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2026 Subaru Solterra XT: The Sequel That's Better Than the Original
Last year, we got a chance to get behind the wheel of the Subaru Solterra, the Subaru-badged version of Toyota's bZ4X crossover SUV. At the time, we proclaimed it the "Best BusyForks That Isn't A Toyota" — and we found its rugged styling and practical features worth a look.
But at the same time, we felt it wasn't quite as ready for adventure as its nameplate would expect.
Last month, Nikki got the chance to drive the updated 2026 Solterra XT (or rather, the range-topping Solterra Touring XT). With meaningful upgrades on the previous model year, it packs more power, more range, better charging, and an overall better experience that makes it truly ready for adventures off the beaten trail.
Here's why it's well worth a test-drive... if you can cope with its propensity to nag — and its musical tendencies.
⏱️ Chapter Breakdown:
00:00 - Introduction
01:58 - Montage
03:23 - Recap: The Original Solterra vs. Toyota bZ4X
04:41 - New Motors & Off-Road Modes
08:47 - 2026 Motor Lineup & Battery Upgrades
12:59 - Real-World Range vs. EPA Claims
15:29 - Interior Comfort & Cockpit Layout
18:08 - Buttons, Nagging & Chimes
22:20 - Driving Feel: Position, Acceleration & Steering
26:53 - Safety, Visibility & Practicality
31:33 - Tech & Audio 34:55 - Cons Roundup
39:29 - Verdict, Pricing & Who It's For
43:00 - Thanks and Goodbye!
👥 Today’s Sponsors
🌱 Electric Vehicle Association - https://www.myeva.org
⚡ EnergySage - https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101290941-16952262
—
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🎙️ Credits:
Host, Script, Editor: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
Color: Vi Horton
Art & Animation : Erin Carlie
Producer: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
Music: via Artlist.io
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By Last year, we got a chance to get behind the wheel of the Subaru Solterra, the Subaru-badged version of Toyota's bZ4X crossover SUV. At the time, we proclaimed it the "Best BusyForks That Isn't A Toyota" — and we found its rugged styling and practical features worth a look.
But at the same time, we felt it wasn't quite as ready for adventure as its nameplate would expect.
Last month, Nikki got the chance to drive the updated 2026 Solterra XT (or rather, the range-topping Solterra Touring XT). With meaningful upgrades on the previous model year, it packs more power, more range, better charging, and an overall better experience that makes it truly ready for adventures off the beaten trail.
Here's why it's well worth a test-drive... if you can cope with its propensity to nag — and its musical tendencies.
⏱️ Chapter Breakdown:
00:00 - Introduction
01:58 - Montage
03:23 - Recap: The Original Solterra vs. Toyota bZ4X
04:41 - New Motors & Off-Road Modes
08:47 - 2026 Motor Lineup & Battery Upgrades
12:59 - Real-World Range vs. EPA Claims
15:29 - Interior Comfort & Cockpit Layout
18:08 - Buttons, Nagging & Chimes
22:20 - Driving Feel: Position, Acceleration & Steering
26:53 - Safety, Visibility & Practicality
31:33 - Tech & Audio 34:55 - Cons Roundup
39:29 - Verdict, Pricing & Who It's For
43:00 - Thanks and Goodbye!
👥 Today’s Sponsors
🌱 Electric Vehicle Association - https://www.myeva.org
⚡ EnergySage - https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101290941-16952262
—
✊ Get Involved 🗳️ https://indivisible.org/town-hall-resources
❤️ Support the Show
📰 https://www.transportevolved.com
🔥 https://www.patreon.com/transportevolved
☕ https://ko-fi.com/transportevolved
📺 https://www.youtube.com/transportevolved
👕 https://www.redbubble.com/people/TransportEVd/
🛍️ https://amzn.to/40xOyjm
₿ 1QRZRGCCXUKPDZ2DZ9KX9JYJXMZDYHYGFZ0MN4WH
💬 Join the Conversation
🐘 https://mastodon.transportevolved.com/@show
💬 https://discord.gg/9WAjfQn
💬 https://fluxer.gg/mcj8aehg
🌀 https://bsky.app/profile/transportevolved.bsky.social
🔁 Subscribe to our 2nd channel - https://www.youtube.com/transportevolvedtake2
🎙️ Credits:
Host, Script, Editor: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
Color: Vi Horton
Art & Animation : Erin Carlie
Producer: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
Music: via Artlist.io