Last updated: 2026-07-26

Cadillac XT6 vs Subaru Solterra: Reliability Compared

More ReliableCadillac XT6 reliability comparison

Cadillac XT6

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good
VS
Subaru Solterra reliability comparison

Subaru Solterra

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Cadillac XT6 and the Subaru Solterra? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Cadillac XT6 currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 71/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Cadillac XT6 and Subaru Solterra Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Subaru Solterra lacks detailed generation history, which suggests it might be a relatively new entrant in Subaru's lineup. Without specific generational data, buyers should be aware that newer platforms often experience first-year issues as manufacturers iron out initial design and production challenges. In contrast, the Cadillac XT6 was first introduced in 2020 and completed its first generation in 2025. This model is currently in a transitional phase before its expected second generation in 2028. The XT6's mature first-generation platform implies that many early reliability issues have likely been addressed over its production run, offering a more refined and reliable choice compared to a completely new model like the Solterra.

Verdict

The Cadillac XT6 is more reliable than the Subaru Solterra, scoring 73/100 vs 71/100.

The Cadillac XT6 edges out the Subaru Solterra in terms of reliability, with a slightly higher average reliability score of 73/100 compared to the Solterra's 71/100. A significant differentiator is the owner complaints per 10,000 sold, where the XT6 has an impressively low rate of 0.9 compared to the Solterra's 48.5, indicating better customer satisfaction for the XT6. However, the XT6 has a higher recall history with 14 recalls over seven years, compared to the Solterra's six recalls over three years. Despite this, the XT6's lower complaint rate and the availability of estimated annual repair costs of $783 make it a more reliable choice overall.

Key Differences

  1. 1Cadillac XT6 has 47.6 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  2. 2Subaru Solterra has 8 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Cadillac XT6 scores 2 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Cadillac XT6
—
1Subaru Solterra
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Cadillac XT6 vs Subaru Solterra: Which Is More Reliable?

Cadillac XT6 vs Subaru Solterra at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricCadillac XT6Subaru Solterra
Reliability Score73/10071/100
Years Tracked73
Total Recalls146
Complaints per 10k Sold0.948.5
Year Wins1 (1 tied)1 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Cadillac XT6 and Subaru Solterra?

The Subaru Solterra and Cadillac XT6 exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the XT6 showing a higher total number of complaints at 103 compared to the Solterra's 43. The XT6 faces significant issues with the power train, accounting for 18 complaints, whereas the Solterra's most problematic area is the electrical system with 10 complaints, including two linked to crashes. Both models experience electrical system issues, but the XT6 also has a noteworthy number of complaints in the unknown or other category (15) and back over prevention (12), with one crash-linked incident. Additionally, the Solterra has fewer categories of concern, with no singular component area reaching the complaint levels seen in the XT6's power train issues.

Cadillac XT6 vs Subaru Solterra common problem areas comparison
ComponentCadillac XT6Subaru Solterra
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.1Very Low11.3Above Avg
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—None4.5Average
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.1Very Low3.4Average
SERVICE BRAKES—None3.4Average
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL—None3.4Average
LANE DEPARTURE—None2.3Low
SUSPENSION—None2.3Low
STRUCTURE—None2.3Low
POWER TRAIN0.2Very Low—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION0.1Very Low—None
ENGINE—None—None
FUEL SYSTEM—None—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Cadillac XT6 or Subaru Solterra?

The Cadillac XT6 incurs an annual repair cost of $783, according to industry estimates, but lacks specific data on repair frequency and major repair risk, leaving some uncertainty in long-term ownership costs. In contrast, detailed repair cost data for the Subaru Solterra isn't available, but as an electric vehicle, it might benefit from fewer moving parts and potentially lower maintenance needs. Over five years, the XT6 could cost approximately $3,915 in repairs alone, assuming consistent costs. For cost-conscious buyers, the Subaru Solterra might offer better value due to its potential for lower maintenance needs typical of electric vehicles, despite the absence of specific repair data. However, the decision should also consider other factors like warranty, reliability, and personal preference.

How Does Cadillac XT6 vs Subaru Solterra Reliability Compare by Year?

Cadillac XT6 vs Subaru Solterra year-by-year reliability scores
YearCadillac XT6Subaru SolterraEdge
202574/1001R / 8C74/1002R / 4CTie
202473/1002R / 14C74/1002R / 14CSubaru Solterra
202373/1002R / 13C65/1002R / 25CCadillac XT6

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Cadillac XT6 scored 74/100 and the 2025 Subaru Solterra scored 74/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Cadillac XT6 vs the Subaru Solterra?

If you prioritize a vehicle with fewer owner complaints and are willing to manage a higher number of recalls, the Cadillac XT6 might be the better choice. With a slightly higher reliability score of 73/100 and only 0.9 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, the XT6 offers a smoother ownership experience in terms of customer satisfaction. However, be prepared for potential issues related to the power train and electrical system, as well as an annual repair cost estimated at $783. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a more balanced recall history and are comfortable with a moderate reliability score, consider the Subaru Solterra. Despite its lower score of 71/100 and higher complaint rate of 48.5 per 10,000 sold, the Solterra has fewer recalls (6) and targets issues in key areas like the electrical system and forward collision avoidance. This might suit you if you value a vehicle with fewer manufacturer interventions and can manage occasional performance concerns.

Cadillac XT6 vs Subaru Solterra: Common Questions

Is the Cadillac XT6 more reliable than the Subaru Solterra?
Based on our data, the Cadillac XT6 is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 71/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Cadillac XT6 or the Subaru Solterra?
The Cadillac XT6 has more recalls (14) compared to the Subaru Solterra (6). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Cadillac XT6 or the Subaru Solterra?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Cadillac XT6 has a lower complaint rate at 0.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 48.5 for the Subaru Solterra. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Related Reliability Comparisons

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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