Subaru announced the Trailseeker, a new flagship model in its electric SUV lineup, on April 16, 2025, with a planned release date in January 2026. While the new Trailseeker shares its underpinnings with the Solterra electric SUV, which also received a facelift on the same day, its body size has been enlarged, resulting in a more spacious interior and impressive performance that surpasses even the Subaru WRX sports model. Following its world debut at the New York Auto Show, anticipation is building for its detailed specifications and equipment. In this article, we thoroughly explore the appeal of the new Trailseeker, which embodies the latest technology and Subaru’s commitment to quality, covering everything from its interior and exterior design, enlarged body size, cutting-edge equipment, powerful driving performance, and advanced safety features.
More powerful exterior design
The new Trail Seeker’s exterior, based on Subaru’s latest design philosophy, commands a striking presence. Evolving from the base Solterra, it features a more powerful, adventurous look. The wheel arches, previously body-colored on the Solterra, are now black, emphasizing the vehicle’s rugged SUV image. Consistent design lines from the front to the rear create a sophisticated yet stable impression. The rear design, with the left and right taillights connected and the “SUBARU” logo positioned in the center, creates a wide, stable impression. 18-inch and 20-inch wheels are available, allowing customers to choose the wheelbase to suit their preferences. While the released images may suggest the Trail Seeker is more wagon-like than SUV-like, the angular design language inherited from the Solterra is firmly present in the Trail Seeker.
Expanded body size and living space
The new Trail Seeker’s body size has been significantly increased compared to the Solterra. Specifically, its length is 4,840mm, width 1,860mm, height 1,675mm, and wheelbase 2,850mm. This represents an increase of 150mm in length and 25mm in height compared to the Solterra’s length of 4,690mm, width 1,860mm, height 1,650mm, and wheelbase 2,850mm. The increased length and height, in particular, contribute significantly to the improvement of interior space, providing a more comfortable travel space for passengers. For reference, the body size of Subaru’s popular SUV, the Forester, is 4,655mm in length, 1,830mm in width, 1,730mm in height, and 2,670mm in wheelbase, meaning that the Trail Seeker’s length and wheelbase are even longer than the Forester’s.
Interior design and equipment incorporating the latest technology
The interior of the new Trail Seeker has evolved into a high-quality space with the latest equipment and sophisticated design. Particularly eye-catching is the large 14-inch infotainment display, the largest in a Subaru vehicle. This allows for intuitive and smart operation of various functions such as navigation, audio, and vehicle information. In addition, two wireless smartphone charging pads are standard equipment in the center console, an extremely convenient feature for users with multiple smartphones. This reduces the hassle of charging while driving and provides a more comfortable driving experience.
Newly developed powertrain and incredible driving performance
The new Trail Seeker is equipped with a newly developed, high-performance EV powertrain. The AWD model boasts a battery capacity of 74.7 kWh and a maximum output of 380 hp. This powerful power enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 96 km/h in an astonishing 4.4 seconds, far surpassing the 5.6 seconds achieved by the previous high-performance sports model, the WRX STI, and the current WRX TR, making it the fastest Subaru ever. With a range of over 418 km (US), the car is suited to a wide range of situations, from everyday use to long-distance driving. Furthermore, the Trail Seeker boasts a towing capacity of 1,590 kg, making it suitable for a variety of needs, including outdoor activities. The “X-MODE” drive mode system, a key element supporting driving performance, allows users to select the optimal driving mode for various driving conditions, such as snowy roads, rough roads, deep snow, and mud. It also comes equipped with functions such as grip control and hill descent control, which improve off-road performance and provide a sense of security to the driver.The battery is equipped with a battery preconditioning function to maintain the optimum temperature, which also contributes to shortening the quick charging time in low temperatures.
Advanced safety technology “SUBARU Safety Sense”
The new Trail Seeker also incorporates the latest safety technologies. Subaru Safety Sense, developed based on Toyota technology, now has an expanded detection range for motorcycles (daytime) in addition to vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles, helping to avoid collisions or mitigate damage in more situations. Assistance functions have been particularly strengthened at intersections, where accident rates are high. Furthermore, Proactive Driving Assist predicts potential risks, such as pedestrians crossing or jumping out into the street, and supports safe driving by supporting steering and braking operations. The vehicle is also equipped with the advanced driver assistance technology Advanced Park with Remote Function, which supports parking operations and improves convenience.
Price and market expectations
The price of the new Trail Seeker has been announced as 7.6 million yen. This is a reasonable range when you consider the larger body size, improved power output, and enhanced equipment compared to the price range of the base Solterra. The Solterra’s price range is 6.27 million yen for the FWD model ET-SS (18-inch wheels), 6.71 million yen for the AWD model ET-SS, and 7.15 million yen for the top-of-the-line AWD model ET-HS (20-inch wheels). As the new flagship model in Subaru’s electric SUV lineup, the Trail Seeker is expected to offer a new option to the market with its high performance and quality.
Release date and future prospects
The new Subaru Trail Seeker is scheduled to have its world premiere on April 16, 2025, before going on sale in January 2026. By launching this new electric vehicle model, Subaru aims to respond to the growing global demand for electric vehicles and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society. New information about the new Subaru Trail Seeker is expected to be announced in the future, and attention will continue to be focused on the details. We are very much looking forward to seeing what new value Subaru will offer to users through the Trail Seeker.
Subaru news release
https://media.subaru.com/pressrelease/2307/1/all-new-2026-subaru-solterra-ev-debuts-updated
