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Subaru keeps price steady as Solterra receives meaningful upgrades
Subaru has refreshed the all-electric Solterra for 2027 with notable powertrain, charging and onboard tech improvements — yet the starting MSRP remains unchanged at $38,495 (excluding destination). The move positions the compact electric crossover to be more competitive on performance and charging without asking buyers to pay more at the showroom.
What’s new for 2027
The headline changes concentrate on power, charging speed and convenience: higher-output motors on the range-topping models, an improved battery preconditioning routine that raises DC fast-charge rates to an estimated 150 kW, and a faster in-home charging capability via an 11-kW onboard AC charger. Subaru also adopted the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port across the 2027 Solterra line, simplifying access to the growing Tesla-based public charging network.

Key highlights:
- MSRP: $38,495 (2026 and 2027 base price, excl. destination)
- Battery: 74.7-kWh lithium-ion pack
- Estimated range: up to 288 miles (EPA estimate)
- DC fast-charging: up to ~150 kW, 10–80% in about 28 minutes
- Onboard charger: 11-kW AC
- Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard
- Ground clearance: 8.3 inches (best-in-class claim)
Trims, power and on-road performance
Subaru maintains the same trim spread as last year — Premium, Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT — but not all trims receive the same powertrain. Premium and Limited models remain powered by dual electric motors producing 233 hp combined, offering balanced daily driving performance and Subaru's familiar AWD traction. The Limited XT and Touring XT get the uprated setup that bumps combined output to 338 hp and delivers a sprint to 60 mph in under five seconds, putting the Solterra XT variants squarely in the sportier EV compact-crossover class.
All trims share the 74.7-kWh battery and the same estimated 288-mile all-electric range, which helps simplify ownership decisions across the lineup.
Market context and why the price decision matters
Subaru of America recorded a rebound in May 2026 with month-over-month gains, though year-to-date totals still trailed prior results. The automaker now offers a trio of EVs — the smaller Uncharted (around $35k), the Solterra in the middle, and the larger Trailseeker (roughly $40k) — and keeping the Solterra's MSRP unchanged is a conservative strategy to protect demand while giving buyers more value via upgrades.

That said, the EV market remains sensitive to broader macro trends. Recent fluctuations in fuel prices and geopolitical tensions nudged some buyers back toward electric vehicles, but more stable fuel markets could slow immediate EV adoption. In that landscape, improving charging speeds, compatibility with NACS, and more-powerful drivetrain options help Subaru make the Solterra a more compelling choice without raising the entry price.
How it stacks up
Compared with rivals in the compact electric crossover segment, the 2027 Solterra's combination of standard AWD, decent ground clearance, and a near-300-mile range makes it attractive to buyers who want a practical EV with light off-road capability. The faster-charging capability and NACS port narrow a key convenience gap many shoppers have cited in past model years.
"Subaru upgraded what matters most to everyday EV buyers — power and charging — while leaving the price intact," says an industry source. "That could give the Solterra an edge among buyers who want an AWD EV that doubles as a family crossover."
Final take
For shoppers considering a compact electric SUV, the 2027 Solterra is worth a second look: more punch on the XT models, quicker charging, and broader charging compatibility enhance usability without an MSRP hike. Dealers will start receiving 2027 Solterra models this fall, giving buyers time to weigh the improved package against a crowded and evolving EV market.
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