2026 Subaru Uncharted: Everything an Electric SUV Should Be, Everyday—and On Every Trail
The details add up to what could be the breakout star in the Subaru family.
The brand new, first ever Subaru Uncharted starts with a ton of power—the second most powerful car in Subaru’s lineup at 338 HP—and a solid electric driving range of 290 miles on a charge. But with a small footprint—at 178” long, it’s about the size of the Crosstrek—a roomy cabin, a nicely-sized cargo area with 25 cubic feet of space, and a Subaru-designed all wheel drive system, which we know is what sets Subaru apart from the crowd, this is a breakout star in the Subaru lineup.
Subaru has worked to refine its lineup of electric SUVs and address past shortcomings, namely insufficient power and range. The 2026 Solterra will increase range from 225 miles to 285, and take the HP output up to 338 from 215. The first-ever Trailseeker will deliver 375 HP and 260 miles of range. The Uncharted rounds out the group by besting the range category at 290-300 miles, and delivering a very satisfying 338 HP.
What the other two don’t have, though, is this shape: It’s toned, it’s pert, and it’s adorable, with a sloped roofline and hatchback style that is unlike anything Subaru has built before. The look alone of the Subaru Uncharted is a winner; add all the other things, and it’s a pretty irresistible little electric SUV.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
A Partnership With Toyota, But With Engineering That Stands Apart
A lot of people will point to the fact that the Subaru Uncharted looks a lot like the Toyota C-HR, a formerly gas-powered compact SUV that just made its re-debut as an EV. Don’t be fooled. While these two share a lot of exterior details, they are much more Kim and Khloé (Kardashian) than the Olsen twins; they share DNA but have distinct personalities. The C-HR is a fun run-around for the city, while the Subaru Uncharted is designed for off-pavement destinations.
Subaru took the C-HR framework, the powertrain and interior, and then Subaru-ified the chassis and performance: The company’s engineers tuned the suspension, drive train, and power for the type of all wheel drive Subaru drivers expect.
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Off-Pavement Driving Is a Natural For Subaru—and for Uncharted
This attention to the off-road capability of the Subaru Uncharted is where the brand stands apart and also where Uncharted will certainly differ from its Toyota cousin.
Uncharted is intended for trail riding and light-to-medium off-roading, as well as snow and messy road conditions. To ensure this experience, Subaru gave the suspension better capability and the all wheel drive more grip, stability, and handling, both on road and on the trail.
To truly ensure capability, Subaru added X-Mode to Uncharted’s drive modes in the Sport and GT models; this offers snow, dirt, deep snow, and mud modes to keep the wheels turning even under extreme conditions.
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Tesla Charging Is Built Into the Subaru Uncharted
The Subaru Uncharted will be Subaru’s longest range electric SUV with more than 300 miles in the Premium model, though all three—Solterra, Trailseeker, and Uncharted—deliver very good range. They are also designed to recharge quickly; they can accept DC fast charging of up to 150 kWh, which will replenish the battery to 80% in less than 30 minutes. Overnight at a level 2 charger, it’ll take 8-10 hours.
The best part, though, is that the Uncharted will come with a NACS charge port, the Tesla-style port that allows charging at Tesla Superchargers. Of course, the Uncharted can be charged at a conventional CCS charger with an adapter.
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Uncharted’s Interior Is Designed To Maximize Space and Function
Inside the Subaru Uncharted, you’ll also see some similarities to the Toyota C-HR, and that’s not a bad thing: The dual phone charge pads, the under console storage, the push-and-turn gear shifter, and 14” multimedia screen are shared features, as is the driver display that is set back near the windshield. Graphics and icons are large and easy to see, looking and feeling more like a head-up display than a driver’s screen.
When Subaru is done developing the software for the 14″ multimedia screen, which looks and feels like the screen found in many Toyota models, there will be even more to see. But it will have “Hey Subaru” voice activation, navigation, music, and EV function, and feedback screens.
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This Lovely Interior Is Roomier Than You’d Think
The Sport model we toured was upholstered in light gray and dark gray leatherette, and the effect is quite elegant—and sporty. The under-console storage spot is convenient for holding small things, and the center armrest opens from either side, toward the driver or passenger, for added convenience.
Climbing into the rear seat of the Uncharted, I was quite surprised to find out how roomy and well-appointed it is. Not only did I have plenty of space to relax, but the roof line, while sloped toward the rear end of the car, didn’t make me feel claustrophobic. The under-carriage battery pack assures a nice, large footprint for the cabin, and that translates to passenger space.
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A Fully-Baked Rear Seat Is a Selling Point
This is a big one for families with kids, dogs, or rear seat passengers: the rear seat has plenty of room for rear or forward-facing kids car seats, two full sets of LATCHes, and that one critical feature: Air vents.
There are also heated rear seats in the Sport and GT models and two USB ports. Those two things—air vents and USB ports—are something that a lot of car makers skimp on in compact cars and SUVs, and it’s a deal breaker for many buyers; you can’t subject sweaty toddlers in car seats to a back seat with no air vents. Same for panting pups; they need their own airflow.
READ MORE: 2026 Subaru Trailseeker Leads the Brand into Its All-Electric Off-Road Future
Three Trim Versions of the Subaru Uncharted and a Rare FWD Option
This one is a shocker: The Subaru Uncharted’s entry trim, Premium, is a front wheel drive, single motor model. I’m sort of surprised Subaru will offer this, as it will be the only non-AWD model it sells. But, wanting to provide a less-expensive model with a higher range (estimated at more than 300 miles on a charge), Subaru relented.
Subaru is offering two additional Uncharted trims, Sport and GT, to keep things simple.
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How the Subaru Uncharted Trims Break Down
The good news is that the other two trims will feature the brand’s signature AWD system, as well as some other goodies. Here is how the trims break down:
- The Premium model is front wheel drive only, powered by a single motor will generate 221 HP and have a driving range of 300 miles on a charge and will also include the 14” multimedia touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual smartphone charge pads, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, a power lift gate, ambient interior lighting, Subaru’s Eyesight driver assist system and a driver monitor to prevent distracted driving. Buyers can choose between 18” and 20” wheels.
- The Sport model adds all wheel drive, X mode, leatherette seating, a heated steering wheel, and a surround view camera.
- The GT model is the top of the line and adds a panoramic sunroof, 20” wheels, vented front seats, Harman Kardon premium sound, and a digital rear view mirror.
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What Truly Sets the Uncharted Apart? The Whole Package
Subaru will release pricing and additional details closer to the launch of the Uncharted’s release in early 2026. But there are a lot of goodies in this cute little hatchback, and it’ll be exciting to see it on the road. Personally, I’ve always loved the Toyota C-HR for its cute looks, versatile space, and petite footprint. What I didn’t like was its bare-bones approach to the interior and especially, the underpowered engine and lack of AWD.
The Subaru Uncharted solves all that with a dynamic edit of great features and AWD capability. If you know you know: when you need AWD, there isn’t a choice, no matter how attractive the package is. Now, you can have both.
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