Subaru Trailseeker vs Toyota Prado
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 Subaru Trailseeker starts from $67,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Prado opens at $73,200. That makes the Subaru Trailseeker the more affordable entry point by $5,210.
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 $80,520 respectively.
The Subaru Trailseeker qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Toyota Prado, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Trailseeker and Toyota Prado hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 5 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
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 9 in the Toyota Prado.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Trailseeker features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Prado gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Trailseeker stands out with wireless charging, heated front seats and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Toyota Prado. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Subaru Trailseeker gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Toyota Prado offers cloth.
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 Toyota Prado responds with a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel 48V V-Active making 150kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds.
The Subaru Trailseeker has the clear power advantage at 280kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Trailseeker is 5.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Trailseeker measures 4,845mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 145mm shorter than the Toyota Prado at 4,990mm (2,850mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 609L in the Subaru Trailseeker and 390L in the Toyota Prado, giving the Subaru Trailseeker a 219L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.8m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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 (Toyota Prado). 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 Toyota Prado if: You or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Trailseeker takes 4 of 4 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, Subaru Trailseeker and Toyota Prado?
The Subaru Trailseeker is the cheapest at $67,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota Prado by $5,210.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Prado uses the least fuel at 10.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Trailseeker and Toyota Prado 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 Toyota Prado has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
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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