Subaru’s second electric vehicle, like its first, grew out of a joint project with Toyota. But the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker looks like a far more polished and more Subaru-like vehicle than the Solterra.
Subaru revealed the Trailseeker, a larger all-electric SUV, at last week’s New York International Auto Show. It still has one of the Solterra’s flaws – a fairly limited range. But it solved the other problem with a fast charging rate. It also preserved the Subaru character you expect, with off-road capability and sharp looks that balance SUV skills with wagon-like lines. A Toyota equivalent is coming.
The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is set to go on sale early next year. It bears a family resemblance to the Solterra thanks to oversized black front fender guards that stretch around to the front fascia. It offers 8.3 inches of ground clearance like an SUV, but it favours curves over boxy lines for a sleeker look than most of its SUV competition. The Subaru six-star logo is illuminated.
Inside, a 14-inch central touch screen sits high and is the largest ever in a Subaru. Metallic dash finishes give the Trailseeker’s cabin a more high-tech look than you might see in a Forester.
How it stands out
The Trailseeker comes in a single powertrain configuration that uses two electric motors for 375 horsepower. A 74.7-kilowatt-hour battery (slightly small for a larger EV SUV) gives it a range of “more than 415 Km” according to Subaru. Competitors offer over 500 Km.
However, Subaru says, “Thanks to an onboard battery preconditioning system, the Trailseeker can be ready for fast charging in warm or cold temperatures.” It uses a Tesla-style North American Charging System (NACS) port.
It does not use the same famous all-wheel-drive system that Subaru’s gasoline SUVs use. EVs get their all-wheel drive from a separate motor on each axle.
However, Subaru says the Trailseeker uses “a unique suspension and all-wheel-drive system tuned to deliver straight-line stability and control on various surfaces. Using acceleration sensors in the front and rear, the Trailseeker adapts to the dynamic load while accelerating, braking, or turning, powering the correct wheels for improved traction and stability.”
A stated 0-100 Kmph time of 4.4 seconds makes the Traileseeker relatively fast.
The Trailseeker enters the most competitive EV space. Rival electric SUVs include the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 (all of which are available in Sri Lanka). It claims a lower range than all of them, which could make some shoppers reluctant. (MoneyControl)
