There was very little wrong with the Subaru Solterra EV that debuted in 2022, beyond range and charging times. At its California debut, it sliced through Santa Barbara traffic and proved its off-road chops on Catalina. It was a no-hassle city car and all-capable Subaru — as long as you didn't need to go far or fast.

Now, we’re in mile-high Denver testing a much-improved Solterra that puts critics on silent mode.

Before we get to the driving, a little history lesson. The Solterra was co-developed with Toyota, which offers the similar bZ4X. Engineering was split 50/50 between the two automakers, but manufacturing is done entirely by Toyota in Japan.

The Solterra's fascia dispenses with any pretense of a grille, accented by glittering LED driving lights over headlamps below. The black wheel cladding and the roof rack that supports 700 pounds of tent camping are pure Subaru. And you can click open the front fender port for a new Tesla-style NACS plug.

The interior still feels more Prius than Outback, with a flat-screen gauge cluster placed high for a head-up effect, but added is a redesigned 14-inch widescreen for infotainment and dual charging pads. A squircle steering wheel clears views of gauges.

New for 2026 are fetching blue and black StarTex vegan leather seats. Our car added Harman Kardon audio, heated/ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a power hatch. Storage abounds with the flybridge console, door cubbies and roomy luggage compartment. You can even get it with leg warmers. Seriously.

A full suite of safety tech integrating Subaru’s Eyesight system includes automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot warning and safe exit assist that detects traffic. Traffic jam assist allows hands-off driving up to 25 mph, but I’d love it with highway speeds.

Range improves 25% to a more accommodating 288 miles. Quick charge 20%-80% in 35 minutes. That originally took an hour. All-wheel-drive comes standard. Base versions enjoy 233 horsepower (up from 215), but 338 horsepower systems zip 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.

I was fine with the old Solterra’s performance, but this one elicited giggles as it effaced asphalt between apexes. The suspension is a little soft sweeping through corners, but suitably tuned for daily driving.

On a rocky unpaved section, I was in full rally mode when I looked left to see a moose — all 1,200-plus pounds of him — munching on a tree. My driving partner and I watched him meander across the road before latching onto another tree. We gave him a courteous good-bye and then zipped toward the off-road course.

Dual Function X-Mode with deep snow/mud programming plus 8.3-inches of ground clearance proved their worth whether creeping down steep inclines or rolling over moguls. The Solterra's performance was impressive, with the electronics shifting power as if by magic. It’s simply enchanting.

Back at the hotel in downtown Denver, I reflected on a long day of fast driving and grippy climbing. Subaru could have just added range and reduced recharge times, but this vehicle is better in almost every way. Subaru is still setting prices, but expect a base under $40,000 with top trims around $50,000.

Likes: improved range, trail cred, zippy acceleration

Dislikes: no HUD, hands-on cruising, no Wilderness

2026 Subaru Solterra

Five-passenger, AWD Crossover

Powertrain: Li-ion batteries/dual motors

Output (2 versions): 233 hp/338 hp

Suspension f/r: Ind/Ind

Wheels f/r: 18-20” alloy

Brakes f/r: regen disc/disc

Driving range: 288 miles

0-60 mph: 4.9s

Fast charge (10-80%): 35m

Assembly: Japan

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