Volvo EX40 vs Subaru Trailseeker
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.
Volvo EX40
From $69,990
Price Cut · $7,000 offSUV
Electric
185kW
—
ANCAP: no data
536L
Subaru Trailseeker
From $63,990
Price Cut · $4,000 offSUV
Dual Electric Motor
280kW
—
5★ ANCAP
609L
Price Breakdown
The Volvo EX40 starts from $69,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Trailseeker opens at $63,990. That makes the Subaru Trailseeker the more affordable entry point by $6,000.
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 $76,989 and $70,389 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 Volvo EX40 features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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 Volvo EX40 stands out with head-up display, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on 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 Volvo EX40 gets textile/leather blend upholstery while the Subaru Trailseeker offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Volvo EX40 uses a Electric producing 185kW and 420Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 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 185kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Trailseeker is 2.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 82kWh (Volvo EX40) vs 74.7kWh (Subaru Trailseeker), giving WLTP ranges of 520km and 533km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Volvo EX40) vs 150kW (Subaru Trailseeker).
Space & Comfort
The Volvo EX40 measures 4,440mm long on a 2,702mm wheelbase, 405mm 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 536L in the Volvo EX40 and 609L in the Subaru Trailseeker, giving the Subaru Trailseeker a 73L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 (Volvo EX40) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Trailseeker). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volvo EX40 if: You or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
The Verdict
The Subaru Trailseeker takes 5 of 7 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, Volvo EX40 and Subaru Trailseeker?
The Subaru Trailseeker is the cheapest at $63,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo EX40 by $6,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Subaru Trailseeker has the most range at 533km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Volvo EX40 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Trailseeker 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 Volvo EX40 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
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.
Get ahead of your next car
Join free for new-car launches, news, reviews and buying guides. The independent take on what's new in Australia and what's actually worth buying, no dealer spin. Plus early access and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
