Subaru Solterra vs. Outback

Pricing and specs at a glance

One of the smaller price gaps in this series

Just $3,500 separates the base Solterra from the base Outback, notably smaller than most of the other comparisons we've written, and it narrows even further at the top trims (both top out within about $2,100 of each other). For Subaru shoppers specifically, price alone isn't the deciding factor it is in some other brand comparisons.

Standard AWD on both: a genuine Subaru trait carries over

Unlike some EV-vs-gas comparisons where all-wheel drive is an upgrade on one side, both the Solterra and Outback come standard with all-wheel drive, consistent with Subaru's brand identity across its lineup. That removes one common variable from this particular comparison.

Running costs

The Solterra's 117-120 MPGe against the Outback's 24-27 MPG still produces a real running-cost gap at typical electricity and gas prices, even with the smaller purchase-price difference. That combination (small price gap, real running-cost savings) makes the Solterra one of the faster break-even cases in this series for high-mileage drivers. Run your own numbers in our EV vs. gas cost calculator.

Where the Outback still wins

Meaningfully longer range per fill-up, no charging-infrastructure dependency, and Subaru's established reputation for all-weather, off-pavement capability built up over a much longer model history than the Solterra has behind it.