Subaru Solterra or Hyundai Ioniq: Which Is the Best Family EV?

Jerry compares the pros and cons of Hyundai and Subaru’s new electric crossover SUVs, the 2022 Ioniq 5 and the 2023 Solterra.
Written by Allison Stone
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
While
electric cars
still make up a relatively small percentage of the cars on the road today, you might be pleasantly surprised by just how affordable and accessible they are becoming. Especially if you tend to play the role of family chauffeur, driving an electric car can save you big time on fuel costs and repairs. 
Flashy luxury models like the Tesla Model S might not be your first consideration when it comes to buying a new family car, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some other serious contenders out there. 
There are two new battery-powered crossover SUVs on the market and they’re going head-to-head on which one makes for a better family EV: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Subaru Solterra. Read on below to learn more about why one of these could be the right pick for your family. 

2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

According to
The Car Connection
, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 shares a platform with the Kia EV6 hatchback, but the two cars are miles apart in differences. 
As is the case with many electric cars, the Ioniq 5’s exterior design is optimized for aerodynamics. Of the two cars, the Ioniq 5 is speedier with more precise handling. The 77.4-kWh battery pack can be fitted with a 225-hp motor and rear-wheel drive, or a 320-hp dual-motor with all-wheel drive. The AWD version can go from zero to 60 mph in just 5 seconds. 
It outshines the Solterra overall in range, efficiency, and charging ability with a 256-mile range and an efficiency rating of 3.3 miles per kwh. On a DC fast charger, it gets up to 80% charge in 18 minutes and has a vehicle-to-load function that allows drivers to power other appliances—great for camping and charging up other devices. 
Lastly, the Ioniq 5 has the advantage of a roomier cabin. It seats up to five comfortably and the second row can recline forward or back. Both battery systems are warrantied for 100,000 miles, but the Ioniq 5 has a slightly better 5-year/60,000 mile warranty. 
 MORE: Avoid These SUVs in 2022
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
Find insurance savings

2023 Subaru Solterra

Comparatively, the Solterra rides more like a traditional crossover. The 72.8-kWh battery pack comes standard with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that can reach 218 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates slightly more slowly than the AWD Ioniq, but comes with 8.3 inches of ground clearance and three different off-road settings. 
The cabin is slightly smaller than the Ioniq, but it still seats up to five passengers—although you might want to make the kids share the backseat. The roof can also support a static load of 700 lb, making it ideal for even the most adventurous of families. 
Where the Ioniq wins out in comfort, the Solterra gets slightly more cargo room with 30 cubic feet of space compared to the Ioniq 5’s 27.2. The 3 year/36,000 mile warranty is just over half of what the Ioniq offers. 
 MORE: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Will Outperform Its Rivals in Fast-Charging

The winner

The Car Connection ranked the Ioniq 5 higher overall at an 8.4, but the Solterra isn’t too far behind at a 7.6. In terms of road performance, range, efficiency, comfort, and warranty, the Ioniq 5 slightly beats out the Subaru Solterra, but the car you choose really depends on your family’s lifestyle
If you’re interested in the Solterra’s offroading capabilities or if you’re a Subaru loyalist, it’s not a bad choice for an all-electric family car that ranks highly in both safety and fuel economy. 
Another potential factor that could change your mind is that the 2023 Solterra is still unreleased, meaning we don’t have a price comparison to work with yet. The Ioniq 5 has an MSRP starting at $43,650. 
Electric cars have revolutionized the automotive industry, and that means
car insurance
is always changing with it. With the
Jerry
app, you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price. 
The savings start as soon as you sign up. In the time that it takes you to fill out the introductory form, you’ll be connected to instant insurance savings from over 50 major providers and their policies in less than a minute. The average Jerry user saves up to $900 a year!
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings