MPGe is the distance a car covers on 33.7 kWh, the energy in a gallon of gasoline. Across 4 EPA ratings of the Solterra since 2023 it has averaged 108 MPGe, and the 2026 model beats the 99.7 MPGe average of other electric cars rated 2024–2026. The EPA's own annual figure for it is $688.
Every Subaru Solterra version, compared
The Subaru Solterra was rated in a single specification, so its consumption does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $0.17 a kilowatt-hour.
| Version | Combined MPGe | City / Highway | Years | Charging per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | 118.3 / 97.8 | 2023–2026 | $636 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Tesla Model Y is rated 131.5 MPGe, the Porsche Macan 102 MPGe and the Genesis GV70 93.5 MPGe, next to 120 MPGe for the 2026 Solterra.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Energy use (2026) | 28.1 kWh per 100 miles |
| Cost per mile | $0.048 |
| Charging per year | $573 |
| Charging over five years | $2,865 |
| Against other Electric cars, 2024–2026 | −$117 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $688 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Subaru Solterra does better in town than out of it: 131 in the city against 109 on the highway, $106 a year in favor of city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 131 MPGe | $524 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 109 MPGe | $630 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | -22 MPGe (-17%) | Reversed — it does better in town than on the open road |
How the Solterra changed over the years
The Solterra peaked in 2026 at 120 MPGe (131 city, 109 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2025 at 104 — 16 MPGe apart, or $88 a year in charging between buying one year and the other. The 2026 model gains 16 MPGe against 104 for the 2025.
| Model year | Combined MPGe | City / Highway | Versions offered | Charging per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 131 / 109 | 1 | $573 | |
| 2025 | 114 / 94 | 1 | $661 | |
| 2024 | 114 / 94 | 1 | $661 | |
| 2023 | 114 / 94 | 1 | $661 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 4 EPA ratings of the Subaru Solterra — 1 engine across 2023–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $0.17 a kilowatt-hour, against EPA's own estimate of $688. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2026 Subaru Solterra rated at?
120 MPGe combined, 131 city and 109 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2023 the Solterra has averaged 108 MPGe.
Is the 2026 Solterra more efficient than the 2025?
Yes: 120 against 104 MPGe combined, about $88 a year less to run.
Which Solterra year has the best efficiency?
The 2026, at 120 MPGe combined (131 city, 109 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Solterra get better efficiency than the Tesla Model Y?
No: 120 MPGe for the 2026 Solterra against 131.5 for the 2026 Tesla Model Y, about $51 a year more to run.
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