The extensively updated 2026 Subaru Solterra took a bow at today's New York International Auto Show, and in one fell swoop, the company's dull EV has instantly become a lot more competitive. Its immediate predecessor's 227-mile range, 100-kilowatt peak charging speed, and 216 horsepower were all at the back of the pack relative to other crossover EVs, but the facelifted Solterra improves on each of those respects while sporting some snappy new duds and improved in-cabin technology.
The 2026 Subaru Solterra's most obvious updates are a revised front fascia and new monochromatic appearance, at least on the Touring trim we saw just before the car's public debut. The front end excises the Solterra of its obvious Toyota bZ4X ties, replacing the vestigial front grille and chiseled contours with a smoother front bumper and split-style headlights.
The high-mounted daytime running lamps feature six individual LEDs, while the single headlights protrude from the bumper like James Bond's machine guns. The Solterra also makes use of a tweaked Subaru emblem up front, whose six-star constellation is illuminated for some added sophistication.
The Solterra's rear end seems to carry over almost intact, with the same Gundam-style roof winglets and angular taillights, although a new rear spoiler improves aero just a bit. The primary difference is the loss of the blue Subaru logo, replaced by an all-too-trendy wordmark splashed across the tailgate. Interior alterations are similarly minimal except for a new 14.0-inch touchscreen display, which is the largest ever offered on a Subaru. A revised center console also features two individual wireless chargers ahead of the shift dial, retaining the large, open storage cubby under the dashboard.