Mazda CX-80 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 Mazda CX-80 starts from $64,490 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Trailseeker opens at $67,990. That makes the Mazda CX-80 the more affordable entry point by $3,500.
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 $70,939 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 Mazda CX-80, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Subaru Trailseeker by roughly $5,775 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
The Mazda CX-80 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru Trailseeker gets a 14-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-80 stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the Subaru Trailseeker. The Subaru Trailseeker counters with wireless charging, heated front seats and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-80 uses a Petrol producing 209kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 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 209kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Trailseeker is 4.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-80 measures 4,990mm long on a 3,120mm wheelbase, 145mm longer than the Subaru Trailseeker at 4,845mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-80 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 550L in the Mazda CX-80 and 609L in the Subaru Trailseeker, giving the Subaru Trailseeker a 59L advantage. The Mazda CX-80 seats 7 vs 5.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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 $2,024/year for the Mazda CX-80 and $869/year for the Subaru Trailseeker. That is a $1,155 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Trailseeker.
Estimated annual total: $2,024 (Mazda CX-80) vs $869 (Subaru Trailseeker). The Subaru Trailseeker saves you roughly $1,155 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-80) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Trailseeker). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-80 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Mazda'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 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Subaru Trailseeker will save you roughly $1,155 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, Mazda CX-80 and Subaru Trailseeker?
The Mazda CX-80 is the cheapest at $64,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Trailseeker by $3,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-80 uses the least fuel at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-80 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 Mazda CX-80 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
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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