2026 Subaru Trailseeker EV Enters Outback Territory

Subaru’s first stab at electric vehicles (EVs) with the first-generation Solterra wasn’t met with much success. Built on a shared architecture with the Toyota bZ4X, an already lukewarm EV, Subaru’s electric offering was only fine, presenting underwhelming efficiency, range, and charging performance. The final nail in the coffin was that it didn’t carry with it many of Subaru’s iconic traits, no Boxer engine (obviously) and no rugged, adventure-ready look.

But things are about to change with the upcoming 2026 Subaru Trailseeker. For starters, its name is a lot catchier, and in tune with the rest of Subaru’s mountain-climbing lineup. It’s also fitted with more compelling EV tech, as well as the sort of characteristics we normally associate with a Subaru. Here’s the full rundown.

2026 Subaru Trailseeker Will Have A Native NACS Charge Port

Subaru is actually also overhauling the Solterra for the 2026 model year, and the biggest news on the EV front is that both the 2026 Solterra and 2026 Trailseeker will be fitted with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port when they arrive in dealers. This will allow them to be fully compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network of DC fast chargers without requiring an adapter.

No official charging rate numbers have yet been released, but Subaru claims the Trailseeker’s liquid-cooled, 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery is good for an estimated 260 miles or more of range. The Trailseeker also comes standard with dual-motor all-wheel-drive, of course, which Subaru still calls Symmetrical. Although I don’t quite know how this is going to happen given the absence of a Boxer engine and actual driveshafts and differentials.

• The Trailseeker comes with a Tesla NACS charge port.
• It has more than eight inches of ground clearance.
• Dual-motor all-wheel-drive comes standard, along with X-MODE.

Anyway, Subaru does mention that the Trailseeker is equipped with its dual-function X-MODE electronically-assisted terrain system, allowing for different go-anywhere drive modes such as Snow, Dirt, Deep Snow and Mud, as well as a Downhill Assist Control feature. Total combined horsepower, according to Subaru, is about 375, which is good for a 0-60 sprint of just 4.4 seconds. The torque figures are still undisclosed, but Subaru says the Trailseeker can tow up to 3,500 pounds. It also boasts 8.3 inches of ground clearance.

2026 Subaru Trailseeker Technical Specifications

The Trailseeker Is Larger Than A Solterra, About The Size Of An Outback

In terms of design and proportions, the Trailseeker is very similar to the Outback in the sense that it’s more akin to a large, adventure-ready station wagon than an actual SUV. It rides on a shared platform with the updated, 2026 Solterra, which remains a joint venture with Toyota, but the Trailseeker is six inches longer and one inch taller than its little brother. Subaru says the stretched dimensions aim at providing additional cargo capacity, allowing the Trailseeker to slot its way into the midsize crossover category.

It also looks properly rugged, with the traditional Subaru plastic cladding, roof rails, as well as what appears to be redesigned bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Subaru doesn’t yet specify if the Trailseeker will come equipped with all-terrain tires or underbody protection, but from the looks of this blue reveal model alone, it appears as though the Trailseeker has already received the Wilderness treatment.

Inside, it has the expected minimalist look and feel of current EVs, but also a lot of similarities with Toyota. For instance, the large 14-inch touchscreen seems to be a carryover from current Toyota systems. It’s also a clear departure from the traditional vertical tablet Subaru has accustomed us to. But Toyota’s recent user interfaces are rather great, so that should simply help the Trailseeker be a more user-friendly machine.

A large center console just underneath the dashboard is equipped with two wireless charging trays as well as what appears to be a myriad of neat storage solutions. The Trailseeker will come standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology, as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

That’s all we have for now, as Subaru says the remainder of the Trailseeker’s technical specifications will be released closer to its launch in 2026. But Subaru didn’t specify when that would be. The vehicle will be on display this week at the Subaru booth during the New York Auto Show.