Kia EV5 vs Subaru Solterra

The Kia EV5 starts from $56,770 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Solterra opens at $61,990. That makes the Kia EV5 the more affordable entry point by $5,220.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $62,447 and $68,189 respectively.

Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.

Both the Kia EV5 and Subaru Solterra hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Kia EV5 and 88% for the Subaru Solterra.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Kia EV5, against 5 on the Subaru Solterra.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia EV5 and 8 in the Subaru Solterra.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Kia EV5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Solterra gets a 14-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Kia EV5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Solterra. The Subaru Solterra counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Kia EV5 gets cloth upholstery while the Subaru Solterra offers synthetic leather.

The Kia EV5 uses a Electric producing 160kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.

The Subaru Solterra responds with a Electric Motor making 252kW and 437Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds.

The Subaru Solterra has the clear power advantage at 252kW vs 160kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Subaru Solterra is 3.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 64.2kWh (Kia EV5) vs 74.7kWh (Subaru Solterra), giving WLTP ranges of 511km and 517km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Kia EV5) vs 150kW (Subaru Solterra).

The Kia EV5 measures 4,615mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 75mm shorter than the Subaru Solterra at 4,690mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Solterra generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 513L in the Kia EV5 and 421L in the Subaru Solterra, giving the Kia EV5 a 92L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Solterra leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 300kg. That 1,200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Solterra). The Kia EV5 has longer coverage.