Subaru Trailseeker Debuts: Bigger, Stronger, Faster EV
Subaru’s electric vehicle portfolio is undergoing an overhaul this year. Just introduced at the New York Auto Show is a heavily revised Subaru Solterra, as well as the manufacturer’s second all-electric vehicle, the Trailseeker.
Key Points
- Subaru has unveiled the all-new Trailseeker SUV, its second electric vehicle, featuring a larger footprint than the Solterra and a top trim with an estimated 375 hp—making it the most powerful Subaru sold in North America.
- Built in-house on a modified version of the Solterra/bZ4X platform, the Trailseeker offers standard dual-motor all-wheel drive, 8.3 inches of ground clearance, a 74.7-kWh battery, and NACS charging access.
- The Trailseeker debuts a new EV-specific lighting signature and a more conventional SUV shape, with expanded interior space, standard Subaru EyeSight safety tech, and a 14-inch infotainment screen.
The new EV SUV will sit above the Solterra in the company’s electric vehicle hierarchy, measuring some six inches (150 mm) greater in length and nearly an inch (25 mm) higher in height. Although none of the dimensions exactly match up, think of the slight size increase of the Lexus RZ versus the Toyota bZ4X to get a rough idea.
But this isn’t a rebadged RZ. Subaru took the existing Solterra/bZ4X platform and heavily modified it in-house to make the new vehicle. It features some Toyota components, like the electric motors and infotainment software, but much of the engineering is done by Subaru. As well, further differentiating the electric SUVs, the Trailseeker will be built by Subaru in the brand’s Gunma plant, separate from the Solterra, which is Toyota assembled.
New SUV, New Family Look
The Trailseeker is debuting a new signature lighting design for Subaru, also incorporated into the Solterra Subaru EV. It features six individual stretched led lights in two rows within the narrow DLR cluster. This design is not on the new Outback also introduced in New York, so we assume it is a EV-only design element for now.
The Trailseeker better blends in with Subaru’s conventional gas-powered SUVs, featuring a squarer overall shape and higher roof rails. Think of it as an electric Outback of sorts. The front logo is illuminated while the rear lift gate has SUBARU written inside a full-length taillight bar. The rear letters illuminate as well, which I’m a sucker for personally. There’s also a rear wiper, a feature Subaru made sure to point out.
New Power, More Power
Powering the new electric SUV is a dual motor set-up, once gain massaged by Subaru. Although details are scarce, the top trim will feature a dual-motor set-up capable of unleashing an estimated 375 hp. This will make it the most powerful Subaru ever sold in North America. Power is split evenly between the front and rear motors.
With a 74.7-kWh capacity, the lithium-ion battery should be good to power the 2026 Trailseeker over 260 miles (420 km) on a single charge in optimal conditions. To help expedite charging, there is an onboard battery preconditioning system, and the new Subaru EV has a NACS charging port, allowing it to access the full Tesla Supercharger network.
Doing SUV Things
Much like it’s little sibling, the Solterra, the Trailseeker should be a fully capable SUV. It would be a bit of an embarrassment to name a vehicle Trailseeker that could barely traverse a mall parking curb after all.
Although not quite the same clearance as Subaru’s other SUVs, the new EV features 8.3-inches (210 mm) of ground clearance and the brand’s dual-mode X-Mode system, that includes grip control and downhill assist. Of course, the Trailseeker incorporates some form of symmetrical all-wheel drive, very similar to the set-up currently available in the Solterra. Sticking to sport utility duties, the Trailseeker will be able to two 3,500 pounds (1,500 kg) which is decent, but not as much as we expected.
More than just tuned for off-roading, the new SUV has been engineered to good deliver straight-line stability and control on various surfaces according to the manufacturer. It features sensors front and rear that should help act as a bit of a torque vectoring system to ensure the right wheels receive power at the right time.
More Space to Go with the Pace
As previously stated, the Trailseeker is a size or two larger than the Solterra. This translates to more space for people and gear, which includes the usual big Subaru greenhouse and an electric vehicle flat floor.
Sitting central in the dashboard is a standard 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, along with metallic trims pieces and plenty of storage nooks. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and there are two wireless phone charger pads available. The overall look of the new SUV has the usual Subaru practicality over style design philosophy.
Subaru Safety
As is expected for any new Subaru model, the brand’s EyeSight driver-assistance technology is standard, which includes features like pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, emergency stop assist, lane change assist, and more.
No official on-sale date is set, but Subaru expects the Trailseeker will go on sale starting in 2026. Pricing and other details will be made official closer to the on-sale date.
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2026 Subaru Trailseeker: All The Details
A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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