Compare the2024 Subaru SolterraVS 2024 Lexus RZ

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 RZ.

Both the Solterra and the RZ 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.

The Subaru Solterra has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 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, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The RZ is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024, though it hasn’t yet been rated in the updated moderate overlap frontal test, a requirement for the “Top Safety Pick Plus” award.

There are almost 3 times as many Subaru dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Solterra’s warranty.

The Solterra’s electric motors produces 14 more horsepower (215 vs. 201) and 53 lbs.-ft. more torque (249 vs. 196) than the RZ 300e’s standard electric motor.

On the EPA test cycle the Solterra gets better mileage than the RZ:

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

The Solterra stops shorter than the RZ:

For greater off-road capability the Solterra has a greater minimum ground clearance than the RZ (8.3 vs. 7.9 inches), allowing the Solterra to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Solterra is 4.6 inches shorter than the RZ, making the Solterra easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Solterra has .2 inches more front headroom, .9 inches more front shoulder room and 1.7 inches more rear shoulder room than the RZ.

The Solterra has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the RZ with its rear seat folded (63.5 vs. 55.6 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Solterra easier. The Solterra’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28 inches, while the RZ’s liftover is 29.8 inches.

The power windows standard on both the Solterra and the RZ have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Solterra is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The RZ prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left open on the Solterra the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Subaru service department.) The driver of the RZ can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

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 Solterra’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the RZ’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Solterra Limited/Touring has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The RZ doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Subaru Solterra outsold the Lexus RZ by 65% during 2023.