Subaru Trailseeker vs Volvo XC40
What's the difference?

Subaru Trailseeker

$63,990 - $69,990

2026 price

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Volvo XC40

$34,999 - $57,990

2024 price

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Summary

2026 Subaru Trailseeker

2024 Volvo XC40

By Jack Quick

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Comfortable and effortless driving
Affordable servicing
All-terrain wagon looks

Cute kerb-side presence
Decent cabin space for class
Good driving range and energy consumption

Dislikes

No spare wheel
No third-row seats
Mediocre warranty coverage

Ride comfort isn't there on long journeys
Loud cabin at higher speeds
Interior trims don't match grade level

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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2024 Volvo XC40 Summary

The XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is the flagship model for the segment leading small electric SUV from Volvo.

Well positioned in terms of price, specifications and driving range, it continues to prove itself a fierce rival to the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Lexus UX and newcomer BMW iX1.

But does it bring its A-game to every attribute buyers in the small electric SUV segment demand? In this review, we put it to test to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Subaru Trailseeker 2024 Volvo XC40

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.

Verdict

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is a cute small electric SUV that offers a decent specs list and a sweet urban driving experience. It’s not the nicest ride on a longer journey but it does have a decent range to be able to tackle one, if needed. I didn’t love the interior design but there’s lots the XC40 gets right.

Subaru Trailseeker vs Volvo XC40 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Subaru Trailseeker vs Volvo XC40
What's the difference?