Subaru Trailseeker EV Shows Off-Road Promise Despite Ground Clearance Limits
The electric crossover delivered impressive traction in testing but lacks the clearance of the gas-powered Outback Wilderness.
Subaru’s new electric Trailseeker demonstrated strong off-road capability in recent testing, leveraging its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode to navigate challenging terrain. However, the vehicle’s limited ground clearance remains a significant constraint for serious off-roading.
What Happened
Driving Sports TV evaluated the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker on an off-road course, replacing the standard 20-inch wheels with 18-inch wheels fitted with Yokohama Geolandar AT4 all-terrain tires. The test highlighted the effectiveness of Subaru’s X-Mode system, which quickly transferred power to wheels with traction, allowing the roughly 4,500-pound vehicle to climb effortlessly even with one wheel in the air. The Trailseeker’s 375-horsepower powertrain provided smooth acceleration, outperforming gas-powered Subaru models in this regard. The vehicle’s 74.7-kWh battery, which offers 274 miles of range on upper trims, is protected by a thick metal plate underneath, though the front and rear underbody rely on plastic components. Notably, the vehicle lacks a spare tire, providing only a repair kit.
Why It Matters
For buyers seeking an electric alternative to the Outback Wilderness, the Trailseeker offers a compelling mix of power and traction but falls short in key dimensions. With 8.5 inches of ground clearance, it sits one inch lower than the Outback Wilderness, and its wheelbase is 4.1 inches longer, prioritizing passenger legroom over off-road articulation. This geometry limits its ability to handle rutted roads and steep angles without modification. The absence of a spare tire also poses a risk for remote travel. While the current model is capable, the source suggests that a future Wilderness trim with a suspension lift and improved approach angles would significantly enhance its off-road utility.
The Bottom Line
The Subaru Trailseeker EV proves capable on light off-road terrain thanks to its advanced AWD system and powertrain, but its ground clearance and underbody protection limit its viability for rugged adventures compared to its gas-powered sibling.
