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Subaru Unveils New Outback and Trailseeker

Take a closer look at the reveal of the 2026 Subaru Outback and all-new 2026 Subaru Trailseeker.
2026 Subaru Outback and Trailblazer - New York International Auto Show!

Subaru Rolls Through the Big Apple

The New York International Auto Show wasn’t exactly packed with highlights, but Subaru certainly made a splash! First, they announced the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker, an all-new EV that’s based on the Solterra. Then, they showed off the 2026 Subaru Outback and Outback Wilderness, which kick off the seventh generation of the always popular SUV. The 2024 Outback earned a high ranking as one of the Best Mid-Sized 2-Row SUVs of 2024 and we gave the 2025 Outback an overall value of 9/10, so this upgraded version has a lot to live up to.

Right off the bat, all three vehicles look bold, rugged, and modern. Is there more to them than just looks, though? We’ll go over the Outback updates first and then show you the Trailseeker, inside and out.

An Overhauled 2026 Outback

2026 Subaru Outback - subaru.com

The seventh-generation Outback has been overhauled in a few ways. First, it’s half an inch wider, 2 inches taller, and 1.6 inches longer. But forget the size, let’s talk about the look. This Outback is going to have a lot of people talking. If you like the older Outback look, then you probably won’t like this update.

The 2026 Subaru Outback is boxier and beefier than it used to be. You can see, from its profile, that the back is more upright than it used to be. The nose is more blunt than before, too. This Outback is definitely more SUV and less wagon. Personally, I like it. But there’s no doubt that the Outback is straying from its station wagon roots with this new generation.

2026 Subaru Outback - subaru.com

The extra size pays off, especially inside. The cargo area increases from 33 cu. ft. to 35 cu. ft. There’s also apparently more headroom for passengers. How much headroom, Subaru didn’t say, but specs on the 2025 model were listed at 40.1 inches for front-row passengers and 39.1 inches for second-row passengers.

Meanwhile, the tech upgrades are welcomed. A new vertically-oriented 12.1-inch center touchscreen controls most of the features, like navigation, music, and smartphone integration, but Subaru still provides drives with hard knobs and buttons for climate control. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can be used to switch between embedded screens and full-screen views.

Between the extra size, the infotainment, and the materials that both absorb sound and are made of recycled materials, the cabin is every bit as modern as the Outback’s main competitors.

The New 2026 Wilderness

2026 Subaru Outback - subaru.com

Of the six 2026 Outback trims available, Subaru is putting the most effort into the off-road-oriented Wilderness. It’s still got 9.5 inches of ground clearance, significantly more than the rest of the lineup. It’s also got 17-inch wheels and Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires.

The suspension was tuned for more stability on rough terrain using acceleration sensors located in the electronic control unit and front suspension. Using X-Mode, these sensors can detect road and vehicle conditions in real time, adapting to mud, dirt, sand, or snow.

The revamped Wilderness has capability with a tow capacity of 3,500 pounds, ingenuity with StarTex upholstery for easy cleaning, and style in the form of black matte side mirrors, headlamps, and front bumper.

A Brand-New 2026 Trailseeker

2026 Subaru Trailseeker - subaru.com

For those who don’t like the styling of most electric vehicles, this is a SUV you should take a look at. The first-ever 2026 all-electric Subaru Trailseeker pairs the looks of a typical SUV with two electric motors. The result is a sleek (and still rugged) design with 375 horsepower. The pair of electric motors are powered by a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion high-capacity battery that is good for 260 miles of range off of one charge.

Subaru knows their audience, which is why they say the Trailseeker can be ready for fast charging in warm or cold temperatures thanks to an onboard battery preconditioning system. Because so many charging ports in the U.S. already equipped with a North American Charging System (NACS) connector, Subaru included a standard NACS charging port with the Trailseeker. This means owners won’t have to just charge the Trailseeker at home. They’ve got many more charging stations open to them with that NACS connector.

2026 Subaru Trailseeker - subaru.com

The Subaru Solterra was the first EV put out by the company. While the Trailseeker follows down that path, it’s also got six more inches in length and nearly an inch in height compared to the Solterra. Of course, the Trailseeker has a look that’s all its own, too. From a new six-star illuminated logo to a new front bumper design to redesigned headlamps.

Inside the cabin is a 14-inch horizontal touchscreen. The Trailseeker also has two wireless smartphone chargers, USB-C chargers for rear passengers, a panoramic view of the vehicle on the screen, and controls on the square-shaped steering wheel.

The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker may not convince any traditionalists to make a switch to electric, but with the X-Mode system for off-roading, a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs., and the expected Subaru all-wheel drive, it could certainly entice some of the consumer base that is on the fence.

The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker may not convince any traditionalists to make a switch to electric, but with the X-Mode system for off-roading, a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs., and the expected Subaru all-wheel drive, it could certainly entice some of the consumer base that is on the fence.

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Jesse Batson

Jesse Batson earned his journalism degree from South Dakota State University. No stranger to newsgathering and reporting, Jesse spent 13 years in TV news. 10 of those years were spent working in Charlotte, NC, home of NASCAR. A highlight of his time there was being able to take a lap around the Charlotte Motor Speedway. His interest in vehicles, starting with Matchbox cars, a Big Wheel, and the Transformers, evolved into taking photos of motocross events. Now, he puts his research skills to use on car culture, reviews, and comparisons.

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