2026 Subaru Trailseeker Review
Our automotive expert shares opinions and new photos of the 2026 Trailseeker.
Perry Stern
- Pros: Electric power, a spacious interior, and an enjoyable driving experience both on and off the road.
- Cons: One-pedal driving would be a nice addition, and the second wireless device charger takes up what could be more storage space in front.
- The Takeaway: Subaru calls it the Trailseeker, but it looks and drives like an electric Outback.
The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker electric SUV, new this year, offers impressive performance and a spacious interior — and feels a lot like the Outback, one of the most popular models in the Subaru lineup. The Outback is known for its practical design and off-road capability, and while the all-new Trailseeker has a stylish new body with an efficient electric drivetrain, it, too, is at home both on and off the road.
What's New for the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker
QuickTake: The all-new 2026 Trailseeker is one of the latest models to join Subaru's EV lineup.
The Trailseeker is an all-new model for Subaru, taking its place as the brand's largest and most powerful electric-vehicle (EV) offering. With wagon-like styling; a clean, high-tech interior; raised ground clearance; and cladding that hints at off-road ambitions, the Trailseeker is a perfect fit with the rest of the Subaru SUV lineup.
Perry Stern
About the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker Touring Review Vehicle
QuickTake: The new Trailseeker comes in three well-equipped trims.
The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker comes in Premium, Limited, and Touring trim levels, and base prices range from about $41,000 to around $48,000, including the destination charge to ship the SUV to a dealership from its Gunma Yajima assembly plant in Japan.
For this Trailseeker review, I test-drove the Touring model in Laguna Beach, California. With no factory options on my test vehicle, the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) was $48,005, including the $1,450 destination charge. Subaru provided the vehicle for this Trailseeker review and paid for airfare, lodging, and meals during the evaluation period.
Perry Stern
Design, Quality, and Interior Layout
QuickTake: This new EV gets rugged styling with a clean, high-tech cabin design.
The Trailseeker's front-end styling carries many elements common to Subaru's other electric vehicles — the Solterra and the Uncharted — including slim LED running lights that wrap around the corners and a large illuminated logo front and center. But the new model adds boldness with a more substantial front grille and black cladding around the wheels and on the side sills. A single light bar spans the tailgate, and with SUBARU spelled out in illuminated letters, there's no confusing the Trailseeker with its Toyota twin, the bZ Woodland.
All three of Subaru's EVs share a similar dashboard design, but that's not a bad thing. The dual-tier dash features a stylish pattern on the upper section, while the lower section matches the upholstery. Slim horizontal vents and a metallic trim piece give the cabin an expansive look.
The 14.0-inch center touchscreen incorporates the digital climate controls with integrated temperature dials, which I found much easier to use than the up-and-down arrows found in older Subaru systems. I also appreciate that Subaru has stuck with the physical volume knob at the bottom of the screen. While some surfaces are plastic, most touch points, such as the door panels and the center armrest, have soft coverings for a premium vibe.
Perry Stern
Comfort, Convenience, and Cargo Space
QuickTake: Plenty of space for passengers and cargo in the new Trailseeker EV.
The front seats in the Trailseeker are both comfortable and stylish, especially with the soft leather trim available on the top-level Touring. Heated seats are standard on all models, with the Touring adding ventilation. That feature would have been nice during my drive in Southern California if it hadn't been cold and rainy. Side and thigh bolsters provide good support, and I was comfortable even after spending the day behind the wheel.
Given the large center console between the front seats, I expected more storage options, but the dual wireless phone chargers take up most of the space. Aside from the cupholders, there isn't much room to conveniently store smaller items. That said, there is a large open area below the console as well as additional storage under the center armrest.
The rear seats have plenty of legroom, and thanks to the flat floor, it feels even more spacious. Headroom is more than adequate for taller passengers, though you'll likely lose an inch or so of space with the glass roof that comes on the Touring. While the center console does extend into the rear seat space, the middle seat is still usable in a pinch.
With a wide opening for easy loading, the rear cargo area offers up to 31.3 cubic-feet of storage space, more than enough for several large suitcases or camping gear. Folding the second row is easy with releases in the cargo area, and with the seats down, the space expands up to 74 cu-ft. Multiple tie-downs and hooks can help secure loose items, and the available 1,500-watt 120-volt power outlet lets you bring power to your camping trip or tailgate party.
Perry Stern
2026 Subaru Trailseeker Infotainment System Review
QuickTake: Intuitive functionality with an easy-to-read and generously sized display.
All Subaru Trailseekers come standard with a 14.0-inch touchscreen display, and the standard Subaru Multimedia infotainment system features include:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
- Wi-Fi hot spot
- Cloud-based navigation with Intelligent Assistant
I found the Subaru infotainment system in the Trailseeker clear and easy to read, and navigation felt intuitive. There were quick shortcuts to frequently used features such as audio, navigation, and communications, and a screen showing all the apps is just one tap away. My only complaint is the lack of a home screen.
For those who prefer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, these phone integrations are standard with wireless connectivity. Connecting my Samsung Galaxy S23+ was quick and easy, and the system immediately prompted me to launch Android Auto. Once connected, Android Auto is displayed over much of the screen, which was good for readability. However, it also eliminated the aforementioned shortcuts, requiring a step into the Android Auto menu to return to the native system.
Every Trailseeker comes with a one-year trial of the subscription-based Drive Connect, which adds navigation and Subaru's Intelligent Assistant natural voice interface. Activated with the phrase "Hey, Subaru," the Intelligent Assistant worked well, understanding most of my requests. The system can perform a range of tasks, including adjusting the cabin temperature, changing the audio selection, and making hands-free calls. When I told it I wanted some coffee, it found the closest shop and provided navigation instructions.
Perry Stern
Safety Features and Ratings
QuickTake: All Trailseekers come with a long list of standard advanced safety tech.
Subaru equips the Trailseeker with the automaker's EyeSight, a collection of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Automatic emergency braking
- Emergency-steering assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Front cross-traffic alert
- Lane-departure warning and lane-centering assist
- Traffic jam assist
While the list of standard ADAS is extensive, the one that surprised me the most was the front cross-traffic alert. Whether I was pulling out of a parking lot onto a busy road or waiting at a stop sign to make a left turn, the system could detect a vehicle approaching from either side that might be out of my view. With an audible and visible alert in the driver's display, the system kept me from having to inch out into traffic to find a clear space.
The standard adaptive cruise control works well with lane-centering assist to provide a semi-autonomous hands-on driving experience. With the cruise control set to 55 mph, the Trailseeker kept a set distance from the car ahead while providing steering input to stay between the lane markers. While the freeway didn't meet the requirements for the hands-free traffic jam assist, the system still reduced stress by slowing smoothly to a stop when traffic stopped moving, then setting off again when the road was clear.
As the Trailseeker is an all-new model, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has safety ratings for the 2026 Trailseeker at the time of publication.
Perry Stern
2026 Subaru Trailseeker Touring Specs and Driving Range
QuickTake: There's plenty of power and a respectable driving range.
The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker comes standard with a dual-motor electric drivetrain delivering 375 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful production Subarus ever. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard with electronic variable power distribution between the front and rear motors. The Trailseeker can tow up to 3,500 pounds, and brake regeneration is adjustable via steering column paddles, but one-pedal driving is not available.
According to EPA estimates, the new Trailseeker has a driving range of 281 miles on the Premium trim and 274 miles on the higher trims. When I first got into my Trailseeker Touring test vehicle, the driver's display showed 271 miles of range with a 100% charge, landing closely with the EPA figures. While the EPA doesn't currently have an MPGe figure published on its official site for the Trailseeker, my time with the vehicle resulted in an impressive 3.6 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh), or about 121 MPGe.
Subaru equips the Trailseeker with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, allowing customers to use a variety of public charging stations, including the expansive Tesla Supercharger network. According to Subaru, plugging the Trailseeker into a DC fast charger at 150 kilowatts (kW) can bring the vehicle from a 10% to an 80% charge in less than 30 minutes. Plugged into a Level 2 home charger, the Trailseeker will reach 100% charge in about seven hours.
Perry Stern
2026 Subaru Trailseeker Test Drive
QuickTake: Engaging to drive, with a solid and comfortable presence on the road.
It didn't take long behind the wheel of the all-new Trailseeker to fully appreciate the joy of driving a Subaru with 375 horsepower. As is typical for an electric powertrain, torque delivery is immediate, and with the grip of AWD, acceleration is outstanding, even on rainy roads. Subaru says this new crossover will reach 60 mph in a quick 4.4 seconds, and that gets no argument from me. While maximum acceleration from a stop is sure to thrill the whole family, the accelerator pedal is easy to manage for smooth power delivery.
Driving the new Trailseeker is a pleasant experience overall. The ride is comfortable and solid, and the crossover delivers confidence whether you're driving through town, cruising on the freeway, or tackling a winding mountain road. The suspension soaks up rough surfaces and keeps the EV stable in high-speed turns. Little road or wind noise permeates the cabin, adding to the premium experience.
Like every other Subaru SUV, the Trailseeker is also quite capable when the pavement ends. My drive inland from Laguna Beach, California, took me to a custom off-road course to put the Trailseeker through its paces. I activated the standard X-Mode, which optimizes the AWD and traction-control systems for Snow/Dirt or Deep Snow/Mud. The Trailseeker managed the steep hills, moguls, and slick surfaces without issue while maintaining a comfortable ride.
Perry Stern
Alternatives to the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker
QuickTake: The Trailseeker is a great EV to wear the Subaru logo.
The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker combines many of the qualities of the brand's popular Outback with a powerful and efficient electric drivetrain, and it's a winning combination. In terms of competition, the Kia EV6 offers the option of a performance-oriented model, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 costs much less to start. Still, with outstanding on-road driving dynamics and proper Subaru off-road capability, the new Trailseeker is a great option for the adventurous family ready to take the plunge on an EV.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Perry SternAs a small child, Perry was constantly playing with toy cars and trucks, and that enthusiasm for anything motorized with wheels never faded. After college, he moved to Seattle and began his long automotive career working in an automotive consulting firm, helping customers choose the right vehicle for their needs. In the late 1990s, Perry joined Microsoft to work on CarPoint, part of the new Microsoft Network (MSN). He went on to become editor of the site, remaining on staff for 20 years before venturing out on his own. Today, in addition to his work on Capital One Auto Navigator, he still contributes to MSN, as well as J.D. Power, TrueCar.com, and U.S. News & World Report. Perry lives in the small town of Dexter, Michigan, with his wife and dog, and he still smiles when he sees his 2006 Mazda Miata in the garage.
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