Subaru Trailseeker vs Hyundai IONIQ 5
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.
Price Breakdown
The Subaru Trailseeker starts from $67,990 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 opens at $71,990. That makes the Subaru Trailseeker the more affordable entry point by $4,000.
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 $74,789 and $79,189 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.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Trailseeker features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Trailseeker stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Hyundai IONIQ 5. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate and BOSE audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Trailseeker uses a Dual Electric Motor producing 280kW and 536Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 responds with a Electric making 168kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Subaru Trailseeker has the clear power advantage at 280kW vs 168kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Trailseeker is 4.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 74.7kWh (Subaru Trailseeker) vs 77.4kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5), giving WLTP ranges of 533km and 433km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Subaru Trailseeker) vs 220kW (Hyundai IONIQ 5).
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Trailseeker measures 4,845mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 210mm longer than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 at 4,635mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 609L in the Subaru Trailseeker and 527L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5, giving the Subaru Trailseeker a 82L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 (Subaru Trailseeker) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai IONIQ 5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Trailseeker takes 5 of 8 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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