2025 Subaru Solterra vs 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5

$38,495 · Crossover

$35,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to choose between the practical punch of the 2025 Subaru Solterra and the sleek efficiency of the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5? This is a classic dilemma: trading upfront savings for rugged capability. The IONIQ 5 draws first blood with a significantly lower starting MSRP of $35,000 compared to the Solterra's $38,495, and it offers a longer electric range at 245 miles versus the Solterra's 227 miles. However, the Subaru leans into its rugged nature with 215 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), significantly outmuscling the base IONIQ 5’s 168 hp, though the Hyundai counters with slightly more torque at 258 lb-ft. While the IONIQ 5 offers a slightly larger cargo hold at 26.3 cubic feet, the Solterra’s AWD setup makes it inherently more versatile for diverse driving conditions, despite being a tad taller at 65.0 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5

The IONIQ 5 wins for commuters due to its superior 245-mile range and lower starting price of $35,000.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5

Families will likely appreciate the IONIQ 5's slightly larger 26.3 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Solterra's 23.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Solterra

The Solterra appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its 215 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive system.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5

The IONIQ 5 offers better immediate value, costing $3,495 less than the Solterra while providing more electric range.

Choose the Subaru Solterra if...

You prioritize maximum traction and capability via its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You need the extra output from the Solterra's 215 horsepower for acceleration.
You prefer a slightly taller vehicle stance, measuring 65.0 inches high.

Choose the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if...

Sticking to a tighter budget is key, as the IONIQ 5 starts at $35,000.
Maximizing travel distance between charges is critical, given its 245-mile range.
You value slightly more storage space, with 26.3 cubic feet available behind the seats.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Solterra	Hyundai IONIQ 5
Length	184.6"	183.3"
Width	73.2"	74.4"
Height	65.0"	63.0"
Wheelbase	112.2"	118.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Base Engine Type	electric	electric
Horsepower	215 hp	168 hp
Torque	249 lb-ft	258 lb-ft

Drive Train

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Transmission Type	1-speed direct drive	1-speed direct drive
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Fuel Type	electric	electric
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	114/94 MPGe	131/100 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	104 MPGe	115 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	227 mi.	245 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	32	29
Charging Time (240V)	11.0 hr.	6.3 hr.
Battery Capacity	72.8 kWh	63.0 kWh
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE Combo	NACS

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Front Head Room	38.8 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	42.1 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.8 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.4 in.	53.9 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.3 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	57.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	44.8 in.	53.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/55R H
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Solterra and 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5.

Which EV crossover has better straight-line acceleration?

The 2025 Subaru Solterra pulls ahead here, producing 215 horsepower compared to the base 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5's 168 horsepower. Although the IONIQ 5 has slightly more torque (258 lb-ft vs. 249 lb-ft), the significant horsepower difference usually favors the Solterra in spirited driving.

How much further can the IONIQ 5 travel on a single charge?

The IONIQ 5 provides a noticeable range advantage, clocking in at 245 miles per charge. The Solterra's electric range is rated at 227 miles, giving the Hyundai an extra 18 miles of potential travel.

Is the price difference between the two vehicles significant?

Yes, the difference is concrete: the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 has an MSRP of $35,000, which is $3,495 cheaper than the 2025 Subaru Solterra starting at $38,495.

Which vehicle is better if I frequently encounter bad weather?

If you frequently deal with snow or slippery roads, the Solterra is the safer bet because it comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive system, while the base IONIQ 5 is Rear Wheel Drive.

Do the exterior dimensions affect their everyday usability?

The cars are very similar in footprint; the Solterra is slightly longer at 184.6 inches and taller at 65.0 inches. The IONIQ 5 is marginally wider at 74.4 inches, which might matter more in tight parking situations.

Do either of these crossovers offer manual gear shifting modes?

Neither vehicle requires manual input for gear changes; both the 2025 Subaru Solterra and the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 utilize a standard 1-speed direct drive transmission, typical for modern electric vehicles.