Subaru has long been a favorite among car enthusiasts, known for its rugged, all-wheel-drive vehicles that blend practicality with performance. At the 2025 New York Auto Show, the company unveiled a game-changer: the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker, an all-electric crossover SUV that’s turning heads not just for its off-road capability but for its jaw-dropping speed. This isn’t your typical Subaru—it’s being called the quickest-accelerating production Subaru ever, outpacing even the legendary WRX STI and the rare STI S209. Here’s everything you need to know about this electrified beast that’s rewriting Subaru’s performance legacy.
A Bold New Look with Familiar Subaru DNA
Image credit: Subaru
The Trailseeker made its global debut at the 2025 New York Auto Show, and at first glance, it looks like a beefier version of Subaru’s existing electric SUV, the Solterra, with a dash of Outback’s rugged charm. It’s designed to appeal to adventure-seekers, with a taller stance, chunky cladding, and a silhouette that screams “ready for the trails.” But don’t let its crossover SUV appearance fool you—this vehicle is built to deliver thrills on and off the pavement.
Subaru hasn’t released every detail yet, but the Trailseeker is powered by dual electric motors, one on each axle, delivering the brand’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This setup churns out an estimated 375 horsepower, a figure that puts it ahead of some of Subaru’s most iconic performance cars. The company claims the Trailseeker can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, a time that leaves the WRX STI and even the limited-edition STI S209 in its dust.
Image credit: Subaru
How Does It Stack Up Against the WRX STI and STI S209?
To understand just how impressive the Trailseeker’s performance is, let’s compare it to Subaru’s past performance kings. The WRX STI, a rally-bred legend, was known for its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2019 STI S209, a limited-production model, pushed the envelope with 341 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. It could hit 60 mph in the mid-four-second range, but that required a skilled driver and a risky clutch drop to engage its six-speed manual transmission. The standard WRX STI was slightly slower, often clocking in around 5 seconds for the same sprint.
The Trailseeker, on the other hand, is a different kind of beast. Its dual electric motors deliver instant torque, making acceleration smooth and effortless. Unlike the S209, which demanded precise gear shifts and a daring launch, the Trailseeker is a “point-and-shoot” machine. You press the pedal, and it goes—pinning passengers to their seats with consistent, repeatable performance. This ease of use makes the Trailseeker’s 4.4-second 0-60 mph time even more remarkable, as it doesn’t rely on driver skill to achieve it.
However, there’s a trade-off. The S209’s manual transmission and raw, mechanical feel made it a driver’s car, offering an engaging experience that’s hard to replicate in an electric vehicle. The Trailseeker, with its electric powertrain, might not deliver the same visceral thrill of flipping gears, but it compensates with blistering speed and all-weather traction.
The Power Behind the Performance
The Trailseeker’s estimated 375 horsepower comes from its dual-motor setup, which provides power to all four wheels for maximum grip. While Subaru hasn’t finalized the horsepower figure, this output already surpasses the S209’s 341 horses, making the Trailseeker the most powerful production Subaru to date. The electric motors are fed by a 74.7-kilowatt-hour battery pack, which also contributes to the vehicle’s substantial weight.
Exact weight figures haven’t been disclosed, but as a larger SUV with a hefty battery, the Trailseeker is likely heavier than the compact S209. This makes its acceleration even more impressive, as electric vehicles often struggle to match the lightweight agility of gas-powered performance cars. The instant torque of the electric motors helps the Trailseeker overcome its mass, allowing it to launch with authority and maintain strong performance across various driving conditions.
Why Subaru’s Keeping Quiet About Performance
Interestingly, Subaru hasn’t been shouting about the Trailseeker’s performance from the rooftops. While the company proudly showcased the SUV’s off-road capabilities and rugged design at the New York Auto Show, the 4.4-second 0-60 mph claim was mentioned almost in passing. This could be because many of the vehicle’s specs, including the final horsepower figure, are still being fine-tuned.
There’s also speculation that Subaru might dial back the Trailseeker’s performance slightly before it hits production in early 2026. Automakers sometimes adjust power outputs to balance efficiency, battery range, or cost. However, even if the Trailseeker’s acceleration is slightly tempered, its current specs suggest it will still be a force to be reckoned with, capable of outrunning Subaru’s gas-powered legends.
More Than Just Speed: A True Subaru Adventure Machine
While the Trailseeker’s speed is grabbing headlines, it’s designed to be much more than a straight-line rocket. Subaru built this SUV for adventure, equipping it with features that make it a capable off-roader. With 8.3 inches of ground clearance, it can tackle rough terrain with ease, and the dual-motor all-wheel-drive system ensures confident traction in snow, mud, or dirt. The Trailseeker also includes Subaru’s X-Mode system, which offers settings for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud, along with Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control for added off-road prowess.
Image credit: Subaru
The Trailseeker’s battery pack provides an estimated range of over 260 miles, which is decent but not class-leading compared to rivals like the Chevrolet Equinox EV or Kia EV6, which offer over 300 miles. However, the inclusion of a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port is a big win, giving owners access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network for convenient fast charging. The SUV can handle up to 150 kW of DC fast charging, and a battery preconditioning system ensures optimal charging performance in hot or cold weather.
Inside, the Trailseeker offers a spacious, practical cabin with a 14-inch touchscreen, the largest ever in a Subaru. This screen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to stay connected on the go. The interior also features two wireless phone chargers, USB-C ports for rear passengers, and Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more. With a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, the Trailseeker can haul trailers or small boats, adding to its versatility.
A Bigger, Bolder Solterra
The Trailseeker shares much of its platform with the Subaru Solterra, but it’s larger and more powerful. It’s six inches longer and nearly an inch taller, offering more cargo space and legroom. This makes it a better choice for families or those who need extra room for gear. While the Solterra tops out at 215 horsepower (or 338 in the new 2026 XT trim), the Trailseeker’s 375 horsepower and quicker acceleration set it apart as the performance flagship of Subaru’s electric lineup.
The Trailseeker’s design also incorporates unique touches, like a new EV lighting signature with an illuminated six-star logo and redesigned headlamps. Its rugged styling, complete with raised roof rails and protective cladding, gives it a tougher look than the Solterra, while still maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.
What’s Next for the Trailseeker?
The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is set to hit dealerships in early 2026, but Subaru has yet to announce pricing or final specifications. Given its larger size, extra power, and advanced tech, it’s likely to carry a premium over the Solterra, which starts at around $38,495. Expect the Trailseeker to compete with other electric SUVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5, particularly in the growing niche of rugged, off-road-capable EVs.
For Subaru fans, the Trailseeker represents an exciting shift. It combines the brand’s go-anywhere ethos with electrified performance that rivals its most iconic gas-powered models. While it may not replace the raw, rally-inspired fun of the WRX STI, it proves that electric SUVs can be thrilling in their own right. Whether you’re hitting the trails or racing away from a stoplight, the Trailseeker promises to deliver a driving experience that’s unmistakably Subaru—only faster.
Why the Trailseeker Matters
The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is more than just a new model—it’s a statement. Subaru is doubling down on its electric vehicle strategy, building on the Solterra’s foundation to create a bigger, faster, and more capable SUV. By outpacing the WRX STI and STI S209, the Trailseeker challenges the notion that electric vehicles can’t compete with gas-powered performance cars. It’s a bold move for a brand known for its boxer engines and rally heritage, and it shows that Subaru is ready to embrace the future without sacrificing its core values.
For buyers, the Trailseeker offers a compelling mix of speed, versatility, and off-road capability. It’s not perfect—its 260-mile range lags behind some competitors, and its weight could impact handling—but its blistering acceleration and rugged design make it a standout in the crowded electric SUV market. As Subaru prepares to launch the Trailseeker in 2026, all eyes will be on whether this electrified adventurer can live up to its promise as the fastest Subaru ever.
