2025 VinFast VF 8 vs 2026 Subaru Trailseeker
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between the slightly pricier but higher-spec 2025 VinFast VF 8 and the aggressively priced 2026 Subaru Trailseeker? It's a common hurdle when comparing new electric crossovers. The VF 8 starts at a higher MSRP of $46,000, offering 349 hp and an estimated 256 miles of range, making it capable for longer initial trips. Conversely, the Trailseeker undercuts it significantly at $39,995, saving you $6,005 right off the bat, while still delivering a stout 375 hp and standard all-wheel drive. Although the Trailseeker is slightly longer at 190.8 inches compared to the VF 8's 187.0 inches, its stated cargo capacity is narrower at 31.3 cu ft. This comparison boils down to prioritizing immediate upfront savings (Subaru) versus potentially slightly higher base range (VinFast) in the competitive EV segment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 VinFast VF 8
The VF 8 offers 256 miles of electric range, which might offer slightly better day-to-day reassurance on longer commutes.
2026 Subaru Trailseeker
The Subaru Trailseeker is nearly 4 inches longer than the VF 8 and might offer a more practical overall footprint for hauling gear and passengers.
2026 Subaru Trailseeker
The Trailseeker packs more muscle with 375 hp, beating the VF 8's 349 hp, even though both use standard AWD.
2026 Subaru Trailseeker
The Trailseeker wins on pure initial cost, saving the buyer $6,005 compared to the VF 8's $46,000 starting price.
Choose the VinFast VF 8 if...
- You prioritize the specific range rating of 256 miles offered by the VF 8.
- You prefer the slightly more compact exterior dimensions at 187.0 inches in length.
- You value the higher torque output of 369 lb-ft compared to the competitor.
Choose the Subaru Trailseeker if...
- Saving money upfront is critical, as the Trailseeker saves you $6,005 on the MSRP.
- You want the higher peak horsepower figure of 375 hp available right out of the gate.
- You need a slightly longer chassis at 190.8 inches for road presence.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | VinFast VF 8 | Subaru Trailseeker |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.0" | 190.8" |
| Width | - | 73.2" |
| Height | 65.6" | 65.9" |
| Wheelbase | 116.1" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | VinFast | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Headlights | โ | โ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Front Fog Lights | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | VinFast | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Type | electric | electric |
| Horsepower | 349 hp | 375 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | VinFast | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 1-speed direct drive | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | โ | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | VinFast | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | electric | electric |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 77/69 MPGe | โ |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 73 MPGe | โ |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 256 mi. | โ |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 46 | โ |
| Charging Time (240V) | 12.0 hr. | โ |
| Battery Capacity | 87.7 kWh | 74.7 kWh |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE Combo | NACS |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | VinFast | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | VinFast | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 15.6 in | 14.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | โ | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | VinFast | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
| One-Touch Power Windows | โ | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | VinFast | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Material: Leatherette | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | โ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Head Room | โ | 38.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | โ | 42.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | โ | 58.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | โ | 54.4 in. |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | โ | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | โ | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | VinFast | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Room | โ | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | โ | 35.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | โ | 55.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | โ | 46.2 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | VinFast | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 19 in | โ |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R19 | 235/60R18 |
| Wheel Cover Type | โ | Full |
| Wheel Size | โ | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | VinFast | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
Warranty
| Feature | VinFast | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 10 yr./ 125000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| EV Battery Warranty | 10 yr./ unlimited mi. | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | โ | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | โ | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | โ | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 VinFast VF 8 and 2026 Subaru Trailseeker.
What is the exact price difference between the 2025 VinFast VF 8 and the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker?
The 2025 VinFast VF 8 starts at an MSRP of $46,000. The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker undercuts this by $6,005, putting its starting MSRP at $39,995.
Which electric crossover offers better straight-line performance?
Based on the provided data, the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is the stronger performer, delivering 375 horsepower. This beats the 2025 VinFast VF 8's output of 349 horsepower.
How do their stated electric ranges compare?
The 2025 VinFast VF 8 lists an electric range of 256 miles for its AWD configuration. The Subaru Trailseeker's range is not specified, so the VF 8 has the documented advantage here.
Are these two crossovers vastly different in size?
They are very similar in height, both around 65.6 to 65.9 inches tall, but the Subaru is slightly longer at 190.8 inches compared to the VF 8's 187.0 inches.
Do I get more physical space inside the Subaru Trailseeker?
While the Trailseeker is longer externally, the specification provided lists its cargo capacity at 31.3 cubic feet. We do not have the specific cargo volume for the VF 8 to make a direct comparison.
Since both use AWD and are electric, what's the main functional difference in their drivetrains?
Both vehicles utilize a 1-speed direct drive transmission, typical for EVs, and both offer all-wheel drive capability. The key difference lies in the resulting power output metrics, with the Trailseeker making more horsepower.
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