlet, although it does reveal a shortcoming of the Solterra.
There’s nonetheless no conventional glovebox on the passenger aspect, which limits storage choices. The field underneath the central armrest isn’t all that deep both, however it does open sideways in direction of the driving force or passenger for simpler entry.
Apart from that, although, the brand new Solterra presents a premium, snug inside. The very first thing you’ll discover is how snug and supportive the entrance seats are, which when mixed with a formidable vary of adjustment is a really welcome shock.
The driving place itself nonetheless isn’t excellent, because the high-riding instrument show disrupts the dashboard’s horizon and forces you to look over the steering wheel slightly than by means of it. This will show considerably awkward for these used to extra conventional automobiles, even when the Solterra is way much less intimidating than the minimalist Mannequin Y.
No less than the squared-off tiller has been carried over to get round this minor inconvenience, which continues to be an pointless hurdle however preferable to the obstructive spherical wheel within the bZ4X. It’s additionally fairly small in diameter, making it enjoyable (if not just a little cumbersome) to throw round.
As for that 7.0-inch instrument show, its graphics and capabilities are characteristically Toyota. Meaning it’s clear and easy, in a no-fuss, non-customisable sort of means, with loads of data at hand as you flick by means of its menus – virtually an identical to earlier than.
What isn’t an identical is the 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system – the newest and best in Toyota tech that has even appeared in some Lexus fashions just like the GX massive SUV. A luxurious automotive’s multimedia unit in a non-luxury Subaru? Sure please, and we loved the Harman Kardon sound system too.
Not solely that, however it’s additionally nicer to reside with than Subaru’s personal vertical screens in fashions just like the Impreza and WRX. Positive, practically the entire local weather controls have migrated into the display screen, and Toyota’s temperature dials nonetheless really feel mushy to make use of, however all of the essential ‘buttons’ are massive, legible, and at all times introduced in a ribbon alongside the underside.
This digitisation is in stark distinction to the buttons on the steering wheel. Although they’re unchanged, the entire buttons listed below are completed in boring plastic and are tremendous satisfying to press.
In any other case, wi-fi smartphone mirroring is normal, and we had no points utilizing Apple CarPlay throughout our week with the automotive. Equally, the infotainment display screen is responsive and graphically sharp, to not point out extra secure than previous Toyota programs – as evidenced by obvious interference-free operation underneath Melbourne’s toll gantries.
Climbing into the second row reveals a cavernous space in line with the area supplied up entrance. Legroom is not going to be a problem, although the glass roof of our tester might compromise headroom for taller passengers.
We a minimum of like that there’s no driveline hump within the center to disturb legroom for middle-seat occupants, little doubt a product of the Solterra’s devoted EV platform. The ground is sort of excessive, although, which suggests your thighs aren’t supported on the comparatively quick seat base.
There are a number of niceties again right here too, albeit with out the devoted display screen that back-seat Mannequin Y passengers are handled to. There are two USB-C ports and twin air vents on the again of the centre console, together with seat heating for the outboard positions.
That’s all good to have, as is the entrance seat air flow that comes normal with the Solterra Touring. Our solely criticism is that the air flow up entrance isn’t as robust because it maybe might be, particularly in Australia’s warmth.
The boot, in the meantime, is expectedly accommodating. Its ground is totally flat and sits at a snug loading top, whereas the powered tailgate makes entry simpler with full fingers.
The sloping rear window naturally eats into vertical cargo area, however you may fold down the rear seat backs to maximise load quantity. At full stretch, cargo quantity is akin to that of the Mannequin Y.
It’s a disgrace there’s no spare wheel, however tyre restore kits are nothing new for EVs. There’s a minimum of some under-floor storage for the automotive’s charging cable, which makes up for the absence of storage underneath the bonnet.
| Dimensions | Subaru Solterra AWD Touring |
|---|---|
| Size | 4690mm |
| Width | 1860mm |
| Peak | 1650mm |
| Wheelbase | 2850mm |
| Floor clearance | 212mm |
| Cargo capability | 410L (rear seats up) 2005L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Subaru Solterra stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Powering the Solterra continues to be a dual-motor electrical setup, however with energy and torque drastically elevated to 252kW and 438Nm respectively. All-wheel drive stays normal, although the capability of the lithium-ion battery has additionally been bumped up.
| Specs | Subaru Solterra AWD Touring |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Twin-motor electrical |
| Battery | 74.7kWh li-ion (+3.3kWh) |
| Peak entrance motor outputs | 167kW/268Nm |
| Peak rear motor outputs | 88kW/169Nm |
| Peak system energy | 252kW (+92kW) |
| Peak system torque | 438Nm (+101Nm) |
| Drive kind | All-wheel drive |
| Tare mass | 2005kg (-55kg) |
| Power consumption (claimed) | 16.0kWh/100km |
| Power consumption (as examined) | 15.1kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary (WLTP) | 517km (+103km) |
| Max AC cost charge | 22kW (+11kW) |
| Max DC cost charge | 150kW (10-80% 30mins) |
| Unbraked towing capability | 750kg |
| Braked towing capability | 1500kg (+750kg) |
Our week with the automotive concerned a wholesome mixture of freeway commuting, excursions on high-speed nation roads, suburban errand-running, and low-speed metropolis driving.
This assorted mixture of makes use of resulted in decrease power consumption than Subaru’s declare, even with semi-frequent onerous acceleration.
As for charging, we opted to go away the Solterra to cost slowly in a single day on two events, and to cost in the course of the working day as soon as. Although we stored the battery above 50 per cent always, this methodology constantly offered greater than sufficient cost to mitigate any vary issues.
To see how the Subaru Solterra stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
How does the Subaru Solterra drive?
As soon as once more, the Solterra’s new on-road behaviour is a severe step ahead.
Regardless of its flaws, the unique Solterra was typically thought of nice to drive, on condition that Tesla was nonetheless grappling with less-than-supple experience high quality points on the time. The Subaru could have been down on energy and quick on vary, however the vibe of a standard combustion automotive remained.
Now, those self same bones are there, but every part else round them has been upgraded. Essentially the most notable enhancement has been the addition of a bigger, CATL-sourced battery, which has considerably elevated driving vary – and never simply on the spec sheet.
The outdated Solterra felt prefer it needed to be on cost completely to keep away from vary anxiousness. The brand new 500km-plus driving vary is extra reassuring, even when it nonetheless falls wanting the Mannequin Y in top-spec Touring trim.
Whereas the Touring flagship now presents 517km of vary (up 103km), we favour the bottom Solterra as a substitute as a result of it now claims 566km of vary – a considerable improve of 152km over its predecessor. Regardless, we discovered our tester to be pretty environment friendly.
Constant throughout each fashions is a wholesome energy bump. Peak output of 252kW makes the Solterra probably the most highly effective mainstream Subaru ever (bar limited-run specials just like the 254kW STI S209 from 2019), which appears extreme till you contemplate the bottom Mannequin Y RWD makes 255kW, and that the Sealion 7 Efficiency makes 390kW.
The Solterra’s efficiency subsequently feels applicable in context, even whether it is means faster than most would ever want. You actually gained’t be utilizing that energy for quarter-mile drags, however it’s tremendous handy to have it on faucet if you must make a fast overtake or shoot as much as freeway pace.
It’s backed up by glorious throttle mapping, with no lag or uncertainty. The place some EVs regulate their throttle response relying on the drive mode to create a extra docile impact, the Solterra stays the identical, making it straightforward to foretell.
Not like another EVs and hybrids, the brake pedal additionally feels ‘regular’. Regenerative and friction braking are mixed, as anticipated, however there’s no sponginess or noticeable change between the 2 over the pedal’s journey, once more making it predictable.
Moreover, the Solterra options steering-wheel paddles to regulate regenerative braking energy. That is superb for managing pace downhill, and whereas it stops wanting true one-pedal driving, I discovered myself utilizing these paddles far more than anticipated.
The automotive’s three on-road drive modes don’t have a significant affect on driving behaviour both, and, honestly, it’s troublesome to note the distinction between Regular and Eco modes – even from an effectivity standpoint. Nonetheless, there’s one thing primal about seeing the phrase ‘POWER’ on the instrument cluster, virtually encouraging you to offer it the beans.
The one situation with the Solterra’s energy is torque steer, suggesting a front-biased all-wheel drive setup. Provided that its Toyota twin is obtainable in front-wheel drive, this isn’t too stunning.
Happily, the Solterra’s steering is direct and has loads of suggestions, whereas additionally feeling pretty heavy, making the automotive really feel all of the extra substantial with out compromising manoeuvrability.
Trusted Evaluations, Smarter Selections, Higher Costs
The place knowledgeable automotive opinions meet knowledgeable automotive shopping for – CarExpert provides you trusted recommendation, personalised service and actual financial savings in your subsequent new automotive.
This helps the automotive’s sporty suspension setup, making it surprisingly succesful round turns. It doesn’t boast any cutting-edge damping tech, however its agility evokes confidence, offered you’re not too heavy-footed with the accelerator.
The trade-off is a agency experience in regular driving, with only a contact extra bounciness than we’d like. This doesn’t smash the automotive however it’s nonetheless one thing that we really feel might use an additional layer of polish, maybe even a while spent on native testing and chassis tuning.
Visibility and normal structure might additionally use some finessing. The Solterra’s instrument show pokes excessive above the dashboard and blocks imaginative and prescient of the bottom straight in entrance of you, so you may solely see the sting of the bonnet by leaning ahead.
Just like the compromised steering wheel/display screen association, it’s one thing achieved in a different way for no obvious purpose past aesthetics. That stated, there’s a powerful suite of security tech to lend a serving to hand.
There’s a handy button on the centre console to convey up the automotive’s digicam views on a whim, and utilizing the surround-view system helps massively when navigating tight carparks.
We additionally discovered the automotive’s adaptive cruise management system, incorporating lane centring, to be dependable and well-calibrated, and the automotive has no actual points matching site visitors on the freeway. It solely hiccups round tighter bends, the place it’s hesitant to use a lot steering lock and slows down by 10km/h or so.
Sadly, and as appears to be changing into a development with newer Toyota and Subaru merchandise, the driving force monitoring system is extra reactive than we’re used to. It’d be flawed to name it incessant, and whereas we perceive it’s there to allow extra superior security programs if the driving force turns into unresponsive, it’s not fairly seamless.
Even so, the Solterra’s upgrades are welcome and much-needed additions.
To see how the Subaru Solterra stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
What do you get?
The up to date Subaru Solterra is obtainable in two grades.
2026 Subaru Solterra AWD tools highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels (with aerodynamic cap)
- Tyre restore package
- Computerized LED headlights
- LED tail-lights
- Puddle lamps
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Computerized power-folding heated aspect mirrors
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Heated steering wheel
- Black artificial leather-based upholstery
- 8-way power-adjustable entrance seats
- Driver’s seat energy lumbar assist
- Heated entrance seats
- Heated outboard rear seats
- 7.0-inch digital instrument show
- 14.0-inch infotainment show (NEW)
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- 6-speaker sound system
- 2 x wi-fi telephone chargers (NEW)
- 2 x entrance USB-C ports
- 2 x rear USB-C ports
- Palms-free energy tailgate
- Steering wheel regen paddles
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Inside ambient lighting
- X-Mode drive mode (2 modes)
Solterra AWD Touring provides:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Panoramic glass roof
- Auto-dipping aspect mirrors with place reminiscence
- Two-position driver’s seat reminiscence
- Ventilated entrance seats
- 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- 1500W V2L energy outlet
Two-tone exterior paint is obtainable solely on the top-spec Touring, which additionally brings leather-accented blue and black inside upholstery. This prices an additional $1500.
Moreover, two accent charging packs can be found throughout the vary. These comprise a single-phase charger bundle ($2250) and a three-phase charger bundle ($2645).
To see how the Subaru Solterra stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
Is the Subaru Solterra secure?
The Subaru Solterra has a five-star ANCAP security ranking primarily based on testing carried out in 2022 of the associated Toyota bZ4X.
| Class | Subaru Solterra |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 88 per cent |
| Little one occupant safety | 88 per cent |
| Weak street person safety | 79 per cent |
| Security help | 93 per cent |
Normal security tools highlights:
- 8 airbags, incl:
- Entrance
- Entrance-side
- Curtain
- Driver’s knee
- Entrance centre
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver monitoring system
- Emergency driving cease system
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Entrance-view monitor
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-trace help (lane centring)
- Low-speed acceleration suppression
- Multi-terrain monitor
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Reversing digicam
- Protected exit help
- Encompass-view digicam
- Visitors signal recognition
- Tyre strain monitoring
The Solterra AWD Touring provides superior park help.
To see how the Subaru Solterra stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
How a lot does the Subaru Solterra value to run?
Like its wider Australian vary, Subaru backs the 2026 Solterra with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Subaru Solterra |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Excessive-voltage battery guarantee | 8 years, 160,000km |
| Roadside help | 12 months |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
Subaru’s capped-price service prices are detailed beneath:
| Service | Value |
|---|---|
| 12 months, 15,000km | $128.87 |
| 24 months, 30,000km | $290.55 |
| 36 months, 45,000km | $128.87 |
| 48 months, 60,000km | $300.85 |
| 60 months, 75,000km | $134.43 |
| Common annual service value | $196.71 |
| Complete capped-price service value | $983.57 |
For context, Tesla doesn’t service in the identical means as different manufacturers, so there’s no pricing or scheme to match towards. It did, nevertheless, improve its guarantee to five-year, unlimited-kilometre protection for 2026. That’s up from 4 years or 80,000km.
Toyota additionally has but to announce service pricing for its up to date bZ4X. Due to this fact, we will solely precisely examine Solterra aftersales prices towards the BYD Sealion 7.
Over 5 years, the bottom Sealion 7 will value $1757 to service, averaging $354.1 yearly, whereas the Efficiency prices $2019, averaging $403.8 yearly.
To see how the Subaru Solterra stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Subaru Solterra AWD Touring
The Solterra has lastly been introduced up to the mark with fashionable EVs – higher late than by no means.
The place the outdated one was clearly underdone, it feels as if Toyota and Subaru have now kicked themselves into gear. Perhaps they need to be taken severely within the EV market in spite of everything.
Our key complaints with the outdated Solterra have been straight addressed, and it’s spectacular that such vital upgrades have – unusually – been sweetened by such hefty worth cuts. That does increase attention-grabbing questions for house owners of the outdated mannequin, however it a minimum of appears like an oblique admission that errors had been made.
As for the automotive itself, it nonetheless doesn’t fairly match the Mannequin Y general, and it’s inconceivable to argue that its Chinese language rivals don’t nonetheless provide higher worth for cash. The distinction now could be that the Solterra would possibly truly be thought of an actual different.
If you need an EV that feels considerably conventional however nonetheless presents an inside that’s meaningfully totally different, attention-grabbing, and premium-feeling, whereas additionally bringing robust energy and aggressive driving vary, the Solterra is now that automotive.
It’s develop into a way more convincing all-rounder than it was earlier than, and one which’ll be simpler to regulate to than a Tesla in case you’re coming from an older petrol automotive – particularly if that automotive is a Toyota or Subaru.
After all, it nonetheless isn’t excellent. The driving place and instrument show placement nonetheless want work, there isn’t sufficient storage inside, the experience is barely too agency, and a few of its security tech is beginning to develop into much less palatable. Pricing and normal tools discrepancies additionally recommend that the Touring isn’t the choose.
As a substitute, our advice is as follows. If you need an electrical SUV that isn’t a Tesla or Chinese language, the bottom front-drive bZ4X is a secure alternative, however the entry-level Solterra is the candy spot within the four-car Toyobaru EV vary, due to its pricing and all-wheel drive.
All up, we’re impressed by the strides Subaru and Toyota have taken right here. If the newest Solterra is something to go by, the upcoming EVs from each Japanese automakers could be value maintaining a tally of.
CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new Subaru Solterra. Click on right here to get a fantastic deal.
Click on the photographs for the total gallery
