If you love exploring outdoors and need a tough, roomy electric car, the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker might be for you. It’s Subaru’s big leap into electric SUVs, with new upgrades just for adventure lovers.
2026 Subaru Trailseeker: Electric SUV Built for Adventure
The Trailseeker showed up for the first time at the 2025 New York Auto Show. People got excited, mostly because it’s only Subaru’s second electric car ever. This SUV is made with outdoor fun and family trips in mind. Subaru wanted to fix problems that came with their first electric model, the Solterra — like its short range, small space, and lack of power.
One thing that stands out? The Trailseeker is about six inches longer than the Solterra. That means it can fit more gear, your pets, and all your camping things. Plus, it’s got a taller, wagon-style shape with a flat floor, so the inside feels open and bright, kind of like a rolling treehouse. I think that’s pretty cool, especially for anyone who brings a lot on road trips.
This new EV isn’t just about being bigger, though. Subaru made it for people who want both comfort and muscle. Families who camp, people who need to tow a trailer or a boat, or folks who just want a solid car that works in any weather – that’s who Subaru is talking to here. The Trailseeker uses Subaru’s famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which grips the road or dirt really well. With 8.3 inches of ground clearance, you can drive over rocks or snow without scraping the bottom. X-MODE® even lets you choose between Snow/Dirt or Deep Snow/Mud so you won’t get stuck on rough trails.
There’s also a big focus on safety and smart tech. The Trailseeker gives you Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist, with features like lane keeping, blind spot warnings, and automatic braking if it senses danger. The dashboard includes a huge 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims — super easy to use and bright, even in sunlight.
| Trailseeker | Solterra | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 375 hp | 215 hp |
| Length | 190.6 inches | ~184 inches |
| Towing | 3,500 lbs | None |
| Range | 260+ miles | ~228 miles |
Charging is a lot easier, too. Subaru added the North American Charging Standard (NACS), so you can use Tesla’s huge charging network — over 15,000 spots nationwide. There’s even a smart battery warming feature, so it charges fast even when it’s cold. Some folks say the range could hit 300 miles if you drive easy, but 260 miles is the safe bet.
People who’ve seen the Trailseeker call it “an electric Outback.” YouTubers gush about the space and power, saying it’s what Subaru fans have been waiting for. On car forums, Subaru owners are thrilled about the bigger cargo area, more comfortable ride, and the fact that it finally feels like a real Subaru — not just a copy of another brand’s EV.
Subaru is counting on the Trailseeker to pull in Outback and Forester drivers ready to try electric. They want people who care more about lasting build quality, cargo, and towing than just having the longest range or fanciest tech. It’s not the EV with the most miles per charge, but it’s a true Subaru at heart — built tough for families and fun.
Ready to check it out? Here’s what you can do next:
- Visit the official Subaru Trailseeker page for updates.
- Watch real-life first looks like this YouTube review from Redline Reviews.
- Compare features with the Solterra and other EVs in the class.
- Ask your local Subaru dealer about test drive sign-ups.
- Keep an eye on forums and reviews for owner feedback after launch.
- Think about what matters most: space, towing, off-road skill, or range.
The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker packs power, range, and real adventure punch for families who want more muscle from their electric SUV. Here’s what makes it so exciting—and why it stands out for folks who love the outdoors.
SPECS & PERFORMANCE: POWER MEETS PRACTICALITY
Let’s talk speed. This thing has a serious engine—or, well, two of them! The Trailseeker gets 375 horsepower from its dual electric motors. That means it’s strong, quick, and can zip from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about 4.3 seconds. That’s crazy fast for a big car. If you’ve ever wanted an EV with some “oomph,” this is it.
Now, for road trips or camping, you know you need range. The 74.7-kWh battery means you’ll get over 260 miles of driving before you need to plug in. Some folks even say it can go up to 300 miles if you drive it just right. And when you do want to charge, it’s quick—just 35 minutes at a fast charger will get you from a low battery up to about 80%. Plus, you can use those Tesla charging stations almost anywhere thanks to the NACS connector, which is super handy if you’re out adventuring and need a quick top-up. Subarus thought of cold weather, too, adding a smart battery preconditioning feature so charging doesn’t slow down when it’s freezing out.
But here’s where the Trailseeker really flexes—towing and going off-road. You can tow up to 3,500 pounds. That’s enough for a big trailer, small boat, or a couple of dirt bikes. Not many electric SUVs can pull that much; it’s one of the best in its class. And for those back-country roads, the Trailseeker has 8.3 inches of ground clearance. It handles dirt, rocks, snow, or mud without blinking. If you want to push it, try the X-MODE system—just hit a button for special driving help in deep snow, extra-slippery mud, or bumpy hills. It’s like having a smart helper under the hood.
The table below makes it super easy to see how the Subaru Trailseeker stacks up against the basics:
| Performance Feature | 2026 Subaru Trailseeker |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 375 |
| Range (EPA) | 260+ miles |
| Towing | 3,500 lbs |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3″ |
| Fast Charging | 150 kW (NACS) |
Some people online call it the “electric Outback” because it’s got everything Subaru lovers expect—like real all-wheel drive and space for all your gear—but now with a giant battery instead of a gas tank. Car experts and YouTubers even say it’s the quickest Subaru you’ll be able to buy. Folks looking at it are pumped about the power, the spacious cargo area, and finally having an electric Subaru that’s actually built for adventure.
So is the Trailseeker just for off-road pros? Not really. Families who want room, safe driving, and the ability to tow will feel right at home, too. With modern safety systems and tech like lane assist, a huge touchscreen, and USB slots for everyone, it feels both cool and easy to live with. I can honestly say it’s the kind of car you picture when you think of Subaru, only electric.
Want one for wild trips or just to haul everyone’s soccer gear? Here’s what to do next:
- Check if it’s available at your local dealer.
- Compare the towing and space to what you actually need.
- Think about charging spots near you—NACS makes it simple.
- Try a test drive to see if it fits your adventure style.
- Ask about battery and warranty details for peace of mind.
- Share your story online and see what the Subaru crowd thinks!
Ready to find out what makes the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker a serious step up from the Solterra? Let’s compare the two and see how the new Trailseeker really changes the game for electric adventure SUVs.
TRAILSEEKER VS. SOLTERRA: THE UPGRADES THAT MATTER
You can tell right away the Trailseeker is just bigger and meaner than the Solterra. It’s about six inches longer than the Solterra, so it actually feels more like a real family wagon. There’s loads more space inside for both people and all your gear, thanks to the taller roof and a much flatter floor. If you’ve ever been cramped in the back of an old SUV, this one’s a relief—friends and family fit just fine, with bags piled high in the back for a camping trip or soccer game. Someone online summed it up perfectly: “It’s like Subaru finally built the electric Outback we wanted!”
| Feature | Trailseeker | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.6 inches | ~184 inches |
| Power | 375 HP | 215 HP |
| Towing | 3,500 lbs | No rating |
| Touchscreen | 14 inches | 12.3 inches |
| Cargo Room | Much larger | Smaller |
The power difference is wild. The Trailseeker’s motors pack a punch—375 horsepower. The Solterra only has 215. That means the Trailseeker flies when you push the pedal. You can actually tow stuff, too. Haul a trailer, a pair of jet skis, a tiny camper—up to 3,500 pounds. The Solterra won’t tow a thing—no rating, no dice. Some folks online joked that the Solterra could barely handle a bike rack.
The Trailseeker’s cargo space just wins. The old Solterra was a bit squished in back, but the Trailseeker has a wagon-style rear, a tall roof, and a flat floor. Dogs, bikes, strollers, camping stuff—no problem. More windows make it bright inside, with headroom to spare. One reviewer said, “You can load everything short of the kitchen sink.”
I can’t forget the tech upgrades. The new 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims is massive. You get a smarter EyeSight® system, which helps keep everyone safe in traffic or on long trips. Plus, there’s a Harman Kardon stereo, panoramic glass roof, wireless phone charging… basically, it feels fancy in all the right ways.
Here’s the part that surprised me: even though the Trailseeker is bigger and more powerful, it still gets a solid 260+ miles of range. That matches or beats some of the competition, and you get fast charging that works just about anywhere now, thanks to the NACS plug. Cold weather? No biggie, the battery preps itself for quick charges.
If you’re wondering what real folks think, the early feedback is super positive. People with families love the extra space, and Subaru fans are pumped they can finally get a truly capable electric SUV that’s ready for rough weather and dirt roads. Testers call it “the Outback of EVs,” and that’s a major compliment for Subaru diehards.
WHAT TO DO NEXT IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT THESE SUVS
1. Check out all the official Trailseeker details for the latest updates.
2. Compare space and specs with your current SUV—see if you’d benefit from the extra size.
3. Think about what you tow or haul. If you need to tow, the Trailseeker is your best bet.
4. Visit a local Subaru dealer and ask for a side-by-side preview once they arrive.
5. Watch owner reviews and real-world tests—it’s always good to see how these SUVs handle.
6. Sign up for Trailseeker news so you’ll know when pre-orders open up locally.
This isn’t just a slightly better Solterra—it’s a whole new chapter for Subaru’s electric story, built for real life and real adventures.
Dr. Tina M. Nenoff is a senior scientist and Sandia Fellow at Sandia National Laboratories, renowned for her pioneering work in nanoporous materials. Her research focuses on the chemistry of confinement and reactivity of ions and molecules within these materials, leading to significant advancements in environmental remediation and energy applications. Notably, she played a crucial role in developing crystalline silicotitanates used to remove radioactive cesium from contaminated seawater following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.