Compare the2026 Subaru SolterraVS 2026 Toyota bZ

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive is standard on the Solterra. But it costs extra on the bZ.

The Subaru Solterra’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Toyota bZ does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the Solterra and the bZ have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Toyota vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first in overall reliability. Toyota is ranked third.

The Solterra has more powerful engines than the bZ:

The Solterra can travel longer on a full charge than the bZ on a full charge:

The Solterra has a standard locking charge port which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The bZ doesn’t have a locking charge port. A locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

The Solterra stops shorter than the bZ:

For better maneuverability, the Solterra’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the bZ’s (36.7 feet vs. 40 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Solterra has a greater minimum ground clearance than the bZ (8.3 vs. 8.2 inches), allowing the Solterra to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The front grille of the Solterra uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The bZ doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Solterra has 3.1 cubic feet more passenger volume than the bZ (97.5 vs. 94.4).

The Solterra has .2 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more front shoulder room and .9 inches more rear headroom than the bZ.

The Solterra has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the bZ with its rear seat folded (63.5 vs. 56.9 cubic feet).

The Solterra’s cargo area is larger than the bZ’s in almost every dimension:

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Toyota. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 38% lower rating, Toyota is ranked 24th.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Solterra has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The bZ doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The Solterra Limited/Touring has a 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The bZ doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.