Head-to-head
Tesla Model Y vs Subaru Solterra
Two suvs priced within $90 of each other. Here's where each pulls ahead on range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · SUV
Tesla Model Y
Australia's best-selling EV by a wide margin, the Model Y combines crossover practicality with the Tesla software and Supercharger ecosystem. The 'Juniper' refresh addresses many of the original's ride and cabin gripes.
- From
- $71,990
- Range
- 466 km
- Battery
- 62.5 kWh
Option B · SUV
Subaru Solterra
Subaru's first BEV is a Toyota bZ4X with twin motors as standard. Symmetrical all-wheel drive is the Subaru-typical pitch — useful in snowy/wet conditions, less compelling on city duty.
- From
- $71,900
- Range
- 466 km
- Battery
- 74.7 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Tesla Model Y and Subaru Solterra, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Boot · advantage Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y swallows 444 L more cargo with the rear seats up (854 vs 410 L).
- 2
Battery · advantage Subaru Solterra
The Subaru Solterra carries a 12.2 kWh larger battery (74.7 vs 62.5 kWh).
- 3
Power · advantage Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y puts down 60 kW more (220 vs 160 kW).
- 4
DC charging · advantage Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y accepts 20 kW more DC peak charging (170 vs 150 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 5
Warranty · advantage Subaru Solterra
The Subaru Solterra covers the vehicle for 1 more year (5 vs 4 yrs).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Tesla Model Y wins
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (5.9s vs 6.9s)
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (170 kW vs 150 kW)
Where the Subaru Solterra wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $90
- ▸ Longer warranty (5 years)
Tesla Model Y
What we like
- ✓ Huge boot and frunk for family use
- ✓ Supercharger network access
- ✓ Strong residual values
What we don't
- ✕ Firm ride on 19-inch wheels
- ✕ Minimalist cabin polarises buyers
- ✕ No Android Auto / Apple CarPlay
Subaru Solterra
What we like
- ✓ Standard AWD with dedicated off-road modes
- ✓ Strong Subaru brand reputation for safety and durability
- ✓ Generous battery warranty (8 years / 160,000 km)
What we don't
- ✕ Shorter WLTP range than FWD bZ4X (AWD penalty)
- ✕ Pricier than the bZ4X twin
- ✕ Subaru dealer network smaller than Toyota's
Frequently asked: Tesla Model Y vs Subaru Solterra
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Tesla Model Y or the Subaru Solterra?
- The Subaru Solterra is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $71,900 versus $71,990 for the Tesla Model Y, a $90 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Tesla Model Y accepts a peak DC charging rate of 170 kW versus 150 kW for the Subaru Solterra. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The Tesla Model Y does 0–100 km/h in 5.9 seconds — 1.0 s quicker than the Subaru Solterra's 6.9 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Which has the longer warranty?
- The Subaru Solterra is covered by a 5-year vehicle warranty, versus 4 years for the Tesla Model Y. Both also carry separate high-voltage battery warranties — check the manufacturer's site for the latest kilometre and condition limits.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Tesla Model Y
if…
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
- ✓ you regularly load it up (444 L more boot)
- ✓ you match the profile: families
Choose the
Subaru Solterra
if…
- ✓ you match the profile: all-weather drivers
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.