Getting the most out of your next all-electric crossover
The EV craze may be cooling a bit, but that hasn’t stopped Subaru from revamping its original lackluster Solterra crossover into a much more competitive offering for the 2026 model year. Now available with improved performance, range, and charging speeds, the 2026 Subaru Solterra is a true rival to more established EVs. The Ford Mustang Mach-E, however, continues to offer a solid balance of range, performance, and comfort. Can the updated Solterra stand tire-to-tire with the Mustang Mach-E?
Subaru
For 2026, the Subaru Solterra gets a boost in range and performance, as well as a NACS charging port that allows it to charge at Tesla Superchargers. As a result, the crossover’s charging speed increases to 150 kWh and is further aided by a new preconditioning system. The Ford Mustang Mach-E’s standard trim range remains relatively unchanged, with one exception, but there’s a new addition to the lineup. Ford is reviving the Mustang California Special treatment to give the Mustang Mach-E updated styling inside and out in the form of a special edition model.
Read on to see how the Solterra and Mustang Mach-E compare in performance, range, interior comfort, and more.
The Solterra doesn’t disappoint, but the Mustang Mach-E is true to its namesake
The 2026 Subaru Solterra comes with an updated powertrain that delivers more oomph, as well as a 25% increase in range compared to the previous model. Available from $38,495, the Solterra features dual electric motors, which means all-wheel drive comes standard across the board. The electric powertrain generates 233 horsepower in the Premium and Limited models. All other Solterra trims get boosted to 338 horsepower. The Premium model is the most efficient, offering a 288-mile range. All other models can travel as far as 278 miles on a single charge. The Solterra also features a standard NACS charger and a 150 kW charging speed.
Subaru
The Ford Mustang Mach-E starts at $37,795 for the 2026 model year, $200 cheaper than the previous model for a single reason we’ll get to shortly. Ford offers its electric crossover with a variety of drivetrain and battery configurations. Depending on the model, the Mustang Mach-E can offer 264, 272, 325, 370, or 480 horsepower. The highest figures are reserved for the GT and Rally trims, which offer 480 horsepower and 600 and 700 lb-ft of torque respectively. Note that while the Solterra comes stock with all-wheel drive, upgrading from rear-wheel drive in Ford’s crossover will cost you an additional $3,000.
The most affordable model, the Select with rear-wheel drive and the standard battery, offers a 300-mile range. The Premium model with rear-wheel drive and the extended-range battery tops the lineup in range, though, with 320 miles on a single charge. At the top of the range, the GT and Rally models offer 280 and 265 miles respectively when equipped with the extended-range battery and all-wheel drive. Like its Japanese rival, the Mustang Mach-E’s charging speed tops out at 150 kW, but you’ll need to use an adapter at Tesla Superchargers.
Ford
The Mustang Mach-E offers a more diverse set of features
At the base level, the Subaru Solterra features standard heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power driver’s seat. Moving beyond the base model adds a handful of convenient amenities, including heated rear seats and steering wheel. At the top of the range, the Touring XT includes ventilated seats and radiant leg warmers for front passengers. For another $300, you can upgrade to the Touring XT Leather, which, as the name implies, adds leather upholstery to the mix.
For 2026, the Solterra gets an all-new 14-inch touchscreen display complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While the base model gets a six-speaker audio system, all other Solterra models boast a premium Harman Kardon setup. Dual wireless smartphone chargers are standard throughout the range, and there’s four USB-C ports split evenly between the front and rear seats.
Compared to the Solterra, Ford’s EV offers a much more diverse list of standard equipment. All but the base Mustang Mach-E get a heated steering wheel and front seats. All models also get ActiveX seating material in one form or another. The upper-range GT and Rally models boast performance front seats, and the latter features a white seatback trim with trim-exclusive debossed logo. Interestingly, only the Premium model comes with ventilated front seats. The California Special gets its own unique aesthetic. It includes performance seats wrapped in navy ActiveX and Miko material, complete with a reflective blue and silver stripe.
All Ford Mustang Mach-E models include a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and 15.5-inch touchscreen display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility comes stock, as does a wireless smartphone charger. There’s also a total of six USB ports located throughout the vehicle. The base Mustang Mach-E features a six-speaker audio system, while all other models get upgraded to a 10-speaker B&O sound system.
Interior passenger space is fairly competitive between the two EVs, although the Mustang Mach-E may have a minor advantage. The Solterra wins in total cargo area, though, offering 63.5 cu ft. versus the Mustang Mach-E’s 59.7 cu ft. with the rear seats folded down. The Mustang Mach-E offers 29.7 cu ft. in the dedicated cargo area, 5.9 cu ft. more than the Solterra’s 23.8 cu ft.
Notably, Ford did away with the standard drainable frunk for the 2026 model year, which lowers the Mustang Mach-E’s starting price by $200 and reduces available storage space by around two cubic feet. That’s not a defining feature, though, as the 2026 Solterra lacks a frunk as well.
The NHTSA gives the Mustang Mach-E five stars
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E a five-star safety rating, the third year in a row for the EV. While the 2024 and 2025 Subaru Solterra both received five-star ratings as well, the 2026 model sees major changes. As such, the NHTSA hasn’t completed testing or provided an overall safety rating.
Subaru
The Mustang Mach-E and Solterra each feature a full set of advanced safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. While all Solterra models come with standard all-wheel drive, it’ll cost you extra on lower Mustang Mach-E trim levels.
Ford’s electric crossover also comes with the automaker’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. The Select and Premium trims feature a 90-day trial, while the GT and Rally models get a one-year plan. As of 2024, you can subscribe to BlueCruise via a monthly, annual, or one-time $2,495 payment. Having personally experienced BlueCruise, I’d say it’s worth the $49.95 monthly or $495 annual cost if you regularly take long jaunts on the highway.
Exterior spotlight: Standardized features versus muscle car-inspired athleticism
The base Solterra blends into the crossover crowd, with 18-inch wheels, sleek lines, and a power liftgate. All other models ride on more athletic 20-inch wheels and include a hands-free power liftgate. Regardless of trim level, the Solterra offers a fairly standardized set of features, including roof rails, LED headlights, and heated and power side mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Subaru
Subaru
Subaru
All Ford Mustang Mach-E Models ride on athletic 19-inch wheels in varying finishes, save for the GT model, which gets gloss black 20-inch wheels. All trims but the base model include a power liftgate and power and heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals. LED lighting comes standard across the range. The GT and Rally get red painted brake calipers and Brembo front brakes that add to their performance-driven aesthetic. The California Special builds on the GT model and adds gloss black aero wheel colors, a unique hood graphic, and a blue pony emblem on the grille.
The Mustang Mach-E Rally stands out from the crowd with a more aggressive aesthetic that’s as functional as it is stylish. An aluminum underbody proactive shield and trim-exclusive side door graphics and badging come standard. The top-spec model also gets a dark gray raised rear spoiler, door cladding, and front and rear fascias. Its 19-inch wheels come wrapped in all-season performance tires that further enhance its drifting and performance capabilities.
Final thoughts
Subaru
Cole Attisha
There’s no doubt that the 2026 Subaru Solterra is a much more competitive EV thanks to its improved range and performance. Even so, the Ford Mustang Mach-E offers more power and competitive ranges throughout its lineup. If you’re looking to blend in, then the Solterra’s standardized styling and set of features is the way to go. For a more athletic aesthetic, Ford’s EV is the obvious winner. Make sure you set out to test drive both electric crossovers before you decide which one to park in your garage!
About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog