2026 Subaru Trailseeker.
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In a very surprising move, Subaru announced a brand new model unveiling for the New York Auto Show next week. The latest 2026 model will be called “Trailseeker”, and we know nothing about it.
Here is the short official word from Subaru itself:
“Get ready to meet your newest adventure-ready sidekick from Subaru: the all-new 2026 Subaru Trailseeker EV SUV. See it in person at the 2025 New York International Auto Show, coming soon.”
We already know the brand is getting ready to launch two brand new EV models soon. Both will be based on Toyota models, like the Solterra. One of these will be Subaru’s version of the upcoming large Toyota 3-row EV SUV. Both will be built in the US.
The Solterra will also soon get the update that the Toyota BZ4 X just got a few weeks ago. During the presentation, Toyota had teased other upcoming models. Like the reproduction version of the Land Cruiser SE concept as well as a new, smaller EV SUV. Something more upright than the new C-HR+ that was unveiled that day.
It seems most people think the new EV is a version of the new Toyota C-HR+ we saw a few weeks ago. I posted photos of the C-HR+ right below the new Subaru teaser. And, as you can see, they don’t really match. Of course, Subaru could have redesigned the rear end of their own version to look very different from the Toyota, but we know they won’t. At least so far, these various Toyota/Subaru cooperations have looked pretty much the same inside and out. With just a slightly revised front end and different wheel designs. And of course. AWD is standard on the Subaru models.
The new Subaru teaser looks a lot more like the silhouette teaser Toyota released fo their upcoming 3rd new EV model. A smaller, cheaper model than the BZ4X, with a more conventional SUV shape than the sportier looking coupe-like shape of the new C-HR+.
Which also fits Subaru’s image much more. And I think such a model could really launch Subaru into the EV world. Much more so than the Solterra. This and the Toyota version will probably be very closely related to the C-HR+. That means a better charging curve than the Solterra and especially a longer EV range.
And especially, it will be cheaper than the Solterra, which already starts at a pretty affordable $38,500 before incentives.
Subaru is very popular right now. It actually seems like a perfect brand to launch a new compact, outdoorsy, compact, and affordable EV SUV. This is a wonderful surprise from Subaru, and I cannot wait to see it.
I also really like the fact that the new model will debut in the US as a Subaru and not a Toyota. Which will probably help many potential buyers think of it as a proper Subaru. Even if it its a joint effort. This is all good news.
With this and a brand new Outback, it looks like Subaru will really own the New York Auto Show.
Seeker not Sleeker 😉
I’ve never been a fan on Toyotas (since about 2000). But if they sold that C-HR as a well done hybrid and not with the cheapened interior BS they’re known for, I’d probably buy one.
Which begs the question…when is Toyota going to announce the new RAV4? If not at the auto show, then…?