Subaru Trailseeker (US) review

The Subaru Trailseeker is a composed daily driver with the inherent heft of an EV that gives it a very grounded feel. Thrills are minimal here for this dutiful runabout, though a 4.4-second 0-60mph time is encouraging. The dual motor setup provides 375hp of all-wheel drive goodness, used primarily for stability than sporty performance.

How is it off-road?

Touted as a versatile EV for off-roading, the Trailseeker is indeed equipped with the hardware it needs to take trips off the grid, backed with Subie’s tried and true X-mode off-road driving software. An independent suspension and 8.5 inches of ground clearance gives the SUV a leg-up on more citified rides, allowing it to split the difference between a weekend adventure vehicle and a family hauler without breaking a sweat.

Keep in mind, it’s no Rivian R1S and isn’t really intended for pushing the limits of overlanding, but it will do surprisingly well in getting drivers up and over trails that would be otherwise impassable for the usual group of EVs.

X-mode controls dial in the correct amount of traction for dirt, snow or mud traversal, and automatically engaging hill descent control guides the Trailseeker down steep inclines with ease.

How far into the wilderness will the battery get me?

Supplying power is a 74.4kWh battery pack that Subaru says is good for up to 281 miles of range, though this is on the entry trim that runs with 18-inch wheels. The two higher models run on 20s and thus have a maximum range of 274 miles.

A 10 to 80 per cent charge should take in the ballpark of 28 minutes if you’re at a DC fast charger. Fitted with a NACS port, it can connect to the existing supercharger network with ease, though adaptors are provided for the rest.