Nissan Pathfinder vs Subaru Trailseeker
What's the difference?

Nissan Pathfinder

$39,980 - $70,888

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Subaru Trailseeker

$63,990 - $69,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

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 Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2024 Nissan Pathfinder

2026 Subaru Trailseeker

By John Law

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

V6, 3.5L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

10.5L/100km (combined)

Electric range

533 km

Energy consumption

15.4 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

74.70 kWh

Seating

Likes

Interior practicalities
Comfortable ride
Packed with features

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

Dislikes

Fuel economy
No third-row top tethers
Space saver spare

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

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Summary

The Nissan Pathfinder has evolved over the years from what was quite a rough-and-tumble Ford Everest style vehicle to a remarkably plush three-row family SUV.

Although it took a while to reach Australia, when the fifth-generation version landed in late 2022 it was a huge leap over its predecessor. And yet it has been a relatively slow seller in Australia.

In the first half of 2024 only 405 were registered, less than a tenth of the segment benchmark Toyota Kluger (5861 sales).

This can be largely attributed to a lack of choice in the Pathfinder range, following Nissan culling entry-grade variants early on leaving only the relatively expensive Ti and Ti-L grades, both fitted with a V6 petrol engine.

To increase customer choice, Nissan has reintroduced the ST-L mid-spec trim with the option of front-wheel drive for under $60,000, before on-road costs. But is it a good buy?

View full pricing & specs

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.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2024 Nissan Pathfinder 2026 Subaru Trailseeker

Verdict

There’s a lot to like about the Nissan Pathfinder. The current model not only looks a lot better than its predecessor but in ST-L trim — and with an even cheaper front-wheel drive model — it offers the kind of value Australian families are chasing.

For all its practicalities, towing capacity and refined driving experience, the Pathfinder’s fatal flaw is its limited engine choice. A thirsty petrol V6 with no engine start-stop tech stunts its appeal for those who live in suburban areas where a Kluger hybrid just works better.

The ST-L is a worthy consideration for your next purchase if you’re less bothered about fuel use, and it's the pick of the line-up, offering just about every creature comfort and safety feature you'd want in a good-value package.

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.

Nissan Pathfinder vs Subaru Trailseeker What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Nissan Pathfinder vs Subaru Trailseeker
What's the difference?