Compare the2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In HybridVS 2024 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 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 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid 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 Solterra 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.

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).

Hyundai pays for scheduled maintenance on the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid for 3 years and 36,000 miles. Hyundai will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Subaru doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Solterra.

There are over 31 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’ 2024 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 21 more problems per 100 vehicles, Subaru is ranked 12th.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 46 more horsepower (261 vs. 215) and 9 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 249) than the Solterra’s electric motors.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 422 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The Solterra’s range is only 222 to 227 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 35 minutes for only an 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge using a conventional 110-volt outlet can take up to 50 hours.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The Solterra doesn’t have a locking charge port. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank and a locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Solterra Premium’s standard 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Solterra Premium.

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 10.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Solterra (105.9 vs. 95.7).

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 and 9.1 inches more rear hip 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.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s liftgate can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Solterra doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

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

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

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.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Solterra.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Limited’s Remote Smart Parking Assist can parallel park 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.

Insurance will cost less for the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid will cost $890 less than the Solterra over a five-year period.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid will retain 52.89% to 54.4% of its original price after five years, while the Solterra only retains 51.28% to 52.31%.

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 24 to one during 2023.