The electric vehicle (EV) market has exploded in recent years as more drivers go electric for environmental or practical reasons. Major automakers are responding with new battery-powered models covering a range of types and prices. Two intriguing recent entries are the 2023 Subaru Solterra and 2021 Hyundai Ioniq 5 – the first EVs for their brands in the increasingly popular small SUV segment.
But with both models freshly arrived, how do you choose between the Subaru Solterra and Hyundai Ioniq 5? This in-depth comparative guide will highlight key differences and help determine which all-electric SUV is the best match for you.
Background on Subaru and Hyundai‘s EV History
It‘s worth noting upfront that Hyundai has a significant head start on electric vehicle technology compared to Subaru.
Hyundai introduced its first production EV model, the Sonata Electric Vehicle, back in 1991 for the South Korean market. So they have over 20 years more real-world EV experience than their Japanese rival.
Conversely, Subaru is rolling out their inaugural Solterra EV for 2023. However, Subaru has focused heavily on hybrid models over the past decade, giving them valuable expertise in electrified powertrains.
The Solterra itself was co-developed along with Toyota, whose BZ4X SUV shares the same platform. So Subaru leveraged the partnership to fast track their first fully battery-powered vehicle.
Key Specs and Features Comparison
On paper, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Subaru Solterra stack up as follows across some of the most important criteria:
Range:
- Ioniq 5: Up to 303 miles
- Solterra: Up to 228 miles
Power and Performance:
- Ioniq 5: 225 to 320 hp, 5.2s 0-60 mph time
- Solterra: 215 hp, 6.5s 0-60 mph
Charging:
- Ioniq 5: 18 mins (10-80% charge), supports 800V ultra-fast charging
- Solterra: 56 mins (10-80% charge)
Dimensions:
- Ioniq 5: 182.5" L x 74.4" W x 63.2" H
- Solterra: 184.6" L x 73.2" W x 65.8" H
Seating & Cargo Capacity
- Both have 5 seats
- Ioniq 5: 27.2 cubic feet behind rear seats
- Solterra: 27.7 cubic feet behind rear seats
Drivetrain and Suspension:
- Ioniq 5: RWD or AWD options available
- Solterra: Standard symmetrical AWD
Ground Clearance:
- Ioniq 5: 6.1 inches
- Solterra: 8.3 inches
So at a high level, the Ioniq 5 wins on efficiency and road performance while the Solterra provides more off-road capability.
Key driver assistance and infotainment features are also quite comparable, with both EVs offering the latest tech on higher trim levels. Details next.
Exterior and Interior Design Show Philosophy Differences
On the outside, both electric SUVs have modern styling but unique personalities that reflect their brands.
The Solterra has a more upright, chunky stance aligned with Subaru‘s outdoor adventuring positioning. Flared wheel arches, black body cladding, and roof rails reinforce its rugged spirit.
Meanwhile, the sleeker Ioniq 5 sports a fastback-like silhouette that flows nicely front to rear. Its eye catching details like the pixel-inspired front and rear lighting give off a more futuristic, youthful vibe.
Inside is where the differences in design philosophy between the Solterra and Ioniq 5 really shine through.
Subaru sticks to a traditional SUV cabin format focused on functionality across three trim levels. You get logical controls and comfortable seating for five, plus ample storage nooks and surfaces textures designed for heavy use.
Hyundai goes for wow-factor instead, blending sustainability and technology with artsy touches. The Relaxation seats with leg rests and sliding center console are prime examples, as is the magnetic dashboard perfect for holding photos or takeout menus. Ambient interior lighting in 64 colors adds a lounge-like atmosphere.
Performance and Everyday Driving Experience
Motivating the Solterra is a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery powering dual 80 kW electric motors (one per axle). Combined output is 215 horsepower and 248 lb-ft torque.
Subaru‘s renowned AWD system provides stability and also allows torque vectoring to shift power between wheels for sharper handling. Still, with a 6.5 second 0-60 mph time, this SUV won‘t snap your neck back under acceleration.
The single-motor Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE packs a 58 kWh battery making 168 hp and 258 lb-ft torque. Step up to the dual-motor AWD Ioniq 5 Limited and you unlock a 77.4 kWh battery, 320 hp, and 446 lb-ft torque – enough muscle for a quick 5.2 second sprint to 60 mph.
RWD Ioniq 5 variants can‘t match the Solterra‘s foul weather traction but are more fun to pilot on dry roads with their sporty dynamics. The Limited model offers the best of both worlds with its extra grip.
For owners in snowy areas, the standard AWD gives Subaru an advantage though. And its 8.3 inches of ground clearance also proves handy on rough terrain where the Ioniq 5 scrapes bottom more easily.
Range and Charging Comparison
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is clearly optimized for efficiency to provide worry-free long distance road tripping.
In its most frugal RWD form, the Ioniq 5 can manage an impressive 303 miles from a full charge based on EPA testing. Even in heavier AWD guise, you‘ll squeeze a claimed 244 miles at highway speeds.
Subaru positions the Solterra more towards wilderness adventure types who haul lots of gear or need to detour down rough backroads. As such, max range takes a backseat at an EPA estimated 228 miles per full battery.
Ioniq 5 owners will also spend less time plugged in when charging on road trips thanks to the E-GMP platform supporting 800V ultra-fast DC charging. At compatible stations, 10-80% battery replenishment happens in just 18 minutes!
The Solterra charges decently fast by Subaru standards, requiring around 56 minutes for that 10-80% boost. But that‘s still over triple the Ioniq 5‘s quick charging time.
So Hyundai definitely offers superior range and charging if you clock serious annual miles.
Driver Assistance and Infotainment Tech
As the newer model, Subaru equips the Solterra will a full suite of the latest active safety and driving assistance systems.
That means every trim comes standard with Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist technology that bundles useful aids like:
- Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Prevention
- Lead Vehicle Start Alert
Higher Solterra trims add extras like a 360-degree camera system, blind spot warning with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and reverse automatic braking. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel keeps key data front and center.
Hyundai also loads up the Ioniq 5 with comparable tech. However, you need to opt for the SEL or Limited trims to get niceties like:
- Highway Drive Assist II (Level 2 semi-autonomy)
- Remote Smart Parking Assist
- Surround View Monitor
- Digital key
Infotainment is well handled in both models via a 12.3-inch touchscreen in the Solterra and 12.3-inch or 12.5-inch touchscreen in the Ioniq 5. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration features too.
How Much Does Each Electric SUV Cost?
Despite falling in the near-luxury bracket for features, Hyundai manages to undercut Subaru at the checkout counter in this rivalry.
[Include specific MSRP for both models across trim levels]Factor in the $7,500 federal tax credit that buyers remain eligible for today, and the effective price difference grows by thousands. State and local incentives can also kick back a few grand in certain regions.
Of course, Subaru packs extra value like standard AWD across the model range. And if adventuring off the beaten path is important, Solterra‘s extra ground clearance and underbody protection justify its price premium over a comparable Ioniq 5 version.
Subaru Solterra vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Which Electric SUV Is Right For You?
Now for the million dollar question: should you buy the 2023 Subaru Solterra or 2021 Hyundai Ioniq 5?
Hyundai‘s first bespoke EV impresses by how well it balances stride and sustainability. Inside and out, the Ioniq 5 wraps technological innovation and radical design in an eye catching yet pragmatic package.
Factor in road-dominating performance, 300+ mile range, and class-leading fast charging times and it‘s easy to see why Ioniq 5 is racking up awards.
Yet as Hyundais first dedicated EV, engineers clearly prioritized efficiency over all-weather drivability. Under the sleek sheetmetal lies a platform shared with gas-powered vehicles rather than a clean sheet electric architecture.
That‘s where Subaru‘s rugged Solterra bridges the gap. What the debut EV model gives up in charging speed and motor potency it makes back through substantial AWD capability right off the dealer lot.
So if your daily commute means dealing with slick surfaces half the year or you regularly venture down rough backroads to reach trailheads, the Solterra won‘t leave you stranded. Its generous ground clearance and Standard AWD provides welcome confidence for snowy slogs or errands in heavy rain when other EVs stay parked.
Of course, families wanting one electric SUV to handle it all should strongly consider the dual-motor AWD Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited. You‘ll enjoy a nicely balanced blend of foul weather traction plus 302-hp Performance and ultra-fast charging. Just budget extra for skid plates and soft road-focused tires to avoid crunching the undercarriage off-tarmac.
In the end, determining whether to roll home in a Solterra or Ioniq 5 comes down to self-reflection on your priorities.
The Solterra earns its badge of honor by upholding Subaru’s renowned safety standards and surefootedness but in an eco-friendly wrapper.
The Ioniq 5 conversely chases pure electro-efficiency with a technophile twist while advancing Hyundai’s ambitious vision for sustainable mobility.
Either way, you really can’t go wrong with two highly competitive options that eclipse their gas-powered counterparts in nearly every way. Welcome to driving electric done right.
