2027 Subaru Solterra Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
The Solterra is Subaru’s first real step into electric SUVs, and after a major refresh, it finally feels closer to what Subaru buyers expect. Improved range and better tech make it more credible for 2027, even if rivals still offer stronger EV fundamentals.
Some of those competitors include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Toyota bZ.
The 2027 Subaru Solterra is expected to carry over after receiving a major refresh for the 2026 model year. That update brought revised EV architecture, more power, improved driving range, updated exterior styling, and new cabin tech including a larger touchscreen.
For 2027, Subaru appears to be holding the line on major changes. The base model keeps the same starting price as last year, which helps the Solterra remain competitive after its recent upgrades.
The 2027 Solterra should be a better EV than it was before but not quite a class leader. Its recent refresh fixed many of the original model’s weakest points—range, power, charging, and cabin tech—but the Solterra still makes the most sense for Subaru loyalists who value standard AWD, comfort, safety, and light off-road confidence over cutting-edge EV performance.
The upgrades matter. The Solterra now has stronger motors, a larger battery, a NACS charge port, quicker charging, and a much larger touchscreen. It also feels more refined and more responsive than before , with a comfortable ride and the kind of all-weather confidence Subaru buyers expect.
Off pavement, the Solterra continues to feel more capable than many electric SUV rivals. Standard dual-motor AWD, solid ground clearance, and X-Mode tuning give it a real Subaru flavor, even if much of the vehicle still feels closely related to its Toyota bZ sibling.
That connection is also part of the problem. The Solterra still does not feel as distinctively Subaru as it could, and rivals offer stronger EV fundamentals. Range and charging have improved, but they remain average, and the lack of true one-pedal driving or on-route charge planning feels behind the times.
Inside, the Solterra is roomier and more interesting than before, but some ergonomics remain odd. The driver display and steering wheel relationship can feel awkward , and the center console layout is not as intuitive as it should be.
Still, the Solterra is no longer the weak effort it once was. It is finally a credible electric Subaru—comfortable, capable, safe, and meaningfully improved. The challenge is that the EV segment is advancing quickly, and the Solterra still has to work harder than many rivals to justify itself.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
Every 2027 Solterra should continue with standard dual-motor all-wheel drive. The base setup makes 233 hp, an 18-hp increase over the pre-refresh model. We have not tested a Solterra with this updated powertrain yet, but the previous version reached 60 mph in an unremarkable 6.0 seconds, and the newer base model should land in the same general range.
The quicker Solterra XT is the more interesting performance play. Its stronger motors raise output to 338 hp, enough to launch the electric SUV to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds in MotorTrend testing. That matches the time we recorded from a Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD, which produced 320 hp and 446lb-ft of torque.
EV Range and Charging
The Solterra should continue with a 74.7-kWh battery and standard dual-motor all-wheel drive. EPA-rated range depends on wheel size: models with 18-inch wheels are rated at up to 288 miles, while versions on 20-inch wheels drop to 278 miles.
In MotorTrend ’sRoad-Trip Range test, however, a Solterra XT on 20-inch wheels traveled just 206 miles, missing its estimate by 26 percent.
That trails the Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD in real-world testing. The Ioniq 5 AWD is EPA-rated at 290 miles on 19-inch wheels and 269 miles on 20-inch wheels, helped by a larger battery pack. In our Road-Trip Range test, an Ioniq 5 Limited AWD on 20-inch wheels managed 234 miles, missing its estimate by a smaller 13 percent.
Charging is improved but still not class-leading. The Solterra now includes a standard NACS charging port and can DC fast charge at up to 150 kW. Subaru says a 10 to 80 percent charge takes about 35 minutes.
Safety Ratings and Features
Lastyear’s Solterra received several good ratings from IIHS but also scored a couple of acceptable grades and one poor result for headlights.The 2027 should fare about the same.Standard driver assists include:
Adaptive cruise control
Automatic emergency braking
Lane keeping and centering
Low-speed hands-free driving
Automatic high-beams
Rear parking sensors
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The Solterra trails both the Ioniq 5 and Mustang Mach-E in rear legroom and cargo space behind the second row, and unlike the Ford, it does not offer a front trunk. Its one clear packaging advantage is maximum cargo capacity, where 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded narrowly beats both rivals.
Every 2027 Solterra features a 7.0-inch driver display and large14.0-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are expected to remain standard, along with dual wireless phone chargers and four USB ports.
The base audio system gets six speakers. Higher trims are expected to offer an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.
Available or higher-trim features should continue to include a 360-degree camera system, rain-sensing wipers, digital key, and a hands-free power liftgate. Ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats should also remain available, giving upper trims a more premium, all-weather-friendly feel.
The Solterra’s value case gets stronger for 2027 because the base model keeps the same starting price despite last year’s major upgrades. Every Solterra includes standard all-wheel drive and approachable driving manners, along with power-folding side mirrors, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adjustable ambient lighting, and a voice assistant.
What's Your Car Worth?
MotorTrend calculates your car's value in three free and easy steps - using the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles.
Get My Trade-In Value
The base Solterra Premium keeps the price in check while still including the Solterra’s biggest selling points: standard dual-motor AWD, improved range, the larger touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and useful comfort features. The XT is much quicker, but the Premium makes the strongest value case.