Volkswagen ID.5 vs Subaru Solterra
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 Volkswagen ID.5 starts from $62,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Solterra opens at $61,990. That makes the Subaru Solterra the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $69,289 and $68,189 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 Volkswagen ID.5 and Subaru Solterra hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Volkswagen ID.5 and 88% for the Subaru Solterra.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen ID.5 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.5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Subaru Solterra misses.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen ID.5 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 5.3-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 Volkswagen ID.5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and panoramic roof that you will not find on the Subaru Solterra. The Subaru Solterra counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volkswagen ID.5 gets cloth upholstery while the Subaru Solterra offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Volkswagen ID.5 and 2-zone in the Subaru Solterra.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen ID.5 uses a Electric producing 210kW and 545Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds.
The Subaru Solterra responds with a Electric Motor making 252kW and 455Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.
The Subaru Solterra has the clear power advantage at 252kW vs 210kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 77kWh (Volkswagen ID.5) vs 74.7kWh (Subaru Solterra), giving WLTP ranges of 544km and 517km. DC fast charging peaks at 175kW (Volkswagen ID.5) vs 150kW (Subaru Solterra).
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen ID.5 measures 4,584mm long on a 2,769mm wheelbase, 106mm 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 549L in the Volkswagen ID.5 and 452L in the Subaru Solterra, giving the Volkswagen ID.5 a 97L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 (Volkswagen ID.5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Solterra). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen ID.5 if: You need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Solterra if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Volkswagen ID.5 and Subaru Solterra trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen ID.5 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, Volkswagen ID.5 and Subaru Solterra?
The Subaru Solterra is the cheapest at $61,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen ID.5 by $1,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Subaru Solterra has the most range at 517km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Volkswagen ID.5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 175kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen ID.5 and Subaru Solterra 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.5 has the largest boot at 549L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen ID.5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Solterra makes the most power at 252kW.
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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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