R2 vs Solterra
Choosing between Rivian and Subaru often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the compact suv class, that pair is the R2 and the Solterra. Spec for spec, there isn’t much daylight between them, so small details and personal priorities will decide it.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance R2 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range R2 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The R2 has 318 hp more power
Put simply, the R2 is far ahead here: 656 hp compared with 338 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The R2 has 42 mi more electric range
On paper, the R2 is a touch ahead here, listing 330 mi against 288 mi. More electric range means more of your daily driving can happen without using fuel at all.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | R2 | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 115.6 in | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
R2 leads
In this area the R2 has a lead the Solterra can’t close. The R2 brings 318 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. The engine & performance verdict goes to the R2.
Total system output
R2: 656 hp Solterra: 338 hp The R2’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
R2 leads
The R2 edges the fuel economy & range section, though the Solterra stays close. The R2 adds 42 mi more electric range. If you can charge at home, the R2’s longer electric range can cover more commutes on electricity alone. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the R2 is the stronger car.
Electric range
R2: 330 mi Solterra: 288 mi Cold weather and highway speeds reduce electric range, so a larger buffer is useful.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
If space & practicality matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
In the off-road & towing category, the R2 and the Solterra land in almost the same place. Either car will serve you equally well on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | R2 | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Battery electric |
| Engine | Dual electric motors (Performance) | Dual motor |
| Total system output | 656 hp (winner) Most powerful in class | 338 hp |
| Torque | 609 lb-ft Most torque in class | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | Single-speed direct drive | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | R2 | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | 330 mi (winner) Longest electric range | 288 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | R2 | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 29 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 79.4 cu ft Most room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | R2 | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 9.60 in Highest ground clearance | N/A (not specified) |
| Max towing | 4,400 lb Best towing in class | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | R2 | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Not available (Rivian software) | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | R2 | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 115.6 in | 112.2 in |
Price
| Spec | R2 | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $57,990 Priciest in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the R2 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (656 hp vs 338 hp)
- you can charge at home and want more of your daily driving on electricity (330 mi vs 288 mi)
- you’re comfortable with how Rivian does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the R2 or the Solterra?
On the specs compared here, the R2 makes more sense for most buyers; the Solterra doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which has better battery life, the R2 or the Solterra?
On paper, the R2 has the edge: 330 mi of electric range against 288 mi for the Solterra. Real-world results also depend on how you use it.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Rivian’s R2 against Subaru’s Solterra. To me, the standout is that the R2 offers 318 hp more power. Then there’s 42 mi more electric range, another point for the R2.
For engine & performance, the R2 fits better. For the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the Solterra is the better match.
My pick: the R2.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.