The second EV to show up in the Subaru showroom is the all-new 2026 Trailseeker, representing the top tier for not only the brand’s EV models but the largest model they offer. Based on the Subaru Soltera, the Trailseeker is longer and offers more refined styling outside, and more room inside.
Added to the mix is increased horsepower of 375 ponies and a range of 274 miles with standard all-wheel drive. It is virtually identical to it’s counterpart the Toyota bZ Woodland but for unique styling touches on the exterior and a few inside that make it stand apart visually.
Ringing in at $45,455 our tester came well equipped in the beautiful color of Brilliant Bronze Metallic which is a nice earth toned break from the charcoals and silvers of the world. It’s complimented by beautiful 20-inch alloy wheels with gloss black and matte finish accents.
Styling is handsome and crisp, one of the nicest looking Subaru’s I have seen. While it is considered and marketed as a crossover SUV, it reads more like a sport wagon do to it’s longer silhouette. It however has the size and stature of an SUV, taking up quite a bit of space on the tarmac.
The interior while near similar to the Subaru Soltera has a number of key improvements of the first generation. The steering wheel and dash have been reworked along with the center console to offer better ergonomics and visibility to the instrument cluster.
While the squircle shaped steering wheel was off-putting at first I came to like it for a number of reasons. It’s functional because it allows better visibility to that instrument cluster which is placed well ahead of the driver. Moreover, its shape makes rowing it in parking lot maneuvers a bit easier.
Center stage is a sizable 14-inch infotainment touch screen with floating knobs for routine adjustments. While it does heavily replace most buttons knobs for audio and HVAC it’s well done and works responsively. Graphics are good and it offers up a healthy list of features including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The interior quality of materials is commensurate with the price tag. Its vinyl seats look and feel like leather and they are very comfortable. In this trim grade they are both heated and ventilated up front and heated in the rear.
Back there, the second row seats fold in a 60/40 split and offer a near perfectly flat cargo floor when down. Underneath the rear cargo floor is a storage compartment perfect for the charger.
Power from its dual motors is instantaneous as expected. Powertrain noise is near non-existent. The only point to make is that its range of 274 is not the highest available in this arena, but still good. It’s a nice compromise that affords a lighter curb weight of 4475 pounds compared to many EVs and allows that 375 horsepower to really be felt.
Because of that lower weight, the chassis dynamics feel more like a conventional car in its ride and tuning – not like a stiffly sprung heavy duty truck like many EV competitors.
Overall I was impressed with the Subaru Trailseeker because of its combination of style, performance, daily livability and yes, value. At $45,455 its comparable to a fully equipped Subaru Outback gasoline model – not something we’ve expected from an EV.
We liked it so much, it goes on our Id Buy It List for 2026.
