Lexus LS vs Subaru Trailseeker
What's the difference?

Lexus LS

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2023 price

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Subaru Trailseeker

$63,990 - $69,990

2026 price

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Summary

2023 Lexus LS

2026 Subaru Trailseeker

By Tom White

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V6, 3.4L

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

10.0L/100km (combined)

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Business class interior
Japanese feel and quality
Thumping turbo V6

Comfortable and effortless driving
Affordable servicing
All-terrain wagon looks

Dislikes

Feels a bit old-fashioned to drive
The hybrid would be nicer to be driven in
Dated multimedia software

No spare wheel
No third-row seats
Mediocre warranty coverage

2023 Lexus LS Summary

Surprisingly, for people who would rather be driven than drive themselves, there are quite a few options available in the large luxury sedan market.

While on the whole sedans have fallen from favour, this niche corner of the market continues to let the three-box design thrive.

The options here have changed a bit in the last few years, though, so how does the Lexus flagship, the LS fit into the picture? I drove one around for a week to find out.

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2026 Subaru Trailseeker Summary

Many Japanese carmakers were criticised for their delayed rollout of electric vehicles (EVs), however Subaru is finally catching onto the trend.

The Trailseeker is the brand’s newest EV in Australia. Awkward name aside, it’s essentially a larger and boxier version of the Solterra that has a touch of Outback about its looks.

It also brings Subaru’s local EV line-up to three if you include the smaller Uncharted that’s launching in Australia soon.

This is the first time we’ve had the chance to drive the Trailseeker on local soil and there’s immense competition from a number of heavy-hitters, so read on to see how it stacks up.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Lexus LS 2026 Subaru Trailseeker

Verdict

The LS500 is the least logical version of the most logical option in the ultimate luxury sedan segment in which logic doesn’t often apply at all.

Take from that what you will, but if it was me being driven around I would definitely be opting for the hybrid version of the LS instead for its smooth electrified driving characteristics and lower operating costs.

Verdict

The Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X were arguably my most-improved cars in recent history and it therefore makes a lot of sense that the Trailseeker is also a lovely car to drive.

I’m particularly taken with the entry-level car which is supremely comfortable and offers a lot of value-for-money in terms of standard equipment and outright space.

A sticking point I come back to though is there isn’t much difference between this and the Solterra. Sure the Trailseeker has a touch more power and a bigger boot, but it has less range and is more expensive. However, I love this all-terrain wagon look and I’d pay that bit extra for it.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Lexus LS vs Subaru Trailseeker What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus LS vs Subaru Trailseeker
What's the difference?