375-HP Subaru Trailseeker Electric SUV Earns 2026 Wards 10 Best Propulsion Award
The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker arrives at U.S. dealerships as an elongated electric crossover that preserves the brand's traditional ground clearance, cargo utility, and all-wheel-drive capability while adopting a dual-motor electric powertrain that earned a 2026 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems award.
Instead of a flat-four internal combustion engine, Subaru placed an AC synchronous permanent magnet motor rated at 224 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque on each axle. Each motor sits within an integrated transaxle featuring a single-speed reduction gear and a power inverter, enabling front-to-rear and left-to-right torque splitting. The revised symmetrical all-wheel-drive system uses front and rear acceleration sensors to manage traction and includes dual-mode X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings, alongside grip control and downhill assist control.
Power comes from a 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack made of 104 cells rated at 391 volts and 191 amp-hours. Total combined output reaches 375 horsepower and 396 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Trailseeker to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and making it the quickest vehicle in Subaru's lineup.
With standard 18-inch wheels, the Trailseeker delivers 281 miles of range on a full charge and efficiency ratings of 126 MPGe city, 107 MPGe highway, and 117 MPGe combined. Stepping up to 20-inch wheels reduces range by seven miles to 274 miles, with ratings of 125/103/114 MPGe. Steering-wheel paddles control four levels of regenerative braking. During a 147-mile real-world evaluation consisting of two-thirds interstate driving and one-third city driving, the indicated range dropped from 241 miles to 104 miles, outperforming the initial estimate. The vehicle features standard battery preconditioning and a passenger-side front NACS charging port capable of accepting up to 150 kW, which charges the battery from 10% to 80% in 28 minutes. An adapter is also offered for J1772 ports.
The crossover retains 8.5 inches of ground clearance and offers up to 31.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row, expanding to 74 cubic feet with the seats folded, plus an available 120-volt AC outlet in the cargo area. Roof load capacity is 176 pounds in motion and 700 pounds when parked, while towing capacity reaches 3,500 pounds.
Despite the elimination of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit in the U.S., the base Trailseeker Premium starts at $41,445 including destination, featuring the same 375-hp powertrain. The tested Touring trim starts at $48,005 and reached $48,750 with Daybreak Blue Pearl paint ($395) and leather upholstery ($300).