Subaru of America has officially unveiled its second electric vehicle (EV), the Trailseeker EV, at the New York International Auto Show. Slated for release in the U.S. in 2026, the Trailseeker EV brings advanced off-road capabilities and a robust all-wheel-drive system, marking another step in Subaruâs transition toward fully electric vehicles. At the same time, the automaker has revealed updates to its first EV, the Solterra, which now features increased range and improved charging capabilities.
The Trailseeker EV is built to cater to the adventurous spirit typical of Subaruâs brand identity. With a design geared towards off-road enthusiasts, it comes with standard all-wheel drive and a dual-motor setup that delivers a total output of 276 kW.
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Subaruâs signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive system features a 50:50 power distribution between the front and rear axles, ensuring optimal handling and control under various conditions. The system is powered by two equally sized electric motorsâone on each axleâreplacing the mechanical center differential found in many of the brandâs combustion-powered models.
The vehicle is equipped with 8.3 inches of ground clearance, emphasizing its off-road potential. Subaru has made it clear that the name âTrailseekerâ was chosen to highlight the SUVâs âgo-anywhere attitude,â with a focus on terrain adaptability and practical usability for both passengers and cargo.
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Additionally, the Trailseeker features Subaru’s âX-Modeâ system, which allows drivers to select from multiple driving profiles to handle varying conditions, including Snow/Dirt, Deep Snow/Mud, Grip Control, and Downhill Assist Control.
The Trailseeker EV is powered by a 74.7 kWh battery mounted in the vehicle’s floor. Subaru has not clarified whether this capacity refers to the gross or usable energy, but the company expects the vehicle to achieve a range of up to 260 miles (418 km) on the U.S. EPA test cycle. The range may be slightly higher under the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) standard commonly used in Europe. For convenience, the U.S. version of the Trailseeker will be equipped with a NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging port, allowing for rapid charging capabilities at a peak rate of 150 kW.
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Battery preconditioning is a key feature of the Trailseeker, which Subaru claims will allow the EV to be ready for fast charging in both hot and cold climates. However, the company has not provided specific details on how long it will take to charge the vehicle from 10 to 80 percent. Further specifications, including pricing, will be disclosed closer to the vehicleâs market launch in early 2026.
One of the key design priorities for the Trailseeker is practicality. The model is approximately 15 centimeters longer and 2.5 centimeters taller than the Solterra, which translates into improved cargo space. To further enhance utility, the Trailseeker comes standard with roof rails and offers an optional tow hitch. The U.S. version of the vehicle will have a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds (1,580 kilograms), and a European version may be certified for towing at a capacity of around 1.6 tonnes.
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In addition to the Trailseeker EV, Subaru also presented a refreshed version of the Solterra at the New York Auto Show. The updated Solterra maintains the same 74.7 kWh battery as the previous model but now offers a greater range of up to 285 miles (458 km) according to the U.S. EPA, representing a 25 percent increase in range over the previous version. This improvement is made possible in part by the introduction of battery preconditioning, which enhances charging performance by preparing the battery for rapid charging in various temperature conditions.
The refreshed Solterra also benefits from a new charging feature, allowing for up to 150 kW of fast-charging power, using the NACS connector in North America. Subaru estimates that charging from 10 to 80 percent will take less than 35 minutes for both the updated Solterra and the Trailseeker EV.
The Solterraâs drivetrain has been upgraded as well. The base model continues to offer 171 kW, while a new variant, the Solterra XT, introduces a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with 249 kW of total power. This version is said to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) in under five seconds. Both all-wheel-drive variants of the Solterra feature an enhanced power controller that offers more flexibility in power distribution and drive force control. Additionally, the Solterra continues to offer Subaruâs X-Mode system, which is designed to optimize performance in various off-road conditions.
Aesthetically, the updated Solterra and the new Trailseeker EV share a new lighting signature exclusive to Subaruâs electric lineup. The brandâs six-star logo is now illuminated, and the headlight design incorporates six light elements, a design choice that pays homage to Subaruâs emblem. The Solterra facelift also includes a redesigned bumper, new alloy wheels, and several rear-end design tweaks.
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The Solterra was developed in collaboration with Toyota and is based on Toyotaâs e-TNGA platform. Given the similarities in their technical specifications, it is likely that the Trailseeker EV also utilizes this platform. Toyota has also recently updated the Solterraâs sister model, the bZ4X, with additional features such as battery preconditioning, although the two vehicles have slight differences in their battery and drivetrain configurations.