Subaru Australia is expanding its electric vehicle (EV) lineup with the upcoming Trailseeker, a mid-size electric SUV set to arrive between April and June 2026. Positioned as a battery-powered alternative to the long-running Outback, the Trailseeker reflects growing demand in Australia for practical, all-wheel-drive EVs suited to both urban commuting and regional touring.
Pricing and market positioning in Australia
Pre-orders for the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker are now open, with pricing slightly above its petrol-powered counterpart. This places it squarely within Australia’s increasingly competitive mid-size EV segment.
Trailseeker pricing (before on-road costs)
- Trailseeker AWD — $67,990
- Trailseeker AWD Touring — $73,990
By comparison, the petrol Subaru Outback range tops out at $62,490 in Wilderness Apex specification. The related Subaru Solterra EV is priced between $63,990 and $69,990, positioning the Trailseeker as a more premium, lifestyle-focused option.
The Trailseeker is closely related to the Solterra but adopts a more rugged, wagon-inspired design. In Europe, it is marketed as the E-Outback, highlighting its alignment with Subaru’s established touring DNA.
Electric platform and performance
Built in collaboration with Toyota, the Trailseeker shares its underpinnings with several EVs, including Toyota’s bZ4X Touring. This joint development reflects a broader industry trend towards shared EV architectures to reduce costs and accelerate rollout.
Key drivetrain and battery specifications
- Dual electric motors (all-wheel drive)
- 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery (CATL-supplied)
- Combined output: 334kW and 536Nm
- 0–100km/h (claimed): 4.5 seconds
Efficiency and driving range (WLTP)
- AWD: 533km range, 15.4kWh/100km
- AWD Touring: 488km range, 16.8kWh/100km
These figures place the Trailseeker competitively against rivals in Australia’s EV market, where range anxiety remains a key consideration for buyers, particularly outside metropolitan areas.
Charging capabilities
- 7kW AC (single-phase): ~12 hours (full charge)
- 11kW AC (three-phase): ~4 hours
- 150kW DC fast charging: 10–80% in ~30 minutes
Dimensions and practicality
The Trailseeker has been designed with Australian lifestyles in mind, balancing off-road capability with family-friendly practicality.
Exterior dimensions
- Length: 4845mm
- Width: 1860mm
- Height: 1675mm
- Wheelbase: 2850mm
- Ground clearance: 211mm
It is slightly shorter and narrower than the Outback but benefits from a longer wheelbase, improving cabin space.
Cargo capacity
- AWD: 609L
- AWD Touring: 595L
This exceeds the Outback’s 530L boot space, making it well suited to road trips, camping gear, or everyday family use.
Warranty and servicing in Australia
Subaru backs the Trailseeker with a warranty package aligned with industry standards:
- 5-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty
- 8-year/160,000km battery warranty
- 12 months roadside assistance
Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, with capped-price servicing available for five years or 75,000km. Costs remain relatively modest, reflecting lower maintenance requirements typical of EVs.
Safety and driver assistance features
The Trailseeker is yet to receive ANCAP or Euro NCAP ratings, but it comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies expected in this segment.
Standard safety features include:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane tracing assist (lane centring)
- Emergency steering assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Surround-view camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Driver monitoring system
- Multiple airbags, including front-centre airbag
These features align with Australian consumer expectations, particularly as safety ratings remain a major factor in purchasing decisions.
Standard equipment and features
The Trailseeker range consists of two variants: AWD and AWD Touring.
Trailseeker AWD highlights
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Dual-zone climate control
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Two wireless phone chargers
AWD Touring adds:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Panoramic glass roof
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability (220V/1500W outlet)
- Ventilated front seats
- Harman Kardon 10-speaker audio system
The inclusion of V2L functionality is particularly relevant for Australian buyers who engage in outdoor activities such as camping, allowing the vehicle to power appliances directly.
Colours and interior options
The Trailseeker AWD features a black interior, while the Touring variant adds a blue-and-black combination for a more premium feel.
Standard exterior paint is Crystal White Pearl, with several optional finishes available, including metallic and two-tone combinations exclusive to the Touring model.
Conclusion: a strategic step in Subaru’s EV rollout
The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker represents a significant addition to Subaru Australia’s electrification strategy. Combining familiar Outback-inspired design with modern EV technology, it aims to appeal to buyers seeking versatility, performance and practicality in a single package.
With competitive range figures, strong standard equipment and pricing aligned with the upper end of the segment, the Trailseeker is positioned to become a key player as Australia’s EV market continues to mature.
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