Subaru Solterra vs Subaru Outback
What's the difference?

Subaru Solterra

$61,990 - $67,990

2026 price

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Subaru Outback

$48,990 - $62,690

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Subaru Solterra

2026 Subaru Outback

By Laura Berry

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Flat 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

8.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Superb to drive
More powerful motors
Longer range now

Brilliant packaging
Dynamic sophistication
Ease, comfort and fun

Dislikes

Cabin ergonomics
Storage and cargo space could be better
Underwhelming interior styling

Average warranty
Divisive design
No manual option

2026 Subaru Solterra Summary

Car companies don’t normally overhaul a vehicle so rapidly and comprehensively. But the updated Subaru Solterra EV is an exception. It had to be done and this isn’t just an update, it’s an act of survival for Subaru… and Toyota.

You knew the Solterra’s identical twin is the Toyota bZ4X, right? Together Subaru and Toyota developed an electric SUV. Subaru’s is the Solterra, Toyota’s is the bZ4X - same car, different styling, mostly.

The problem was the vehicle couldn’t compete with rivals like the Zeekr 7X and Tesla Model Y on price, driving range, power or charging speed.

Subaru and Toyota knew this had to be fixed ASAP. And so we now have the new Solterra. But is this revised version good enough? Read on to find out.

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2026 Subaru Outback Summary

It’s 2026 and over 30 years and through six generations the Subaru Outback as we knew it… is gone.

Gone is the defiantly wagon-esque crossover style that was one of the first, as well as likely the most-successful, for the boxy beast you see here.

RIP, original Subaru Outback.

But, don’t worry, folks, because, except for a couple of issues, things only get better by and large, with the big new seventh-gen model.

And, in the most important ways, the 2026 Outback is a true Subaru at heart, so let’s dive straight in!

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Subaru Solterra 2026 Subaru Outback

Verdict

The updated Subaru Solterra is now good enough to compete with rivals such as the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X. The price is right as are the driving range and motor outputs.

There's room for improvement in terms of cabin packaging. The car doesn’t cater for taller, larger people up front, with the steering wheel placement and wide centre console. Cabin storage could also be much better.

Still, the Solterra is superb to drive. One of the best EVs I’ve piloted at this price.

Verdict

Over 30 years and seven generations of Outback in Australia, the latest might just be the best.

It's great to drive, even better to sit in, very easy to live and willing to go further than most equivalent large SUVs at its price point.

The styling is definitely divisive, with purists unhappy that the long, crossover wagon silhouette is now gone, but what we have instead is a family-friendly vehicle that pleases on so many fronts.

We’d go as far as saying the latest Outback might be the most-rounded Subaru currently available, and great value to boot. And the base AWD is all the SUV most people will ever need.

That’s not bad for something this square!

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Subaru Solterra vs Subaru Outback What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Subaru Solterra vs Subaru Outback
What's the difference?