For years, the electric vehicle was synonymous with the city commute—silent, efficient, and firmly glued to the pavement. The adventurous Australian spirit, defined by corrugated tracks, sandy beach entrances, and remote campsite exploration, seemed fundamentally incompatible with the EV.

Early models were often rear-wheel drive, lacked ground clearance, and offered no real assurance once the bitumen ended.

At EV Evolution, we spotlight the upcoming models that ditch the pavement and prove that instant electric torque is the ultimate off-road advantage.

⛰️ The Big Three: 2026’s Trail-Ready Contenders

Three major players are landing on Australian shores in 2026, offering distinct solutions for the electric adventurer, from the refined family wagon to the uncompromising rock-crawler.

1. The Trail Hunter: Jeep Recon

The Jeep Recon is not an electrified version of a petrol model; it is an electric off-roader designed from the ground up to uphold the legendary “Trail Rated” badge. It’s the EV that truly wants to get muddy.

The Specs That Matter

• Power & Torque: The dual-motor, all-electric four-wheel-drive system delivers a massive, instant output of 478kW and 840Nm of torque. This is where EVs shine off-road—that instant torque delivery is crucial for precise rock crawling.
• Battery & Range: A large 100kWh battery pack is protected by high-strength steel underbody shields. Expected range is up to 400km (estimated), though expect this to drop significantly during heavy off-roading.
• Off-Road Hardware: It features electronic locking differentials and Jeep’s specialized Selec-Terrain system with a dedicated Rock mode. Crucially, it has removable doors and rear glass, allowing for that true, open-air Jeep experience.
• Australian Reality: Expected to be priced around the AU$105,000 mark, the Recon is a premium, specialized tool. It is the EV for the weekend adventurer who previously drove a Wrangler.

2. The Refined All-Rounder: Subaru Solterra (MY26 Update)

The 2026 Solterra is not just a facelift; it’s a total performance overhaul that finally makes the all-electric Subaru a compelling proposition for Australian conditions. Subaru has addressed every major criticism of the outgoing model.

The Specs That Matter

• Power & Performance: The dual-motor Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive now produces a huge 252kW (a 57% increase over the previous model), transforming its on-road and gravel-road performance.
• Range & Charging: The battery has been slightly upsized to 74.7kWh, pushing the WLTP range up to 566km. Critically for the touring lifestyle, the AC charging capacity has doubled from 11kW to 22kW, meaning a full overnight charge at a three-phase caravan park is now possible in around 4 hours.
• Adventure Features: It retains the core Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Dual Mode X-Mode for enhanced grip, 212mm of ground clearance, and the braked towing capacity has been upgraded to 1500kg.
• The V2L Advantage: The Touring model gains Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, turning the Solterra into a silent power station for your campsite, allowing you to run your induction cooktop or coffee machine silently.

3. The Affordable Off-Roader: Suzuki e Vitara

Suzuki is bringing its heritage of compact, capable $4 \times 4$ vehicles into the electric era with the e Vitara. While smaller than the Solterra and less rugged than the Recon, it brings genuine electric AWD capability to a more affordable price point.

The Specs That Matter

• Drivetrain & Capability: The e Vitara features the electric 4WD system “ALLGRIP-e” on the top-spec variant. This is a crucial distinction, providing genuine traction control and off-road capability that aligns with Suzuki’s heritage.
• Range: It offers a choice of two LFP batteries, with the larger 61kWh version providing a competitive WLTP range of up to 428km
• Performance: The 4 WD model is capable of 0 km/h to 100 km/h in $7.4 seconds, providing the sharp, instant acceleration you want for quick overtaking or technical climbing.
• Australian Market Role: With pricing expected to commence below $50,000 for the BEV, the e Vitara is set to democratize the “adventure EV” segment, bringing electric off-road capability into the mainstream.

Ditch the Pavement. The 4×4 EVs That Actually Want to Get Dirty.

The reason these models represent a revolution is that they leverage the unique strengths of the EV powertrain for off-road benefit.

1. Precision Control

With electric motors, torque is not built up; it is instantaneously delivered. This means when you are inching over a rock or struggling up a slippery gradient, you can modulate the power with millimetric precision using the accelerator pedal. There is no waiting for the engine to rev up or clutch to engage—just immediate, controlled power.

2. Electronic Superiority

The use of dual motors (one per axle) gives these vehicles the ultimate electric “e-Locker.” By independently controlling the torque to each wheel in milliseconds, the car’s computer can instantly send $100\%$ of the available power to the wheels that have traction, making them incredibly effective at managing articulation and wheel lift on uneven terrain.

3. Silence is an Advantage

Driving off-road in a petrol or diesel car is loud, both for the occupants and the environment. In the Jeep Recon or Subaru Solterra, you approach a hidden waterfall or a lookout point and hear nothing but the crunch of the tyres. It transforms the connection you have with the Australian landscape—it is a true sensory upgrade to the adventure.

🤖 Join the Evolution: Compare Your Next Trail Rig

The choice between a compact, affordable adventurer like the e Vitara and a high-end, dedicated off-roader like the Recon is complex. Ground clearance, battery protection, and the subtle differences in AWD modes matter when you’re 100km from the nearest sealed road.

Do you know the difference in wading depth between the Jeep Recon and the updated Solterra?

Don’t compromise on capability.

At EV Evolution, we have fed our AI-Powered Chatbot the latest off-road specifications, including ground clearances, battery sizes, and electric AWD systems for the latest crop of adventure EVs.

Ask the Chatbot today:

• “Compare the ground clearance of the Suzuki e Vitara AWD and the Subaru Solterra 2026.”
• “What is the 5-80% DC fast charge time for the Jeep Recon’s 100kWh battery?”
• “Does the 2026 Subaru Solterra Touring offer V2L and what is its towing capacity?”

About EV Evolution

EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape.