Compare the2024 Subaru SolterraVS 2025 Polestar 3

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 Polestar 3.

Both the Solterra and the Polestar 3 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 Polestar 3 has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Subaru’s powertrain warranty covers the Solterra 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Polestar covers the 3. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the Polestar 3 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 21 times as many Subaru dealers as there are Polestar dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Solterra’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Polestar vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 133 more problems per 100 vehicles, Polestar is rated below average.

On the EPA test cycle the Solterra gets better mileage than the Polestar 3:

For better maneuverability, the Solterra’s turning circle is 2.1 feet tighter than the Polestar 3’s (36.7 feet vs. 38.8 feet).

The Subaru Solterra may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1350 to 1400 pounds less than the Polestar 3.

The Solterra is 8.3 inches shorter than the Polestar 3, making the Solterra easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

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 Polestar 3 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Solterra has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Polestar 3 with its rear seat up (23.8 vs. 17.1 cubic feet). The Solterra has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Polestar 3 with its rear seat folded (63.5 vs. 50 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 Polestar 3’s liftover is 31 inches.

The Solterra’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Polestar 3’s power mirror controls are embedded in the infotainment system, seriously distracting drivers who have to adjust them while driving.