Hyundai Palisade vs Subaru Trailseeker
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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.
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Palisade starts from $66,800 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Trailseeker opens at $67,990. That makes the Hyundai Palisade the more affordable entry point by $1,190.
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 $73,480 and $74,789 respectively.
The Subaru Trailseeker qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Hyundai Palisade, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Subaru Trailseeker by roughly $10,620 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Subaru Trailseeker counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats and ambient lighting that the Hyundai Palisade does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Palisade uses a Petrol producing 217kW and 355Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds.
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 217kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Trailseeker is 4.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Palisade measures 4,995mm long on a 2,900mm wheelbase, 150mm longer than the Subaru Trailseeker at 4,845mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Palisade generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 311L in the Hyundai Palisade and 609L in the Subaru Trailseeker, giving the Subaru Trailseeker a 298L advantage. The Hyundai Palisade seats 8 vs 5.
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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,993/year for the Hyundai Palisade and $869/year for the Subaru Trailseeker. That is a $2,124 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Trailseeker.
Estimated annual total: $2,993 (Hyundai Palisade) vs $869 (Subaru Trailseeker). The Subaru Trailseeker saves you roughly $2,124 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Palisade) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Trailseeker). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Palisade if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Trailseeker if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Trailseeker takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Subaru Trailseeker will save you roughly $2,124 a year in fuel. 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 Palisade and Subaru Trailseeker?
The Hyundai Palisade is the cheapest at $66,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Trailseeker by $1,190.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Palisade uses the least fuel at 10.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Palisade 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 Hyundai Palisade has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Trailseeker makes the most power at 280kW. The Subaru Trailseeker is quickest to 100km/h in 4.5s.
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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