Subaru’s second electric vehicle (EV), 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 that preceded it.
Subaru revealed the Trailseeker, a larger all-electric SUV, at this 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, we’re told. But Subaru got to show off their joint project first.
Subaru has not revealed any pricing information. To stay competitive with other midsize EVs, we expect a starting point in the mid-$40,000 range. The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is set to go on sale early next year.
More Outback-Like Than the New Outback
Subaru has long been known for vehicles with SUV capability but wagon-like looks. The brand abandoned that with a new Outback revealed at the same time, which wouldn’t look out of place in the Ford SUV stable. But the Trailseeker looks like a Subaru.
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 favors 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 touchscreen sits high and is the largest ever in a Subaru. Metallic dash finishes — a rarity for Subaru — give the Trailseeker’s cabin a more high-tech look than you might see in a Forester or Crosstrek.
A steering wheel with a flat top and bottom lends it a sporty look.
260 Miles, Tesla-Style Charging Port
The Trailseeker comes in a single powertrain configuration that uses two electric motors for a total of 375 horsepower. A 74.7-kilowatt-hour battery (slightly small for a larger EV SUV) gives it a range of “more than 260 miles,” according to Subaru. Competitors offer over 300.
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, enabling owners to use Tesla’s Supercharger network to quickly recharge on the road.
It can’t use the same all-wheel-drive (AWD) 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 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds makes the Trailseeker fast, too.
The Trailseeker enters the most competitive EV space. Rival electric SUVs include the Tesla Model Y (America’s best-selling EV), the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. It claims a lower range than all of them, which could still make some shoppers reluctant. But it’s an attractive package with the styling and spirit that Subaru loyalists expect, and helps solve some of the Solterra’s limitations.
