2025 Subaru
Solterra
vs. Competitors

Subaru’s first all-electric crossover, the Solterra, broke new ground for the Japanese automaker when it was introduced for model year 2023. Back then, though, the EV marketplace was still in its sprouting stage – a different scene from the wider selection we have today. Despite the competition in the compact EV market, the Solterra offers distinct advantages over its key rivals, which we reveal on this page. We’ve assessed the Solterra Premium against the Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Chevrolet Blazer EV LT AWD, and Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro. (Note that these are the least-expensive AWD-equipped trims for each respective 2025 model.)

Shop Subaru Solterra

Pricing

With a starting price of $38,495, the Solterra significantly undercuts the others’ MSRPs. The lowest-cost alternative is the Blazer EV, with a starting price of $47,600, a difference of over $9,100. Meanwhile, the Model Y costs $48,990, almost identical to the ID.4 at $48,995. When you opt for the Tesla or VW, the cost gap skyrockets to over $10,000. Yes, the Blazer EV, Model Y, and ID.4 have less-expensive trims, but those are only two-wheel-drive variants (front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, depending on the model) that still cost more than the base Solterra, which is the only model mentioned here that comes standard with AWD, regardless of the price and trim.

2025 Subaru Solterra rear camera

All-Weather Capability and Maneuverability

With 8.3 inches of ground clearance, the Solterra sits higher than the Model Y (6.8 inches), ID.4 (6.8 inches), and Blazer EV (7.9 inches), which helps it clear snow, ice, and rough terrain with less risk of scraping the undercarriage. The Solterra’s 36.7-foot turning circle is also tighter than that of the Blazer EV (39.7 ft.) and Model Y (39.8 ft.), while it nearly matches the ID.4 (36.4 ft.). This factor makes the Solterra easier to maneuver on narrow city streets and in tight parking lots.

2025 Subaru Solterra roof

Consumer Satisfaction & Interior Space

Owner ratings on Edmunds show the Solterra scoring a 3.9 average out of 5, putting it ahead of the Model Y (3.7) and tying it with the Blazer EV (3.9). The ID.4 (3.8) ranks just below the Solterra. In particular, Solterra owners have given it high marks for the driving experience, technology, and ride quality.

While it doesn’t lead in all measurement categories, the Solterra’s 42.1 inches of front legroom is more generous than the Model Y’s 41.8 inches and the ID.4’s 41.1 inches. Similarly, the Subaru’s superior shoulder room (front: 57.8 inches/rear: 56.0 inches) tops both the Tesla (56.4 inches/54.0 inches) and Volkswagen (57.4 inches/55.9 inches).

2025 Subaru Solterra charging closeup

Range and Efficiency

Any discussion of electric vehicles would be incomplete without mentioning range. On a full charge, the Solterra can travel up to 227 miles. While that falls behind the ID.4 (263 miles), Blazer EV (283 miles), and Model Y (327 miles), it’s hard to justify the extra distance by spending roughly 25% more on one of these competitors. According to the federal government, the average American drives about 37 miles per day, a fraction of the Solterra’s full range.

Further, the Solterra’s EPA energy consumption rating of 32 kWh per 100 miles is lower than that of the ID.4 (33 kWh/100 miles) and Blazer EV (36 kWh/100 miles). Only the Model Y shows higher efficiency, at 29 kWh per 100 miles. The EPA also assesses miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). Here, the Solterra delivers 104 MPGe combined, beating the Blazer EV (95 MPGe combined) and the ID.4 (102 MPGe combined). The Model Y is rated for 117 MPGe combined.

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* Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title or non-infringement. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license. Not responsible for typographical errors.