Why Subaru's new EV won't wear the Outback badge in Australia

Subaru Australia says it decided not to call the incoming Trailseeker electric crossover SUV the E-Outback like it'll be known in Europe because, simply, "it's not the Outback".

The general manager for Subaru's local arm, Scott Lawrence, told CarExpert that while the Trailseeker is similar in size and body style to the Outback, it will wear its own name in Australia to give it its own identity.

"All our nameplates mean something to so many Australians. Outback, it is rugged, it is with Wilderness, that is true Outback," Mr Lawrence said at the launch of the new Outback.

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"Trailseeker, whilst it does sit in the same category – Large SUV – it's not the Outback. For us, when I look at both, Outback pushes into large, rugged territory; Trailseeker while [a] similar size, doesn't.

"It didn't make sense to muddy the waters. They definitely [both] have their own space in the Subaru stable to live.

"In Europe, they have called the Trailseeker the E-Outback. They're not getting the new Outback as you've driven it, so they've perhaps had a different decision," Mr Lawrence added.

Due in the second quarter of 2026 (April-June inclusive), the Trailseeker is the fastest-accelerating road car in the Japanese brand's history.

Like the Solterra, the Trailseeker was co-developed with Toyota and has a twin under that brand. Where the Solterra is a twin to the Toyota bZ4X, which is already on sale locally, the Trailseeker is a twin to the Toyota bZ4X Touring, which is scheduled to arrive in Australia during the first half of 2026.

Power comes from a 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery sourced from Chinese manufacturer CATL, providing a claimed driving range of 533km on the more lenient NEDC cycle. For context, this battery is also fitted to the Solterra, which has a maximum claimed WLTP range of 566km.

The Trailseeker produces 280kW from its dual-motor electric powertrain, up from 252kW in the Solterra. Subaru says the Trailseeker can dash from 0-100km/h in just 4.4 seconds, making it “the fastest-accelerating production Subaru ever built”.

Australian dimensions have yet to be confirmed – aside from 211mm of ground clearance – but we can look overseas for guidance.

In the United States, the Trailseeker is 4841mm long, 1860mm wide, and 1670mm tall, and rides atop a 2850mm wheelbase. The new Outback, meanwhile, is 39mm longer, 20mm wider, and 45mm taller, though its wheelbase is 105mm shorter.

MORE: Explore the Subaru Outback showroom