Subaru Solterra vs Zeekr 7X

At the entry level the Subaru leads. The base Solterra AWD claims 566km WLTP against the base Zeekr 7X RWD's 480km, helped by its lighter 18-inch wheels. The Zeekr answers one grade up: the $63,900 Long Range RWD swaps in a 100kWh battery for a claimed 615km, the longest figure in this comparison, while the dual-motor Performance AWD claims 543km. So if you shop at the bottom of each range the Solterra travels further, but if outright range is the goal the 7X Long Range delivers it. Both are WLTP claims, and real-world distance depends on speed, load and weather as in any EV.

This is the Zeekr's headline advantage and it is not close. The 7X runs an 800-volt architecture that accepts up to 450kW on DC in the base RWD, or 420kW in the two 100kWh grades, and claims a 10 to 80 per cent top-up in 13 to 16 minutes on a compatible ultra-fast charger. The Solterra peaks at 150kW and claims about 30 minutes for the same top-up, competitive but no longer sharp for 2026. The two draw level at home, where both offer a 22kW three-phase AC charger, double the 11kW most rivals manage. Charge overnight and the gap matters less; lean on public fast-chargers and the 7X is the reason to look past the Subaru.

On the sticker the Zeekr wins. The 7X RWD lists at $57,900 before on-road costs, the lower entry price of the two, and for the money it brings bigger screens, tri-zone climate and a cabin the press rates well above its price. It also won Best Medium SUV Under $60K at Drive Car of the Year 2026. The Subaru's value argument is different: every Solterra is all-wheel drive, where the 7X reserves that for its dearest grade, and Subaru's established dealer network and clearer resale carry weight for a first-time EV buyer. Read the 7X as the value buy up front, the Solterra as the safer long-term hold.

Neither is the unsafe choice: both hold a five-star ANCAP rating from 2025 testing. The sub-scores split. The 7X leads adult occupant protection at 91 per cent to the Solterra's 88, and child occupant at 87 to 86. The Solterra leads the safety-assist score at 82 per cent to 78, vulnerable road user protection at 80 to 78, and fits eight airbags to the Zeekr's seven. Both ship the full active-safety set as standard, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane support, a driver attention monitor and a 360-degree camera. Weight occupant scores and the 7X edges it; weight assist and airbag count and the Solterra does, so we call it a tie.

The Zeekr is the roomier load-carrier. Its boot holds 539 litres seats-up, expanding to 1,978 with them folded, against the Solterra's 421 litres, and it runs tri-zone climate control to the Subaru's dual-zone. Both are five-seat SUVs of similar footprint, the 7X a little longer at 4,787mm to the Solterra's 4,690mm. The Solterra's practicality counter is not space but capability: standard all-wheel drive, 212mm of ground clearance and eight airbags make it the surer family car when the weather or the road turns bad. Read the 7X as the pick for cargo and cabin room, the Solterra for all-conditions family duty.

This is the Subaru's clearest win. Every Solterra is dual-motor all-wheel drive as standard and adds X-Mode terrain settings and 212mm of ground clearance, enough for gravel roads, grassy campsites, boat ramps and wet or snowy going. The Zeekr 7X sends its power to the rear wheels in both the RWD and Long Range RWD grades, and only the $72,900 Performance AWD adds a second motor, and even then it sits lower at 172mm. Neither is a genuine off-roader, but for the buyer who regularly leaves the sealed road or lives with real winters, the Solterra's standard all-wheel drive and extra clearance make it the clear pick.

The Zeekr presents as the plusher, more modern cabin. It pairs a 16-inch central screen with a 13.02-inch driver display and tri-zone climate, where the Solterra runs a 14-inch screen, a smaller 7-inch cluster and dual-zone air. The 7X Long Range and Performance add a head-up display and seat ventilation over the base car, and the press repeatedly reaches for the Audi comparison on materials. The Solterra answers with an easy, familiar layout, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 360-degree camera on both grades, plus a Touring flagship that adds a panoramic roof, ventilated front seats and a Harman Kardon stereo. The Zeekr leads on screen and feel; the Subaru is the simpler room.

Buy the Subaru Solterra, and buy it as the base AWD. It is the only car here with standard all-wheel drive across the range, it adds 212mm of clearance and eight airbags, and it charges as fast as the Zeekr at home on 22kW AC. The base grade claims more range than its own Touring at 566km WLTP and costs less for the same drivetrain, so there is little reason to climb. For a family that values all-weather grip, a strong safety margin and a dealer network decades deep over outright charging speed, the Solterra is the more reassuring choice. If your driving is mostly long-distance highway running, reconsider the 7X for its charging.

Route it by what you rate most. For most medium-EV buyers the Zeekr 7X is the stronger car: it charges roughly three times faster on DC, opens at the lower price, carries the plusher cabin, and its Long Range RWD stretches to a claimed 615km WLTP. The Subaru Solterra earns the nod for a narrower but real set of buyers, those who want standard all-wheel drive on every grade, extra clearance for gravel and winter, a higher airbag count, and an established dealer network and resale. Both are five-star safe and closely matched on size. Fast-charge, tour or shop on price and the Zeekr wins; prioritise all-weather capability and brand trust and the Solterra is the pick.