Subaru Solterra vs Volkswagen ID.4

The Subaru Solterra starts from $61,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen ID.4 opens at $59,990. That makes the Volkswagen ID.4 the more affordable entry point by $2,000.

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 $68,189 and $65,989 respectively.

Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.

Both the Subaru Solterra and Volkswagen ID.4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Subaru Solterra and 93% for the Volkswagen ID.4.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen ID.4 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Subaru Solterra.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Subaru Solterra and 6 in the Volkswagen ID.4. The Volkswagen ID.4 adds a 360-degree camera that the Subaru Solterra misses.

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

The Subaru Solterra features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen ID.4 gets a 12.9-inch display and 5.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Subaru Solterra stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display and V2L that you will not find on the Volkswagen ID.4. The Volkswagen ID.4 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Subaru Solterra gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volkswagen ID.4 offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Subaru Solterra and 3-zone in the Volkswagen ID.4.

The Subaru Solterra uses a Electric Motor producing 252kW and 437Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.1 seconds.

The Volkswagen ID.4 responds with a Electric making 210kW and 545Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.

The Subaru Solterra has the clear power advantage at 252kW vs 210kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Solterra is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 74.7kWh (Subaru Solterra) vs 77kWh (Volkswagen ID.4), giving WLTP ranges of 517km and 544km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Subaru Solterra) vs 175kW (Volkswagen ID.4).

The Subaru Solterra measures 4,690mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 105mm longer than the Volkswagen ID.4 at 4,585mm (2,766mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Solterra generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 421L in the Subaru Solterra and 543L in the Volkswagen ID.4, giving the Volkswagen ID.4 a 122L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Solterra leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg 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: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Solterra) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen ID.4). Both match on warranty length.