2026 Subaru Trailseeker Adds Another EV to Brand’s Lineup

Subaru’s electrification efforts may have gotten off to a slow start, but the brand is doubling down with a new model to go with a thoroughly updated version of its existing Solterra.

The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker isn’t just the best new name to hit the market in a long time — it also signifies the adventurous intent of this electric vehicle (EV). While it isn’t quite as off-road inclined out of the box as a conventionally powered crossover like the Ford Bronco Sport and its optional Sasquatch package, Subaru promises its new emissions-free entry is geared towards the same kind of customer as the Forester that packs plenty of capability in its own right.

A Unique Machine

Of course, the difference is the way the Trailseeker is powered, with a pair of 167-kW electric motors that produce a combined 375 hp — more than the Solterra with which it shares a platform. Those motors bookend a 74.7-kWh battery pack, plus they give this EV all-wheel drive, which has long been a Subaru staple.

According to the automaker, estimated range stands at about 420 km — 80 km or so less than the all-wheel-drive Tesla Model Y that has a similar footprint to the Trailseeker. On that note, while Subaru didn’t provide detailed dimensions at the time of this writing, it said this new model measures roughly 4,840 mm (190.6 in) from bumper to bumper. That’s 150 mm (5.9 in) longer than the Solterra, and 50 mm (2.0 in) longer than the Model Y.

The roof height is also taller than the Solterra’s, albeit marginally so at just 25 mm (1.0 in). More importantly, the Trailseeker has a more conventional shape compared to its sibling’s raked rear end, which will no doubt result in more cargo room.

Subaru said the Trailseeker’s all-wheel-drive system is slightly different from the Solterra’s, with more sensors in use on the all-new model. This allows for more effective torque transfer, while the suspension has also been tuned differently.

According to Masahiko Inoue, the Project General Manager behind both the Trailseeker and Solterra at Subaru Corp. in Japan, while they share a platform and even some components with the Toyota bZ4X that was also recently updated, the Trailseeker has much more Subaru tuning and DNA that help set it apart.

Both models have the same 210 mm (8.3 in) of ground clearance, which is a little less than the 220 mm (8.7 in) of the brand’s crossovers not called Wilderness — which stand 241 mm (9.5 in) tall — but more than the Model Y’s 167 mm (6.6 in). Likewise, both the Trailseeker and Solterra are rated to tow 1,500 kg (3,307 lb).

Serious Tweaks to the Solterra

Not to be outdone, the 2026 Subaru Solterra has been significantly updated, with changes made in direct response to customer feedback, according to Brad Evans, Subaru Canada’s Car Line Manager in charge of the Solterra. Those changes include more output from the electric motors, with 338 hp combined to go with almost 100 km more range.

Like the Trailseeker, DC fast-charging speeds can now reach 150 kW in ideal conditions, up from 100 kW before. It’s also been fitted with a Tesla-style charge port, as has the Trailseeker, while range is estimated at 450 km on a full charge. The outgoing version could only muster 359 km, although it used a slightly smaller battery (72.8 kWh versus 77.0 kWh).

Subaru said battery preconditioning has also been added to the 2026 Solterra, and the system is both manually selectable or route-based using the onboard navigation system. Charge times are supposed to be down, too, with the benchmark 10 to 80 per cent jump taking 35 minutes in ideal conditions.

Electric Design Inside and Out

While their shapes are starkly different, both EVs have a similar look both inside and out. Their front ends in particular share the same lighting, with split daytime running lights and headlights split across a grille-less fascia. But while every Trailseeker has unpainted fender cladding, just like the Solterra, the latter now offers painted panels with select colours to make it look a little less rugged.

The front half of both cabins are nearly identical, with a 14-inch touchscreen shared between them. Other niceties include available twin wireless smartphone chargers on their consoles, plus a whole host of USB-C charge ports with 60-watt output. They even come in the same choice of interior colours that includes a fancy two-tone option with blue.

Final Thoughts

Subaru’s Evans acknowledged that these similarly sized EVs could very well compete against each other for customer attention, although he likened it to the situation that’s long existed between the gas-powered Outback and Forester models in the brand’s lineup.

Even so, he said the addition of the Trailseeker provides more choice to Subaru shoppers who may not want something geared towards the outdoors. That doesn’t mean the Solterra isn’t a capable little crossover in its own right, but according to Evans, the Solterra can now skew a little more towards city life with a new model alongside it in showrooms.

“Solterra was kind of pulling double duty for those of our customers who wanted an EV,” he said. “Now we’ve got Trailseeker, which is much more focused on that crowd.”

The 2026 Subaru Solterra is set to go on sale late this year, while the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is scheduled to launch in early 2026. Both will be built in Japan.