Video: 2026 Subaru Trailseeker Up Close: An Electric Outback?
By Cars.com Editors
April 16, 2025
Share
About the video
Cars.com West Coast Bureau Chief Conner Golden gives a walkthrough of the new-for-2026 Subaru Trailseeker. The ‘26 Trailseeker makes its debut at the 2025 New York International Auto Show.
Transcript
Now, this is a Subaru EV.
I'm really glad that Subaru levied some significant upgrades to the existing Solterra, but when I close my eyes and I imagine what an electric Subaru looks like, the all new 2026 Trailseeker is definitely what pops in my mind, and what a name this thing has. I'm excited, let's get into it. Now, the nitty gritty details on what exactly the Trailseeker is based on, underneath all this nice body work is still kind of bare at this point, but given the proximity to the updated Solterra debut, the general proportions and the interior structure, my hunch is this is definitely a stretch to Solterra platform, which does mean that I think there might be a Toyota variant of this in the near future. But for now, this sort of wagon is definitely one of the coolest new Subaru models that I've seen in quite some time, at least in my opinion. And better still, the spec sheet does indicate that this is definitely more than just a Subaru in name. Other than a darn good 8.3 inches of ground clearance, dual electric motors does mean that Subaru's signature all-wheel drive system does come in the Trailseeker. It's also uncharacteristically juicy with an approximate 375 horsepower according to Subaru, which does mean you get a zero to 60-mile per hour time of right around 4.3 seconds. Let's see your stock STI do that. And for those all-important outdoorsy types, there is still the usual X-mode combo terrain settings with snow, dirt and deep snow, mud profiles supported by grip control and hill descent control. Yeah, an EV where you can really get out there! Okay, well, maybe not too far out range is decent with Subaru quoting over 260 miles on a full battery. Speaking of battery, a 74.7 kilowatt-hour pack provides the juice and is charged via the standard NACS port. I wonder if your local Trailhead has a Tesla supercharger? Now, the Trailseeker is six inches longer and about an inch taller than the Solterra's and you'd hope that most of the set extra space would go to passenger room, but for the most part it's gone into the cargo area. But hey, it's still a pretty nice and spacious environment in here. Now, the general structure presentation and vibe of the interior has definitely been lifted from the Solterra, but the updated Solterra, eh, there's no problems there. Check out this massive 14-inch touch infotainment display in the center. Subaru says this is the largest display that it has ever fitted in one of the vehicles that it's made. This works in conjunction with the digital driver display. It's pretty nice. And yes, this does have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and you know that, that is gonna burn your phone battery dead. So, make sure you plop your device in the one of two wireless charge pads here. That's pretty impressive and don't worry about your passengers in the rear complaining about charging their devices. They've got two USBC ports back there, so they'll be just fine. Now, the first generation Solterra, which was Subaru's first production EV was, well, it wasn't really all that competitive to be honest, but the updated Solterra and the all new 2026 Trailseeker are going a long way in remedying that. The all new Trailseeker in particular is definitely one of the most intriguing new Subaru models we've seen in quite some time. And I cannot wait to get this out on some trails. And when I do, you know, you can read all about it on cars.com/news.
Featured stories

By Cars.com Editors
April 21, 2025

By Stef Schrader
April 17, 2025

By Aaron Bragman
April 17, 2025