Trailseeker is Subaru’s second fully electric model

Subaru isn’t particularly prominent in the fully electric vehicle segment, having only had one model – the Solterra – since 2021. That model too is co-developed with Toyota which has its own version (Toyota bZ4X) and most of the hardware and Toyota’s e-TNGA and platform are shared.

Now comes the Trailseeker which was presented at the 2025 New York International Auto Show this week. -This second fully electric model from the automaker also shares hardware with Toyota and Lexus models but has more input from Subaru.

Made in Japan by Subaru
Notably, unlike the Solterra which is built at a Toyota factory, the Trailseeker is built at Subaru’s own factory in Japan.

Larger than Solterra
Larger than the Solterra, the Trailseeker has an interior design with a clean, horizontal theme throughout the instrument panel, creating a comfortable, open design that gives the impression of spaciousness.

Powered by a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion high-capacity battery, the Trailseeker has a claimed range of about 420 kms with a fully charged pack. It comes with high-output motors at the front and rear which generate a combined output of 276 kW (375 ps).

Quickest, most powerful Subaru
Subaru has not revealed the torque level but the power output makes the Trailseeker the most powerful production model ever offered by the automaker, beating the S209’s 341 ps. The crossover EV is also the quickest production Subaru as it has a claimed 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) time of 4.3 seconds.

The driving dynamics of the Trailseeker have been tuned by Subaru engineers and with the unique suspension and all-wheel-drive system, straight-line stability and control are optimised for various surfaces. Although the acceleration is certainly quick, the focus of the tuning for this model is said to be more for off-road motoring,

Production starts in 2026
Production of the model will start only in 2026 so there is time to see how the tariff issue turns out. Obviously, if the tariffs imposed remain at the 25% level (as set by President Trump since April 3), the price of the Trailseeker from Japan would be unattractive.

Subaru does have a factory in America making models such as the Ascent, Outback, Legacy, and Impreza so it could add the Trailseeker as well. However, being an EV, that would require some additional investment to prepare the factory for an electrified model.

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