This new Subaru EV could be the brand’s biggest hit since the Outback

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Subaru’s new “Trailseeker” promises an adventure-ready, all-electric SUV with off-road chops, Toyota-derived tech, and around 300 miles of range – set to debut at the New York Auto Show.

Subaru pulls back the curtain on a trail-ready EV

Subaru has officially confirmed the name and debut of its next all-electric vehicle: the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker EV SUV. In a brief announcement accompanied by a teaser photo, the automaker introduced the Trailseeker as its newest adventure-ready sidekick, set to be revealed at the 2025 New York International Auto Show. This will be Subaru’s second EV SUV, expanding a fledgling electric lineup that so far includes only the Solterra. While the initial announcement was light on specs, it makes clear Subaru is positioning the Trailseeker as an outdoorsy, go-anywhere vehicle for eco-minded adventurers. The official unveiling is scheduled for April 16, 2025, during the NY Auto Show’s media day, alongside Subaru’s new 2026 Outback.

Design: Outback-sized and off-road oriented

Subaru hasn’t released full images yet, but early indications suggest the Trailseeker will slot into the mid-size, two-row SUV segment, with dimensions comparable to the Subaru Outback. In other words, expect a 5-seat crossover that’s larger than the Forester/Solterra but not a full three-row family SUV (despite sharing length with some 3-row models).

The name “Trailseeker” signals an off-road focus – much like Subaru’s Wilderness editions – hinting at features like increased ground clearance, protective cladding, and advanced AWD traction control. Subaru’s teaser photo suggests the styling will be rugged yet familiar, possibly echoing cues from the latest Forester.

The design mission is to blend Subaru’s proven adventure-ready formula with a modern electric drivetrain – appealing to outdoor enthusiasts who want a zero-emissions option.

Toyota collaboration and platform underpinnings

Like the Solterra, the new Trailseeker is being developed in partnership with Toyota. Subaru hasn’t confirmed the chassis, but speculation points to one of two possibilities:

C-HR+ theory: Some observers believe the Trailseeker could share underpinnings with Toyota’s upcoming C-HR+ EV. That would make it a compact, coupe-style electric SUV that fills a similar role as the Solterra but with updated hardware and design.
bZ5X theory: Others suggest the Trailseeker is Subaru’s version of the upcoming Toyota bZ5X – a larger, midsize EV platform aimed at Outback or Highlander buyers. Reports indicate that Toyota’s Kentucky plant will build both the bZ5X and a Subaru version shortly afterward.

Subaru has not confirmed which theory is correct, but both options would use Toyota’s e-TNGA EV platform and share major hardware. The vehicle may land somewhere between compact and midsize, offering ample cargo space while avoiding three-row packaging.

Electric powertrain and range expectations

Based on Toyota’s C-HR+ concept, the Trailseeker could offer:

Single-motor front-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive options
Estimated output ranging from 165 to 338 horsepower
Two battery sizes: approximately 57.7 kWh and 77.0 kWh
Estimated range of 250 to 300 miles (EPA)

Those numbers would represent a major upgrade over the Subaru Solterra, which maxes out around 227 miles of range. A dual-motor Trailseeker would also provide more performance, likely putting 0-60 mph in the 5 to 6 second range.

Subaru will likely continue using symmetrical AWD and X-Mode traction software to maintain capability on rough terrain.

Charging and NACS support

The Trailseeker is expected to support DC fast charging around 150 kW, allowing it to charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. This would address one of the major criticisms of the Solterra, which charges more slowly.

More significantly, Subaru has confirmed it will adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS), meaning Trailseeker owners will have access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. That improves road-trip capability and provides better infrastructure coverage in rural and adventure-heavy areas.

Production and release plans

Production is expected to begin in early to mid-2026. Subaru’s version will be built at Toyota’s Georgetown, Kentucky plant, which is also preparing to build Toyota’s bZ5X EV. Battery packs will come from a North Carolina facility. These manufacturing choices should make the Trailseeker eligible for federal EV tax credits under current rules.

Subaru’s EV roadmap includes multiple models over the next few years. The Trailseeker is positioned as a key entry into the electric SUV space and could help Subaru attract buyers who were previously hesitant to go electric due to range or charging limitations.

Reveal timeline

The Subaru Trailseeker will be officially revealed at the New York International Auto Show on April 16, 2025. Subaru will also debut the redesigned 2026 Outback during the same press event. At that time, full specifications, pricing, and availability details are expected to be released.