Subaru has expanded its electric vehicle line-up in Australia with the all-new Trailseeker, a large all-electric SUV that combines long-range capability, dual-motor all-wheel drive and the brand’s familiar focus on rough-road confidence.
Positioned above the Solterra and the incoming Uncharted, the Trailseeker gives Subaru an EV offering across small, medium and large SUV categories. It is also the fastest production Subaru yet offered locally, with 280kW of combined output and a claimed 0–100km/h time of about 4.5 seconds.
At the centre of the Trailseeker is a 74.7kWh CATL lithium-ion battery. Subaru says the entry Trailseeker AWD can travel up to 533km on the WLTP test cycle, while the higher-spec AWD Touring has a claimed 488km range. The difference is largely due to the Touring’s larger 20-inch wheels and additional equipment.
Both variants can accept DC charging at up to 150kW through a CCS2 connection, with a 10–80 per cent charge claimed to take about 30 minutes under optimal conditions. AC charging is supported at up to 7kW single-phase or 22kW three-phase, with the latter providing a claimed full charge in around four hours where suitable three-phase infrastructure is available.
Subaru AWD moves into the electric era
The Trailseeker retains a key part of Subaru’s identity with dual-motor Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. One electric motor is fitted to each axle, with the system designed to independently manage torque distribution between the front and rear wheels.
Subaru has paired the drivetrain with Driving Trajectory Prediction Control, which uses inputs including steering angle, yaw rate, vehicle speed and wheel speed to anticipate the intended driving line and adjust torque before instability develops.
For unsealed roads and lower-grip conditions, the Trailseeker includes Dual-Mode X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings. A Grip Control function is also designed to hold a low vehicle speed of roughly 2–10km/h on rough or slippery terrain.
Ground clearance is listed at 211mm, putting the Trailseeker well beyond the typical clearance of many electric SUVs and reinforcing Subaru’s intention to position the vehicle as an EV for drivers who regularly venture beyond sealed roads.
Long, low and practical
The Trailseeker measures 4,845mm long, 1,860mm wide and 1,675mm high, with a 2,850mm wheelbase. Its battery is mounted low in the floor structure, which Subaru says helps achieve a lower centre of gravity while maintaining a relatively generous ride height.
Cargo space is rated at 609 litres in the Trailseeker AWD and 595 litres in the Touring. Both versions have a hands-free power tailgate, integrated roof rails and a flat-floor architecture intended to improve rear-seat and luggage usability.
The Touring also gains a 220V, 1,500W Vehicle-to-Load outlet, allowing the battery to run smaller appliances, lighting, tools or camping equipment away from mains power.
Two versions for Australia
The Trailseeker AWD comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather trim, heated front and rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a digital rear-view mirror and a 14-inch central touchscreen.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, dual wireless phone chargers and a seven-inch driver information display are standard. The base model also includes a six-speaker audio system.
Moving to the Trailseeker AWD Touring adds 20-inch wheels, leather-accented blue-and-black interior trim, ventilated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, Harman Kardon premium audio, driver memory functions and Advanced Park Assist.
Safety equipment is comprehensive across the range, with Subaru Safety Sense, a driver-monitoring camera and Vision Assist features including adaptive high beam, blind-spot monitoring, a panoramic 360-degree camera system, rear cross-traffic alert, parking support brake and safe exit assist. Subaru says the Trailseeker has achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
