Subaru is back with a new EV. Like its predecessor, Solterra, the all-electric Trailseeker SUV has a bit of Toyota handiwork.
Subaru of America revealed its 2026 trailseeker SUV at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday. The second EV in the Japanese automaker’s portfolio looks familiar for its Subaru look. It is reminiscent of a gas-powered Subaru rise, but it is physically smaller. Others may see a bit of outback on Trailseeker.
It was bigger than the Solterra, the all-electric subcompact crossover that emerged from a joint project with Toyota, and entered the US market in 2022.
In any case, TrailSeeker aims to provide customers with a different EV option than Subaru Solterra. This could potentially counter the Rivian R2, which is scheduled to be produced in 2026. TrailSeeker is assembled in Japan.
TrailSeeker and its 2026 Solterra counterparts share several engineering DNA, including new propulsion systems. Subaru did not provide much details about the propulsion system or the new underlying platform for TrailSeeker. This information should be shared along with pricing before TrailSeeker is sold at retailers across the country in 2026.
The TrailSeeker has design features and systems synonymous with Subaru, including an all-wheel drive system supported by two electric motors located on the front and rear axles. These dual motors offer 375 horsepower and can bring the TrailSeeker up to 3,500 pounds.
Subaru says the new EV is designed to go anywhere, and the company’s engineers are responsible for adjusting the suspension and all-wheel drive system. The designer gave TrailSeeker a larger cargo area and a taller roof for owners to cart all their adventure gear. The TrailSeeker is about 6 inches longer and almost an inch higher than the Solterra. However, there are limits to its “go anywhere” claim. The TrailSeeker has 8.3 inches of ground clearance, which is lower than the gas-powered Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback.
In the end, this is an EV. That is, the TrailSeeker powertrain includes a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery that offers a range of over 260 miles. A peek at the EV charging port shows that the vehicle has a standard North American charging port. This makes it compatible with Tesla’s supercharged network.
Subaru tinkered with the outside of the TrailSeeker to make it look different from other EVs, including redesigned headlamps, front bumpers, and 20-inch and 18-inch wheels. The automaker also exude the interior with a metallic finish along the dash, a center console that holds the center console and a 14-inch touchscreen.
The touchscreen is part of TrailSeeker’s infotainment system, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Other device-centric features include two wireless for passengers in the rear seat, a 15W smartphone charger and two high-speed USB-C chargers.
Finally, the TrailSeeker is equipped with braking that warns the driver of blind spots if they depart from the lane and engages in the event of a collision. Other ADAS features include adaptive cruise control that automatically slows down to maintain the selected speed and maintain the selected distance.
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