Subaru Solterra vs Volkswagen ID.4
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
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.
Safety Rundown
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. The Volkswagen ID.4 adds a 360-degree camera that the Subaru Solterra misses.
Feature Showdown
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.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Solterra uses a Electric Motor producing 252kW and 455Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 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 8.5 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).
Space & Comfort
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 452L in the Subaru Solterra and 543L in the Volkswagen ID.4, giving the Volkswagen ID.4 a 91L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
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.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Solterra if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen ID.4 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen ID.4 takes 5 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen ID.4 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Solterra and Volkswagen ID.4?
The Volkswagen ID.4 is the cheapest at $59,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Solterra by $2,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the most range at 542km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Volkswagen ID.4 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 175kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Solterra and Volkswagen ID.4 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the largest boot at 543L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Solterra makes the most power at 252kW. The Subaru Solterra is quickest to 100km/h in 6.9s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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