Subaru is rolling out a trio of new models at this year’s New York Auto Show, including a makeover of the familiar Outback line. But it’s really hoping to charge up the show with the debut of its second all-electric model, the Trailseeker, as well as an updated version of the original Solterra EV.
While Subaru was slow to enter the market for electrified vehicles, the little Japanese automaker is making up for lost time. It’s just starting to deliver the new Forester Hybrid. And, with the opening of the 2025 New York International Auto Show, it’s doubling its lineup of all-electric models.
The spotlight is focused on the all-new 2026 Subaru Trailseeker, but the Japanese automaker is also rolling out an updated version of its original Solterra EV.
Subaru is betting the upgrades will enhance the appeal of Solterra while the more rugged, off-road-ready Trailseeker will bring in an entirely new range of buyers.
What’s New: 2026 Subaru Trailseeker
Measuring 6 inches longer — and standing an inch taller — than Solterra, the new Subaru Trailseeker delivers substantially more interior space for passengers and cargo. It also boasts 8.3 inches of ground clearance.
Trailseeker’s design won’t come as a shock to Subaru buyers — adopting an overall shape more familiar to the automaker’s fans than Solterra. It does get some distinctive touches, however, including raised roof rails, a six-star illuminated logo, unique headlights and bumpers, and a choice of 18- and 20-inch wheels. A new three-dimensional logo is framed by distinctive rear lighting.
An airy cabin has a 14-inch touchscreen, the largest ever offered by Subaru. And there’s a wide center console which, says Subaru, “provides a centralized hub for devices and personal items.”
Trailseeker Powertrain
At least at launch, the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker has a two-motor take on the automaker’s familiar Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system. They deliver a combined 375 horsepower and can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
An electric version of the X-Mode system allows drivers to select different modes reflecting road conditions, such as Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud Modes. Trailseeker also gets Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control to further ease the challenge of negotiating difficult trails.
Power comes from a 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery and the automaker claims it should deliver “more than 260 miles of range from a single charge.” The new EV, notably, adopts the Tesla-style NACS charging port so it can plug into that automaker’s expansive network of Superchargers.
What’s New: 2026 Subaru Solterra
As it approaches midlife, the Subaru Solterra gets a number of updates that should be welcomed by the brand’s fans — addressing, as they do, some of the shortfalls of the original package. Solterra was developed as part of a joint venture with Toyota, which sells its version as the bZ4X.
The original pair were all but impossible to distinguish from one another, but for their brand badges. The 2026 Solterra — as well as the update to Toyota’s EV — are intended to better distinguish the two vehicles. That includes a new six-star illuminated logo — like the one on Trailseeker — a new front bumper, new 18- and 20-inch wheels, and more subtle aerodynamic enhancements.
Also, the cabin gains a new low-mounted touchscreen and metallic finishes, as well as new central storage area for personal items.
2026 Solterra Powertrain
Subaru also addressed concerns about Solterra’s powertrain, among other things introducing a new all-wheel-drive system. New motors, front and rear, now yield an upgraded 233 horsepower — which jumps to 338 horsepower on the Solterra XT. That version can hit 60 in “less than 5 seconds,” the automaker claims.
The range for a 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack at an EPA-rated 285 miles per charge is up more than 25% compared to the outgoing model.
Like Trailseeker, the 2026 Subaru Solterra adopts the NACS charge port and now can handle public chargers rated at up to 150 kW. That can be used to go from a 10% to 80% state-of-charge in as little as 35 minutes.
2026 Subaru EV Pricing & Availability
Subaru said it’s not ready to release pricing information. Look for that closer to when each of the 2026 EVs go on sale.
The 2026 Subaru Solterra will reach U.S. showrooms “later this year.” The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker goes on sale in early 2026.
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