Mazda CX-90 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-90 starts from $74,385 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Trailseeker opens at $67,990. That makes the Subaru Trailseeker the more affordable entry point by $6,395.
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 $81,824 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-90, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-90 and Subaru Trailseeker hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mazda CX-90 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Subaru Trailseeker.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda CX-90 and 8 in the Subaru Trailseeker.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-90 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-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 Mazda CX-90 stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the Subaru Trailseeker. The Subaru Trailseeker counters with heated front seats and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mazda CX-90 gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Trailseeker offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Mazda CX-90 and 2-zone in the Subaru Trailseeker.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-90 uses a Petrol producing 254kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 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 254kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Trailseeker is 3.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-90 measures 5,120mm long on a 3,120mm wheelbase, 275mm longer than the Subaru Trailseeker at 4,845mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 257L in the Mazda CX-90 and 609L in the Subaru Trailseeker, giving the Subaru Trailseeker a 352L advantage. The Mazda CX-90 seats 7 vs 5.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.2m
Based on 10.8m 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-90) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Trailseeker). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-90 if: You or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Trailseeker if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Trailseeker takes 5 of 5 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, Mazda CX-90 and Subaru Trailseeker?
The Subaru Trailseeker is the cheapest at $67,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-90 by $6,395.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-90 uses the least fuel at 8.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-90 and 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 Mazda CX-90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
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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