The Subaru Outback used to occupy a unique space in the market, blending wagon practicality with SUV capability in a package that felt refreshingly different from the sea of crossovers around it. With the latest redesign pushing it further toward a traditional SUV shape, some longtime fans have been left wondering where that distinctive wagon-like character went. Ironically, the answer may have arrived wearing a different badge.

Subaru’s newest electric model brings back many of the qualities that made the Outback appealing in the first place. It features a sleeker profile, a spacious and practical cabin, and a design that prioritizes usability over rugged theatrics. While it may be powered by batteries rather than gasoline, it feels much closer in spirit to the wagon-shaped Subarus that helped build the brand’s reputation.

Starting just below $40,000, it also arrives with an impressive list of standard equipment and plenty of performance. Its estimated range may not lead the segment, but strong all-wheel-drive capability, generous cargo space, and a comfortable ride help make it a compelling option for families who miss the days when Subaru’s flagship adventure vehicle looked more like a wagon than an SUV.

The Subaru Trailseeker feels like a wagon where the Outback has become an SUV

The new Japanese EV fills a hole in Subaru’s lineup

Recently, Subaru gave one of the most popular nameplates in their lineup a pretty big makeover. The Outback, which was one of the last wagons left on the market, was made to feel more like a traditional SUV. Unfortunately, the new boxy design has not been well received by fans of the old body style. The good news is that Subaru has also introduced a new electric crossover to market that feels like it fills the hole in the lineup.

2026 Subaru Tailseeker trims and pricing

The Trailseeker is a brand-new model in the Subaru lineup, introduced for the 2026 model year. The wagon-styled EV was co-developed with Toyota, who put out the mechanically similar bZ. In terms of styling, we feel that the Trailseeker feels like a closer evolution of the Outback nameplate than the new Outback does. It also features a price tag that is cheaper than a lot of the main competitors in its segment, including its cousin over at Toyota.

We think that Subaru has imbued the Trailseeker with tons of standard equipment, meaning that you don’t have to stray from base model to find value. While top trims do come equipped with some tempting luxuries, the base model gets things like wireless smartphone mirroring, dual wireless charging pads, a power-operated liftgate, and a plethora of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control.

Inside, the Trailseeker is plenty practical and comes with tons of tech

Subaru focuses on the things that matter rather than trying to be flashy

Inside, the new Outback features a very blocky and rugged interior design that matches its exterior muscles. However, most people in the market for a family wagon don’t really care for all of that. What is more desirable is a cabin that is simple, spacious, and neat, something that the Trailseeker executes on effortlessly.

Interior dimensions and comfort

The Trailseeker is a spacious wagon with plenty of space for the whole family. We’d recommend going and seeing one for yourself, as the back seat feels far more spacious than the spec sheet implies. More importantly, Subaru’s large EV comes with a massive cargo hold with more than enough room for a couple of suitcases, some camping gear, or a large grocery haul.

In terms of design, Subaru keeps things sleek and simple in the Trailseeker, especially compared to a lot of the other vehicles in the brand’s lineup. You can definitely see Toyota’s influence. This means that things are neat and easy to find, and there are plenty of storage compartments throughout the interior. It also comes with some nice standard features, including faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Top trims offer things like ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic glass roof, and a foot-activated power liftgate.

Infotainment and technology

In the center of the dashboard of every 2026 Trailseeker sits a 14-inch infotainment screen. This is the largest screen you will find in any Subaru to date. It comes equipped with a couple of physical shortcut buttons and a pair of physical climate dials integrated into the setup. In front of the driver sits a separate screen which acts as a gauge display.

Every model comes with wireless smartphone mirroring technology as well as a set of wireless smartphone charging pads up front. There is also a set of USB-C ports up front as well as another set in the back. A six-speaker sound system is standard, but a pretty nice Harman/Kardon system can be had on Limited trims and higher.

The one weak point of the Trailseeker is its estimated range, but that’s because of its setup

It is still plenty usable, though

Credit: Subaru

One of the most important figures for any modern EV is range. Unfortunately, this is the one area where the Trailseeker wobbles a little bit. There are a number of strong rivals in this segment that can go further on a single charge. However, we still think that the range offered is reasonable, and that it makes more sense when you consider that it comes standard with a powerful all-wheel drive setup.

Performance specifications

Base Trim Engine

Electric

Base Trim Transmission

single-speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

375 hp

Make

Subaru

Model

Trailseeker

As is Subaru’s way, the Trailseeker comes standard with all-wheel drive. This means that it gets two electric motors, with one mounted to the front axle and the other to the rear. This combination means that the EV puts down an impressive 375 horsepower as standard, which isn’t bad at all for a family crossover. This means it can get up to 60 miles per hour in as little as 3.9 seconds.

The Trailseeker is a real Subaru at heart, meaning that it is quite comfortable tackling uneven terrain. It features 8.5 inches of ground clearance. You also get drive modes that optimize things for snow and dirt, as well as separate modes for deep snow and mud. It also gets grip control and a downhill assist function.

On the road, it feels exceptionally refined, with an excellent ride quality. There isn’t much in the way of driving engagement from behind the wheel.

Efficiency, range, and charging

The EVs in this segment that do offer more than 300 miles of range mostly do so on their rear-wheel drive trims with lower horsepower figures. Compared to other large, dual-motor, all-wheel drive EVs, the Trailseeker actually does pretty decently when it comes to range. It could do better, though, if the brand upgraded the fairly humble 67-kWh battery pack every model comes with.

The Subaru Trailseeker is a practical and comfortable family wagon

The Outback has shifted away from its identity as a simple yet capable family wagon. It has gotten bigger, bulkier, and more expensive, which is why a lot of buyers have looked to spend their money elsewhere. Although it is electric, the Trailseeker feels like a better successor in a lot of ways, with a comfortable and practical interior, a sleeker profile, and enough capability to make it perform like a real Subaru. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a lot of old Outback buyers switch to the new Trailseeker when it comes time to trade in.