Subaru Australia says while there are currently “no plans” for an electric Outback, a hybrid model is “under discussion” with its global parent.
“Let’s talk hybrid, because that’s probably the only powertrain left [other than EV], I think at this point there’s no plan for a BEV version of the Outback. Hybridisation, there’s discussion with Subaru Corporation,” said Scott Lawrence, general manager for Subaru Australia.
“Our [primary] focus has been the Wilderness, getting that into the market as it currently stands… it is a discussion point, how we expand the hybrid range, and we will see more hybrid across the range – but nothing to share at this point.”
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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.
The Trailseeker is Subaru’s most powerful and fastest-accelerating road car ever, boasting a 280kW dual-motor electric drivetrain good for a 4.4-second 0-100km/h sprint claim.
Meanwhile, the most potent Outback produces 194kW and 382Nm from its 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and Subaru doesn’t quote a 0-100km/h time.
Pricing for the Trailseeker will be confirmed closer to launch in the coming months, but expect it to carry a premium over both the Outback Wilderness (from $59,690 before on-road costs) and related Solterra (from $63,990).
Mr Lawrence’s comments about the expansion of hybrid offerings in Subaru’s local lineup indicate the Japanese brand is seriously looking into launching electrified versions of its existing 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.
The Impreza doesn’t offer an ‘e-Boxer’ 48V hybrid option in Australia despite it being available overseas, while the Crosstrek recently picked up the Forester’s S:HEV or ‘Strong Hybrid’ option in its home market in Japan, though the existing e-Boxer Hybrid version remains an option locally.
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 CarExpert for our Australian first drive review of the all-new Subaru Outback on February 18.
