Head-to-head
Volvo EX40 vs Subaru Solterra
Just $1,910 separates the Volvo EX40 and Subaru Solterra on starting price, but the Volvo EX40 goes 66 km further on a charge. Here's where the rest of the spec sheets pull apart.
Option A · SUV
Volvo EX40
The rebadged XC40 Recharge — Volvo dropped the petrol versions for this generation and reframed the EV as the EX40. RWD single-motor for the long-range variant; AWD twin-motor for performance.
- From
- $69,990
- Range
- 532 km
- Battery
- 82 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 Volvo EX40 and Subaru Solterra, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage Volvo EX40
The Volvo EX40 goes 66 km further on a charge (532 vs 466 km WLTP).
- 2
DC charging · advantage Volvo EX40
The Volvo EX40 accepts 55 kW more DC peak charging (205 vs 150 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 3
Warranty · advantage Subaru Solterra
The Subaru Solterra covers the vehicle for 2 more years (5 vs 3 yrs).
- 4
Battery · advantage Volvo EX40
The Volvo EX40 carries a 7.3 kWh larger battery (82 vs 74.7 kWh).
- 5
Price · advantage Volvo EX40
The Volvo EX40 undercuts the Subaru Solterra by $1,910 (3%) on starting price.
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Volvo EX40 wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $1,910
- ▸ 66 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (205 kW vs 150 kW)
Where the Subaru Solterra wins
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (6.9s vs 7.3s)
- ▸ Longer warranty (5 years)
Volvo EX40
What we like
- ✓ 532 km WLTP range in single-motor RWD form
- ✓ Premium Volvo cabin and safety reputation
- ✓ Fast 205 kW DC charging peak
What we don't
- ✕ Three-year vehicle warranty is short for the price
- ✕ Battery warranty distance only 100,000 km
- ✕ Cabin styling unchanged from earlier XC40 Recharge
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: Volvo EX40 vs Subaru Solterra
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Volvo EX40 or the Subaru Solterra?
- The Volvo EX40 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $69,990 versus $71,900 for the Subaru Solterra, a $1,910 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Volvo EX40 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 532 km, 66 km further than the Subaru Solterra's 466 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Volvo EX40 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 205 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 Subaru Solterra does 0–100 km/h in 6.9 seconds — 0.4 s quicker than the Volvo EX40's 7.3 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 3 years for the Volvo EX40. 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
Volvo EX40
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (66 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly do long road trips (faster DC peak)
- ✓ you match the profile: premium-brand buyers
Choose the
Subaru Solterra
if…
- ✓ peace-of-mind warranty matters (2 more years of cover)
- ✓ 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.