2026 Lexus RZ vs 2026 Subaru Solterra

$46,000 · Crossover

$38,495 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the premium feel of the 2026 Lexus RZ and the rugged value of the 2026 Subaru Solterra is a classic EV crossover dilemma. Buyers often worry about balancing luxury amenities against upfront cost, and the specs show a clear trade-off. The Lexus RZ starts at a substantial $46,000, significantly higher than the Solterra's $38,495 sticker price, creating a $7,505 gap. While the Solterra offers more ground clearance implied by its Subaru DNA (though height is close at 65.0 inches vs. the Lexus's 64.4 inches) and boasts a 288-mile range, the RZ brings more substantial physical presence at 189.2 inches long. Performance is nearly equal on paper, with the Solterra pulling slightly ahead in power at 233 hp compared to the Lexus's 221 hp, suggesting the RZ leans toward refinement over raw output.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Solterra

The Solterra's superior electric range of 288 miles offers better peace of mind for daily driving distances.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus RZ

The Lexus RZ offers substantially more storage space with 34.1 cu ft compared to the Solterra's 23.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Solterra

The Subaru Solterra is slightly more potent with 233 hp and offers standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Solterra

The Solterra wins on pure cost, saving the buyer $7,505 off the starting MSRP.

Choose the Lexus RZ if...

You prioritize maximum cargo hauling, as the Lexus RZ provides 34.1 cu ft of space.
Brand prestige and a potentially more luxurious cabin experience are high on your list.
You prefer the stability of a FWD setup for city commuting.

Choose the Subaru Solterra if...

Your budget is strict, leveraging the $38,495 starting price.
You need the traction benefit of standard All-Wheel Drive.
Maximum driving range is critical, highlighted by the 288-mile rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus RZ	Subaru Solterra
Length	189.2"	184.6"
Width	74.6"	73.2"
Height	64.4"	65.0"
Wheelbase	112.2"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Base Engine Type	electric	electric
Horsepower	221 hp	233 hp
Torque	198 lb-ft	—

Drive Train

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

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Infotainment Display	14.0 in	14.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Front Head Room	38.6 in.	38.8 in.
Front Leg Room	42.1 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.9 in.	58.0 in.
Front Hip Room	54.7 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	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.7 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.5 in.	35.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.3 in.	55.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.8 in.	44.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Painted Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Polished Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/60R18
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	10 yr./ 150000 mi.	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Lexus RZ and 2026 Subaru Solterra.

Which crossover is physically larger for street parking ease?

The 2026 Lexus RZ is slightly longer at 189.2 inches compared to the Solterra's 184.6 inches, but the Solterra is marginally taller at 65.0 inches versus the RZ's 64.4 inches.

How significant is the performance difference between these two EVs?

The performance gap is minor; the Subaru Solterra has 233 hp, making it slightly quicker than the Lexus RZ, which produces 221 hp.

Does the Lexus RZ offer AWD if I need better traction?

Based on the provided specs, the 2026 Lexus RZ is listed as Front Wheel Drive only, whereas the 2026 Subaru Solterra comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.

If I have a lot of gear, which vehicle holds more?

The Lexus RZ is the clear winner for capacity, offering 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space, substantially more than the Solterra's 23.8 cubic feet.

What is the primary financial consideration when comparing these models?

The main difference is the $7,505 price discrepancy, with the Solterra hitting a much lower entry point at $38,495 versus the RZ's $46,000 MSRP.

How does the electric range compare for road trips?

The Subaru Solterra is specified to achieve an impressive 288 miles of electric range, which currently outpaces the Lexus RZ specification provided here.