The 2026 Subaru Solterra Premium is the entry trim — but entry-level on the Solterra does not mean underpowered or underequipped. The Premium delivers the full Solterra EV and safety technology package, including X-MODE with Grip Control, EyeSight driver assist, a 14-inch multimedia display, NACS charging capability, and 233 HP dual-motor AWD. For Hudson Valley buyers who want the core Solterra experience without the step-up costs of the Limited or XT trims, the Premium is a complete, capable vehicle.
Bottom Line: The Solterra Premium includes every safety, driver assist, and core EV feature. What it omits relative to higher trims are comfort and convenience upgrades — Harman Kardon audio, power seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, digital key, and the 120V cargo outlet arrive at the Limited.
- 233 HP dual-motor Symmetrical AWD
- 8.3 inches of ground clearance
- X-MODE with Grip Control standard
- EyeSight full driver assist suite standard
- 14-inch multimedia with cloud navigation and NACS charging port standard
- 18-inch alloy wheels (Limited and above have 20-inch)
What the 2026 Solterra Premium Includes
Powertrain and Capability
The Premium’s 233 HP dual-motor system represents a significant increase over the prior model year. Both front and rear axles are driven by independent electric motors — the defining characteristic of Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD in an electric architecture. Torque distribution between axles is instantaneous and continuously variable, providing traction performance that reactive mechanical AWD systems cannot match.
X-MODE with Grip Control optimizes the AWD system, traction control calibration, and braking response for low-grip surfaces — snow, mud, loose gravel, and seasonal roads. At 8.3 inches of ground clearance, the Premium is capable on the unpaved trailhead access roads and gravel driveways that Hudson Valley outdoor users encounter regularly.
Safety and Driver Assist
EyeSight is standard across the entire Solterra lineup, and the Premium is no exception. The system includes Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, and Lane Departure Prevention.
The Premium also includes:
- Blind Spot Monitor with Lane Change Assist
- Front Cross Traffic Assist
- Driver Focus: Distraction Mitigation System (detects distracted or drowsy driving)
- Subaru Safety Sense Traffic Jam Assist
- Automatic Emergency Steering
- Automatic Vehicle Departure
The safety suite on the Premium is not a stripped-down version of what higher trims offer — it is the same comprehensive EyeSight package across all four trims.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 14-inch multimedia system is standard on the Premium. The display provides wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation with voice assistant, and access to all vehicle information. Dual wireless smartphone charging pads are also standard — both front-seat occupants can charge wirelessly without physical cables.
The NACS charging port enables access to the Tesla Supercharger network without an adapter. For Hudson Valley buyers making longer trips, having access to the most widely distributed DC fast charging network in North America is a practical advantage regardless of which Solterra trim you choose.
Comfort Features on the Premium
- Heated front seats, exterior mirrors, and windshield wipers
- Automatic climate control
- Power rear gate with automatic close
- Smart key access on all doors and rear gate
- Roof rails (for cargo accessories)
- StarTex trimmed upholstery
- Interior ambient lighting
- Headlight washers
- Illuminated star cluster logo (exterior)
The Premium’s front seats are heated but not ventilated — ventilation arrives at the Limited XT. The front seats do not have power adjustment or memory functions — those arrive at the Limited.
What’s Missing vs. the Limited
- Harman Kardon audio system (Premium has standard audio)
- 20-inch alloy wheels (Premium has 18-inch)
- Rear spoiler
- Power rear gate with kick sensor (Premium’s gate is power but without the foot-trigger kick sensor)
- Power driver seat with memory
- Power passenger seat
- Heated rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Parking assist
- Digital key
- Anti-glare RVM with HomeLink
- Automatic tilt and position memory mirrors
- Entry illumination on side mirrors
- 120V 1500W AC outlet in cargo area
- Multi Terrain Monitor
Who the Premium Is Right For
The Premium is the right choice for buyers who: want the complete Solterra EV capability — AWD, X-MODE, EyeSight, NACS — at the entry price, are not specifically prioritizing Harman Kardon audio or power seat adjustability, and do not require the 120V cargo outlet or digital key functionality.
The Premium makes sense for: Hudson Valley commuters whose primary use case is the Taconic Parkway and Route 9 corridor; buyers who prioritize the EV and safety technology and are indifferent to premium audio; buyers who intend to use the vehicle primarily as a solo or two-person vehicle where heated rear seats are not a priority.
Step up to the Limited if: Harman Kardon audio matters, you want power seat adjustability, or the 120V cargo outlet and digital key are features you’d use regularly.
"The Premium is a real vehicle — people sometimes underestimate what they're getting at this trim level. X-MODE, EyeSight, NACS charging, the 14-inch screen — that's the heart of the Solterra, and it's all there from the entry model. The limitation is really the absence of the Harman Kardon system and the power seats. If those aren't deal-breakers for you, the Premium is genuinely complete."
General Manager, Mid Hudson Subaru
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Safety data from NHTSA and IIHS; fuel economy from EPA. Actual mileage varies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Premium have heated seats? Yes. Heated front seats, wipers, and mirrors are all standard on the Premium. Heated rear seats and heated steering wheel are not included — they arrive at the Limited.
Does the Premium have the NACS charging port? Yes. The NACS charging port is standard on all 2026 Solterra trims, including the Premium.
Can I add any packages or options to the Premium? The 2026 Solterra Premium is configured as a standard model without available option packages. The Limited, Limited XT, and Touring XT add content through their respective trim specifications rather than add-on options.
Is the Premium’s audio system acceptable? The standard audio system on the Premium is a functional system for everyday listening. Buyers who prioritize audio quality should be aware that the Harman Kardon system, which arrives at the Limited, is a significant improvement. If music listening is important to you, test both before deciding.
View Solterra Premium Inventory at Mid Hudson Subaru
Browse current Solterra Premium inventory at Mid Hudson Subaru or contact the team to schedule a drive and compare the Premium to the Limited side by side.