Record setting sales and an upcoming refreshed Solterra bodes well for the company even with tariff threats ahead. Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 16, 2025 2026 Subaru Solterra A refresh that adds more range, more power, and a much-needed faster charging experience. New York, NY -- At this year’s NY Auto Show, Subaru revealed a refreshed Solterra with several consumer-friendly additions for the upcoming 2026 model year. From the 2023 Subaru Solterra First Drive off the California coast, the AWD drivetrain - via (2) 80 KW motors, and std. 8.3 inches of ground clearance proved itself to be an excellent light off-roading CUV while climbing rutted off-road trails with grades up to 45 degrees. The shortfalls included its non-competitive 222 to 228-mile range depending on trim, 100 kW peak charging performance, and driver display placement. For 2026, the refreshed Solterra arrives with a 74.7 kWh Li-Ion battery – up from the launch models 72.8 Chinese CATL pack, will provide 285 + miles of range, up 63+ miles over the current model. In addition, that pack will have a pre-conditioning function that is initiated while both navigating to a DCFC like most modern EVs or activated by the driver. That second function is a very welcome feature. The 2026 Solterra’s more powerful motors make a total of 338 hp (up 123 hp from the current model) and can launch the 2026 Solterra to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds (vs 6.5 seconds from the current model). The 2026 Solterra’s new battery pack charges from 10% to 80% in less than 35 minutes at a peak 150 kW rate. This is a vast improvement over the current model whose 100 KW peak and 56-minute charge time from the same 10 to 80% was simply not competitive with anything modern in the segment. Adding to the newfound charging performance, a NACS charge port is now standard vs the outgoing CCS system. The suspension and EPS have been reworked for improved responsiveness although the current model did not lack in this area. The flat top wheel should help with the driver display sightline problem while bottom flat section improves ingress and egress vs the current models std. round wheel. 2026 Subaru Solterra Interior The new 2026 Subaru Solterra adds an all-new 14” central display, up 1.7” from the 12.3” in the current models while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto carry over. There are now (2) wireless 15W smartphone chargers for the driver and front passenger and corded USB-C charge ports for rear seat passengers. Like all Subaru’s, the Solterra also includes EyeSight driver-assist technologies including Pre-Collision Braking, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Alert, a panoramic view monitor, Emergency Stop Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. 2026 Subaru Solterra - Refreshed Exterior Design The 2026 Solterra debuts a new lighting signature with a six-star illuminated logo, redesigned headlamps, a new front bumper design, and newly designed 20 and 18” wheels. Out back, a new rear badge, rear gate garnish, and spoiler to improve aerodynamic performance was added On certain colors, the new 2026 Solterra features new body-color front fenders for a sleeker, urban look. Available 20” alloys will lower the range of a vehicle who needs a touch more range to begin. All in, some of the shortfalls from the original release have been reduced or eliminated while still providing the brands legendary reliability. Pricing will be available when it goes on sale this fall. Subaru Q1 2025 US Sales Overview Subaru reported Q1 2025 US sales of 166,957 vehicles, up 9.1% over the 152,996 sold in Q1 of 2024. March sales marked the 32nd consecutive month-over-month sales increases for the automaker and was best-ever monthly sales result in company history. Subaru Q1 2025 US Sales Highlights Forester: 49,865 sold, up 2.7% over the 48,546 sold in Q1 of 2024 Outback: 39,934 sold, up 13.4% over the 35,213 sold in Q1 of 2024 Crosstrek: 43,612 sold, up 13.6%% over the 38,405 sold in Q1 of 2024 Solterra: 3,131 sold, up 173.0% over the 1,147 sold in Q1 of 2024 US Q1 2025 Automotive Sales Overview A recap of the overall sales results can be found here: US Q1 2025 Automobile Sales: 3.91 million Vehicles Sold, up 5.7%
