2026 Subaru Solterra AWD
Electric SUV · AWD
Based on battery health, build quality, owner data, EPA range, and market pricing
Above average for 2026 EV Compact SUVs (class avg 68 · top 13%)
Personalize this scoreIs a low score bad?
Last scanned 25 days ago
The 2026 Subaru Solterra AWD puts down 288 miles of EPA range, 150 kW fast charging and a 70 kWh battery, and a worth-pursuing score, but only after a hard inspection and a fair price.
Score read
A 73/100 makes this worth inspecting. Do not let the composite hide this split: build quality score is 99/100, while owner feedback score is 48/100. On Reddit, owners keep flagging the same two issues: owner satisfaction and software tech. The remaining risk is ordinary used-car diligence: battery report, tires, title, and records.
Price context
This trim started from $38,495 new. Used examples have come down since launch, but pricing varies by miles, condition, and how the model is moving right now; pull a current KBB Fair Purchase, an Edmunds True Market Value, or an active dealer listing for this exact trim, and anchor your offer there. Walk if the seller will not move off new-car-style pricing.
Who this is for
✓ Good for
- ⏱ Daily commuter ≤50 mi/day, predictable charging
- ★ Weekend driver Performance, fun, low mileage
✗ Avoid if you are a
- $ Bargain hunter Best TCO, reliability + low depreciation
Gotchas
- Verify Owner feedback is the part to read carefully (48/100).
Mitigation Read the complaint themes and ask whether this VIN has already had those issues repaired.
- Verify Current market pricing is not confirmed well enough for this trim.
Mitigation Compare KBB, J.D. Power, and live listings for the same trim before treating price as a buying signal.
Pre-purchase inspection
- 1 Compare the dashboard range estimate with the EPA 288-mile rating after a full charge.
- 2 Confirm how much of the 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty remains and whether it transfers.
- 3 If road trips matter, run a short DC fast-charge session and watch whether speed tapers normally.
- 4 Read the complaint themes, not just the count, and ask the seller whether those issues have shown up on this VIN.
- 5 Review title, service history, tire condition, and charging-equipment records before final price.
No recall records in this scan That helps the shortlist, but it does not replace a VIN lookup, battery report, and service-history check.
Complaint context This scan found 4 NHTSA complaint records (6.7 per 10K VINs, near industry average). Read the themes below before treating the raw count as the verdict.
Price needs outside confirmation Current market pricing is incomplete, so MSRP should not be used as the deal signal. Compare KBB, J.D. Power, and live listings for this exact trim.
Pricing & Market Value
Score Breakdown
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Vehicle Specifications
The federal $4,000 used-EV credit ended Sept 30, 2025.
But 10 states still run their own used-EV rebate programs — some up to $5,000. Pick your state to see what's available for this trim.
Source & disclaimer
Dealers make ~$3,575 on the average car loan.
After the price is set, the finance manager runs four plays to rebuild margin. Every buyer without a pre-approval is a target. Here's exactly what they run — and what stops each one.
78% of dealer loans carry a hidden +1.13% markup above what the lender actually charges. You never see it — it's buried in the contract. · CFPB
Dealer must match or beat your lender — they can't add margin invisibly. The markup play is dead on arrival.
Once you answer, they stretch the term to hit your number. Median result: $4K less off the price, 12 more months on the loan. · Industry avg
Financing is done. Only the sale price is on the table — and the dealer knows it.
Back-office F&I profit averages $1,975/vehicle, up 8.5% YoY. These products exist — but dealer markup is 4–10x what you'd pay elsewhere. · Dealership Guy
Dealer GAP runs $500–1K. Your insurer sells the same coverage for $100–250 over 5 years. Now you know.
"Your loan fell through — come re-sign." This pulls your APR up +5% on average. It's legal. It works because you've already driven the car home. · Ctr for Responsible Lending
A lender commitment letter means the deal is final. "Pending dealer approval" doesn't apply. You can't be yo-yo'd.
Margin handed to the dealer's finance department — for nothing.
Takes 2 minutes. No obligation to use it — but you'll walk in with all the leverage.
Pre-approval is a soft credit inquiry — no score impact. FICO treats all auto-loan hard pulls within 14 days as one, so you can still shop rates at the dealer.
NHTSA Recalls (0)
NHTSA Complaints (4 total · 6.7 per 10K US vehicles · near industry average)
Phone calls constantly get dropped using hands free CarPlay, requiring me to switch to using my phone manually on the call. Big safety issue. I see online in numerous forums that this is an issue with Subaru use of CarPlay. It is not the phone, and I have tried every fix suggested.
Phone calls constantly get dropped using hands free CarPlay, requiring me to switch to using my phone manually on the call. Big safety issue. I see online in numerous forums that this is an issue with Subaru use of CarPlay. It is not the phone, and I have tried every fix suggested.
I am reporting a defect involving the Bluetooth and infotainment system in my 2026 Subaru Solterra. While driving, the vehicle’s Bluetooth connection consistently disconnects after approximately 5–10 minutes. The phone call itself does not drop; however, the connection to the vehicle’s hands-free system fails. In addition, infotainment functions such as audio streaming and app connectivity also disconnect or become unstable. This issue occurs repeatedly during normal operation and has been reproduced multiple times. This creates a safety concern because it interrupts hands-free communication and may require the driver to handle the phone or attempt to reconnect while driving, increasing the risk of distraction. The issue was inspected and confirmed by a dealership technician. The technician paired both my phone and his own device, and the same Bluetooth and infotainment disconnection occurred. This confirms the defect is not related to a specific phone or user error. The vehicle has been taken in for service, but no repair or resolution has been provided. I have been informed the issue may be software-related, with no available fix or timeline. This defect affects core vehicle functionality and safe operation of hands-free systems.
I am reporting a defect involving the Bluetooth and infotainment system in my 2026 Subaru Solterra. While driving, the vehicle’s Bluetooth connection consistently disconnects after approximately 5–10 minutes. The phone call itself does not drop; however, the connection to the vehicle’s hands-free system fails. In addition, infotainment functions such as audio streaming and app connectivity also disconnect or become unstable. This issue occurs repeatedly during normal operation and has been reproduced multiple times. This creates a safety concern because it interrupts hands-free communication and may require the driver to handle the phone or attempt to reconnect while driving, increasing the risk of distraction. The issue was inspected and confirmed by a dealership technician. The technician paired both my phone and his own device, and the same Bluetooth and infotainment disconnection occurred. This confirms the defect is not related to a specific phone or user error. The vehicle has been taken in for service, but no repair or resolution has been provided. I have been informed the issue may be software-related, with no available fix or timeline. This defect affects core vehicle functionality and safe operation of hands-free systems.
Malfunction of the lane keeping assistance - I have had two incidents, where the second has resulted in damage to the vehicle. First incident, lane assist (passive) system jerked me off of an exit lane into the rumble strips before I could correct. (no damage done) This was approx. Mid-late January, and unknown conditions. I didn't think to report it until I was prompted by the Subaru Maintenance facility after incident #2. Second incident - active lane keeping assist was on (with adaptive cruise control) for my own testing on this new car. I was at low speeds, at ~6 am. The vehicle suddenly jerked hard to the right and collided with/drove over a curb at speed. It quickly displayed a warning on the driver cluster and short audible warning beeps but I did not see what it was because it was so fast. The car immediately corrected back into the lane before I could even react to the collision. Important context: This was on a concrete material road that was newly repaved (summer 2025) with road lines that were painted at the same time. It was also under winter conditions, not actively snowing, but there was lingering salt residue/coloration on the road surface as well as large snow banks along the grass strips due to plowing. The snow bank in the area was approx. 3 ft high at the location the car collided with the curb. There was also lingering salt and dried snow-sludge on the car that could have had an impact on the sensors. I did not, however, have any sensor obstruction warning. The vehicle was taken to the Subaru dealer for service, was determined to be out of alignment and fixed as a warranty request. The vehicle is available for inspection, however this was clearly a software failure and not a component failure, and the damage has been repaired. To my knowledge, the dealer service center did not attempt to reproduce the issue.
Malfunction of the lane keeping assistance - I have had two incidents, where the second has resulted in damage to the vehicle. First incident, lane assist (passive) system jerked me off of an exit lane into the rumble strips before I could correct. (no damage done) This was approx. Mid-late January, and unknown conditions. I didn't think to report it until I was prompted by the Subaru Maintenance facility after incident #2. Second incident - active lane keeping assist was on (with adaptive cruise control) for my own testing on this new car. I was at low speeds, at ~6 am. The vehicle suddenly jerked hard to the right and collided with/drove over a curb at speed. It quickly displayed a warning on the driver cluster and short audible warning beeps but I did not see what it was because it was so fast. The car immediately corrected back into the lane before I could even react to the collision. Important context: This was on a concrete material road that was newly repaved (summer 2025) with road lines that were painted at the same time. It was also under winter conditions, not actively snowing, but there was lingering salt residue/coloration on the road surface as well as large snow banks along the grass strips due to plowing. The snow bank in the area was approx. 3 ft high at the location the car collided with the curb. There was also lingering salt and dried snow-sludge on the car that could have had an impact on the sensors. I did not, however, have any sensor obstruction warning. The vehicle was taken to the Subaru dealer for service, was determined to be out of alignment and fixed as a warranty request. The vehicle is available for inspection, however this was clearly a software failure and not a component failure, and the damage has been repaired. To my knowledge, the dealer service center did not attempt to reproduce the issue.
Bluetooth consistently drops my calls, it is not my phone, because the call doesn't drop completely, am able yo pick up my phone and continue to talk. This takes away my hands free driving, which can be dangerous. Been an on going issue since I purchased the car almost 2 months ago.
Bluetooth consistently drops my calls, it is not my phone, because the call doesn't drop completely, am able yo pick up my phone and continue to talk. This takes away my hands free driving, which can be dangerous. Been an on going issue since I purchased the car almost 2 months ago.
What Owners Are Saying
"Our Solterra is the best AWD in snow that I have ever driven, and we have had Subarus before. It must be because of the extra weight of the battery. But also, the AWD system is totally electric/computerized and it's amazing. I have a damn steep dirt driveway and a lot of other cars AWD cars can't even do it. With the Solterra, I don't even have to plow if i don't want to."
"From what I understand, Subaru Canada discounted $6,500 mainly to bring the Base and Luxury trims below $50,000 to qualify for Canada’s $5,000 Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP) incentive. That would be a total savings of $11,500 before any dealer discount. The Solterra isn’t being discontinued and fire saled. As an old guy, let me just say if this is the most expensive financial mistiming you ever make you will be lucky. Welcome to the forum and enjoy your Solterra. #3· Apr 11, 2026 I feel your concern. As a 2017 Outback owner, I was interested in the soon to arrive Trail Seeker, but as an experienced car buyer, I prefer to wait until a new model has been on the market for a few years to let the bugs shake out. So, as it was the closest thing to our Outback, I purchased the 2026 Solterra a few days ago as it met my criteria. The incentives and 0% financing sealed the deal."
"I purchased a Solterra AWD in Canada a few months ago. I had already decided to buy an electric car, and being a former owner of a Subaru Forester, the choice of the Solterra was influenced by loyalty to the brand and a good relationship with the dealership. My first impressions were very positive. The comfort provided by an electric car puts it on par with premium cars. The car's solidity and the way it manages and reports electricity consumption, even in winter, gave me confidence to take trips with my family, even in temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius. Compared to other EVs, it became evident that software development is lagging behind, but it's still possible to get by through applications like ABRP. What I had the most difficulty with during the trip was the operation of the battery preheating system. The manual is unclear about how long the preheating needs to be activated before reaching the supercharger, nor what the minimum battery level is at which the system can be activated. Therefore, I was happy with the purchase and the experience remained positive due to the comfort, the car's solidity, and the brand's reliability."
"Solterra a grey market vehicle?? I have a 2023 Subaru solterra and we are currently shopping for home owners and auto insurance for our new home. While doing this I found progressive had the best rates but it wouldn’t allow me to input my vin or select a 2023 (or even a 2024) solterra for quotes. I ended up making a quote based on a 2025 to get an idea and then called to discuss the issue. After an hour on the phone progressive told me my car is an import (it was bought and leased at a US dealership) and is a “grey market vehicle”. Because of this they have to go off a stated value for insurance since they can’t determine a value. But after going further, they can’t insure me since it’s a grey market vehicle and 2 years or newer. So there were zero options. In 2026 I could potentially, but it sounds like 2023 or 2024 solterra’s can’t be insured until they are over 2 years old. But they stated this isn’t an issue with the 2025 solterra? Has anyone heard of this? It hasn’t been an issue with any other insurance provider. Also, many vehicles are produced in other countries then sold in the US?? I just don’t understand the issue and guess I’m upset because their insurance was going to be $500-600 cheaper than other options with equal coverages. Edit - As I said I did spend an hour on the phone with an actual agent who told me they can’t help me and there were zero options."
"fyi - new recall (for parking ECU) FWIW when I brought my car in for the known HVAC reprogramming recall (WRD-25) the dealer told me there’s a brand new recall for “Solterra Parking Assist ECU reprogramming” software that came out yesterday (WRE-25) … so they’re going to try and do that one at same time. I don’t know the number or any more details; he said it came out 2 days ago. Right now there seems to be no remedy. There’s a stop sale in place now. More info "Issue: Under certain conditions, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image to freeze or not to display. If this happens, the rearview image may not display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a panoramic view monitor system. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Subaru will notify owners in writing and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the parking assist ECU software." Source: ( - US NHTSA hasn't posted it yet probably due to the US Gov shutdown. The Canada site says it's only for 23-24 models but search by VIN shows 2025 is affected. Personally I have never seen this happen ever so not too concerned unlike that HVAC issue which could have wrecked the compressor (?) or at least not cleared the windshield. EDIT - even More info: While waiting for remedy / update: Official Workaround A: wait -2 seconds- after turning ignition on - before you go into R/backup to alleviate a frozen screen Official Workaround B: To avoid corrupting the whole system (black screen) and taking out your cameras completely, if you turn the car off, wait at least -3 seconds- before turning the car back on. Weird set of circumstances but you can indeed kill your pano/backup cameras if you’re not careful. It affects over just under 1 Million vehicles (mostly Toyota/Lexus) including 20,096 23-25 Limited/Touring Subaru Solterras and a whopping 13,616 BZ4Xs (Wow that’s all they ever sold?)"
"However, everything changed last month when Subaru Canada applied a huge discount to the Solterra. I'm not naive enough to ignore the possibility of a discount in a near future, given the volatility of the EV market. However, I didn't expect this amount of discount to be applied to a newly launched model. The result is that on top of the usual depreciation of a new car, there's now an additional capital loss associated with the discounts the brand is applying, amounting to 6,500 as of this writing. I even suspected that the Solterra might be being discontinued it because it is mentioned in the website mention that the discounts are valid while supplies last. When I questioned Subaru Canada, the response was evasive, mentioning that the model will remain on the website. Well, I apologize if my initial review wasn't entirely positive. I'll continue to use this forum to share experiences about the car and try to regain confidence in the brand. #1· Mar 27, 2026 I'm introducing myself to the forum and I have some mixed feelings about buying the Solterra."
"We have had ours for a good 3+ years 44k miles. The only issue is really that when it is very cold, the range comes down quite a bit. The trailseeker also looks interesting, which is a little bigger I think. Essentially looks like the same car but slightly bigger but I don't know if that is exactly true. Also if the trail seeker has any higher ground clearance it might be worth looking at. The AWD system is perfectly fine. Zero issues. Obviously you need good tires no matter what. On your class IV road, you may need to engage X mode at some point, but I've yet to have to do it. the solterra to me seems ever so slightly FWD biased... versus other Subaru are slightly RWD biased, but I can't honestly tell the difference other than slightly higher tire wear on the front with the solterra. A couple of quirks for me. The rear passenger doors do not open 90 degrees like Subarus which sort of drives me nuts. I'd really like to see rear camera washers on every car but this one doesn't seem to have it as far as I know. Maybe newer ones do."
Showing 7 of 11 owner excerpts (sorted by sentiment strength)