Compare the2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In HybridVS 2026 Subaru Solterra

Both the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and the Solterra have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, 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.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is safer than the Solterra:

The Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2026 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test, and a “Good” score in the revised vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention test. The Solterra is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2026.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Solterra’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Hyundai’s powertrain warranty covers the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Subaru covers the Solterra. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Solterra ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Solterra’s (7 vs. 5 years).

There are over 33 percent more Hyundai dealers than there are Subaru dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Hyundai vehicles are better in initial quality than Subaru vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Hyundai third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 14 more problems per 100 vehicles, Subaru is ranked 11th.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s standard 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 35 more horsepower (268 vs. 233) than the Solterra’s standard electric motors.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 421 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The Solterra’s range is only 278 to 288 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 28 minutes for only an 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge at a professionally installed 220-volt charging station can take up to 8 hours.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid stops shorter than the Solterra:

The Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 pounds less than the Subaru Solterra.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has 8.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Solterra (105.9 vs. 97.5).

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has 1.3 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front hip room, 1.5 inches more rear headroom, 4.2 inches more rear legroom, 9.1 inches more rear hip room and 1 inch more rear shoulder room than the Solterra.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Solterra with its rear seat up (31.9 vs. 23.8 cubic feet). The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Solterra with its rear seat folded (66.3 vs. 63.5 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Solterra doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a 2000 lbs. towing capacity. The Solterra has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Solterra doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a higher standard payload capacity than the Solterra (1132 vs. 1045 lbs.).

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Limited has a standard heads-up display that projects speed in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Solterra doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Solterra’s power window (except driver window) and power lock switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a standard rear wiper. The Solterra doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s headlights were rated “Good” to “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the Solterra’s headlights are rated “Poor.”

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Limited’s Remote Smart Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Smart Park Assist will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Solterra Limited/Touring’s automatic parking system does not offer parking by remote control.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Subaru Solterra isn't recommended.

The Hyundai Tucson outsold the Subaru Solterra by almost 22 to one during 2025.