2026 Subaru Solterra consumer reviews

First EV. LOTS to learn. Lots and lots of settings & configuration stuff. Most defaults OK. Not sure if bought a car that has a Tablet or a very expensive Tablet that has wheels. Couple of things that stuck out: NO Glove Box. (bad) / No Spare Tire (bad). / No Jack + No Lug Wrench (really Bad) for OFF Road AWD capable? That's irresponsible ! And when buying a separate Solterra 'Jack Kit' from dealer, the Lug Wrench won't fit the Lug nuts. Need 21mm wrench. Kit came for 19mm wheel nuts. That's totally irresponsible !! Plus there are special almost hidden lift points under each side designated as lift points. Any other spots will Damage something! Road service? Where? in Boonies with GPS coordinates? (not gonna happen!) And even though has NACS Tesla type charger nozzle, absolutely can NOT charge at Tesla fast chargers. (Tesla charger cables too short + Subaru software won't connect.) So have to use charger that came with Solterra and endure Level 1 charge times, or install Level 2 charger at home, or go to Level 2 or DC chargers in your area. Actually, there's several in our area so not so bad, BUT about a road trip; that's something else. (it's a challenge). Remember: NO TESLA chargers! period! Range at 90% charge made under 200 miles round trip. Normal charge is 80% max. So will have to try that next time. Still significant uncertainty. For 2026, this is supposed to be an improvement from prior years. Now about the vehicle itself; pretty good. In fact: it's made by Toyota as a joint venture in Japan. So confidence level is pretty good that as far as an EV is concerned, they know what they're doing. Very quiet and pretty smooth ride. Has 3 power options and all three this thing can Launch and go fast. And since it's AWD, amazing traction on dirt and gravel. 30 degree up hill on gravel, stop, and go = no wheel spin. Same when descending and no spin when backing up. Most excellent! I find the telescoping steering wheel short. Needs additional pull out capability. Tilt OK. Driving with Boots is a problem. Driver leg room between pedal and brake too close and offset to the right, Makes driver foot positions cramped and a bit awkward. Pretty tight for 240 pound, 5'-10" man. Plenty of head room as this Premier model doesn't have Sun roof. (NOT good in Arizona). Climate control works good for both driver and passenger. This came with power driver's seat and manual passenger. (OK for us) Yet even with power driver's seat, have a bit difficulty getting in and out as have to duck head considerably and once in vehicle, seems to sit pretty low. This model does NOT remember driver 1 & driver 2 positions. Also, does not have tilting rear view mirror. (Again bad - bad - bad) . Have to grab whole mirror and push up or down to accommodate the driver. Glad the vehicle was furnished with Owners Manual. There's 3. Lots & Lots to read. Dealer was nice, polite and tries to help, but sales folks don't know as they don't own one. Your 80% on your own to learn and figure stuff and buttons and symbols on EV screen on your own. Would I buy again ? Not sure. Not bummed with purchase, just still very unsure about things even after 1 month ownership. Just feel uncertain driving with all that goes on and displays. Some helpful / some distracting. In fact most of the time have screen display turned OFF so can pay attention to road and vehicle responses. Ask me again a year from now.