Subaru Trailseeker release details April 2026

The all-new Subaru Trailseeker is a different kind of electric vehicle. One defined by intelligence, inside and out.

Underneath, a high-output dual-motor system delivers instant performance, working seamlessly with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode to create the fastest and most capable all-terrain electric wagon Subaru has ever offered in Australia.

Inside, the digital environment is built around the driver. Fast, clear and immediate – a system that works as fast as you do, making every interaction feel sharp and immediate, whether you’re in traffic or chasing the horizon.

Trailseeker is a large Sport Electric Vehicle that doesn’t just perform on the road, but beyond it. Not built to follow the category; built to create its own.

With pre-orders opening now, it marks a step closer to Australians experiencing the EVolution of adventure.

Trailseeker is a Sport Electric Vehicle (SEV)

Developed with a clear purpose, Trailseeker is a Sport Electric Vehicle (SEV) – a new expression of Subaru engineering that brings together electric performance, all-terrain capability and intelligent driver confidence in a single platform. It has been purposefully designed to take Subaru’s core strengths into the electric era without compromise.

A dual-motor all-electric powertrain produces a combined 280 kW of power and delivers a 0–100 km/h sprint of approximately 4.5 seconds¹ – now delivered in a five seat all-terrain wagon with 211 mm of ground clearance² and a claimed driving range of up to 533 km³.

The performance figures, however, only tell part of the story. The dual-motor setup works in conjunction with Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the low centre of gravity afforded by the e-Subaru Global Platform. The 74.7 kWh CATL battery sits low and centrally within the structure, contributing to handling that is precise and planted rather than simply fast. Dual-mode X-Mode with a Multi-Terrain Monitor and Downhill Assist Control extend that confidence beyond sealed roads, giving the Trailseeker genuine capability across varied terrain.

150 kW DC fast-charging capability brings the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 30 minutes⁴, while an available 22 kW AC option suits customers with access to three-phase power, adding day-to-day flexibility for home or workplace charging.

Visually, the Trailseeker is a deliberate departure from the upright crossover proportions common in the electric SUV segment. The exterior is low and wide with a raked roofline, and sculpted bonnet that give it a more dynamic profile than is typical in the class. A full-width lighting signature at the front and rear, large-diameter alloy wheels and integrated roof rails reinforce its dual-purpose character as both a performance wagon and an adventure-ready SUV.

Trailseeker interior

Inside, the cabin is structured around a 14-inch infotainment high-definition touchscreen, complemented by a 7-inch LCD Multi-Information Display and flanked by physical controls for key functions, a layout that reflects a considered approach to modern in-car technology. Premium synthetic leather trim, a digital rear view mirror, dual wireless phone chargers⁵, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto connectivity⁶, and multi-colour ambient lighting are standard. The flagship AWD Touring variant adds a premium Harman Kardon® audio system, panoramic glass roof with an electric retractable sunshade, blue & black leather accented⁷ seat trim and ventilated front seats.

Intelligent safety systems

The Subaru Trailseeker integrates intelligent safety systems and driver aids to deliver elevated performance and peace of mind. Subaru Safety Sense, Subaru Vision Assist and a Driver Monitoring System (DMS)⁸ work together to support driver awareness and enhance confidence on every journey. AWD Touring variants add Advanced Park Assist⁹, featuring four Panoramic View Monitor cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors, for added convenience when parking.

All round attributes

“Trailseeker brings together attributes you rarely find in one vehicle. Genuinely quick, with the response and control of a performance car, the space and practicality of a large wagon, and the ground clearance and confidence of a true SUV. On the road it feels sharp, composed and effortless over distance – beyond it, that capability doesn’t fall away. The balance, traction and control are there to tackle back-country roads and real Australian terrain without hesitation.

“Intelligent technology is central to how it all comes together – designed and engineered the Subaru way, refined over decades, to feel intuitive and capable across varied conditions. We believe it sets a new benchmark for what an electric vehicle can be, and we’re excited to see it out on Australian roads,” said Scott Lawrence, General Manager, Subaru Australia.

The all-new Trailseeker joins the updated Solterra, and the all-new Uncharted in a Subaru electric range now united under Subaru’s Sport Electric Vehicle (SEV) category — a line-up defined not just by how its vehicles are powered, but by how they perform.

Pre-orders for the all-new Subaru Trailseeker are now open through authorised Subaru retailers nationwide and Subaru.com.au. For more information, customers can visit: https://www.subaru.com.au/trailseeker/2026.

Subaru Trailseeker Key Specifications

Trailseeker model range 

Key Features: Trailseeker AWD (entry)

Every Trailseeker AWD includes the following standard equipment:

• Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Dual electric motors — combined 280 kW
• 74.7 kWh CATL battery — up to 533 km range³
• 150 kW DC fast charging (10–80% in approx. 30 min⁴)
• 22 kW AC charging (three-phase compatible)
• 18-inch alloy wheels with wheel cap
• Dual-mode X-Mode with Downhill Assist Control
• 211 mm ground clearance²
• 14-inch infotainment high-definition touchscreen
• 7-inch LCD Multi-Information Display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto⁶
• Dual wireless phone chargers⁵
• Multi-colour ambient lighting
• Digital rear-view mirror
• Synthetic leather seat trim
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Subaru Safety Sense (latest generation)
• Subaru Vision Assist — Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Safe Exit Assist
• Multi-Terrain Monitor
• Panoramic 360-degree View Monitor
• Driver Monitoring System⁸

Key Features: Trailseeker AWD Touring (flagship)

In addition to all Trailseeker AWD features, the Touring variant adds:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic glass roof with electric retractable sunshade
• Blue & black leather accented seat trim⁷ with ventilated front seats
• Driver seat and door mirror memory function
• Advanced Park Assist⁹
• Vehicle-to-load (V2L) 220V/1500W power outlet
• Optional two-tone exterior paint finish at an additional $1,200 MLP

Manufacture’s List Price¹⁰

*Accompanying imagery indicative only. Optional premium paint shown.

** Subaru Australia reserves the right to change mechanical specification and equipment levels without notice.

Disclaimers and all the boring bits 

1. Acceleration test performed under controlled conditions.
2. Ground clearance at kerb weight.
3. Figure based on combined average city and highway cycle test under Australian Design Rule (ADR) 81/02. Range figure is based on laboratory test results only using standardised testing conditions which measure fuel consumption, energy consumption, and carbon emission (as applicable). Real world results may vary based on individual driving circumstances e.g., traffic conditions, driving style, vehicle modifications, fuel quality, climatic conditions, etc. Quoted figures may not reflect real world fuel consumption, energy consumption, and carbon emission.
4. Charging times will vary depending on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the output of the charger being used, starting battery charge, charging equipment, ambient temperature, battery state as well as the age of the battery at point of use. As a result of these factors, charging times may therefore vary significantly. Before charging your Subaru at home, consult with a licensed electrician to ensure your home electrical system can support the charging of your vehicle
5. Compatible Qi enabled and compliant device required.
6. Compatible Apple® or Android device required.
7.  Leather-accented upholstery includes leather and non-leather materials.
8. Driver Monitoring System performance and capability dependent on environmental and technical conditions. Refer to Owner’s Manual for full details.
9. The Advanced Park Assist system is designed to support the driver but has limitations in recognition accuracy and control performance. It is the driver’s responsibility to remain aware of the vehicle’s surroundings, including pedestrians and other vehicles, and drive safely. For more information, please consult the Owner’s Manual.
10. Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Ltd’s Manufacturer’s List Prices only and include GST but exclude dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges. For the drive-away price of Subaru vehicles, consumers should be advised to contact their local authorised Subaru dealer.

Subaru Trailseeker  new spare wheel kit and towbar

• Subaru’s first all-electric, all-terrain wagon becomes even more adventure-ready with the introduction of a Genuine Subaru Australia Underfloor Spare Wheel Kit and Towbar

The all-new Subaru Trailseeker Sport Electric Vehicle (SEV) is set to become even better equipped for Australian adventures, with Subaru Australia introducing a locally developed securely mounted, fully integrated Underfloor Spare Wheel Kit and, a Genuine Subaru Australia Towbar available for the vehicle.

The new accessories further enhance Trailseeker’s versatility and reinforce its position as one of the rare BEVs purposefully designed to combine everyday usability with genuine all-terrain capability.

As Subaru’s first large all-electric, all-terrain wagon, Trailseeker offers a distinctive blend of performance, practicality and adventure-ready capability. Its 280kW dual-motor powertrain delivers instant electric performance, accelerating from 0-100km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds¹, while a driving range of up to 533km² provides the confidence to tackle longer journeys. Add Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, X-Mode and 211mm of ground clearance³ and Trailseeker is built to confidently explore beyond the bitumen.

The spacious wagon body offers ample room for passengers, luggage and recreational gear, while the all-electric powertrain delivers the refinement and efficiency expected of a modern BEV. Together, these attributes help make Trailseeker a compelling option for Australians who regularly balance urban driving with regional travel, weekends away and outdoor pursuits.

Trailseeker space-saver spare wheel

Priced at $1,145, the space-saver spare wheel will neatly package beneath the cargo floor, preserving luggage capacity and everyday practicality. It can be fitted to both new customer orders and vehicles already on the road, with pre-orders now open through the Subaru Retailer network and fitment scheduled prior to Christmas 2026.

Also available for the first time is a Genuine Subaru Australia Towbar, purpose-engineered for Trailseeker and offering a braked towing capacity of 1,500kg⁵ and an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg⁵. Priced at $1,189.59 and available for pre-order now with fitment also scheduled before Christmas.

Together, the new Genuine Subaru Australia Accessories provide owners with even greater flexibility and confidence, whether towing recreational equipment, exploring regional destinations or heading off on a weekend adventure.

Blair Read, Managing Director, Inchcape Australasia, said the new accessories strengthen Trailseeker’s adventure-ready credentials.

“What we’re hearing from customers is that Trailseeker offers something genuinely different. They love the idea of an EV that still feels ready for a weekend away, a road trip or an adventure beyond the city limits.

“With up to 533km of driving range, all-wheel drive capability and now the option of a spare wheel kit and towbar, Trailseeker is even better equipped for the way Australians like to travel and live. It’s proof that Australian drivers don’t have to compromise on capability to enjoy the benefits of electric driving.”

Customers interested in learning more about all-new Trailseeker and its range of Genuine Subaru Australia Accessories are encouraged to contact their local Subaru Retailer or visit https://www.subaru.com.au/.

Disclaimers

1. Acceleration test performed under controlled conditions.
2. Range and energy consumption figures based on combined average city and highway cycle test under Australian Design Rule (ADR) 81/02. Range figure is based on laboratory test results only using standardised testing conditions. Real world results may vary based on individual driving circumstances including traffic conditions, driving style, vehicle modifications, climatic conditions and similar factors. Quoted figures may not reflect real world range or energy consumption.
3. Ground clearance at kerb weight.
4. Fitted RRP is the Recommended Retail Price. The Fitted RRP includes the price of the accessory item (excluding government stamp duty), installation (if necessary) and painting (if necessary). Government stamp duty charges will appear in the Driveaway price of the vehicle after they have been added to the vehicle.
5. Towing capacity is subject to regulatory requirements, tow bar and vehicle design and towing equipment limitations. Requires fitment of optional tow bar accessory. For Subaru variants with a towing mass greater than 2,000kgs an Electric Brake Controller must be fitted and is only capable of towing a trailer with a maximum of 2 axles. Speak with your Subaru Retailer for more information and Genuine Subaru towing accessories.

Subaru Trailseeker early information January 2026

An entirely new nameplate for the brand, Trailseeker delivers a new expression of excitement and adventure for the electric age, combined with the confidence, control and genuine all-wheel drive capability Subaru is renowned for.

Trailseeker expands Subaru’s electric SUV line-up

Following the recent launch of the refreshed 2026 Solterra, Trailseeker expands Subaru’s electric SUV line-up in Australia, offering customers a larger, even more adventure-oriented option and further broadening the brand’s Australian offering.

Producing 280 kW of maximum combined power and accelerating from 0–100 km/h in approximately 4.4 seconds, Trailseeker is set to become the fastest-accelerating production Subaru ever built. What’s more, it delivers these performance credentials without losing the all-road capability that makes Subaru so well suited to Australian conditions.

With 211mm¹ of ground clearance, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and low centre of gravity, Trailseeker brings genuine all-terrain confidence, wrapped in a dynamic, purposeful and exciting SUV design.

At the heart of Trailseeker is Subaru’s next-generation e-Subaru Global Platform, developed specifically to support higher outputs, extended driving range and enhanced all-wheel drive performance. The rigid, well-balanced architecture intelligently manages power delivery, traction and vehicle balance in real time, creating a driving experience defined by composure, assurance and control across sealed roads, rough surfaces and longer-distance journeys.

What powers the Subaru Trailseeker

Power is supplied by a 74.7 kWh CATL battery, delivering a driving range of up to 533 kilometres². With 150 kW DC fast-charging, Trailseeker can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 30 minutes³, while 22 kW three-phase AC charging and 1500 W Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability further supports versatility and everyday usability alongside its performance credentials. With a 1,500kg braked towing capacity⁴, Trailseeker reinforces its role as an electric SUV designed for real-world adventure and everyday practicality.

Dual-motor Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system

Crucially, Trailseeker remains unmistakably Subaru. Its dual-motor Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, available as standard, has been tuned by Subaru’s engineers to deliver their trademark predictable, confidence-inspiring traction across a wide range of conditions. This reinforces the brand’s long-standing focus on stability, safety and driver assurance.

With its commanding stance, high-riding confidence and intelligently managed electric performance, Trailseeker will stand as Subaru’s flagship electric SUV for Australia, blending genuine adventure-ready capability with an even more refined and exhilarating driving experience.

Scott Lawrence, General Manager of Subaru Australia, said Trailseeker represents an exciting addition to the Subaru range.

“Trailseeker is the EV with personality. As the name suggests, this is the vehicle for drivers seeking adventure, who want to enjoy an engaging performance drive. All while remaining grounded in the confidence, safety and all-terrain capability that defines Subaru’s DNA,” Mr Lawrence said.

“It shows that electric performance doesn’t have to come at the expense of confidence, control or real-world capability. The qualities our customers expect from a Subaru. And being the quickest Subaru production vehicle ever it’s a fun and engaging drive in all conditions. Trailseeker stays true to Subaru’s DNA. While opening a new chapter through electric power, offering even greater choice for our customers.”

Together with:

• the recently launched Forester featuring next-generation hybrid power,
• the significantly improved 2026 Solterra,
• and the all-new Outback and Wilderness range,
• Trailseeker further broadens an exciting range for customers to view at their local Subaru Retailer.

Customers can now register their interest in the all-new Subaru Trailseeker by visiting: www.subaru.com.au/trailseeker/2026.

Further details on specification, timing and pricing for the all-new, all-electric Subaru Trailseeker will be announced closer to launch.

*Overseas model shown in accompanying imagery.

Disclaimers

1. Ground clearance at kerb weight.
2. Figure based on combined average city and highway cycle test under Australian Design Rule (ADR) 81/02. Range figure is based on laboratory test results only. Using standardised testing conditions which measure fuel consumption, energy consumption, and carbon emission (as applicable). Real world results may vary based on individual driving circumstances. These include traffic conditions, driving style, vehicle modifications, fuel quality, climatic conditions, etc. Quoted figures may not reflect real world fuel consumption, energy consumption, and carbon emission.
3. Charging times will vary depending on a variety of factors including, but not limited to. The output of the charger being used, starting battery charge, charging equipment. Ambient temperature, battery state as well as the age of the battery at point of use. As a result of these factors, charging times may therefore vary significantly. Before charging your Subaru at home, consult with a licensed electrician. To ensure your home electrical system can support the charging of your vehicle.
4. Braked towing capacity means the maximum total weight (trailer plus load). A vehicle can safely tow when the trailer is equipped with its own functioning braking system.

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Joining the inaugural Variety Backyard Bash and marking a new chapter in one of Australia’s most iconic fundraising adventures.

The EVolution of adventure, Trailseeker carries more than 50 years of Subaru confidence and capability into the electric era.

Combining all-electric performance with

• dual-motor Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive,
• X-Mode and the versatility to explore,
• making it a fitting vehicle to mark a new chapter in Variety Bash history

Evie the Subaru Trailseeker

Wrapped in a striking custom livery that’s near impossible to miss, the all-new Trailseeker – named ‘Evie’ – will hit the road from Sunday 9 August to Friday 14 August, travelling through the heart of regional New South Wales to help Variety NSW/ACT raise vital funds for children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability.

Created as a one-year-only event, the 2026 Variety Backyard Bash reimagines the muchloved Bash by welcoming modern vehicles for the first time. The six-day journey will travel from Bella Vista to Bathurst via Mudgee, Dubbo, Griffith, Albury and Cowra, with shorter driving stages designed to give participants more time to support local businesses, connect with regional communities and deliver grants to remote and regional schools.

Each township along the Backyard Bash route is home to a Subaru retailer that has served its local community for decades. Woven into the fabric of their towns, these retailers represent the enduring connection Subaru has built across regional Australia, alongside generations of owners who rely on their vehicles every day for work, family and adventure.

Subaru has been trusted by Australians who venture beyond the city limits.

For more than 50 years, Subaru has been trusted by Australians who venture beyond the city limits. From regional roads and country tracks to mountain trails and coastal escapes, Subaru vehicles have become part of countless adventures, building a reputation for capability, confidence and the freedom to make the most of every journey.

Trailseeker carries that legacy into a new era as part of Subaru’s growing Sport Electric Vehicle (SEV) range. Combining the instant response of electric performance with more than 50 years of Subaru expertise in balance, capability and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Trailseeker delivers an electrified driving experience that remains unmistakably Subaru. Equipped with X-Mode, advanced safety technologies and the confidence to explore, it represents the EVolution of adventure for a new generation of Subaru owners.

Behind the wheel of Evie will be long-time Subaru owner and enthusiast David Gillies, who will take on the journey through regional New South Wales alongside fellow Bash participants.

David Gillies, said: “I’ve owned and driven Subarus for many years, so being able to take Trailseeker on this journey feels pretty special. There’s something fitting about a Subaru being the first BEV to tackle a Variety Bash. Because Subaru has always been a brand built around adventure and exploration. Encouraging people to get out, discover new places and make the most of every journey.

“What makes the Bash so unique is the opportunity to connect with communities along the way. And see firsthand the difference Variety makes for children and families across Australia. I’m excited to have Trailseeker along for the journey. And to experience those moments with fellow Bashers, knowing we’re helping make a positive impact along the way.”

First BEV to join a Variety Bash

As the first BEV to join a Variety Bash, Evie represents more than a motoring milestone. It reflects a shared belief between Subaru Australia and Variety. That the greatest journeys are those that bring people together. Strengthen communities and leave a positive impact long after the road ends.

Tony Warner, CEO of Variety NSW/ACT, said.  “Welcoming the Subaru Trailseeker as the first BEV to join a Variety Bash is a significant milestone. That reflects how our motoring events are always embracing new ideas. While staying true to our purpose of connecting with regional communities and supporting kids in need.”

Supporters can follow Evie’s journey and help Variety NSW/ACT continue its life-changing work. By donating via the official fundraising page: https://fundraise.varietynswact.org.au/fundraisers/evie.

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A few hard runs up and down the east coast out of Sydney tell you quickly whether a car is a relaxed long-hauler or a chore, and this one had me reaching for the keys.

It lands in the busy mid-to-large electric SUV class, up against the Kia EV5, the Tesla Model Y and Toyota’s own bZ4X, with which it quietly shares some DNA. Where that segment long ago decided every electric SUV should be a tall, upright crossover, the Trailseeker goes the other way. It is long, low and wide, a proper wagon, and it’s all the better for it. At $63,990 before on-road costs, or about $69,000 drive-away depending on your state, it undercuts the performance it delivers by a comfortable margin.

Subaru Trailseeker Video review

What does the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker look like?

The best angle is the side. In a market awash with identical upright crossovers, a long, low electric wagon genuinely stops you, simply because you barely see the shape anymore. The sculpted bonnet, the raked roofline and the near full-width rear light bar give it a presence that reads as expensive, and the wide track makes it look planted before it has turned a wheel. Subaru offers it in six colours, and to my eye it looks best in Crystal White Pearl or one of the blues. The base AWD rides on 18-inch alloys rather than the Touring’s 20s, and they suit it fine. I drove both at the launch and barely felt the difference, so there is no need to covet the bigger wheels.

What is the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker like inside?

The cabin is the part that quietly justifies the price. It’s modern and calm, with a 14-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital driver’s display and a refreshingly clutter-free layout, and crucially Subaru has kept physical controls for the things you actually use, like climate, volume and the drive modes. The materials feel a clear notch above the money. I will admit the high-set driver’s display and the squared-off steering wheel put me off on day one, but they clicked within a week. The flat top of the wheel and the raised display mean you glance down a fraction from the road rather than peering through the rim at the speedo, the way you do in so many cars, and the flat bottom makes it far easier for a taller driver to fold in without knocking the wheel on the way past.

Storage

Up front there is a deep centre console box, a pair of cup holders, big door bins with bottle holders and, the detail I ended up loving most, dual wireless chargers that physically grip the phone. It sounds like a gimmick until you take a roundabout with enthusiasm and your phone has not catapulted into the footwell. Two USB-C ports up front keep the rest of the family powered.

Rear seat and boot space

The flat-floor EV platform pays off in the back. There is no transmission tunnel, so the centre seat gets a proper footwell, and the rear is genuinely adult-friendly for the class. Rear passengers get their own vents, two more USB-C ports and heated outboard seats, which is generous on the base car. The boot is a usable, level 609 litres with the seats up, and folding the 60/40 split rear bench opens up a long, near-flat load bay. Subaru has not published a seats-down figure, but I loaded the Trailseeker up over the week and never once found it wanting.

Technology and connectivity

The 14-inch screen runs wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, sat-nav, DAB+ digital radio and Bluetooth, and it is quick and bright enough in daylight. The 7-inch instrument display ahead of the driver keeps the speed, range and drive mode clean and fast to read. A digital rear-view mirror swaps the reflection for a camera feed, so a full boot or a head in the back never blocks the view rearward. The base AWD gets a six-speaker system rather than the Touring’s Harman Kardon setup, which is the one obvious place Subaru reminds you which variant you are in. My honest niggles all live in here too. The reverse beep is relentless, you cannot dig into vehicle settings while CarPlay or Android Auto is mirroring, and the audio tuning is buried deeper in the menus than it should be.

One-Touch Features

• Grip Control crawl: an X-Mode trick that holds a steady 2 to 10km/h over rough ground, so you steer and it manages the rest.
• Hands-free power tailgate: a kick under the bumper opens the boot when both arms are full.
• Magnetic wireless chargers: two pads that actually hold the phone in place through a corner.

Engine and drivetrain

Under the skin sit two permanent-magnet synchronous motors, one on each axle, making 167kW apiece for a combined 280kW. That is the headline: more power than a WRX, in a family wagon. The 74.7kWh CATL battery is mounted low in the e-Subaru Global Platform floor, and it feeds Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, here in dual-motor electric form with a predictive torque system working away in the background. Charging is handled over CCS2 at up to 150kW DC, which takes the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes, a figure that held up accurately the couple of times I fast-charged it. AC charging runs at 7kW on single-phase or 22kW on three-phase. One opportunistic top-up summed up EV ownership nicely: I plugged in at the shops, did half an hour of groceries, and came back to a healthy charge, 52.57kWh for $39.42 on a premium public rate.

What’s the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker like to drive?

This is where it wins you over. You can absolutely feel the 280kW. Slot it into Power mode and it is properly quick off the line, with a snappy, instant response at low speed that never gets old in traffic. Eco mode softens the throttle noticeably without ever feeling sluggish, and you can sense the car change character between the two. What surprised me most was the body control. We took these to a racetrack at the launch, and a tall two-tonne wagon has no business cornering this flat, yet there was no roll worth mentioning, the low-slung battery doing exactly what physics promises.

The steering is light but informative, so you still feel the road, and the safety systems are present without being naggy, which is rarer than it should be. Off the tarmac it simply cruises over the bumps, and X-Mode with its added Grip Control is genuinely useful rather than a brochure line. On the launch I got a lap alongside Dakar champion Toby Price, who reckoned it put a smile on his face. Having driven it on road and off, I cannot argue. The one flat note is the regen braking. Even on its strongest setting it’s gentler than rivals, so there is no true one-pedal feel. I ended up running it off, where it coasts freely, or on one bar, where it slows just enough to feel like it is in gear.

Safety features

The Trailseeker carries a 5-star ANCAP rating, awarded off testing of the closely related European Subaru. Subaru Safety Sense is standard across the range, and on the road the assistance systems strike a sensible balance, helping without hectoring. Highlights include:

• Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist.
• Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Safe Exit Assist.
• A Panoramic 360 Degree View Monitor, Front View Monitor and front and rear parking sensors.
• A Driver Monitor System for distraction and drowsiness, plus seven airbags including a front centre bag.

Owner benefits

Ownership is where Subaru quietly makes its case. The Trailseeker comes with a 5-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, an 8-year or 160,000km warranty on the high-voltage battery, and 12 months of roadside assistance. Servicing is the kicker. Visits fall every 12 months or 15,000km, and the five capped-price services over the program total just $984.18, or under $200 a year. For an electric car that is barely more than the cost of keeping the tyres in good nick.

Final thoughts

The Trailseeker is the rare car that refuses to make you choose. It is the fastest Subaru ever sold here, it handles like something far smaller and lighter, it will tackle a dirt road without flinching, and it still swallows a family and their gear with 533km of range and pocket-money servicing. Who is it for?, it’s for the person who enjoys a fun car but is burdened by the practicalities of life. This fills that gap while still putting a smile on your face. Its closest rival is the Kia EV5, and against it the Trailseeker is the driver’s choice. If your only metric is space-per-dollar you might find rivals roomier, and the regen and a couple of interface quirks stop it being perfect, but I would happily own one. That is about the highest praise I hand out.

2026 Subaru Trailseeker AWD — Frequently Asked Questions

How far does the Subaru Trailseeker AWD go on a charge?
The Trailseeker AWD is rated at up to 533km on the WLTP cycle from its 74.7kWh battery. In the real world I saw closer to 300km-plus when I leaned on it, with energy use ranging from about 18.4kWh/100km around town to 24.5kWh/100km at highway speeds. Counter-intuitively, the cheaper AWD out-ranges the dearer Touring, which drops to 488km on its larger 20-inch wheels.

How much does the Subaru Trailseeker cost in Australia?
The Trailseeker AWD starts at $63,990 before on-road costs, or roughly $69,000 drive-away depending on your state. The flagship Trailseeker AWD Touring is $69,990 before on-roads. Premium paint adds $660, and Subaru cut the launch pricing in May 2026, so it is sharper now than it first arrived.

Is the Subaru Trailseeker worth buying?
If you want the driver’s pick of the mid-to-large electric SUV class, yes. It is the fastest Subaru ever sold here, it stays flat and composed for a two-tonne wagon, it has a genuine off-road mode and 211mm of clearance, and it looks and feels like a $70,000 to $80,000 car for $63,990. The regen braking is mild and a few interface quirks grate, but none of it’s a dealbreaker.

What should I cross-shop against the Subaru Trailseeker?
The closest rival is the Kia EV5, with the Tesla Model Y, Toyota bZ4X Touring and Kia EV6 also in the mix, plus the petrol Subaru Outback for the brand faithful. The Trailseeker is the more driver-focused choice of that group.

For the latest pricing and to book a test drive, visit Subaru Australia.

2026 Subaru Trailseeker AWD — Buyers could also look at:

• Kia EV5 Standard Range 2025 Review
• Hyundai IONIQ 5 2026 Review
• Nissan Ariya 2025 Review
• Xpeng G6 Long Range 2025 Review

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