Subaru Australia says while there are currently “no plans” for an electric Outback , a hybrid model is “under discussion” with its global parent.
But I think at this stage there’s no plan for a BEV version of the Outback, because that’ll probably be the only powertrain left [other than EV] to talk hybrid. Scott Lawrence, general manager for Subaru Australia said ‘There is talk with Subaru Corporation about hybridisation.
It has been the Wilderness, which is our [primary] focus on getting that into the market as it currently stands. I think it is a discussion point, how we expand the hybrid range and will see more hybrid across the spectrum – but nothing to say at this stage. , “It’s a phrase that says.
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Technically classified as a ‘Large SUV’ by the FCAI in VFACTS segmentation, the wagon-esque Outback will be joined by the all-electric Trailseeker during the second quarter of 2026.
Measuring over 4.8m long and 1.8m wide, the Trailseeker is dimensionally very close to the petrol-only Outback, and is effectively a badge-engineered version of the Toyota bZ4X Touring also confirmed for Australia. It will also be known as the E-Outback in markets like Europe.
With a 280kW dual-motor electric drivetrain good for ‘4″ the Trailseeker is Subaru’s most powerful and fastest-accelerating road car of all time, with its top speeding power. 4-second 0-100km/h sprint claim, 4 second – 100km.
meanwhile the most powerful Outback generates 194kW and 382Nm from its 2. Subaru does not quote 0-100km/h time, and 4-litre turbocharged petrol engine is 4 litres.
A closer to launch in the coming months, pricing for Trailseeker will be confirmed but it will cost a premium over both the Outback Wilderness (from $59,690 before on-road costs) and related Solterra ($6,990)).
Subaru Crosstrek S:HEV
Mr Lawrence’s comments about the relaunch of hybrid products in Subaru’S local lineup suggest that the Japanese brand is seriously considering developing electrified versions of its current core models.
With the new-generation Forester gaining a ‘Strong Hybrid’ option last year, utilising Toyota’s hybrid technology, the spotlight now shines on the popular Crosstrek small crossover and the related Impreza hatchback.
In Australia, the Impreza does not offer an ‘e-Boxer’ 48V hybrid option (although it is available overseas), while in Japan recently Crosstrek introduced the Forester’s SHEV or Strong Hybrid alternative as its home market option; although the current e–Boxers Hybred version remains local.
Beyond that, the BRZ sports car and WRX family don’t offer hybrid options abroad, so expect the aforementioned compact nameplates to be the focus of Subaru’s local hybrid expansion plans.
Stay tuned to childcareman.xyz for our Australian first drive review of the all-new Subaru Outback on February 18.
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