Subaru Solterra

Model Overview

The Subaru Solterra is the first global strategic all-electric SUV from Japan's Subaru Corporation, officially making its debut in 2022. The name Solterra blends 'SOL' (Latin for sun) and 'TERRA' (earth), symbolising a deep reverence for nature. Co-developed with Toyota, it is a sister model to the Toyota bZ4X, sharing the e-SGP dedicated electric modular platform and numerous core components. In October 2025, Subaru officially rolled out the facelifted Solterra; in April 2026, official distributor Motor Image introduced the updated Solterra XT in a sole variant for the Taiwan market. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,690 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm. On the pricing front, the Solterra XT carries a recommended retail price of RM1,698,000 in Taiwan; in Japan, the facelifted model is priced between RM5,170,000 and RM6,050,000, representing a price drop of up to RM1,100,000 compared to the pre-facelift model; while the 2026 US-market model starts from RM38,495.

Design Language

The facelifted Solterra adopts Subaru's next-generation design language, featuring a comprehensive exterior revamp. The front fascia incorporates a sleek, fully enclosed nosecone that replaces the previous quasi-hexagonal grille. The most striking highlight is the illuminated 'six-star' emblem upfront—marking the first time Subaru's iconic badge features backlighting for heightened visual presence at night. It sports a split-headlamp setup, with six-star array LED daytime running lights sitting above the main LED projector headlamps equipped with Adaptive High-beam System (AHS). Along the sides, the wheel arch claddings have switched from unpainted textured plastic to a gloss black painted finish, lending a more upmarket appearance; it rides on 20-inch dual-tone machined alloy wheels wrapped in 235/50 R20 tyres. Changes at the rear are subtler, retaining the signature C-shaped LED taillights and sculpted roof spoiler, with the main tweak being the badge replaced by spaced-out 'SUBARU' lettering, complemented by matte black model badging. Four exterior colour options are offered: Glacier White with Black Roof, Cosmic Black, Precious Metal Grey, and Mist Blue.

Inside, the updated Solterra employs a clean, horizontal dashboard layout that creates an airy, uncluttered ambience. The cockpit features a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and an oval leather-wrapped steering wheel. The centre console sports a slimmer profile with a redesigned bridge layout while retaining the dial-type shift-by-wire gear selector. The cabin is trimmed in a dual-tone Blue/Black scheme, with contrasting blue accents applied to the door cards, leather upholstery, lower dashboard, and centre armrest. The steering wheel also gains a new flat-top and flat-bottom design.

Powertrain Performance

The facelifted Solterra receives a substantial powertrain upgrade. It is powered by dual front and rear permanent magnet synchronous electric motors paired with Subaru's e-SAWD Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The front motor outputs 227 PS, while the rear motor delivers 120 PS, providing a total system output of 338 PS. The 0-100 km/h century sprint is accomplished in just 5.1 seconds. Energy is supplied by a 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. In terms of range, it delivers up to 601 km under the NEDC cycle; while the front-wheel-drive version in Japan achieves up to 746 km on the WLTC test cycle. For charging, it supports DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% state of charge (SoC) in as little as 28 minutes. A newly added battery pre-conditioning system can pre-heat the pack prior to DC fast charging to ensure optimum charging efficiency in cold weather. Furthermore, the facelifted Solterra supports Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) bi-directional power supply functionality.

Chassis and Handling

The Solterra is underpinned by the e-SGP dedicated electric modular platform jointly developed by Subaru and Toyota. The entire lineup comes standard with Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) system. Although it eschews Subaru's iconic Boxer engine, the on-road dynamics still showcase the brand's decades of AWD tuning expertise. The new car introduces a 'feedforward control' system that anticipates driver inputs via throttle and steering angle. For off-road capability, the Solterra is equipped with the dual-mode X-MODE system (offering Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes) alongside Grip Control. Hill Descent Control is also fitted as standard. The suspension setup has been retuned alongside an updated motor control unit to calculate tyre loads and suspension travel in real time, optimising traction and ride comfort.

Cabin and Features

The cabin is equipped with Subaru's largest-ever 14-inch Full HD central touchscreen. The infotainment unit supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto connectivity. Instrumentation is handled by a high-mounted 7-inch digital meter panel. In terms of creature comforts, standard kit includes power-adjustable front seats (10-way with 2-memory slots for the driver, 8-way for the front passenger), dual 15W wireless smartphone charging pads, a digital rear-view mirror, a panoramic fixed glass roof (with powered sunblind), and dual-zone automatic climate control. On the audio front, high-spec US variants can be optioned with a premium Harman Kardon sound system. Additionally, the Solterra is equipped with a 540-degree surround-view camera system with an underfloor transparent chassis view.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the facelifted Solterra comes standard across the range with the Subaru Safety Sense suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The active safety package integrates Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Pre-Collision System (PCS) autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Road Sign Assist (RSA), and Parking Support Brake (PKSB). Rear Cross Traffic Alert and dedicated Intelligent Parking Assist have also been added. US-market models gain the next-generation EyeSight driver assist suite, adding hands-free low-speed traffic jam assist and front cross-traffic alert. Passive safety is well covered by a comprehensive multi-airbag setup and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Market Performance and Reception

Since its launch in 2022, the Solterra has experienced contrasting fortunes across global markets. In the United States, monthly deliveries in March 2026 hit 1,736 units—marking an all-time monthly high with a year-on-year surge of over 50%. First-quarter sales for 2026 in the US reached 3,041 units. In the Taiwan market, the updated Solterra XT is priced at RM1,698,000, reflecting a price reduction of RM200,000 compared to its predecessor. Over in Australia, however, sales have been subdued—recording 386 units in 2024 and just 202 units in 2025; media reviews highlighted premium pricing and modest driving range as its main shortcomings. In Mainland China, official distributor Motor Image has confirmed that the facelifted Solterra will be introduced in 2026, though specific launch timings remain to be announced. Within its segment, the Solterra goes head-to-head with electric rivals such as the Tesla Model Y and Toyota bZ4X. As the brand's inaugural strategic EV, the Solterra carves out a distinct niche in the electric SUV market courtesy of its signature Symmetrical AWD, X-MODE off-road technology, and comprehensively upgraded powertrain and range figures.