Compare the2024 Subaru SolterraVS 2024 Nissan Ariya

The Solterra has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Ariya doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

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 Ariya.

Both the Solterra and Ariya have Rear Cross Traffic Alert, but the Solterra has Parking Support Brake (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Ariya’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Solterra and the Ariya 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, 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.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru 11 places higher in reliability than Nissan.

The Solterra’s electric motors produces 1 more horsepower (215 vs. 214) and 28 lbs.-ft. more torque (249 vs. 221) than the Ariya’s standard electric motor. The Solterra’s electric motors produces 28 lbs.-ft. more torque (249 vs. 221) than the Ariya +’s standard electric motor.

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

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

For better stopping power the Solterra’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the Ariya:

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Solterra’s wheelbase is 2.9 inches longer than on the Ariya (112.2 inches vs. 109.3 inches).

For greater off-road capability the Solterra has a 1.6 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Ariya (8.3 vs. 6.7 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 Ariya doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Solterra has .7 inches more front shoulder room and .1 inches more rear shoulder room than the Ariya.

The Solterra has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Ariya with its rear seat up (23.8 vs. 22.8 cubic feet). The Solterra has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Ariya with its rear seat folded (63.5 vs. 59.7 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 Ariya’s liftover is 30.6 inches.

The Solterra has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Ariya doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

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 Ariya 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 Ariya’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 Ariya doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Solterra will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Solterra will retain 51.28% to 52.31% of its original price after five years, while the Ariya only retains 49.41% to 50.01%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Subaru Solterra will be $1275 to $5091 less than for the Nissan Ariya.