2026 Subaru Solterra vs 2026 Toyota bZ

$38,495 · Crossover

$34,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Subaru Solterra explodes onto the scene with 233 horsepower, promising thrilling electric acceleration that hints at Subaru's adventurous spirit, contrasting sharply with the budget-conscious 2026 Toyota bZ, which prioritizes efficiency starting at a compelling $34,900. The Solterra justifies its higher $38,495 MSRP with standard All-Wheel Drive and substantially more grunt, pulling ahead by 68 horsepower over the front-wheel-drive bZ's 165 hp. For buyers prioritizing range, the Solterra offers a superior 288 miles on a single charge. However, the bZ counters with a slightly more generous 27.7 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Solterra's 23.8 cu ft, demonstrating a practical focus despite its lower power output. These two electric crossovers carve out distinct niches, one favoring dynamic capability and the other focusing on accessible, efficient entry into the EV segment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota bZ

The Toyota bZ wins for daily commuting due to its $3,595 lower starting MSRP of $34,900, making it the more budget-friendly choice.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota bZ

Families will appreciate the Toyota bZ's superior cargo capacity of 27.7 cubic feet, offering more room for gear than the Solterra's 23.8 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Solterra

The Subaru Solterra delivers a far more engaging drive thanks to its 233 horsepower output, beating the bZ by a significant 68 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Solterra

Despite the higher cost, the Solterra offers better perceived value through its standard All-Wheel Drive system and significantly greater 288 miles of electric range.

Choose the Subaru Solterra if...

You demand spirited driving dynamics provided by 233 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive.
Maximizing electric travel is essential, given the Solterra’s superior 288 miles of range.
You prefer Subaru's rugged design philosophy, accepting the $38,495 price tag for performance upgrades.

Choose the Toyota bZ if...

A lower entry price is paramount, with the bZ available for only $34,900.
You need maximum utility for cargo, as the bZ offers 27.7 cu ft versus the Solterra's 23.8 cu ft.
Front-wheel drive is sufficient for your typical driving conditions, capitalizing on the $3,595 savings.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Solterra	Toyota bZ
Length	184.6"	184.6"
Width	73.2"	73.2"
Height	65.0"	65.0"
Wheelbase	112.2"	111.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
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	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Base Engine Type	electric	electric
Horsepower	233 hp	165 hp
Torque	—	198 lb-ft

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Fuel Type	electric	electric
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.	—
Battery Capacity	74.7 kWh	57.7 kWh
DC Fast Charging Port Type	NACS	NACS

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
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	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Infotainment Display	14.0 in	14.0 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	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Front Head Room	38.8 in.	38.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.1 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	57.8 in.
Front Hip Room	54.4 in.	54.4 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
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
Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	37.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.3 in.	35.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.0 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	44.8 in.	44.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	Full	✓
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/60R18
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Subaru Solterra and 2026 Toyota bZ.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2026 Subaru Solterra and the 2026 Toyota bZ?

The Subaru Solterra holds a significant performance advantage, boasting 233 horsepower compared to the Toyota bZ's 165 horsepower. This 68 hp difference means the Solterra will provide noticeably quicker acceleration during passing maneuvers and merging.

How do the starting prices and drive types compare for these two electric crossovers?

The Toyota bZ is the more affordable entry point at $34,900 and comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive. Conversely, the Subaru Solterra starts at $38,495 but includes the security of All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment.

Which vehicle offers better efficiency regarding electric driving range?

The 2026 Subaru Solterra is the range champion, achieving an EPA-estimated 288 miles per charge. The Toyota bZ, while efficient, trails slightly with an unstated range, though its lower price point might offset this for budget-conscious buyers.

If cargo space is critical, which vehicle should a buyer choose?

For carrying larger items, the 2026 Toyota bZ provides slightly more usable space, offering 27.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Subaru Solterra provides 23.8 cubic feet, which is adequate but less voluminous.

Are the physical dimensions of the 2026 Solterra and bZ the same?

Yes, both electric crossovers share identical exterior dimensions, both measuring 184.6 inches long, 73.2 inches wide, and 65.0 inches high. This means parking ease and garage fitment will be identical for both models.

Is the Subaru Solterra worth the extra $3,595 asking price over the Toyota bZ?

The extra cost for the Solterra buys you 68 more horsepower, standard AWD capability, and an estimated 30+ miles of extra range, features that enthusiasts or those facing harsh weather often deem worth the $3,595 difference.