The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker EV is Ready to Take Your Family Just About Anywhere
Take it from me: the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is a lot more capable than you're probably imagining. I'm still recovering from the shock and surprise.
Last week, I watched a family SUV tilt nearly vertical on a rain‑soaked motocross course, one wheel hanging in the air and spinning wildly. That was my first hint that the all-new, all‑electric Subaru Trailseeker wasn’t just another commuter EV. On a muddy Southern California test loop—deep puddles, slick climbs, and obstacle piles that looked more like bouldering routes—we put Subaru’s two new electric SUVs, the Uncharted and the larger Trailseeker, through the kind of punishment owners actually expect them to handle.
After two decades living in Colorado, I know exactly what those expectations are. Subarus are supposed to haul you from work to the gym to the mountains without complaint, packed with skis, camping gear, kids, dogs, and through whatever weather decides to show up. Any new model has to earn its place in that lineage.
So, will the Trailseeker, Subaru’s third all-electric SUV, live up to the Subie legacy? The Trailseeker does. Starting at $39,995, this mid‑size SUV delivers 375 horsepower, 280 miles of driving range, a 3,500‑pound towing capacity and the space and features families need for real life. It shares the Uncharted’s rugged hardware but adds more room, more utility, and a calm confidence that makes weekday errands as easy as weekend adventures. If you want an electric SUV that still feels like a true Subaru—capable, practical, and ready for anything—the Trailseeker is the one to watch.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Also, I was Subaru’s guest for this first drive, but all impressions and opinions are my own.
The Subaru Trailseeker is the Larger Sibling, But You Wouldn’t Know It
We kicked off this Subaru drive day in lovely Laguna Beach, a far cry from the muddy mess that we ended up in later, but it was the perfect way to get a feel for the Subaru Trailseeker’s daily driving capabilities. We spent the first part of the day hopping in and out of various models whilst we cruised inland towards the more rugged activities and something in particular stood out for me.
Even though the Subaru Trailseeker is much larger than the Uncharted, which shares its framework with the all-electric new Toyota C-HR, I often had to check myself and verify what car I was in because the Trailseeker doesn’t feel larger. In fact, the entire front cabin on both models is nearly identical, but you’d still think that you might feel the heft of that extra space behind you, but you really don’t. Compared with the Uncharted, the Trailseeker is significantly more substantial.
Here’s a closer look at the differences between the two:
Subaru Trailseeker (which shares much of its framework with the Toyota bZ Woodland):
- Cargo Volume: 31.3 cubic feet (rear seatbacks up) / 74.0 cubic feet (rear seatbacks down).
- Dimensions: 190.8 inches long, 73.2 inches wide, 65.9 inches high.
Uncharted:
- Cargo Volume: 25.4 cubic feet (rear seatbacks up, lower floor position) / 59.5 cubic feet (rear seatbacks down).
- Dimensions: 177.8 inches long, 73.6 inches wide, 63.8 inches high.
Based on the numbers, the Subaru Trailseeker is 13 inches longer than the Uncharted, making way for more cargo space and, most importantly, more legroom for rear passengers. So for families that like to wander the backroads, the Trailseeker is the one to put under a microscope.
Subaru Trailseeker’s Simple Lineup Focuses on Adventure
Subaru sees the Trailseeker as an adventure‑ready EV, and the trim lineup reflects this, defining each with a features and conveniences. Capability is standard across all trims, AWD-only with X-Mode for off-roading and are powered by a 375 HP dual‑motor setup. All trims have an EPA estimate of around 280 miles and a 3,500‑lb tow capacity. Here’s how the three trims—Premium, Limited, and Touring—break down:
Standard features include: AWD, 375 hp, 0-60 mph in approximately 4.4 seconds, up to 150 kW DC fast charging (10% to 80% in approximately 28 minutes), NACS charge port (North American Charging Standard), 8.5 inches of ground clearance (more than the Uncharted!)
Premium Trim: Starts at $39,995 (+$1,450 destination fee) with an estimated 281 miles range
- 14-inch Subaru Multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technologies
- Heated front seats and steering wheel paddle switches
- Power rear gate
- X-MODE Dual Mode System (Snow/Dirt, Deep Snow/Mud)
Limited Trim: Starts at $43,995 (+$1,450 destination fee) with an estimated 274 miles range. There are a few options over the Premium, such as:
- Harman Kardon premium audio system
- Panoramic View Monitor (360-degree view)
- Heated rear seats and a heated leather steering wheel
- 120V 1500W AC outlet in the cargo area
- Power rear gate with hands-free kick sensor
- Digital key
Touring Trim: Starts at $46,555 (+$1,450 destination fee) with an estimated 274 miles range. This grade has a few options over the Limited and Premium, like:
- Ventilated front seats
- Panoramic glass roof with motorized shade
- Digital Rear View Mirror
- Gloss Black Hood Accent
- Radiant leg heaters for driver and passenger
Trailseeker’s Small Design Details Make a Massive Difference
The front cabin is home to a ton of features that I’m particularly fond of. The 14-inch multimedia display, for example, (Subaru’s largest) is edged by a dedicated volume knob, dual-zone climate toggles, and manual vent controls. In a world where basic adjustments are often increasingly screen-dependent, there is something satisfying about just being able to wiggle a vent in the right direction while keeping your eyes on the road. It’s not only nostalgic, but more reliable, too.
Dual wireless charging pads plus the ability for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are especially appreciated, but my favorite design choice is definitely the center console storage. Unlike my Equinox EV, where the console only flips open toward the driver, making it nearly impossible for the passenger to get inside, both the Uncharted and the Trailseeker’s console opens from both sides. It’s a small detail, but it ensures both the driver and passenger have equal access, and I love that.
As an Amputee, the Driver’s Seat Was Plenty Accommodating
Now, I have a rather unique driving situation. I’m a right leg amputee, so I drive with my left leg crossed over my prosthetic right leg. This can be a real challenge in some cars and sometimes even impossible, depending on the setup.
A large center console can make it so that I can’t drive at all, so I was a bit concerned about the Trailseeker (and Uncharted) cabin. Fortunately, there was enough room for me to cross my legs and drive with no issues. Because of my unusual situation, I prefer to drive with two pedals—rather than one-pedal drive, which lets you drive mostly with the accelerator—and can be a bit sensitive if the brake and accelerator are touchy.
The Trailseeker’s pedals are smooth and well-balanced. My husband, and co-driver for the day, prefers one-pedal driving. According to him, even the highest of the 5 levels of regenerative braking is less than some other EV’s on the market.
It’s Also Packed With Smart Features to Make Off-Roading Easy
Both the Uncharted and the Trailseeker are an absolute joy to drive, and that’s because they are very, very similar. Responsive, lots of visibility, a digital rear view if you’d like (a Touring trim feature), and a suite of off-road features to assist with rough terrain like that muddy, rocky course I mentioned.
Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system uses independent front and rear electric motors for variable power distribution combined with grip control, downhill assist control, hill-start assist, and different modes for snow, dirt, and mud. As long as you’re under 25 miles an hour, you can engage X-MODE and the camera system to see the view around each wheel, the front view, your forward and side tilt, and the torque on each wheel. It’s really cool and helpful when negotiating tricky terrain.
The Trailseeker is Fit for Most Families. Is it Right for Yours?
If you need extra room for adult passengers in the back or extra trunk space, the Trailseeker should be on your must-see list. Having a prosthetic leg means that I need a little extra leg room when I’m sitting in the back. I fit fine in the back of the Uncharted, but I wouldn’t want to stay there for a long trip.
Conversely, I fit comfortably in the back of the Trailseeker, and I could see relaxing back there for a long road trip. But it’s not just the legroom that’s more spacious; the trunk is much larger too. In fact, it even has the room to hold a full-size dog crate. So, if you need space for passengers, trunk space, and towing, the Trailseeker is the clear choice over the Uncharted.
For those of us who love EV driving but also want adventure, the Trailseeker manages to capture that rugged, go-anywhere Subaru spirit while adding space, power, and accessibility. And it fits the Subaru DNA: All the capability and necessities at a price that makes sense. But seeing it on a rain-soaked course in a near-vertical tilt, one wheel spinning until traction was gained? It seemed a bit extreme, but is a perfect reminder of the adventure that could be ahead, even if most of your driving is a quick jaunt across town to pick up groceries.
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