Subaru revealed a pair of electric vehicles for the 2025 New York International Auto Show. One of these is the all-new 2026 Subaru Trailseeker EV, which will become the brand’s first battery electric utility vehicle, whereas the other model is an updated version of the Solterra crossover featuring improved range.
The Solterra was co-developed with Toyota’s bZ4x and is largely indistinguishable from its sibling, save for some unique visual cues and packaging designed to make it slightly more off-road friendly. The updated version has gone through some styling changes, with Subaru likewise promising to have improved “overall driving performance, battery efficiency, styling, and cabin comfort.”
With the exception of the brand doing away with the plastic fender flares, not much has changed about the Solterra’s rear or profile. However, the face of the vehicle has undergone significant updates and now boasts a minimalist design. While the changes have made the vehicle more obviously electrified, it also robs it of some personality and makes it look a little chintzy from afar.
Perhaps more importantly, the manufacturer has seen fit to upgrade the previous 72.8-kWh battery to a 74.7-kWh unit boasting a preconditioning system and improved range. The Solterra is now capable of an estimated range of “over 285 miles” between charges, which is a significant improvement over the outgoing model’s EPA-estimated 227 miles — or less if you optioned something other than the Premium trim.
Subaru suggested that drivers should see improved range, even when the vehicle is exposed to exceptionally cold or hot weather.
While the Solterra remains all-wheel drive, Subaru has likewise opted to upgrade the front and rear drive motors. The previous model offered a combined 215 horsepower. But the new model is said to yield 233 horsepower. XT models go beyond that by offering 338 conjoined horsepower, which the manufacturer said could launch the Solterra XT from 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Expect the other trims to be about a second behind and retain their electronically governed top speed of 104 mph.
Other than an enlarged central touchscreen and standard wireless device charging (yawn), not too much else changes for the model. Subaru suggests that the Solterra is still off-road capable, thanks to its configurable Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and 8.3 inches of ground clearance. It also gets some two-tone paint options and the ability to have the previously mentioned body-matching fender flairs.
But Subaru has assured us that a lot of little changes have added up to something greater. The automaker stated that it has refined the suspension and electric power steering to improve handling and responsiveness. The all-wheel drive system is likewise alleged to predict the loads applied to the tires to better determine power distribution, minimizing roll and offering a smoother ride.
Pricing has not yet been announced but it seems likely that the starting MSRP to be somewhere around $40,000.
Then we have the totally new 2026 Subaru Trailseeker EV, which looks like an electrified Forrester. Despite offering the same 8.3 inches of ground clearance as the Solterra, Subaru is marketing this vehicle as decidedly more off-road focused.
It likewise comes with the automaker’s latest Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and uses a pair of electric motors yielding roughly 375 horsepower combined. Subaru said this was sufficient for a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
The 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery (and preconditioning system) is another item shared with the Solterra and is expected to boast 260 miles of range from a single charge. It also appears to have benefited from the revised suspension and steering going into its sibling EV. But they are physically quite different beats
Subaru has made the Trailseeker six inches longer and about an inch taller than the Solterra. It’s likewise prioritized interior cargo volume, so all the brunt of the added space is situated in the back-half of the vehicle. Roof rails are standard equipment and further drive home the point that the automaker wants people to take the Trailseeker on extended journeys into the wilderness. However, considering it’s still an all-electric vehicle, those excursions will need to be within striking distance of a place to charge the SUV.
Pricing and detailed specifications pertaining to individual trims will be available closer to launch in early 2026. However, it seems a given that the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker will be priced above the Solterra.
[Images: Subaru]
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