2026 Subaru Trailseeker: Can You Novated Lease This All-Terrain EV?
The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is making waves as a serious all-terrain EV. Here's what Australian PAYG employees need to know about novated leasing one.
A new contender has arrived in the Australian all-terrain EV space. The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker has been generating attention after a brief drive review published by EVcentral AU described it as offering "truly unique multi-terrain capability in an all-electric vehicle" — a quote from Subaru Australia's own product engineer, Brad Hickin (EVcentral AU).
For Australian PAYG employees, the more pressing question isn't whether it can handle a fire trail. It's whether it qualifies for the FBT exemption on eligible EVs — and what that means for your take-home pay if you're considering a novated lease.
What this means for novated lease customers
Under the current FBT exemption framework, battery electric vehicles below the luxury car tax threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles may be eligible for FBT-exempt novated leasing. This means your employer pays the lease costs from your pre-tax salary, and no fringe benefits tax is applied — which is where the real benefit sits for PAYG employees.
At the time of writing, full pricing and final specifications for the Trailseeker have not been confirmed for the Australian market. Whether it falls under the LCT threshold matters. If it prices above the fuel-efficient vehicle LCT threshold (which the ATO adjusts annually), the exemption doesn't apply in full. We're watching the official pricing announcement closely.
If it does qualify, a Subaru with genuine off-road credentials entering the EV segment is a meaningful option for employees who've previously felt the EV novated lease market skewed too heavily toward urban SUVs. Four-wheel-drive capability, combined with potential salary packaging benefits, is a combination worth paying attention to.
Common questions
Is the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker eligible for the FBT exemption on EVs?
It depends on the final Australian driveaway price. Battery electric vehicles must sit below the ATO's luxury car tax threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles to qualify. Final Trailseeker pricing hasn't been confirmed yet — we'll update this page when it is.
Can I novated lease any EV, or only specific ones?
You can novate almost any vehicle, but the FBT exemption only applies to eligible zero or low-emission vehicles under the LCT threshold. Vehicles above that threshold can still be novated leased — you just don't get the FBT exemption on top.
What's the advantage of novated leasing an EV versus buying one outright?
With an eligible EV on a novated lease, your lease repayments and running costs come from pre-tax salary, reducing your taxable income. The FBT exemption removes what would otherwise be a tax on that benefit. The combined effect can make a meaningful difference to your net cost compared to a standard car loan — but the exact numbers depend on your income and the vehicle price.
When will the Trailseeker be available in Australia?
Based on the EVcentral AU preview published in June 2026, the Trailseeker is in the pre-launch phase in Australia. Check with Subaru Australia or speak to us directly as availability is confirmed.
Do I need to wait until a car is in stock to start the novated lease process?
No. You can get a novated lease quote and have your employer arrangement in place before the vehicle arrives. Many customers lock in the structure in advance so they're ready to go on delivery.