Subaru confirms Trailseeker EV for New Zealand

Subaru has confirmed its new Trailseeker electric SUV will arrive in New Zealand in September, becoming the brand’s flagship EV offering.

Positioned above the Solterra, the Trailseeker introduces an all-new model line for Subaru and combines the brand’s traditional all-wheel drive focus with a battery-electric powertrain.

The Trailseeker Touring is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 280kW, enabling a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.4 seconds.

Subaru says the vehicle has been engineered with off-road capability in mind, offering 211mm of ground clearance and riding on the e-Subaru Global Platform, which has been developed for higher-performance electric vehicles.

Power comes from a 74.7kWh battery supplied by CATL, with a claimed driving range of up to 488km.

The Trailseeker supports DC fast charging at up to 150kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes under ideal conditions. It also offers 22kW three-phase AC charging and a 1500W Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function.

Braked towing capacity is rated at 1500kg.

Inchcape New Zealand general manager Jerry Delaney says the Trailseeker broadens Subaru’s EV offering while retaining the brand’s core characteristics.

“We welcome the arrival of Trailseeker to New Zealand, as it is a personality-packed EV. It’s the ideal Subaru for Kiwi drivers seeking adventure and for those who want to enjoy an engaging performance drive, all while remaining grounded in the confidence, safety and All-Wheel Drive capability that underpins Subaru’s DNA.”

Delaney says the model arrives after strong demand for the Solterra.

“After we sold out of Solterra in New Zealand, we have been eagerly awaiting a new EV Subaru model here and the Trailseeker is a fantastic option. It delivers electric performance without compromising on confidence, control or real-world capability – the qualities our customers expect from a Subaru.

“The bonus is that the Trailseeker is a seriously quick EV and as the fastest Subaru production vehicle ever, New Zealanders are going to love its performance in all conditions. Trailseeker retains Subaru’s roots, while opening our next chapter in EVolution through electric power, and offering an even greater choice for our customers.”

While Subaru’s global EV line-up now includes the updated Solterra, Trailseeker and newly unveiled Uncharted, New Zealand will initially receive only the Trailseeker.

“While the all-new Trailseeker joins the updated Solterra, and the all-new Uncharted in Subaru’s global electric range – now united under Subaru’s Sport Electric Vehicle (SEV) category — we will be focusing solely on Trailseeker Touring in New Zealand at this stage. Inchcape New Zealand will be constantly assessing other Subaru EV models and we will keep our customers updated on any changes to our line-up,” Delaney says.

Subaru New Zealand says local pricing and specification details will be announced closer to the Trailseeker’s launch.