The new Subaru Solterra EV is surprisingly quick. It’s even faster than the WRX STI and BRZ, and it’s not even a performance model.
The new Subaru Solterra EV is faster than its gas cars
Subaru updated the electric SUV for the 2026 model year, improving it in just about every way. The 2026 Subaru Solterra is more powerful, can drive further, and it even has an NACS port so you can recharge at Tesla Superchargers.
Despite the improvements, the 2026 Subaru Solterra still starts at just $38,495, the same as the outgoing model.
Powered by a new 74.7 kWh battery, Subaru’s electric SUV can now drive up to 288 miles on a single charge, considerably more than the 2025 Solterra with an EPA-estimated driving range of just 227 miles.
The 2026MY is equipped with Subaru’s upgraded Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, delivering up to 338 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque.
Subaru says the added power is good for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in “less than 5 seconds,” but according to Car and Driver, which tested the new electric SUV, it’s actually much faster.
It’s even quicker than every BRZ and WRX STI they have tested. In fact, it’s the fastest Subaru Car and Driver has ever tested. The 2026 Solterra reached 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds and hit 100 mph in 11.8 seconds.
In comparison, the 2024 BRZ tS took 5.5 seconds to reach 60 mph and 13.7 seconds to get to 100 mph. A 2019 STI S209 hit 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, but beat the Solterra, reaching the century mark in just 11.2 seconds.
The Solterra and S209 tied in a drag race, covering a quarter-mile in 13 seconds. Although the Solterra’s instant torque gave it the edge off the line, it topped out at 101 mph, allowing the S209 to come back.
Subaru has yet to say if the Solterra will receive a higher-performance variant, but it did unveil an electric STI concept car at the Japan Mobility Show in October. The Performance-E STI concept “represents the future of the Performance Scene, spearheading Subaru’s new generation,” the automaker said at the event.
| 2026 Subaru Solterra trim | Starting Price (MSRP) |
| Solterra Premium | $38,495 |
| Solterra Limited | $41,395 |
| Solterra Limited XT | $42,895 |
| Solterra Touring XT | $45,555 |
With the new Uncharted and Trailseeker electric SUVs arriving at US dealerships, the Solterra likely won’t hold the crown for long.
The new 2026 Subaru Solterra EV is available in four trims: Premium, Limited, Limited XT, and Touring XT, starting at $38,495.
Looking to test one out for yourself? You can use our links below to easily find Subaru’s new electric SUVs near you.
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