Subaru Trailseeker vs BMW iX1
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.
Price Breakdown
The Subaru Trailseeker starts from $67,990 before on-road costs, while the BMW iX1 opens at $78,900. That makes the Subaru Trailseeker the more affordable entry point by $10,910.
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 $74,789 and $86,790 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.
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 Subaru Trailseeker features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the BMW iX1 gets a 10.7-inch display. 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 BMW iX1. The BMW iX1 counters with power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 BMW iX1 responds with a Electric making 150kW and 247Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The Subaru Trailseeker has the clear power advantage at 280kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Trailseeker is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 74.7kWh (Subaru Trailseeker) vs 64.7kWh (BMW iX1), giving WLTP ranges of 533km and 578km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Subaru Trailseeker) vs 200kW (BMW iX1).
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Trailseeker measures 4,845mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 345mm longer than the BMW iX1 at 4,500mm (2,692mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Trailseeker generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 609L in the Subaru Trailseeker and 500L in the BMW iX1, giving the Subaru Trailseeker a 109L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 12.6m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.6m 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 (BMW iX1). 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 BMW iX1 if: You or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Trailseeker takes 6 of 8 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 BMW iX1?
The Subaru Trailseeker is the cheapest at $67,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW iX1 by $10,910.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Subaru Trailseeker has the most range at 533km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW iX1 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 200kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW iX1 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 BMW iX1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
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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