2026 Subaru Trailseeker Review - The E-Outback By Any Name Smells Just As Sweet
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Date: 2026-03-07
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Comments and reviews: 20
brettatenciorn8522
I currently have a 2025 Solterra and I can tell you I do not like any of the Toyota features like the interior, exterior and navigation system. There are so many things I do not like but I will just mention a few. I really miss the eyesight system I have had some close calls and weird things happen with Toyota's system like trying to follow an off ramp or driveway instead of going strait as well as trying to lock on to a large vehicle in front but off to the side with the car trying to slow down even though there is nothing ahead in my lane. I really dislike the exterior trim black plastic boogers hanging down on both rear corners it's gross, only Toyota does boogers on many models. I do not like the door arm rest on long trips as it is not supportive and my arm is only a quarter on it I am 5ft 11in. I dislike the heads up info screens icons numbers and images are way too small and random as well as the screen on the left keeps getting moved around to accommodate warnings messages which there are a lot of pointless ones that just distract from driving wondering where to look for the constantly moving info you want. Oh and the steering wheel controls are from hunger, they have no tactile unique feel to them so you cannot intuitively find them in the dark by feel or touch like in a Suby. I also want to know visually and statistically all of what is going on with the electrical system when using and charging, like in a Fiat 500e which shows you way more useful electrical information as well as having nifty volume buttons on the back of the steering wheel a delight to use, also I want to see how much charge the car has when I open the door and not have to get all the way in and turn the thing all the way on to see it. Ok last one I will mention even though there are more, it is infuriating that I have nowhere on any display the information of what day, date and time it is so that when I am talking on the phone wanting to make an appointment with someone I cannot lookup the info to make a decision. Anyway I really want an Eoutback but I am waiting for the second year to give Suby time to work the bugs out as I made that mistake before with the first year 2004 Sti. I will never do that again.
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I currently have a 2025 Solterra and I can tell you I do not like any of the Toyota features like the interior, exterior and navigation system. There are so many things I do not like but I will just mention a few. I really miss the eyesight system I have had some close calls and weird things happen with Toyota's system like trying to follow an off ramp or driveway instead of going strait as well as trying to lock on to a large vehicle in front but off to the side with the car trying to slow down even though there is nothing ahead in my lane. I really dislike the exterior trim black plastic boogers hanging down on both rear corners it's gross, only Toyota does boogers on many models. I do not like the door arm rest on long trips as it is not supportive and my arm is only a quarter on it I am 5ft 11in. I dislike the heads up info screens icons numbers and images are way too small and random as well as the screen on the left keeps getting moved around to accommodate warnings messages which there are a lot of pointless ones that just distract from driving wondering where to look for the constantly moving info you want. Oh and the steering wheel controls are from hunger, they have no tactile unique feel to them so you cannot intuitively find them in the dark by feel or touch like in a Suby. I also want to know visually and statistically all of what is going on with the electrical system when using and charging, like in a Fiat 500e which shows you way more useful electrical information as well as having nifty volume buttons on the back of the steering wheel a delight to use, also I want to see how much charge the car has when I open the door and not have to get all the way in and turn the thing all the way on to see it. Ok last one I will mention even though there are more, it is infuriating that I have nowhere on any display the information of what day, date and time it is so that when I am talking on the phone wanting to make an appointment with someone I cannot lookup the info to make a decision. Anyway I really want an Eoutback but I am waiting for the second year to give Suby time to work the bugs out as I made that mistake before with the first year 2004 Sti. I will never do that again.
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mjhowson2389
The 10-80% Level 3 charge time is a useless metric. If one vehicle can travel 250 miles max, and another 450 miles, and they both need 25 minutes to go from 10-80%. So what In the real world, how many people pull into a Level 3 charger at 10% and wait to get to 80% I’d argue it’s rare. Maybe only for super long 1, 000 mile trips. When I road tip, I charge long enough to get me the miles I need to get to my next stop with enough left over. I’ve never had to do a 10-80% charge at a Level 3. I usually pull in with 20-30% and leave with 65-70%. It always varies based on charger locations, etc.
I wish the industry would switch to these two metrics, which I feel are much more useful in the real world. And also allows more of an apples to apples comparison between vehicles.
1. Miles added in 15 minutes from 15% at Level 3. Call it the 15/15 Test. I think this reflects the more common road trip stop. Enough time for a snack and bathroom break. How many miles will you add
2. Time to go from 10-80% on Level 2 home charging. This is where the 10/80 metric makes more sense. I often hear 0-100% at Level 2, but again, you rarely arrive home at 0%.
Thoughts
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The 10-80% Level 3 charge time is a useless metric. If one vehicle can travel 250 miles max, and another 450 miles, and they both need 25 minutes to go from 10-80%. So what In the real world, how many people pull into a Level 3 charger at 10% and wait to get to 80% I’d argue it’s rare. Maybe only for super long 1, 000 mile trips. When I road tip, I charge long enough to get me the miles I need to get to my next stop with enough left over. I’ve never had to do a 10-80% charge at a Level 3. I usually pull in with 20-30% and leave with 65-70%. It always varies based on charger locations, etc.
I wish the industry would switch to these two metrics, which I feel are much more useful in the real world. And also allows more of an apples to apples comparison between vehicles.
1. Miles added in 15 minutes from 15% at Level 3. Call it the 15/15 Test. I think this reflects the more common road trip stop. Enough time for a snack and bathroom break. How many miles will you add
2. Time to go from 10-80% on Level 2 home charging. This is where the 10/80 metric makes more sense. I often hear 0-100% at Level 2, but again, you rarely arrive home at 0%.
Thoughts
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jonatamaniuk
This one I do like quite a bit. If I'm buying an SUV (electric or otherwise, I am buying it for the additional ground clearance. I want to be able to know I'm for sure gonna clear things, especially when I go off paved road onto cottage side roads and such. Yes, the regular car height of the Ioniq 5 / EV6 would be okay, but. I want more height.
Also, as someone who has to stop every 2-3 hours on the highway anyway because we've got a toddler who needs to stretch her legs every so often, I'm usually stopping for at least 20-30 minutes anyways each time. I need the break, so does everyone else in the car. I'm not bothered by the wait, though I understand those who want to be able to just fuel up / charge up in 5 minutes and be good to go again, I used to be one of those people for quite some time. Me, I'd go with this OR an EV Ascent should that ever rear its head - less unlikely since Toyota did just announce the Highlander EV.
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This one I do like quite a bit. If I'm buying an SUV (electric or otherwise, I am buying it for the additional ground clearance. I want to be able to know I'm for sure gonna clear things, especially when I go off paved road onto cottage side roads and such. Yes, the regular car height of the Ioniq 5 / EV6 would be okay, but. I want more height.
Also, as someone who has to stop every 2-3 hours on the highway anyway because we've got a toddler who needs to stretch her legs every so often, I'm usually stopping for at least 20-30 minutes anyways each time. I need the break, so does everyone else in the car. I'm not bothered by the wait, though I understand those who want to be able to just fuel up / charge up in 5 minutes and be good to go again, I used to be one of those people for quite some time. Me, I'd go with this OR an EV Ascent should that ever rear its head - less unlikely since Toyota did just announce the Highlander EV.
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AnalogKensho
I agree that this needs 350 miles of range to be seriously considered as an adventure vehicle. I don’t include the top and bottom 10% of the battery in such a scenario, not to mention the range lost from loading gear on the roof, running HVAC, and plugging gear into that outlet. I just don’t think I’d feel comfortable heading out to remote areas that might be 50-75 miles from the nearest charger with only a couple hundred miles of usable range.
I also think it was silly to put 20 wheels on the mid level trim with adventure features like the 1500W outlet and panoramic camera system. If I did go with one of these I’d probably choose the lowest trim BZ Woodland to get the smaller wheels and avoid the steering squirckle.
Maybe I’m just being grumpy - range aside, I think it is a very compelling package for my needs.
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I agree that this needs 350 miles of range to be seriously considered as an adventure vehicle. I don’t include the top and bottom 10% of the battery in such a scenario, not to mention the range lost from loading gear on the roof, running HVAC, and plugging gear into that outlet. I just don’t think I’d feel comfortable heading out to remote areas that might be 50-75 miles from the nearest charger with only a couple hundred miles of usable range.
I also think it was silly to put 20 wheels on the mid level trim with adventure features like the 1500W outlet and panoramic camera system. If I did go with one of these I’d probably choose the lowest trim BZ Woodland to get the smaller wheels and avoid the steering squirckle.
Maybe I’m just being grumpy - range aside, I think it is a very compelling package for my needs.
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james2042
I would absolutely KILL for the return of the 3. 6 in the Subaru lineup. Like I would buy an ascent tomorrow if it had the H6. Still absolutely refuse to buy a turbocharged vehicle. I'm not a boy racer trying to be cool. Gas turbos have no place in non performance cars. This is why hybrids like toyotas or Honda's are my go to. Tried and true, low stress, naturally aspirated 4 cylinders that run hundreds of thousands of miles basically issue free with just routine maintenance. Compare that to a Kia hybrid and that 1. 6 turbo is lucky if it survives the warranty period. Its why I like the TX phev, V6 phev without a turbo that still gets 400hp.
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I would absolutely KILL for the return of the 3. 6 in the Subaru lineup. Like I would buy an ascent tomorrow if it had the H6. Still absolutely refuse to buy a turbocharged vehicle. I'm not a boy racer trying to be cool. Gas turbos have no place in non performance cars. This is why hybrids like toyotas or Honda's are my go to. Tried and true, low stress, naturally aspirated 4 cylinders that run hundreds of thousands of miles basically issue free with just routine maintenance. Compare that to a Kia hybrid and that 1. 6 turbo is lucky if it survives the warranty period. Its why I like the TX phev, V6 phev without a turbo that still gets 400hp.
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shehandesilva7530
Loving the blue interior and seats! We need more colorful cars! Also understand the complexities/differences in their various model lineups - but definitely odd that the modern electric product doesn't have the hands free autonomous driving capability that their regular refreshed product is able to have. P. s. - with this being an EV only architecture of course it makes sense that this will never be a PHEV. but imagine if they could throw an i3 style REX under the load floor in the trunk to satisfy those people who want unlimited range, which especially for something marketed as an adventure/roadtrip vehicle could be really awesome.
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Loving the blue interior and seats! We need more colorful cars! Also understand the complexities/differences in their various model lineups - but definitely odd that the modern electric product doesn't have the hands free autonomous driving capability that their regular refreshed product is able to have. P. s. - with this being an EV only architecture of course it makes sense that this will never be a PHEV. but imagine if they could throw an i3 style REX under the load floor in the trunk to satisfy those people who want unlimited range, which especially for something marketed as an adventure/roadtrip vehicle could be really awesome.
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We-R-Modern
To get 350 miles out the 3. 8 kw/mi efficiency this has - that would require about a 25% larger battery - the added cost would probably make much less competitive. I'm sure Toyota & Subaru want to limit their losses - these aren't going to be profitable for them. Toyota already has thousands off and it's just came out. Range & charging speeds aren't an issue for most people, especially daily - that critique needs to die.
While I think it's missing some things I've become accustomed to (actual route planning, sentry mode, dog mode, OTAs and especially FSD) I think Toyobaru did a really nice job with this and the CH-R/Uncharted.
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To get 350 miles out the 3. 8 kw/mi efficiency this has - that would require about a 25% larger battery - the added cost would probably make much less competitive. I'm sure Toyota & Subaru want to limit their losses - these aren't going to be profitable for them. Toyota already has thousands off and it's just came out. Range & charging speeds aren't an issue for most people, especially daily - that critique needs to die.
While I think it's missing some things I've become accustomed to (actual route planning, sentry mode, dog mode, OTAs and especially FSD) I think Toyobaru did a really nice job with this and the CH-R/Uncharted.
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gregpalmer9949
I think it is OK to not include a spare, but I think it should have room for a skinny spare or an inflatable spare. I wish the sun roof was optional on the top trim. Perhaps Toyota figures that in 2 or 3 years that a newer battery with much more range will fit in the same battery compartment and this is good enough for today. I think it is good enough, it is clearly better than all of the competition for normal drivers. It has everything on my list to replace my old EV.
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I think it is OK to not include a spare, but I think it should have room for a skinny spare or an inflatable spare. I wish the sun roof was optional on the top trim. Perhaps Toyota figures that in 2 or 3 years that a newer battery with much more range will fit in the same battery compartment and this is good enough for today. I think it is good enough, it is clearly better than all of the competition for normal drivers. It has everything on my list to replace my old EV.
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infernovideo
Thanks for the review. I agree about the battery and charging. It need a bigger battery or much quicker charging to get me to buy. I left the brand 3 years ago to go electric and this doesn't have enough to get me back. Once they fix the battery size or charging speed and update the instrument cluster to match the Highlander EV or Outback in capability and looks, plus put the spare tire back, I'd be taking one for a test drive. Even without charging route planning.
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Thanks for the review. I agree about the battery and charging. It need a bigger battery or much quicker charging to get me to buy. I left the brand 3 years ago to go electric and this doesn't have enough to get me back. Once they fix the battery size or charging speed and update the instrument cluster to match the Highlander EV or Outback in capability and looks, plus put the spare tire back, I'd be taking one for a test drive. Even without charging route planning.
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gibblespascack1418
Question about space, could a spare fit in that lower section of the back area There is a lot of space there, along with a lot of foam waste space. Does Subaru make a skinny spare for regular cars This trailseeker can also move the stuff that a working person might need to move. You could put a lot in it and you could put 4x8 sheets of stuff on top of it. The other EVs, you can not do that, so this is in a segment of its own.
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Question about space, could a spare fit in that lower section of the back area There is a lot of space there, along with a lot of foam waste space. Does Subaru make a skinny spare for regular cars This trailseeker can also move the stuff that a working person might need to move. You could put a lot in it and you could put 4x8 sheets of stuff on top of it. The other EVs, you can not do that, so this is in a segment of its own.
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doublepenn5732
I'm on my third and last outback. Tbh, my last Subaru. I don't have a replacement in mind. Fit and finish is not the same, phantom rattle, heat shield fell off, not covered under warranty, horn stopped working, not covered under warranty. My 07 manual is still out there and running better, I sold it to my coworker, he sold it to his brother in law, he just recently gave it to his kid. Subaru is not worth the premium anymore.
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I'm on my third and last outback. Tbh, my last Subaru. I don't have a replacement in mind. Fit and finish is not the same, phantom rattle, heat shield fell off, not covered under warranty, horn stopped working, not covered under warranty. My 07 manual is still out there and running better, I sold it to my coworker, he sold it to his brother in law, he just recently gave it to his kid. Subaru is not worth the premium anymore.
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EPeltzer
This would be pretty much my ideal vehicle but for one thing, the range. This is not theoretical, I have an EV now with 275 mi range and it's just really borderline. I just can't see buying a new one with the same limited range. Love the fact that Toyota/ Subaru are improving their models in the EV ranges more quickly. Sure hoping that by the time I'm back in the market in early '28 a 350 mi range will become more of the standard.
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This would be pretty much my ideal vehicle but for one thing, the range. This is not theoretical, I have an EV now with 275 mi range and it's just really borderline. I just can't see buying a new one with the same limited range. Love the fact that Toyota/ Subaru are improving their models in the EV ranges more quickly. Sure hoping that by the time I'm back in the market in early '28 a 350 mi range will become more of the standard.
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Zhenocnra
I agree. This is a great addition to Subaru's line up but there are plenty of areas where Subaru can improve this Trailseeker. A bigger battery, more space efficiency, and better charging specs are what I would want to see in a Forester EV. Not sure an Ascent EV would be great but since the Highlander is EV now, I think we can all assume the Ascent EV is next for Subaru, not the Forester EV (for now.
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I agree. This is a great addition to Subaru's line up but there are plenty of areas where Subaru can improve this Trailseeker. A bigger battery, more space efficiency, and better charging specs are what I would want to see in a Forester EV. Not sure an Ascent EV would be great but since the Highlander is EV now, I think we can all assume the Ascent EV is next for Subaru, not the Forester EV (for now.
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marcymcsheehan3579
For it being a completely designed from the ground up Subaru EV. It sure looks exactly like the Toyota on the inside.
If only they could take the Outback interior, and place that into the Trailseeker.
That would make it the best Subaru offering.
Unfortunately, the outside on the new Outback is awful, and the inside on the trailseeker is average at best.
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For it being a completely designed from the ground up Subaru EV. It sure looks exactly like the Toyota on the inside.
If only they could take the Outback interior, and place that into the Trailseeker.
That would make it the best Subaru offering.
Unfortunately, the outside on the new Outback is awful, and the inside on the trailseeker is average at best.
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acsmoothing2262
I think some comparisons you should include are the offroad-y trims of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT and the Ford Mach-E Rally. Would be good to hear you compare those on price, ground clearance, and range. I know that they are a little smaller and more hatchback body shaped, but they are still EVs and lifted with off road pretensions. Seems like an apt comparison.
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I think some comparisons you should include are the offroad-y trims of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT and the Ford Mach-E Rally. Would be good to hear you compare those on price, ground clearance, and range. I know that they are a little smaller and more hatchback body shaped, but they are still EVs and lifted with off road pretensions. Seems like an apt comparison.
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CarlSlabicki
Thanks for a great review > keep this up.
Like the style wagon car like (25 Outback and before) not like the 26 Outback very square and boxy looks like a truck or SUV (Explorer / Tahoe
Yes - more mile on battery Would not buy anything less than 350 / also lost of a spare is real concerning / also cannot accept the dashboard not traditional looking
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Thanks for a great review > keep this up.
Like the style wagon car like (25 Outback and before) not like the 26 Outback very square and boxy looks like a truck or SUV (Explorer / Tahoe
Yes - more mile on battery Would not buy anything less than 350 / also lost of a spare is real concerning / also cannot accept the dashboard not traditional looking
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stefanfalldorf6573
I realy like the whole styling of the Trailseeker and the offroad capability. But there are some downs. No frunk, only 150kw and 28 minutes from 10 - 80% is so 2020, no complete rekuperation and no V2L are realy week for a brand new car. I would rather go for the Leapmotor C10 AWD for less money, faster charging, more power and a frunk.
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I realy like the whole styling of the Trailseeker and the offroad capability. But there are some downs. No frunk, only 150kw and 28 minutes from 10 - 80% is so 2020, no complete rekuperation and no V2L are realy week for a brand new car. I would rather go for the Leapmotor C10 AWD for less money, faster charging, more power and a frunk.
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StoneAgeBiz
Always happy for another competitive EV. Fortunately, few people seek trails in their SUVs. Can you imagine what would happen to our parks & wild areas if millions of SUVs were racing up and down their trails Way better that all those SUVs are stuck in traffic. Their owners can only dream about racing up to Alex's mountain fortress. :)
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Always happy for another competitive EV. Fortunately, few people seek trails in their SUVs. Can you imagine what would happen to our parks & wild areas if millions of SUVs were racing up and down their trails Way better that all those SUVs are stuck in traffic. Their owners can only dream about racing up to Alex's mountain fortress. :)
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jeremy5491
This is the first car I've ever pre-ordered without seeing it. I've been a Subaru driver for a long time, and this ticks all the right boxes for me for an EV. I don't need a ton of range. I just need to drive through snow in Colorado and go to (and back from) Costco. May have to rethink the tires I get with it though it appears.
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This is the first car I've ever pre-ordered without seeing it. I've been a Subaru driver for a long time, and this ticks all the right boxes for me for an EV. I don't need a ton of range. I just need to drive through snow in Colorado and go to (and back from) Costco. May have to rethink the tires I get with it though it appears.
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supraphonic88
As far as I can tell from the spec sheets on the respective Subaru and Toyota media pages the feature packaging differences are minor, but I'm really curious to know if the two brands took the BRZ/86 approach of distinguishing themselves with different chassis tuning. Is one significantly firmer or softer than the other
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As far as I can tell from the spec sheets on the respective Subaru and Toyota media pages the feature packaging differences are minor, but I'm really curious to know if the two brands took the BRZ/86 approach of distinguishing themselves with different chassis tuning. Is one significantly firmer or softer than the other
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