Subaru Trailseeker vs Tesla Model Y

The Subaru Trailseeker starts from $63,990 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model Y opens at $65,900. That makes the Subaru Trailseeker the more affordable entry point by $1,910.

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 $72,490 respectively.

Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.

Both the Subaru Trailseeker and Tesla Model Y hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the Subaru Trailseeker and 91% for the Tesla Model Y.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Tesla Model Y, against 5 on 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.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

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 — features our data doesn't list for 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 255kW 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 255kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), 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), giving WLTP ranges of 533km and 466km. 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.

For towing, the Tesla Model Y leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,588kg. That 12kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

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 (Tesla Model Y). Both match on warranty length.