Compare the2026 Subaru SolterraVS 2026 Cadillac Optiq

The Solterra has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Optiq doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive is standard on the Solterra. But it costs extra on the Optiq.

Both the Solterra and the Optiq have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The Subaru Solterra has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Optiq has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2025.

There are over 13 percent more Subaru dealers than there are Cadillac dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Solterra’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Cadillac vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles, Cadillac is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Cadillac vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first in overall reliability. Cadillac is ranked 21st.

On the EPA test cycle the Solterra gets better mileage than the Optiq:

The Solterra can travel longer on a full charge than the Optiq on a full charge:

The Solterra has a standard locking charge port which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The Optiq doesn’t have a locking charge port. A locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

For better stopping power the Solterra’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the Optiq:

For better maneuverability, the Solterra’s turning circle is 3.1 feet tighter than the Optiq’s (36.7 feet vs. 39.8 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Solterra has a 2.3 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Optiq (8.3 vs. 6 inches), allowing the Solterra to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Subaru Solterra may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 800 to 950 pounds less than the Cadillac Optiq.

The Solterra is 5.2 inches shorter than the Optiq, making the Solterra easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Solterra has .5 inches more front legroom and 1 inch more front shoulder room than the Optiq.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Solterra’s rear seats recline. The Optiq’s rear seats don’t recline.

The Solterra has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Optiq with its rear seat folded (63.5 vs. 57 cubic feet).

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Solterra has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Optiq doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The Subaru Solterra stands out above the Cadillac Optiq by offering not one, but two Qi-compatible phone chargers. This convenience helps travelers with multiple devices to keep powered up on-the-go. Wireless charging eliminates lost or cluttered charging cables and two of them provide more flexibility. Both vehicles also offer Qi charging for the rear passengers.

The Subaru Solterra outsold the Cadillac Optiq by over 23 to one during 2024.