If you’re looking at a Subaru Solterra, you’re probably cross-shopping plenty of electric SUVs, and you want to know whether Subaru’s first EV is actually safe. The good news: in independent crash testing, the Subaru Solterra safety rating and crash test results are among the best in the segment, but there are a few nuances shoppers, especially used buyers, should understand.
Quick safety snapshot
Subaru Solterra safety overview
The Solterra is a compact, fully electric SUV jointly developed with Toyota (it shares most of its structure with the Toyota bZ4X). Under the skin, it rides on a dedicated EV platform with a reinforced battery pack and multiple load paths designed to absorb and reroute crash energy away from the cabin. That layout, plus Subaru’s focus on all‑weather traction and active safety, is what underpins its strong crash test scores.
Headline safety scores for the Subaru Solterra
U.S. vs. European ratings
IIHS crash test results for the Subaru Solterra
For many U.S. shoppers, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is the gold standard. The 2023–2025 Subaru Solterra is classified as a small SUV and, when built after October 2022, it earns the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, the Institute’s highest designation. That reflects top‑tier performance in both crashworthiness and crash‑avoidance testing.
IIHS crashworthiness ratings – Subaru Solterra (2023–2025)
Overview of how the Solterra performs in IIHS’s core crash tests. Ratings run from Good (G), Acceptable (A), Marginal (M), to Poor (P).
| Test category | IIHS rating | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Small overlap front – driver side | Good (G) | Strong protection when the left front corner hits an object like a pole or another vehicle. |
| Small overlap front – passenger side | Good (G) | Passenger area remains stable in a right‑side offset crash, a critical scenario for front‑seat occupants. |
| Moderate overlap front (original) | Good (G) | Cabin holds up well in a more traditional frontal crash, with low injury measures for the dummies. |
| Side impact – updated test | Good (G) | Performs well in IIHS’s tougher side test that simulates being struck by a taller, heavier SUV. |
| Head restraints & seats | Good (G) | Front seats and head restraints do a good job reducing whiplash injury risk in rear‑end collisions. |
| Seat belt reminders | Good (G) | Strong alerts help ensure front and rear passengers are belted. |
Award applies to vehicles built after October 2022; earlier 2023 builds may not qualify for Top Safety Pick+. Always check the production date on a used example.
Beyond the structural tests, IIHS also evaluates crash‑avoidance technology and headlights. Here, the Solterra again performs well. Its standard front crash prevention system, shared with the bZ4X, earns “Superior” ratings for pedestrian detection in both day and night tests, and available headlights rate at least “Good” depending on trim, which is critical for spotting hazards early.
Build date matters
Euro NCAP and global safety ratings
In Europe, the Solterra has been through Euro NCAP’s comprehensive test program twice: first as an early model year, then again as an updated version. In both rounds it achieved the maximum 5‑star overall safety rating, with strong scores in each of the four assessment areas: adult occupants, child occupants, vulnerable road users, and safety assist.
Euro NCAP results – Subaru Solterra (European model)
Approximate category scores from Euro NCAP’s 2022 assessment for the European‑spec Solterra.
| Assessment area | Score (percentage) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Adult occupant protection | 88% | Stable cabin in frontal crashes; excellent side‑impact and rear‑impact (whiplash) protection. |
| Child occupant protection | 87%–85% | Maximum points in several child crash scenarios; strong performance in installation checks for child seats. |
| Vulnerable road users (pedestrians & cyclists) | ~79%–80% | Good to adequate head and leg protection plus strong automatic emergency braking for pedestrians and cyclists. |
| Safety assist systems | ~79%–91% | High scores for lane‑keeping, seat belt reminders, and automatic emergency braking in car‑to‑car tests. |
Scores may vary slightly between early and updated model years, but all tested Solterra versions have achieved a 5‑star overall rating in Euro NCAP.
Euro NCAP’s results are especially relevant if you’re considering importing a Solterra or just want a second opinion beyond U.S. tests. The takeaway is consistent: Subaru’s first EV performs like a mature product in crash safety, not a first‑try experiment.
Key crash-test takeaways for real-world driving
- Excellent front crash protection: Both small‑overlap and moderate‑overlap tests show the Solterra’s cabin staying intact with low injury measures for the head, neck, chest, and legs.
- Strong side-impact performance: It handles IIHS’s newer, tougher side test well, which is important now that so many vehicles on the road are tall crossovers and trucks.
- Good whiplash protection: Seat and head‑restraint design help reduce neck injury risks in rear‑end collisions.
- High-performing pedestrian and cyclist detection: The automatic emergency braking system does a solid job detecting vulnerable road users in both day and night scenarios.
- Battery safety: Dedicated EV structure routes crash forces away from the battery pack, reducing the risk of thermal events in impact testing.
EV safety is more than just stars
Solterra safety tech and driver-assistance systems
Crash structure is only half the story. The Solterra leans heavily on advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS) to help you avoid a crash in the first place. Most trims in North America come standard with a suite derived from Toyota Safety Sense, tuned for Subaru’s calibration.
Core Solterra safety and ADAS features
What they do in day‑to‑day driving
Automatic emergency braking
Combines forward radar and cameras to detect vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
- Helps avoid or mitigate forward collisions
- Rated Superior in IIHS daytime and nighttime pedestrian tests
Lane keeping & departure warning
Uses road‑edge and lane‑line detection to keep the Solterra centered.
- Alerts if you drift out of your lane
- Can provide steering support to nudge you back
Blind-spot & rear cross-traffic
Monitors adjacent lanes and cross‑traffic when you back out of a space.
- Warns you of vehicles in your blind spot
- Can brake automatically while reversing
Adaptive headlights
Available headlight systems earn high marks from IIHS.
- Improve visibility on curves and at night
- Help the AEB system “see” hazards sooner
LATCH & child-seat friendliness
IIHS rates the Solterra’s LATCH anchors as Good.
- Clear anchor access makes proper installation easier
- Multiple seating positions support a variety of child seats
Seat-belt reminders & occupant monitoring
Audible and visual alerts encourage belt use in both rows.
- Long‑duration reminders for unbelted occupants
- Supports high Safety Assist scores in Euro NCAP
How this compares to EyeSight
Recalls, issues, and what they mean for safety
No modern EV story is complete without a look at recalls. The Solterra and its Toyota twin, the bZ4X, have both been subject to a handful of campaigns. Most were caught early and addressed under warranty, but they’re worth understanding if you’re evaluating the vehicle’s overall safety picture, especially second‑hand.
- Early wheel-bolt recall: Initial 2023 bZ4X units (and a very small number of related vehicles) were recalled because wheel hub bolts could loosen. Subaru Solterra volumes were limited, and affected vehicles were remedied before broad retail sales. It’s still smart to verify recall completion on any early‑build Solterra.
- HVAC / defrost software recall: More recently, 2023–2025 Solterra models were included in a multi‑brand recall addressing HVAC software that could reduce windshield defrost performance in cold weather. That’s not a crash‑structure problem, but poor defrosting can hurt visibility, so it matters for safety. Dealers can update the software free of charge.
- Routine software updates: As with most EVs, Subaru and Toyota have rolled out periodic software updates that can fine‑tune driver‑assistance behavior and charging logic. When you’re shopping used, it’s worth asking whether those updates have been applied.
Always run a VIN recall check
How the Solterra compares with other electric SUVs
Viewed strictly through the crash‑test lens, the Subaru Solterra sits comfortably among the safest compact electric SUVs on sale. Many direct rivals, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4, also earn top marks, so the question isn’t whether the Solterra is safe, but whether it offers any meaningful safety edge for your use case.
Where the Solterra stands out
- Standard AWD: Every Solterra sold in the U.S. includes dual‑motor all‑wheel drive, which helps with traction in rain and snow.
- Consistent top ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and Euro NCAP 5‑star scores show strong protection across different test regimes.
- Subaru owner base: If you’re coming from a Forester or Outback, the safety behavior and traction feel familiar, easing the transition to EV ownership.
Where rivals may have an edge
- More advanced ADAS options: Some competitors offer hands‑free highway systems or more sophisticated lane‑centering than the Solterra’s current setup.
- Future NHTSA data: As of early 2026, U.S. government NCAP star ratings for the Solterra are limited; rivals that have been tested may show 5‑star badges sooner on window stickers.
- Production scale: Higher‑volume EVs may accumulate more real‑world crash data faster, which can be reassuring, but the Solterra’s lab results already look strong.
Toyota bZ4X = Solterra’s crash-test twin
Safety checklist for buying a used Subaru Solterra
If you’re eyeing a used Solterra, you’re not just buying an EV, you’re buying someone else’s crash history, software update record, and maintenance habits. Here’s a focused checklist to keep the safety side of the equation front and center.
Used Subaru Solterra safety checklist
1. Confirm build date and IIHS eligibility
Open the driver’s door and check the manufacturing label. For the Top Safety Pick+ configuration, prioritize <strong>vehicles built after October 2022</strong>, which incorporate running changes from IIHS’s early evaluations.
2. Run a full recall and service history check
Use the VIN to check for open recalls and ask for dealer service records. Confirm that any HVAC/defrost or other safety‑related campaigns have been completed and properly documented.
3. Inspect for prior collision repairs
Look for mismatched paint, panel gaps, or overspray that might indicate crash repairs. A pre‑purchase inspection can confirm that structural repairs (if any) were done to OEM standards so crash performance isn’t compromised.
4. Test all ADAS features on the road
On a test drive, verify that adaptive cruise, lane‑keeping, blind‑spot monitoring, and emergency braking warnings work as expected. Any dashboard alerts or disabled systems should be resolved before you buy.
5. Check tires, brakes, and windshield
Old or mismatched tires, worn brakes, or a cracked windshield can undermine the high safety scores on paper. Budget for replacements if needed or ask the seller to address them as part of the deal.
6. Review battery and high-voltage health
While not a crash‑test metric, a healthy battery and correctly functioning high‑voltage system are critical to safe EV ownership. A detailed <strong>battery health report</strong> and on‑road test can surface issues early.
Where Recharged fits in
Frequently asked questions about Subaru Solterra safety
Subaru Solterra safety FAQ
Bottom line: Is the Subaru Solterra a safe EV to buy?
Taken together, the Subaru Solterra’s safety ratings and crash test results put it firmly in the top tier of compact electric SUVs. IIHS Top Safety Pick+ honors, Euro NCAP 5‑star scores, and a robust suite of driver‑assistance tech show that Subaru’s first EV is not an experiment when it comes to protecting people inside and outside the vehicle.
If you’re shopping new, you can feel confident that the Solterra stacks up well against direct rivals on safety alone. If you’re shopping used, focus on build date, recall completion, and the condition of its ADAS and structural repairs. Working with a specialist used‑EV retailer like Recharged, with battery diagnostics, transparent history, and EV‑savvy advisors, can turn those safety questions into clear answers and help you decide whether the Solterra is the right electric SUV for your driveway.
