For decades, Subaru has built its reputation on a simple formula: rugged capability, all-wheel-drive confidence and a willingness to take the road less travelled. Whether it was the Outback conquering gravel roads or the WRX carving up mountain passes, Subaru vehicles have always felt like they belonged outdoors. Well, now the brand has taken all that know how and created the all-new Subaru TrailSeeker, the brand’s most ambitious electric vehicle yet.
And after spending several hours behind the wheel on a drive from Canberra to Sydney, including plenty of winding tarmac and loose-surface roads (and even a racetrack), I can confidently say this the first electric Subaru that genuinely captures everything enthusiasts love about the brand. It feels like an Outback and a WRX had a very clever electric baby – oh yeah!
First Impressions – An EV Wagon With Attitude
Let’s start with the obvious. The TrailSeeker doesn’t look like every other electric SUV currently flooding the market. The TrailSeeker embraces its wagon-like proportions, complete with functional roof rails and an upright stance that screams adventure. It’s bold, purposeful and unmistakably Subaru.
The front end introduces Subaru’s latest EV design language, featuring a distinctive six-point lighting signature that shares some family resemblance with the Solterra but adds considerably more visual toughness. The front fascia looks ready for the outdoors rather than the shopping mall.
Around the rear, a full-width light bar and illuminated Subaru logo create a modern look while still retaining familiar Subaru styling cues. What I particularly like is that Subaru hasn’t tried to hide the TrailSeeker’s practicality. This isn’t an EV pretending to be sporty. It’s an adventure vehicle first and foremost, and its design reflects that.
In a market increasingly filled with anonymous electric crossovers, the TrailSeeker stands out for simply being different.
Interior – Premium, Practical and Surprisingly Spacious
Climb inside and the TrailSeeker immediately feels like a significant step forward for Subaru. New Zealand will receive only the flagship Touring specification, and that’s probably no bad thing because it comes loaded with everything buyers are likely to want.
The cabin feels modern without abandoning common sense. Soft-touch materials cover the primary touchpoints, while leather-appointed seating adds a premium feel. Both front seats are heated and ventilated, and the driver’s seat benefits from full electric adjustment. There’s also an enormous panoramic glass roof that floods the cabin with natural light, creating a genuinely airy atmosphere.
One of the biggest surprises is just how much room there is. Thanks to the compact electric drivetrain and clever packaging, Subaru has shortened the front overhang while maximising cabin space. The result is a vehicle that actually offers more cargo capacity than an Outback, making it the most spacious Subaru currently available.
For families, adventurers and anyone who regularly loads up bikes, camping gear or photography equipment, that’s a significant achievement. Practical touches are everywhere too, the cargo area features power outlets, hooks, lighting and folding seat-release levers, while the centre console includes dual wireless phone chargers. It feels like Subaru has spent time thinking about how owners will actually use the vehicle.
Infotainment – Technology Done Properly
One of the biggest frustrations with many modern vehicles is manufacturers hiding everything behind touchscreen menus, thankfully, Subaru hasn’t fallen into that trap.
The centrepiece of the dashboard is a massive 14-inch infotainment display that handles navigation, media and vehicle settings. It’s bright, responsive and easy to use, however, the clever part is what sits underneath it.
Physical controls remain for frequently used functions such as temperature adjustment and audio volume. That means no digging through multiple menus simply to make the cabin cooler or turn up your favourite playlist. It’s such a simple decision, yet one that dramatically improves day-to-day usability.
Ahead of the driver sits a fully digital instrument cluster positioned within a recessed housing. The layout is clean, easy to read and provides all the essential information without becoming cluttered.
The Harman Kardon premium audio system also deserves a mention. Whether cruising quietly along the motorway or navigating gravel back roads, it delivers excellent sound quality and enough punch to satisfy even the most demanding music lovers.
Performance – The Most Powerful Production Subaru Ever
Here’s where things get really interesting. The TrailSeeker is officially the most powerful production Subaru ever built, yes, even more powerful than the WRX.
The dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup produces 167kW and 268Nm at each axle, resulting in a combined output of 280kW. Forget the figures though, as what this means is a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 4.5 seconds – and it feels that quick.
Yet unlike some EVs that feel like they’re trying to rip your face off every time you touch the accelerator, the TrailSeeker’s power delivery feels remarkably controlled. Plant your right foot and the acceleration is instant and relentless. Overtaking manoeuvres become effortless and motorway merging requires little more than a gentle squeeze of the pedal.
The clever part is how Subaru has tuned the system. The power is always there, but it never feels intimidating. Instead, it feels accessible and confidence-inspiring. The TrailSeeker uses Subaru’s new Dynamic G Control system, which monitors pedal inputs and driver behaviour to deliver more natural responses. The result is smoother acceleration, sharper reactions and a driving experience that feels surprisingly intuitive.
Range and Charging
Power is one thing, but adventure vehicles need range too. The TrailSeeker’s 74.7kWh battery delivers a WLTP range of approximately 488 kilometres on the standard 20-inch wheels, putting it comfortably into long-distance touring territory.
Fast charging capability of up to 150kW means a 10-80 percent recharge can be completed in around 30 minutes, allowing drivers to get back on the road quickly.
Importantly for outdoor enthusiasts, the TrailSeeker also supports vehicle-to-load functionality, providing up to 1,500 watts of output.
Whether you’re powering a camping fridge, charging e-bikes or running equipment at a remote campsite, the vehicle effectively becomes a giant portable battery.
On the Road – Outback Meets WRX
The best way to describe how the TrailSeeker drives is simple. Imagine an Outback and a WRX combined into one vehicle. On sealed roads, the low-mounted battery pack lowers the centre of gravity considerably. Despite its practical dimensions and generous ground clearance, the TrailSeeker corners with impressive composure.
Body roll is minimal. The steering feels well weighted and accurate, allowing the vehicle to be placed confidently through tighter bends. I found myself pushing harder through corners than I initially expected, simply because the vehicle encouraged it.
Subaru’s revised torque vectoring system continuously adjusts power delivery between the front and rear motors. When understeer is detected, additional torque is sent rearward to help rotate the vehicle through corners. The result is a surprisingly engaging driving experience for a family-focused electric wagon.
Then there’s the ride quality. Australian roads can be a mixed bag, yet the TrailSeeker remained composed and comfortable throughout. Suspension rebound is particularly impressive, quickly settling the vehicle after bumps and rough surfaces.
Off-Road – Still a Subaru
Of course, no Subaru review would be complete without venturing off the beaten path. With 211mm of ground clearance and Subaru’s electric all-wheel-drive system, the TrailSeeker feels completely at home on gravel roads and unsealed tracks.
What stands out most is the quietness. Where a conventional SUV would be revving and working hard, the TrailSeeker simply glides over rough terrain with effortless torque delivery.
Grip levels are exceptional. Even on loose surfaces, the vehicle inspires confidence and maintains impressive stability. The all-round camera system becomes particularly useful off-road, allowing drivers to monitor wheel placement and obstacles with ease.
It genuinely feels like Subaru has used electrification to enhance its off-road capability rather than compromise it.
Visibility and Safety
Visibility has always been a Subaru strength and the TrailSeeker continues that tradition. A large windscreen, generous glass area and substantial mirrors provide excellent outward vision.
The digital rear-view mirror is especially useful when passengers or cargo obstruct the rear window, while the surround-view camera system adds further confidence during low-speed manoeuvres.
Safety remains a Subaru cornerstone, and unsurprisingly the TrailSeeker carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating. BUT More importantly, the driver-assistance systems feel well calibrated. They assist when needed without constantly nagging or interfering, something that can’t be said for every modern vehicle.
Tarmac Takeaway
The Subaru TrailSeeker achieves something many electric vehicles struggle with, it has a genuine personality. Rather than chasing trends, Subaru has created an EV that feels authentically Subaru. It’s practical, capable, spacious, safe and surprisingly fun to drive.
The performance is genuinely impressive, the interior is thoughtfully designed and the off-road capability remains a class standout. Most importantly, it doesn’t feel like an EV first and a Subaru second, it feels like a Subaru that happens to be electric.
For buyers who have been waiting for an electric vehicle that can genuinely replace an Outback while adding a healthy dose of WRX-style performance, the TrailSeeker may well be the answer.
