Quick Facts:
- Vehicle: 2027 Subaru Trailseeker electric wagon
- Award: Car of the Year, TopGear.com US Car Awards 2027
- Ground clearance: 8.5 inches
- Power: 375 horsepower, standard Symmetrical AWD
- Range: up to 281 miles, EPA
- Towing: up to 3,500 pounds
- Price: from $39,995 MSRP, plus $1,545 destination in most states
- Best for: dirt-road, camping and snow-belt drivers who want an EV wagon
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In This Article
Subaru Trailseeker Wins TopGear.com Car of the Year
The Subaru Trailseeker won Car of the Year at the TopGear.com US Car Awards 2027, announced October 28, 2026. TopGear.com’s editors call it a dutiful, rugged and useful wagon and say it out-wagoned the Outback in Subaru’s own lineup. Wards also named its powertrain to the 2026 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list.
For off-roaders, the useful part is the spec sheet. Subaru lists 8.5 inches of clearance, 375 horsepower and standard Symmetrical AWD. The traction system adds X-MODE with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings. Pricing starts at $39,995 for the Premium trim, before destination.
Software helps with grip, but a stuck wheel in soft dirt or snow still needs recovery gear. Traction boards, for example, free a stuck vehicle without a winch in many cases. Since these three boards are not vehicle-specific, check length and width against your tire size before you buy.
Traction boards for dirt roads and snow
X-BULL New Recovery Traction Tracks Sand Mud Snow Track Tire Ladder…
X-MODE, AWD and Clearance on the Trail
Standard Symmetrical AWD sends power to both axles on every trim. Subaru pairs it with dual-function X-MODE, which includes Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control. Then you pick Snow/Dirt or Deep Snow/Mud to match the surface.
Subaru rates the Trailseeker at 8.5 inches of ground clearance. Compared to the 2027 Hyundai Tucson XRT Pro, which lists about 8.3 inches, the Trailseeker sits roughly 0.2 inch higher.
Tires matter as much as either number. Car and Driver tested a 2026 Touring on Bridgestone Turanza EL450 235/50R-20 tires, a touring tire. Match your tires to the terrain before you leave pavement. Our roundup of Range Rover Electric first drives also looks at stock tires.
Trims and Pricing for the 2027 Subaru Trailseeker
Subaru sells the 2027 Trailseeker in four trims. Destination is $1,545 in most states, per Subaru. Edmunds reports Premium, Limited and Touring share the same dual-motor powertrain. As a result, the extra money buys equipment, not power.
| Trim | MSRP before destination |
|---|---|
| Premium | $39,995 |
| Limited | $43,995 |
| Touring | $46,555 |
| Touring Leather | $46,855 |
Subaru quotes up to 281 miles of EPA range, and the Car and Driver test car carried a 274-mile rating. Ask your retailer which trim and wheel size earns the 281-mile figure. If you want a gas wagon, compare 2027 Subaru Outback pricing, which starts at $32,995 for the new base trim.
Range and Tesla Superchargers on the Trailseeker
The 281-mile figure is a ceiling. Car and Driver measured 190 miles on its 75-mph highway route in a car rated at 274 miles. Edmunds drove 262 miles in its own range test and said the result fell short of expectations.
Charging speed matters on remote trips. Subaru says the battery charges from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 28 minutes on a DC fast charger. A NACS port also gives the Trailseeker access to more than 25,000 Tesla Superchargers, according to Subaru. Rivian is building chargers for remote travel too, as our look at charging for electric overlanders explains.
What This Means for You
4wdTalk has not driven the Trailseeker, so this guidance comes from Subaru’s specs and the Car and Driver and Edmunds tests. If you drive dirt roads to trailheads, campsites or ski lots, the Trailseeker fits the job. Standard AWD, 8.5 inches of clearance and a snow-and-mud traction system suit gravel and snow. Plan your route around the 190-mile highway figure, not the 281-mile label.
Gear hauling is the second test. The standard roof rails hold 700 pounds of static load, which describes a parked vehicle. Check the owner’s manual for the moving limit before you drive with a cargo box, tent or bag. In the rear, Subaru lists up to 31.3 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to the 2026 Outback. Towing tops out at 3,500 pounds, so compare your trailer’s loaded weight to the rating.
Roof rails let you add cargo room. A soft rooftop bag, for example, folds small when empty. Roof cargo also adds drag, which cuts range, so pack the bag only when you need it. Check each listing for attachment method and size, then match the load to your rail spacing and the manual’s limits.
Soft roof cargo bags for raised roof rails
Mockins 16 Cu Ft Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Bag 45"x34"x18" Soft 840D…
Ford now takes orders for a factory Mach-E Trail package at $2,295 on the Select eAWD trim, with deliveries expected in Q1 2027. This gives electric crossover shoppers another trail-minded option. If you want the award winner, the Premium costs $41,540 with destination in most states, before taxes and fees. For long, remote trips, read owner reports on the 2026 model first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much range does the Subaru Trailseeker have?
Subaru rates the Trailseeker at up to 281 miles of EPA range. However, Car and Driver measured 190 miles on its 75-mph highway route. Plan highway trips around the lower number.
What is the Subaru Trailseeker towing capacity?
Subaru rates the Trailseeker to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Also check your trailer’s loaded weight against the rating, and read the manual for the tongue weight limit.
How much ground clearance does the Subaru Trailseeker have?
Subaru lists 8.5 inches. Every trim also gets standard AWD and a traction system with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings.
Is the Trailseeker bigger than the Outback?
Subaru compares cargo room rather than overall size. The Trailseeker offers up to 31.3 cubic feet in the rear, comparable to the 2026 Outback. Against the Solterra, Subaru says the Trailseeker runs more than 6 inches longer and nearly 1 inch taller.
Does the Subaru Trailseeker work with Tesla Superchargers?
Yes. The Trailseeker has a NACS charge port and access to more than 25,000 Superchargers, according to Subaru.
Final Thoughts
TopGear.com picked a wagon built for pavement and dirt roads. For you, the case rests on standard AWD, 8.5 inches of clearance and a NACS charging port. However, plan around the 190-mile highway number if your trips run long. Drive one on a gravel road before you sign, then decide whether you need all-terrain tires and recovery gear.
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