Subaru is working on a spare wheel solution for its 2026 Trail seeker electric SUV, as the brand continues refining the lifestyle and luxury experience of its new EV range.
The model has launched in Australia without a spare wheel and instead comes with a tyre repair kit, a setup that is common across many modern electric vehicles.
The Trail seeker is positioned as a premium all electric SUV that focuses on comfort, space and everyday driving confidence. In some markets, the same model is offered with a factory fitted space saver spare wheel under the boot floor, showing that different versions already exist depending on regional needs.
Subaru Australia says it is now actively exploring spare wheel options for local customers. The company has not confirmed whether the space saver system used in other countries will be introduced, but it has assured that updates will be shared once a solution is finalized.
The issue highlights a wider trend in the electric vehicle market, where many brands remove spare wheels to save space for batteries and reduce weight. This design shift is becoming common in EV’s that focus on clean layouts and increased cabin space rather than traditional storage setups.
Some Subaru hybrid and electric models, including related SUVs, also follow the same approach of excluding spare wheels. However, other Subaru vehicles like the Forester, Impreza and WRX still offer full size or space saver spares, keeping a mix of old and new design choices across the lineup.
In the broader EV market, most electric cars now rely on tyre repair kits instead of spare wheels. Only a few models still offer full spares, making them stand out in a segment that is moving towards minimalism and efficiency.
The Trail seeker continues to be marketed as a lifestyle-focused electric SUV, designed for both city driving and light off road use. The ongoing spare wheel discussion reflects how manufacturers are balancing practicality with modern design expectations in the growing EV space.
