A Brace Of Subaru's From Andrew Frankl
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A Brace Of Subaru's
By Andrew Frankl
Letter From Europe
Regular readers will remember the 2025 Best of the Bay test drive where 12 cars and 12 auto writers met for two days of intensive testing.
One of the stars of the show was Subaru’s brand new Solterra EV. In fact when all the votes were taken it came second by just one vote to the Jeep Wagoner. I can understand why.
As always the value for money factor.
These cars may not be marvels of engineering, unlikely to become International Cars of the Year but if you are looking value for money without trimmings you will end up in a Subaru.
The interiors tend to be dark and gloomy for reasons I cannot understand but this again comes back to hard working middle class people who buy them are not interested in a fashion show.
For the record the 2026 Solterra EV is a five seater. It has a synchronous electric motor with integrated transaxle at front and rear axels.
The updated front and rear electric motors are good for a very impressive 338 horsepower.The charging point is very sensibly placed on the right front fender so can drive straight to straight to the “Pump”.
The 14 inch multi-media touchscreen is not one of my favorites, I find it quite hard to read. The uprated 7.7-kWh high capacity lithium-ion battery is good for 278 miles but bear in mind that condition can change and you could be stuck in a snowstorm with the heater full on.
This of course would apply to any EV. I am sure like all manufacturers Subaru are working on extending the range, the BMW iX3 which I tested a few weeks ago was good for 400 miles plus.
The Solterra has smooth and quick acceleration and it is agile with fine handling.
It is of course up against some fierce competition in the shape of Hyundai’ Ioniq 5 and Kia’s EV6.
All in all it is the legendary Subaru reliability which ends to clinch the deal. I understand that only Porsche has higher loyalty factor. As too which Subaru-that really depends on your budget but from the Crosstrek up you can’t really go wrong.
2026 Subaru Crossstrek
The numbers speak volumes-Subaru’s Crosstrek walked out of the showrooms at the an ever increasing rate.
The company sold no fewer than 191,724 units-a record. Hardly surprising if you are looking for a compact SUV
With all-wheel capability. It has a roomy interior and in hybrid form exceptional fuel consumption.36 miles per gallon first class. With the recent snowstorms covering more than half the country folks wth standard cars and SUV wished to have had an astonishing 9.3 inches of ground clearance. The engine pushes out 162 hp/154 lb-ft. Throw n the Electric bit and the combined figure is a far more respectable 194 at 5600 rpm. 0-60 is a nothing to write home bout 8 Seconds but then sensible people who but the Crosstrek are not looking for V6 or V8 engines with trick exhausts, they just want to get to their destination in peace and harmony. Ok, going up to the Sierras will necessitate moving into the Inside lane behind the track as impatient Audis thunder by. Has anybody ever figured out what it is about Audi drivers?
Where does all this arrogance come from? Even in sleepy, leafy Belvedere-speed limit 25 mph-they stick out like mail-
Pushy, impatient and yuk.
Of course just like anything on four wheels it isn’t perfect. Whoever designed the dashboard should be moved to another position with the company. Like tomorrow.
It is also dark and depressing, bit like George Orwell’s prophetic 1984. One should also remember that the Crosstrek has ferocious opposition from Toyota’s Corolla Cross Hybrid and Kia’s Nero.If you really do have to count the pennies as millions do why not consider the standard version without the hybrid.
It costs several thousand dollars less than the hybrid and offers most of the features for 28 thousand dollars!
With gas prices at their lowest everywhere except in California it might make a lot of sense.
All in all I would sum up the Crosstrek as a small SUV for people with brain but limited financial resources.
Authors Thought: Who would have thought that 81 Years after being liberated by Russians soldiers In Hungry I would be working for The Auto Channel? Ain't Life Grand?
More Next Month
2026 Subaru Solterra and Crosstrek Dossier
Electric Adventure vs. Proven Subaru Utility
The Auto Channel Take: Subaru now gives buyers two very different roads to the same promise: all-weather confidence, practical packaging, and a little dirt-road attitude. The 2026 Solterra is the improved electric Subaru. The 2026 Crosstrek is still the honest compact AWD utility box that made Subaru buyers loyal in the first place.
2026 Subaru Solterra |
2026 Subaru Crosstrek |
AI Quick Answer
What is the difference between the 2026 Subaru Solterra and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek?
The Solterra is Subaru’s all-electric AWD SUV, offering up to about 288 miles of range, stronger acceleration, and zero gasoline driving. The Crosstrek is Subaru’s smaller, lower-priced AWD compact SUV, available with gas or hybrid power, more traditional long-distance flexibility, and a lower starting price.
2026 Subaru Solterra: The Electric Subaru Finally Gets Serious
Overview
The 2026 Subaru Solterra is no longer just Subaru’s first electric SUV. It is now a much more credible EV, with improved range, more power, faster charging capability, and a cleaner technology package. Subaru says the 2026 Solterra offers increased range of up to 288 miles, a larger battery, improved charging, and standard all-wheel drive.
Pricing
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Power / Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | $38,495 | 233 hp, value EV AWD |
| Limited | $41,395 | More comfort and technology |
| Limited XT | $42,895 | 338 hp high-output EV |
| Touring XT | $45,555 | Top Solterra package |
Key Specs
- Powertrain: Dual-motor electric AWD
- Battery: 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery
- Horsepower: 233 hp standard; up to 338 hp on XT models
- Estimated range: up to 288 miles
- Charging: NACS / Tesla-compatible charging port
- Ground clearance: approximately 8.3 inches
- Seating: 5 passengers
Driving Impressions
The 2026 Solterra feels like the Subaru EV Subaru should have launched in the first place. The extra power matters. The improved range matters more. Around town, it is quiet, smooth, and easy to place. On wet pavement or gravel, the standard AWD gives it the confidence Subaru buyers expect.
The XT models add real punch. No, this is not a rally car, and it is not pretending to be one. But for a family EV with Subaru traction logic, it is now quick enough to feel modern instead of apologetic.
Best For
- Subaru loyalists ready to go electric
- Commuters with home charging
- Buyers who want AWD and zero gasoline
- Drivers who want quiet, quick, all-weather confidence
2026 Subaru Crosstrek: Still The Honest Subaru Sweet Spot
Overview
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek remains the small Subaru that makes the most sense for the most people. It is affordable, tough-looking, easy to drive, and standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. For 2026, the Crosstrek lineup includes conventional gas models and the new Crosstrek Hybrid.
Pricing
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base | $26,995 | Standard AWD, 2.5-liter BOXER |
| Premium | $27,995 | Better daily-driver value |
| Sport | $30,625 | Rugged trim appearance |
| Limited | $32,995 | More comfort and safety features |
| Wilderness | $33,795 | Most trail-oriented Crosstrek |
| Sport Hybrid | $33,995 | Hybrid AWD efficiency |
| Limited Hybrid | $34,995 | Top hybrid package |
Key Specs
- Gas engine: 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder
- Gas horsepower: 180 hp
- Hybrid output: 194 hp combined
- Drivetrain: Standard Symmetrical AWD
- Ground clearance: 8.7 inches
- Gas highway/city MPG: up to 33/26
- Hybrid range: up to 597 miles per tank
- Seating: 5 passengers
Driving Impressions
The Crosstrek is not trying to be a luxury car, and that is exactly why it works. It is easy to see out of, easy to park, easy to trust, and more useful than its footprint suggests. The ride is controlled, the steering is predictable, and the standard AWD gives it a real-world advantage over many front-drive compact crossovers wearing fake adventure costumes.
The hybrid version adds smoother low-speed response and better city efficiency. It does not turn the Crosstrek into a hot hatch, but it gives the car a little more polish and a lot more range confidence.
Best For
- First-time Subaru buyers
- Budget-minded AWD shoppers
- Small families and commuters
- Drivers who want real utility without EV charging concerns
- Outdoor buyers who still need an everyday car
Solterra vs. Crosstrek: Side-By-Side
| Category | 2026 Subaru Solterra | 2026 Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | All-electric AWD SUV | Gas or hybrid AWD compact SUV |
| Starting Price | $38,495 | $26,995 |
| Top Price Area | Mid-$45,000 range | Mid-$30,000 range |
| Power | 233 hp to 338 hp | 180 hp gas / 194 hp hybrid |
| Fuel / Energy | Electric | Gasoline or hybrid |
| Range | Up to about 288 electric miles | Up to about 597 miles per tank on hybrid |
| AWD | Standard | Standard |
| Ground Clearance | About 8.3 inches | 8.7 inches |
| Best Use | EV commuting, quiet AWD travel | Value, utility, long-distance flexibility |
Options And Features To Watch
Solterra Options / Features
- 14-inch multimedia touchscreen
- Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
- X-MODE with Grip Control
- Available Harman Kardon premium audio
- Available heated rear seats
- Available panoramic view monitor
- Available high-output XT powertrain
Crosstrek Options / Features
- 11.6-inch STARLINK multimedia system on many trims
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
- Available Blind-Spot Detection
- Available Reverse Automatic Braking
- Wilderness trim for extra trail personality
- Hybrid trims for better city efficiency and longer tank range
The Auto Channel Bottom Line
Buy the Solterra if you want the electric Subaru experience and can charge at home or work. It is quieter, quicker, cleaner, and much improved for 2026.
Buy the Crosstrek if you want the smarter-money Subaru: lower price, proven usability, standard AWD, real ground clearance, and no charging homework.
Final Verdict: The Solterra is Subaru’s electric future finally getting believable. The Crosstrek is still Subaru’s present-day masterpiece of common sense.
Related Auto Channel Search Links
- Subaru News On The Auto Channel
- The Auto Channel New Car Reviews Index
- Automotive Press Release Index
- The Auto Channel 4-Car Compare
Published by The Auto Channel. Specifications, prices, range, features and availability are subject to change by manufacturer, dealer, region and final equipment. Always confirm final MSRP, destination charge, lease terms, incentives and equipment with a Subaru retailer.