2026 Subaru Trailseeker unveiled, Australia on the cards

The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker has been revealed as the Japanese brand’s second electric vehicle, a high-riding electric answer to its best-selling model, the petrol-powered Subaru Outback wagon.

Revealed at the 2025 New York Auto Show, Trailseeker is similar in size to the new-generation also launched at the show – although dimensions were not supplied – but adds electric power under the skin.

Although the Trailseeker name has not been confirmed, the vehicle shown will go on sale in the US in 2026, says Subaru, followed by the UK and Europe.

Subaru Australia could not confirm if it will arrive in local showrooms – or estimate timing – when responding to CarSauce, but did not rule out a local berth.

Trailseeker uses the same platform as the Subaru Solterra EV – made by Toyota as it’s twinned with the Toyota bZ4X EV – but Subaru says it will produce Trailseeker, which has a greater share (70 per cent) of Subaru components than Toyota parts.

Sharing its platform sees Trailseeker with the same 211mm ground clearance as the Solterra, but the new EV is 152mm longer than the 4690mm Solterra for greater cargo space, is an undisclosed amount taller inside and has reshaped roof rails to carry more, heavier luggage.

On the outside, the Trailseeker has Subaru’s new ‘three-dimensional’ illuminated brand logo, 18- to 20-inch wheels with large, moulded wheel- arch surrounds and off-road rear garnish.

A pair of identical electric motors – one on each axle – produce 150kW each, with Subaru claiming a combined 280kW  sent through a unique-calibration of Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive, a brand signature in Australia, for a 4.4-second 0-97km/h sprint.

The 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery brings a claimed 418km range and can be charged at a rate of 150kW, giving a 10-80 per cent battery top-up in 35 minutes or less.

The Solterra currently in Australian showrooms has 160kW of power from its two motors – a smaller one on the rear axle – and has a driving range of 485km on a single charge.

An updated Solterra also shown in New York has 174kW and a claimed range of 459km, using the same 74.7kWh battery as the Trailseeker.

It’s expected in Australia in 2026, although Subaru’s local importer would not comment on this – or the new-generation Outback’s availability in right-hand drive – when approached by CarSauce.

While there’s an emphasis on luggage space, up front the interior sees a squared-off steering wheel, hard-wearing synthetic seat trim and a 14-inch screen – the largest fitted in a Subaru to date.

There’s also a large centre console with wireless smartphone charging, and metallic touches to bring a sense of occasion to the cabin, as well as Subaru’s X-Mode powertrain selector, with multiple drive modes including Snow/Dir and Deep/Snow Mud Modes.

The Trailseeker also has a 1587kg braked towing rating and includes Subaru EyeSight – the company’s suite of Driver Assistance Tech – bringing AEB, Blind Spot Monitors and Adaptive Cruise Control.