Subaru Trailseeker vs Tesla Model Y

The Subaru Trailseeker starts from $63,990 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model Y opens at $58,900. That makes the Tesla Model Y the more affordable entry point by $5,090.

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 $70,389 and $64,790 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.

Both the Subaru Trailseeker and Tesla Model Y hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Tesla Model Y packs more ADAS features with 8 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 8 in the Subaru Trailseeker and 8 in the Tesla Model Y.

The Subaru Trailseeker features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Tesla Model Y gets a 16-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Subaru Trailseeker stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and heated front seats that you will not find on the Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model Y counters with Apple CarPlay, panoramic roof and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Subaru Trailseeker gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Tesla Model Y offers vegan leather.

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 Tesla Model Y responds with a Electric Motor making 194kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.

The Subaru Trailseeker has the clear power advantage at 280kW vs 194kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Trailseeker is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 74.7kWh (Subaru Trailseeker) vs 60kWh (Tesla Model Y). DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Subaru Trailseeker) vs 175kW (Tesla Model Y).

The Subaru Trailseeker measures 4,845mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 53mm longer than the Tesla Model Y at 4,792mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model Y generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 609L in the Subaru Trailseeker and 854L in the Tesla Model Y, giving the Tesla Model Y a 245L advantage.

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 / 80,000km (Tesla Model Y). Both match on warranty length.