Subaru has introduced two EVs at the 2025 New York International Auto Show, with the first being a heavily revised Solterra, while the second is the all-new Trailseeker.
Subaru has given the Solterra a big refresh for the new model year, with enhancements to driving performance, battery efficiency, styling and cabin comfort.
The company says the Solterra's driving range has been increased by more than 25 percent due to a new, higher-capacity 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a newly implemented battery preconditioning system that is designed to maintain an optimal battery temperature for charging, particularly in cold conditions, and can be activated by the driver or when navigating to a charging station. Subaru claims the new battery can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in under 35 minutes at speeds up to 150kW, even in sub-zero temperatures.
The new Solterra is also the first car to showcase a redesigned Subaru EV lighting signature, with new headlights, along with a new front bumper design that brings a sleeker look and further differentiates it from its Toyota bZ4X twin.
The rear of the Solterra gets new badging, a rear tailgate garnish and spoiler, while newly designed 18 and 20-inch alloy wheels also debut.
While some theorised that the all-new Trailseeker would be Subaru's version of the smaller Toyota C-HR+ small EV that recently debuted to sit under the larger bZ4X in Toyota's EV line up, the Trailseeker is, in fact, larger than all of its Subaru/Toyota/Lexus siblings that sit on the same platform.
At 150mm longer and 25mm taller than the Solterra, the Trailseeker is more like an Outback version of Subaru's other EV, maintaining a familiar wagon that will appeal to the Subaru wagon faithful. Little else has been revealed, other than the Trailseeker runs on the same electric underpinnings as the Solterra, so also features the 74.4kWh battery, is AWD and can scoot to 60mph (96km/h) in 4.4 seconds.
Subaru points out that, while it will call the new EV the Trailseeker in the USA, the name for global markets has not yet been announced.
Both the Trailseeker and the new Solterra are equipped with Subaru's of EyeSight driver-assist technologies that includes Pre-Collision Braking, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitors, Lane Departure Alert, a panoramic view monitor, Emergency Stop Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control.
Inside, both vehicles feature an all-new 14-inch Subaru Multimedia touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless 15w smartphone chargers for the driver and front passenger, as well as rear, high-power USB-C charge points.
Both are, of course, AWD and feature Subaru's X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, along with Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control, as well as an impressive 210mm of ground clearance.
The refreshed Solterra will go on sale in the USA later this year, while the new Trailseeker is expected to launch there mid-2026, with the company saying pricing and complete specifications will be announced closer to their respective launch dates.
Whether or not the EVs will go on sale in New Zealand is yet to be confirmed.
