If you’re shopping for a Subaru Solterra, you’re probably wondering how much **cargo space** this electric SUV really has once the Instagram filter comes off. Specs tell one story, but daily life with dogs, strollers, skis, and Costco runs can tell another. Let’s walk through the Subaru Solterra cargo space dimensions and what they mean in the real world.
Quick cargo specs
Subaru Solterra cargo space overview
On paper, the **Subaru Solterra** splits the difference between a compact crossover and a traditional wagon. There’s no front trunk (frunk), so all of your everyday hauling happens in the rear cargo bay and on the roof. That makes understanding the rear dimensions especially important.
- Cargo space behind second row (seats up): about **23.8 cu ft** on most trims
- Maximum cargo space (second row folded): up to **63.5 cu ft**
- Passenger volume: up to **95.7 cu ft** in many trims, so cargo space is backed up by a roomy cabin
- No frunk: storage is limited to rear cargo, cabin cubbies, and under‑console areas
Think in “suitcases,” not just cubic feet
Subaru Solterra cargo dimensions in detail
Because the Solterra shares its platform with the Toyota bZ4X, you’ll see a few different cargo numbers floating around depending on model year, trim, and even audio system. But for 2024–2026 Solterra models in the U.S., the most consistent official and third‑party figures look like this:
Subaru Solterra cargo space specs
Key cargo volume figures for recent Subaru Solterra model years.
| Configuration | Cargo Volume (cu ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Behind 2nd row (seats up) | 23.8 | Everyday cargo space with all five seats in use |
| Max cargo (2nd row folded) | 63.5 | Flat load floor, seats fold 60/40 |
| Passenger volume | 95.7 | Premium & Limited; top trims dip slightly |
| Under‑floor storage | ~1–1.5 | Handy for charging cables and small items |
Exact capacity can vary slightly by trim and options, but these numbers represent what most Solterra shoppers will see.
A few things are going on behind those numbers that matter when you’re living with the car:
- High floor, low lift‑over: The battery pack raises the cargo floor versus a gas Forester, but the bumper cutout and lift‑over height make **loading heavier items easier** on your back.
- Wide hatch opening: The rear gate is nearly as wide as the car itself, so bulky boxes or coolers have room to angle in.
- Square shape: Subaru kept the rear fairly upright, so tall items don’t fight a sloping roof the way they do in some coupe‑ish EVs.
Subaru Solterra space at a glance
Watch for minor spec differences
Interior space and seat flexibility
Cargo space is only half the story; how easily you can flip from people‑moving to cargo‑hauling is just as important. Here, the Solterra behaves like a classic Subaru crossover with a modern EV twist.
How the Solterra’s cabin makes space
From school runs to ski runs, the rear of the Solterra works harder than its spec sheet suggests.
60/40 split‑folding rear seats
Every Solterra gets reclining 60/40 split rear seatbacks. You can fold one side for longer cargo (like skis or lumber) while keeping a rear seat open for a passenger or child seat.
Flat load floor
With the rear seats folded, the floor is nearly flat from tailgate to the back of the front seats. That makes sliding in long items, think camping tables or snowboards, much easier.
Wide, tall hatch opening
The hatch opening is generous for the Solterra’s size class, so you’re not playing Tetris with coolers and suitcases around a pinched rear window.
High floor trade‑off
The battery under the floor lifts both the cabin and cargo floor. You trade a little feet‑down comfort in the rear seats for a **nice, easy lift‑over** when loading the back.
Car seats and cargo
Subaru Solterra cargo space vs other EV SUVs
Numbers don’t load camping gear, people do, but they’re a great place to start. Here’s how the Solterra’s cargo space stacks up against some familiar names in the compact EV‑SUV class.
Solterra cargo vs key EV competitors
Approximate cargo volumes for popular compact electric SUVs, focusing on the space most owners actually use.
| Model | Seats Up Cargo (cu ft) | Max Cargo (cu ft) | Cargo Story |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Solterra | 23.8 | 63.5 | Strong max cargo, average space behind 2nd row |
| Toyota bZ4X | ~25–27.7 | 56.9 | More space seats up, less with seats folded |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 30.3 | 64.2 | Among the roomiest in class overall |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 27.2 | 59.3 | Wide floor, slightly lower max capacity |
| Ford Mustang Mach‑E | 29.7 | 59.7 | Good cargo plus a small frunk |
| Tesla Model Y | 30.2 | 72.1 | Class leader for total cargo plus frunk |
Figures rounded to keep this readable; always check individual model specs if you’re cross‑shopping.
Where Solterra shines
Great fit if…
- You regularly haul big, bulky items and don’t mind folding the rear seats.
- You prefer a boxier, wagon‑like cargo area to a sloping coupe‑style rear.
- You’re coming from a compact crossover or wagon (like a Forester or Outback) and want similar usability in an EV.
Less ideal if…
- You often carry four or five people and everyone’s luggage.
- You want Tesla‑like total cargo space or a front trunk.
- Your life is stroller + double‑stroller + playpen all at once, space behind the second row just isn’t as deep as the biggest SUVs.
Real‑world: what actually fits in a Solterra
Cargo specs are like EPA range numbers: helpful, but you live in the gap between the brochure and your driveway. Here’s how those **Subaru Solterra cargo space dimensions** play out in everyday scenarios.
Everyday cargo scenarios
How the Solterra handles the boring (and fun) loads of daily life.
Grocery marathon
With the rear seats up, think 10–12 standard grocery bags without creative stacking. Add a couple of reusable bins or a storage divider and you can keep fragile items from rolling underfoot.
Airport run
Seats up, expect **3 full‑size checked bags plus 2–3 carry‑ons** if you stack thoughtfully. For five adults and five big suitcases, you’ll want to fold a seat or use a roof box.
Dog + gear
A medium or large dog crate fits best with one section of the 60/40 seat folded. Without a crate, the square opening makes it easy to create a comfy dog bed area with room left for weekend bags.
- Camping/road trip for two: Fold both rear seat sections and you’ll have space for a cooler, camp stove, bins, chairs, and still room to sleep diagonally if you travel light.
- Home‑improvement run: 6‑foot boards can slide in at an angle with the front passenger seat moved forward. For 8‑foot lumber, plan on folding seats and possibly leaving the hatch slightly ajar with proper tie‑downs.
- Sports gear: Skis and snowboards fit down the center with one rear seat folded; a cargo box on the roof rails makes winter weekends much easier.
Don’t forget the roof rails
Packing and cargo management tips for Solterra owners
The Solterra’s cargo bay is honest and square, but like most EVs it’s not cavernous with all the seats up. A few smart accessories and habits can make its **23.8 cu ft** feel much bigger day to day.
Smart ways to stretch Solterra cargo space
1. Use the under‑floor space
Stash your charging cable, small compressor, and emergency kit in the under‑floor bin. That keeps the main cargo area clear for actual luggage and groceries.
2. Add soft storage cubes
Soft‑sided cubes or duffels are easier to squish under the parcel shelf and around the wheel wells than hard suitcases. They also keep loose items from flying around under hard braking.
3. Work with the 60/40 split
For road trips, fold just the smaller or larger section of the rear seat. Long items (skis, boards, fishing rods) ride safely inside while you still keep a rear passenger seat open.
4. Lean on the roof rails
For bikes, kayaks, or a rooftop box, the rails are your friend. Shifting bulky, dirty, or wet gear to the roof preserves interior space and keeps the cabin cleaner.
5. Protect the high floor
A rubber cargo mat is cheap insurance. It protects against mud and spills, and makes sliding heavy boxes in and out easier on that relatively high EV floor.
6. Plan charging with cargo in mind
On long trips, keep frequently used items, snacks, jackets, charging cards, near the hatch opening so you’re not unloading half the car at every stop.
Weight still matters
Buying a used Solterra: cargo‑related checks
If you’re eyeing a **used Subaru Solterra**, the cargo area can tell you a lot about how the vehicle was used. It’s also where small issues can add up to daily annoyances, rattles, leaks, or broken trim, if you don’t catch them before you buy.
Cargo‑area checks when shopping used
Five quick inspections that tell you how a Solterra has lived.
Hatch seals and carpet
Look for water stains on the cargo floor and side panels, especially around the rear corners. A musty smell or damp carpet can hint at a hatch seal issue.
Under‑floor bin condition
Lift the panel and inspect the under‑floor storage. Surface scuffs are normal, but standing water or rust on metal hardware is a red flag.
Seat‑back fabric & latches
Fold the rear seats and check the backs for tears from hauling bikes, lumber, or dog crates. Make sure latches release and lock smoothly from both sides.
Rattles and squeaks
On a test drive, listen over rough pavement with the rear seats folded and then upright. Persistent rattles often come from loose cargo‑area trim or a misaligned hatch.
How Recharged helps
If you’re selling or trading in a Solterra, a clean, quiet cargo area also helps your case. Removing pet hair, fixing small trim pieces, and replacing a torn cargo mat are inexpensive ways to make the back of the car look as solid as the battery report.
Frequently asked questions about Solterra cargo space
Solterra cargo space FAQs
Is the Subaru Solterra’s cargo space big enough for you?
Viewed through the lens of pure numbers, the **Subaru Solterra cargo space dimensions** land comfortably in the middle of today’s electric‑SUV pack for everyday use and near the front when you fold the seats. What makes it work is the straightforward, square‑back shape: easy to load, easy to clean, and predictable when you’re packing for a weekend away.
If your life leans more toward **bikes and camping gear** than third‑row carpool duty, the Solterra’s combination of 63.5 cubic feet of max cargo space, standard roof rails, and all‑wheel drive is exactly the kind of quietly competent packaging Subaru has long been known for, just with electrons doing the work instead of gasoline.
Still deciding if it’s enough space or whether another EV SUV would fit your life better? With Recharged, you can compare **used Solterra listings** side by side with rivals, review each vehicle’s **Recharged Score battery‑health report**, and get expert guidance on how cargo space, range, and price all play together for the way you actually drive, and pack.
