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Subaru’s New Trail Seeker: A Big Leap into Electric Off‑Roading
Subaru has just unveiled the Trail Seeker, its first fully electric SUV that promises the brand’s signature off‑road capability with a clean‑energy twist. The vehicle is positioned as a family‑friendly, off‑road adventure car that rivals the Outback in size but offers a larger boot, more power, and a competitive price. With a base price of $68,000 and a touring trim at $73,990, the Trail Seeker sits only about 10% above the internal‑combustion Outback, a surprisingly modest premium for a full‑electric platform.
Design, Space and Practicality
The Trail Seeker is built on Subaru’s shared platform with Toyota, giving it a familiar silhouette but with a boxier shape that maximises interior room. Its overall length is 4,845 mm, just a touch longer than the Tesla Model Y, while the width measures 1,860 mm and the height 1,675 mm. The wheelbase stretches 2,850 mm, giving the cabin a generous feel. The boot capacity is 600 L, a full 70 L larger than the Outback’s 530 L, making it an ideal choice for families who need to haul surfboards, bikes or camping gear.
Inside, the base model comes with a black interior, while the touring trim offers a blue interior and a panoramic glass roof. The vehicle’s weight is around 2,400 kg, roughly 400 kg lighter than the all‑wheel‑drive Sea Lion, which helps keep the power‑to‑weight ratio high and improves efficiency.
Powertrain and Performance
The Trail Seeker is a dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive system. Each motor delivers 167 kW and 268 Nm of torque, but the combined output is 280 kW, making it the most powerful Subaru ever sold. The car can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, a remarkable acceleration for a family SUV. Despite the high power, the vehicle remains surprisingly efficient, with the base model consuming 15.4 kWh per 100 km and the touring version 16.8 kWh per 100 km.
The battery is a 74.7 kWh lithium‑ion pack, likely a nickel‑manganese‑cobalt (NMC) chemistry. The Trail Seeker’s range is 533 km on the base model and 488 km on the touring trim, according to the manufacturer’s figures. The larger wheels on the touring version reduce range by about 45 km, a trade‑off that many buyers may find acceptable for the added comfort and styling.
Charging and Battery Life
Charging is straightforward. A 7 kW single‑phase AC charger takes roughly 12 hours to fill the battery from empty, which is typical for home charging in Australia. If a three‑phase supply is available, the same charger can deliver 11 kW, cutting the time to about 4 hours. DC fast charging is available at 150 kW, allowing the battery to go from 10 % to 80 % in around 30 minutes. While this is slightly slower than some rivals in the same price bracket, it is still a practical option for long‑haul trips.
Subaru offers an 8‑year/160,000 km battery warranty and a 5‑year unlimited‑kilometre vehicle warranty. Service intervals are every 15,000 km, with the first service costing $128, the second $290, and subsequent services ranging from $128 to $300. These costs are relatively modest compared to other EVs, and the brand’s reputation for low maintenance should keep running costs down.
Features, Safety and Value
The Trail Seeker comes packed with safety and convenience features. Standard equipment includes blind‑spot monitoring, driver monitoring, emergency stop, lane‑tracking assist, rear‑cross‑traffic alert, parking sensors, a surround‑view camera, and a suite of airbags. Optional upgrades on the touring trim add a 20‑inch alloy wheel package, semi‑autonomous parking assist, a 1500‑watt power outlet, and a 10‑speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
While the base model lacks ventilated front seats and a leather‑accented interior, it offers a 14‑inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital rear‑view mirror. The touring trim adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a rear‑seat entertainment system. The vehicle’s safety rating has not yet been tested, but the extensive standard safety suite suggests it will perform well in future assessments.
When it comes to value, the Trail Seeker’s price is only marginally higher than the Outback, yet it delivers a larger boot, higher power, and a full electric drivetrain. For families who need space and off‑road capability, the Trail Seeker offers a compelling package. The touring trim’s extra $6,000 is justified by the larger wheels, semi‑autonomous parking, and upgraded interior, though buyers who prioritise range may prefer the base model.
Final Thoughts
Subaru’s Trail Seeker represents a bold step into the electric SUV market, combining the brand’s rugged heritage with modern electric performance. Its generous interior, strong acceleration, and competitive pricing make it a standout choice for families who want a capable off‑road vehicle without sacrificing range or comfort. As the EV market expands, the Trail Seeker will likely become a key player for those seeking a practical, family‑friendly electric SUV.