2023 Subaru Solterra vs. 2022 Tesla Model Y

According to a recent survey, more than 70% of Americans have at least some interest in potentially purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) soon. Rising gas prices are a big part of the reason for this. But people also seem interested in buying EVs because of all the different options that have come out lately. The 2023 Subaru Solterra and the 2022 Tesla Model Y are two of the best options you'll have when you're in the market for an EV. Let's put the 2023 Subaru Solterra up against the 2022 Tesla Model Y to see which comes out on top.

History

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2023 Subaru Solterra

The 2023 Subaru Solterra is the first EV that Subaru has ever produced. The 2022 Tesla Model Y, meanwhile, is just the latest EV that Tesla has released. Tesla has been manufacturing EVs for years now, so they obviously have a leg up on Subaru in the history department.

That being said, Subaru clearly put its all into the 2023 Solterra to make it the best EV it possibly could. Subaru went as far as teaming up with Toyota to create the platform for the Solterra, which will also be used for the forthcoming Toyota bZ4X. That should instill some confidence in you and show you just how serious Subaru is about manufacturing an EV that can compete with the likes of the 2022 Tesla Model Y.

Exterior

Starting at about $20,000 more than the 2023 Subaru Solterra, the 2022 Tesla Model Y is clearly designed to be a luxury vehicle. So, it should be no surprise that the Model Y is pretty much as sleek and sophisticated as it gets on the outside. Although it's on the smaller side compared to most other SUVs, including compact ones, it has a plush look and feel without being too over the top and flashy.

The 2023 Subaru Solterra might not necessarily be able to match the pizzazz of the 2022 Tesla Model Y, but at the same time, it has a rugged look that many people would like to see from a Subaru SUV. From its unique front end that looks very muscular to its sturdy 18-inch wheels, it has everything you'll need to drive it over almost any terrain, which isn't something you can say for the Model Y.

Motors

The 2023 Subaru Solterra and the 2022 Tesla Model Y contain dual motors that give them the power they'll need. The Model Y's engines come out on top in the power department with a combined 384 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, which is better than the 215 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque the motors found in the Solterra can produce. However, the 2023 Subaru Solterra provides you with four driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Power, and X-mode, that'll allow you to determine how to use the power available.

Range

One area in which the 2022 Tesla Model Y overtakes the 2023 Subaru Solterra is in the range department. It comes with an 80.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can take you up to 330 miles before it'll need to be recharged. The Solterra, on the other hand, has a 72.8 kWh battery pack that can take you 228 miles before it'll need a boost.

But it's worth noting that the Solterra has an onboard 6.6 kWh charger that can charge it in just under nine hours. You can also charge it up to 80% with a 100 kW DC fast charger in less than an hour.

Interior

Even though the 2023 Subaru Solterra might not be marketed as a luxury EV, you won't be able to tell once you climb inside it. It has a gorgeous digital gauge cluster mounted up high and impossible to miss, along with a beautiful (and big) touch screen for its intuitive infotainment system. It also contains a panoramic sunroof and enough aesthetically pleasing textures sprinkled throughout to keep things interesting.

The 2022 Tesla Model Y, which obviously is a luxury EV through and through, also features nice touches, such as a large infotainment display and a glass roof that makes it feel more spacious than it actually is. But many aspects of the interior of the Model Y are ripped straight from Tesla's Model 3 sedan, so it doesn't have the unique design that some Tesla owners might be looking for. You can also add an optional third row of seats to it, but that'll make it tight inside.

Safety

Tesla is known for cramming lots of new-age safety features into its EVs, so it isn't surprising to see what the 2022 Tesla Model Y has in store in terms of safety. From Tesla's patented Autopilot semi-autonomous driving system to its self-parking feature, you're in for a treat when you drive around in a Model Y.

However, you shouldn't disregard the safety features that Subaru has cooked up for the 2023 Solterra, either. Subaru has earned a reputation for being one of the safest automakers around. It shows in the Solterra thanks to standard features, including forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and even a state-of-the-art, 360-degree camera system. These things help the 2023 Solterra give the 2022 Model Y a real run for its money as far as safety is concerned.