The electric SUV market has two fresh competitors for 2026. Subaru's Trailseeker signals the company's full commitment to electric vehicles (EVs), bringing rugged off-road capabilities to battery-powered SUVs. Meanwhile, Hyundai's updated IONIQ 5 continues to break new ground with its forward-thinking approach. If you're weighing these options, the real question is about which one fits your Montana lifestyle, handles your weekend trips, and meets your everyday needs without compromise. Our team at Great Falls Subaru compares these two EVs to help you decide.
Trail-Ready Power Meets Urban Precision
The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker looks ready for work and play. Its wagon-style body measures 190.6 inches long and 66 inches tall, 6 inches longer and almost an inch taller than Subaru's smaller Solterra and closely matching the size of the 2025 Outback. Subaru dropped its hexagonal grille for a smoother front with six LED lights that mirror the star pattern in its logo. Black plastic around the wheel wells and sides creates a rugged look, while standard roof rails and a rear tow hitch show it's built for weekend adventures.
The IONIQ 5's sharp angles and crisp lines define its futuristic design. It's more compact at 183.3 inches long, 74.4 inches wide, and 64 inches tall and sits on a 118.1-inch wheelbase. Pixel-pattern lights front and back, plus 20-inch aero-optimized wheels, make it look edgy and contemporary. Its clean hood and smooth body styling suggest urban life over off-roading.
The Trailseeker's wheels include 18-inch and 20-inch options, depending on trim level. If you're hauling camping gear to Glacier Park or tackling muddy spring roads, the Trailseeker's size and practical touches make more sense.
Cabin Comfort and Everyday Utility
The Subaru Trailseeker's interior features a dash that sits closer to the driver, with a lower center console and standard wireless charging. The 14-inch horizontal touch screen (Subaru's biggest yet) handles entertainment and navigation while knobs control heating and cooling. All five seats use water-resistant StarTex upholstery, handy for when your family tracks in snow, mud, and pine needles from Montana's great outdoors.
The IONIQ 5's flat floor and sliding Universal Island center console let passengers move between seats easily. Like the Subaru, it seats five people, with recycled materials throughout. For cargo, the Trailseeker wins with 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing the IONIQ 5's 30 cubic feet and 59 cubic feet.
The extra room matters for Flathead Lake weekends. The Trailseeker's available 120V power outlet, offering up to 1,500W, runs minifridges or charges tools. While the IONIQ 5's sliding console works for city families, the Trailseeker's bigger storage makes more sense for hauling fishing tackle, coolers, and muddy dogs around Montana.
Power, Range, and Performance
The 2026 Trailseeker has a 74.7 kWh battery with dual motors generating 375 horsepower, and it can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). With 8.3 inches of ground clearance and a 3,500-pound towing capacity, it handles rough roads and boat-hauling with ease, and the X-Mode system adjusts for Snow/Dirt or Deep Snow/Mud. Its charging port works with Tesla Superchargers, and 150 kW fast charging with battery warming reduces wait times.
The IONIQ 5 offers multiple options. The single-motor version generates 168 horsepower, and the single-motor long-range powertrain produces 225 horsepower in rear-wheel drive (RWD) variants. The dual-motor AWD option delivers 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, going from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Range varies:
- 318 miles for the SE/SEL/Limited RWD
- 290 miles for the SE/SEL AWD
- 269 miles for the Limited AWD
- 259 miles for the XRT AWD
Hyundai leads in charging speed. The IONIQ 5 charges at an average of 171.8 kW and fills from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes. While the Subaru Trailseeker's range of over 260 miles works for Montana drives, the IONIQ 5's longer range and faster charging help with highway trips to Seattle or Denver. If you're towing campers to Yellowstone or pulling boats to Canyon Ferry Lake, the Trailseeker's stronger capacity and higher stance beat the IONIQ 5's city design.
Tech and Safety Innovations
Subaru focuses on outdoor practicality, while Hyundai emphasizes displays and power-sharing for tech enthusiasts. The Trailseeker comes with Subaru's EyeSight system as standard. You'll get front cross-traffic alert, surround-view cameras, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and emergency stop assist, which can pull your car over safely if you become unresponsive. Additional features include active lane-change assist, traffic jam assist, driver distraction monitoring, blind-spot warnings, and reverse automatic braking.
Trailseeker tech features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual 15-watt wireless charging pads, and USB-C ports for rear passengers. Higher trims add Harman Kardon audio, a panoramic glass roof, and digital smartphone keys.
Hyundai's SmartSense package includes automatic braking, pedestrian detection, and lane warnings. Premium models add blind-spot cameras, remote parking, collision avoidance, driver alertness monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The IONIQ 5 offers two 12-inch screens under a single pane of glass plus an optional head-up display. The Vehicle-to-Load function powers tools, appliances, or other EVs with up to 3.6 kW output, turning your car into a camping battery.
Which electric SUV you should park in your garage comes down to your lifestyle. Both the Subaru Trailseeker and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 join a growing field of electric SUVs competing with each other and options such as the Chevrolet Equinox EV.
Find Your Perfect Electric Adventure Companion
If your Montana family regularly hits dirt roads, hauls kayaks, or tows ATVs, the Trailseeker's stronger abilities and standard AWD make practical sense. If you're a city dweller who cares more about range, charging speed, and having the newest gadgets, you'll probably prefer the IONIQ 5. Drop by our dealership to check out the 2026 Trailseeker in person and see how Subaru's electric approach fits your Montana life, whether you're heading up Going-to-the-Sun Road or just handling your daily drive to work.
