BMW X2 vs Subaru Trailseeker
What's the difference?

BMW X2

$62,350 - $79,999

2024 price

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Subaru Trailseeker

$63,990 - $69,990

2026 price

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Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2024 BMW X2

2026 Subaru Trailseeker

By Tim Nicholson

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.4L/100km (combined)

Electric range

533 km

Energy consumption

15.4 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

74.70 kWh

Seating

Likes

Broad range of EV or petrol options
Attention-grabbing design
Excellent powertrains

Very well-priced servicing
Beautifully tuned ride and handling
Spacious cabin and boot

Dislikes

Pricier than some rivals
Some options should be standard
Overly thick steering wheel

No V2L functionality
Tyre repair kit only
No one-pedal driving

2024 BMW X2 Summary

BMW’s original X2 crossover from 2018 was not a massive sales success in Australia. The related X1, however, was and continues to be a very popular pick in the ultra competitive premium small SUV class.

BMW has flipped the script for the second-generation X2, giving it a dramatic makeover that ushers in a bold design that’s now in keeping with its SUV strategy. That is to offer a ‘conventional’ SUV - X1, X3 and X5 - and then a coupe-style sibling - the X2, X4 and X6 - to sit alongside it.

Beyond the new look there are significant changes throughout the car, including the introduction of an all electric version - the iX2.

We drove the two flagship grades at the international launch in Lisbon, Portugal - the petrol-powered M35i xDrive, and the iX2 xDrive30. They might look the same, but they maintain their own distinct characters. Let’s dive in…

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2026 Subaru Trailseeker Summary

For a vehicle that Subaru has touted as a Sport Electric Vehicle, promising the all-terrain adventuring the brand is known for, the Trailseeker AWD looks like it should be stepping up to the plate with plenty of confidence.

It has all the ingredients on paper: electric power, decent driving range, all-wheel drive and the sort of go-anywhere credentials Subaru buyers have come to expect.

But is an electric wagon-SUV-crossover really the product Aussies have been screaming out for? Will you happily point this towards Alpine country and strap your skis to the roof, or has Subaru swung a little too hard here?

Because the electric vehicle market is getting crowded, with what seems like a new brand arriving every other week. The Trailseeker has some serious competition from the likes of the Skoda Enyaq, Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X and they're all vying for attention.

I've spent the week finding out what makes the Trailseeker AWD stand out.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 BMW X2 2026 Subaru Trailseeker

Verdict

There is little doubt the new X2 represents a vast improvement over the original model. The design alone gives it a lot more presence.

More interior and boot space also helps widen the SUV’s appeal and the significant tech updates are welcome.

It is on the pricey side and there are a few too many options that should be standard.

However, the M35i is hard to ignore as a sporty premium crossover, and the iX2 xDrive30 is the sort of electric SUV that should worry Volvo.

They both have their own distinct flavours, so there’s no dud in this line-up. Of course, we will hold final thoughts for the local launch when we can drive all four grades. But until then, it’s a welcome return to form for the X2.

Verdict

The Subaru Trailseeker AWD really hits it out of the park when it comes to its comfort, practicality and all-round solid family features. It's one of the nicest EVs I've sampled of late when it comes to handling and power delivery.

There's no doubt that it's a capable car being a dual-motor AWD and sporting a great ground clearance ... but it's still an EV.

And the general rule of thumb is that it's best to avoid off-roading in most EVs (potential battery damage yadda yadda), you also can’t plug it into a gumtree to charge.

Is it a comfortable family wagon-SUV crossover? Absolutely. Will you actually be driving ALL of those trails it's promising to seek out? We'll see.

BMW X2 vs Subaru Trailseeker What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW X2 vs Subaru Trailseeker
What's the difference?