Subaru Trailseeker EV: Good on Roads, Lacks True Off-Road Ruggedness

The automotive world is witnessing a resurgence of classic design principles in electric vehicles, as automakers strive to recapture the charm of traditional gas-powered icons. Subaru is stepping into this arena with the Trailseeker, an electric variant of its beloved Outback. But does the Trailseeker meet the expectations of enthusiasts longing for the genuine Outback experience?

Assessing the Off-Road Prowess of the Subaru Trailseeker

With a starting price of $41,445, the Trailseeker is marketed as Subaru’s most robust electric vehicle to date. However, when held against the standard of ruggedness, its capabilities are somewhat limited. For those seeking a fun, efficient, and affordable electric SUV, the Trailseeker is a strong contender, but its off-road credentials may not fully satisfy traditionalists.

Departing from the typical sleek designs of electric vehicles, the Trailseeker adopts a boxy format with distinctive plastic cladding to echo the Outback’s spirit. It offers a range of up to 281 miles, supported by a balanced chassis and precise steering, making acceleration from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds a thrilling experience.

Despite these strengths, the Trailseeker is not positioned as a sporty EV but rather as a rugged one, where it appears to fall short. Although it surpasses the Outback in many respects, off-road capability is not among them.

Recently, journalists tested the Trailseeker on various courses, including a mild off-road track. While the vehicle received praise for its performance, the consensus was clear: it does not live up to the ruggedness suggested by Subaru. Even with 8.5 inches of clearance, all-wheel drive, and specialized off-road modes, its off-road prowess is limited.

Road & Track noted the off-roading course was “limited,” featuring steep inclines and uneven terrain, concluding that the Trailseeker offers “reasonable” off-road capabilities, but not for a vehicle touted as rugged. US News acknowledged its power and smooth road performance but noted that off-roading was restricted to basic dirt paths, stating: “You cannot go as far afield in this vehicle as you could in an Outback Wilderness and there is no underbody protection, but for forest or gravel roads, or moderate off-road trails, it’ll be fine.”

While the Trailseeker can navigate some off-road conditions, it doesn’t fully deliver on Subaru’s rugged promise. This trend is not unique to Subaru; Toyota’s bZ Woodland EV and C-HR have faced similar criticism. Even Dodge’s attempt to recreate the Charger with the Daytona, sans V8 growl, received mixed reviews.

These electric variants are not necessarily flawed, but they often miss the defining characteristics of their gasoline counterparts. The Trailseeker, with its capability to handle dirt roads and its distinctive styling, avoids the generic EV look. Yet, for serious off-roading, the traditional Outback remains the preferred choice. The electric vehicle market is evolving, and the Trailseeker represents a step forward, albeit not a complete one for off-road enthusiasts.