Subaru Australia is set to launch its second battery electric vehicle, the Trailseeker, with registrations of interest opening this Friday. The upcoming SUV promises impressive performance and off-road prowess, a hallmark of the Subaru brand.
Performance and Powertrain Details Emerge
The Trailseeker will feature an all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain generating 280 kW of power. This setup enables the electric SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 4.4 seconds, positioning it as the quickest Subaru SUV ever produced. Complementing its speed is a 74.7 kWh battery pack, supplied by CATL, which is designed to deliver an estimated range of up to 533 km.
Charging Capabilities and V2L Functionality
In line with the recently updated Solterra, the Trailseeker will support 22 kW AC charging. For faster top-ups, it will offer DC charging capabilities of up to 150 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. The 22 kW AC rate is expected to be particularly beneficial for owners with three-phase power at home or those utilizing kerbside charging infrastructure. Additionally, the vehicle will offer Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality with a 1.5 kW load rating, enabling the powering of essential equipment while the car is parked.
Off-Road DNA and Design Philosophy
Subaru is known for its robust AWD systems and elevated ground clearance, and the Trailseeker continues this tradition with 211 mm of ground clearance. Scott Lawrence, General Manager of Subaru Australia, described the Trailseeker as “the EV with personality.” He added, “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. 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.”
Market Positioning and Pricing
The introduction of the Trailseeker follows Subaru’s recent launch of the upgraded Solterra SUV in Australia, which saw improvements in charging specifications and a price reduction. The Trailseeker’s styling appears to draw closer comparisons to the popular Forrester model, potentially attracting a broader audience, including those who might otherwise opt for Subaru’s internal combustion engine lineup. In the US market, the Trailseeker is priced approximately $US1,500 above the Solterra, with a starting price of $US39,995. This suggests a potential local starting price in Australia around $67,000 before on-road costs, compared to the 2026 Subaru Solterra AWD’s current starting price of $63,990 before on-roads.
Further details regarding local specifications, pricing, and the exact arrival timeline for the EV’s Q2 launch will be announced closer to the release date.