Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Subaru Trailseeker
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Hyundai IONIQ 5: we're still completing kerb weight, seat count, 0-100km/h, warranty and ground clearance, plus 1 other.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 starts from $64,500 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Trailseeker opens at $63,990. That makes the Subaru Trailseeker the more affordable entry point by $510.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $70,950 and $70,389 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
58kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (10.5kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
77.4kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Trailseeker gets a 14-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L that you will not find on the Subaru Trailseeker. The Subaru Trailseeker counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai IONIQ 5 gets wool blend / leather appointed combination upholstery while the Subaru Trailseeker offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 uses a Electric producing 125kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a single speed reduction gear to a RWD layout.
The Subaru Trailseeker responds with a Dual Electric Motor making 280kW and 536Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
The Subaru Trailseeker has the clear power advantage at 280kW vs 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 58kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5) vs 74.7kWh (Subaru Trailseeker), giving WLTP ranges of 384km and 533km.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 measures 4,635mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 210mm shorter than the Subaru Trailseeker at 4,845mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 527L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 609L in the Subaru Trailseeker, giving the Subaru Trailseeker a 82L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Trailseeker leads with a 1,588kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 838kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m diameter
Average
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.7 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Trailseeker if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Trailseeker takes 6 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Subaru Trailseeker has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Subaru Trailseeker?
The Subaru Trailseeker is the cheapest at $63,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai IONIQ 5 by $510.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Subaru Trailseeker has the most range at 533km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Subaru Trailseeker accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Trailseeker all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Trailseeker has the largest boot at 609L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Trailseeker has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,588kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Trailseeker makes the most power at 280kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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