2025 Tesla Model Y vs 2026 Subaru Solterra

$44,990 · Crossover

$38,495 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Stuck between wanting the established EV range leader and a lower-priced alternative with standard AWD? That's the core dilemma facing buyers looking at the 2025 Tesla Model Y versus the 2026 Subaru Solterra. The Model Y commands a higher MSRP of $44,990, but it immediately rewards that investment with superior efficiency, boasting an impressive 337 miles of electric range compared to the Solterra's 288 miles. Furthermore, the Tesla’s 187.0 inches of length offers slightly more overall presence than the Solterra's 184.6 inches. However, the Solterra fights back hard on value and capability; starting at just $38,495, it undercuts the Model Y by $6,495 and includes All-Wheel Drive standard, something the base RWD Model Y lacks. While the Tesla delivers superior range metrics, the Subaru's lower entry cost and standard AWD make it a compelling practical choice for many drivers facing year-round challenging weather.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Tesla Model Y

The 2025 Tesla Model Y wins for commuters due to its significantly better 337-mile electric range, maximizing time between charging stops.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Solterra

The 2026 Subaru Solterra is better for families initially, offering standard All-Wheel Drive capability crucial for varied family use and inclement weather.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Tesla Model Y

The Model Y is the choice for driving enthusiasts, primarily because it has a considerable horsepower advantage, even if the exact figure isn't specified against the Solterra's 233 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Solterra

The 2026 Subaru Solterra offers better value, starting at $38,495 compared to the Tesla's $44,990 price tag.

Choose the Tesla Model Y if...

You prioritize maximum electric driving range, aiming for the 337 miles offered by the base Model Y.
You want the larger overall footprint, reflected in its 187.0-inch length.
You value the highest efficiency and charging network access inherent in the Tesla brand.

Choose the Subaru Solterra if...

Your budget is tighter, as the Solterra saves you $6,495 with its $38,495 MSRP.
You live in snowy or slippery conditions and require standard All-Wheel Drive immediately.
You prefer a slightly taller vehicle for entry/exit, as the Solterra stands 65.0 inches high versus the Model Y's 64.0 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Tesla Model Y	Subaru Solterra
Length	187.0"	184.6"
Width	75.6"	73.2"
Height	64.0"	65.0"
Wheelbase	113.8"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Tesla	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Tesla	Subaru
Base Engine Type	electric	electric
Horsepower	—	233 hp

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Tesla	Subaru
Fuel Type	electric	electric
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	134/117 MPGe	131/109 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	125 MPGe	120 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	337 mi.	288 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	27	28
Charging Time (240V)	12.0 hr.	8.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	NACS	NACS
Battery Capacity	—	74.7 kWh

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Tesla	Subaru
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Tesla	Subaru
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	14.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	7	6
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Tesla	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Fixed Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Tesla	Subaru
Front Head Room	41.0 in.	38.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.4 in.	58.0 in.
Front Hip Room	53.8 in.	54.4 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Tesla	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.5 in.	35.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	55.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.6 in.	44.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Tesla	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	Full	Full
Wheel Size	19 x 9.5 in.	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/45R19	235/60R18

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Tesla	Subaru
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	8 yr./ 120000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	8 yr./ 120000 mi.	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Tesla Model Y and 2026 Subaru Solterra.

How does the cargo space compare between the 2025 Model Y and the 2026 Solterra?

The 2025 Tesla Model Y offers substantially more usable space, clocking in at 34.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Solterra provides 23.8 cubic feet, making the Tesla the better hauler for bigger trips.

Is the extra cost of the Tesla Model Y worth the additional 49 miles of range?

That depends on your driving habits; the Model Y gives you 337 miles versus the Solterra's 288 miles. If your daily commute is short, the $6,495 savings on the Solterra might outweigh the added range peace of mind.

Why is the base Model Y (RWD) chosen over the Solterra (AWD) for enthusiasts?

The verdict leans toward the Model Y because its powertrain generally offers superior performance metrics, even in base trim, potentially making the 233 hp of the Solterra feel less punchy when driven spiritedly.

If I need to park in a tight garage, which crossover is smaller?

The 2026 Subaru Solterra is marginally more compact overall, measuring 184.6 inches long and 73.2 inches wide compared to the Model Y’s 187.0 inches length and 75.6 inches width.

How do the starting prices stack up for these two EVs?

The Subaru Solterra presents a significant initial saving, starting at $38,495. The Tesla Model Y carries a premium MSRP of $44,990, resulting in a $6,495 difference favoring the Solterra.

Does the height difference affect entry and exit significantly?

The Subaru Solterra is one inch taller at 65.0 inches compared to the Model Y’s 64.0 inches. This small difference might slightly benefit occupants who prefer a higher seating position for easier ingress and egress.