Volkswagen ID.5 vs Subaru Trailseeker

The Volkswagen ID.5 starts from $62,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Trailseeker opens at $63,990. That makes the Volkswagen ID.5 the more affordable entry point by $1,000.

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 $69,289 and $70,389 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 Volkswagen ID.5 and Subaru Trailseeker hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Volkswagen ID.5 and 89% for the Subaru Trailseeker.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Volkswagen ID.5, 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 6 in the Volkswagen ID.5 and 8 in the Subaru Trailseeker.

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

The Volkswagen ID.5 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 5.3-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 Volkswagen ID.5 stands out with panoramic roof and power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Trailseeker. The Subaru Trailseeker counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Volkswagen ID.5 gets cloth upholstery while the Subaru Trailseeker offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Volkswagen ID.5 and 2-zone in the Subaru Trailseeker.

The Volkswagen ID.5 uses a Electric producing 210kW and 545Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 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 210kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Subaru Trailseeker is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 77kWh (Volkswagen ID.5) vs 74.7kWh (Subaru Trailseeker), giving WLTP ranges of 544km and 533km. DC fast charging peaks at 175kW (Volkswagen ID.5) vs 150kW (Subaru Trailseeker).

The Volkswagen ID.5 measures 4,584mm long on a 2,769mm wheelbase, 261mm shorter than the Subaru Trailseeker at 4,845mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Trailseeker generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 549L in the Volkswagen ID.5 and 609L in the Subaru Trailseeker, giving the Subaru Trailseeker a 60L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Trailseeker leads with a 1,588kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 588kg 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 (Volkswagen ID.5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Trailseeker). Both match on warranty length.