Subaru’s product onslaught continues on both the electric and combustion fronts, with new names and fresh faces in each theatre. The Uncharted is the latest addition to its growing EV portfolio, slotting beneath the Solterra and Trailseeker in both size and price. Think of it as an electric Crosstrek, giving Subaru a smaller and more affordable entry point into the EV market.

Continuing their fruitful partnership with Toyota, the Uncharted is essentially the identical twin to the Toyota C-HR, much as the Solterra is to the bZ. But unlike most Subarus on tap, the Uncharted doesn’t come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. There’s a front-wheel-drive variant, along with two battery options. The entry-level FWD version uses a 57.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, producing 221 horsepower and an estimated 399 km of range, while the larger 77.0 kWh pack stretches that figure to 496 km. Opt for all-wheel drive in the Sport or GT, and the larger battery comes standard, along with an extra motor for an uprated 338 hp.

You’d be forgiven for mistaking the Uncharted for anything but a Subaru. Its soft styling and gentle silhouette are handsomely wrapped in Flare Orange paint, and the familiar face, now shared with Subaru’s other EVs, looks more Toyota than rugged, outdoorsy Subaru. The Uncharted sits high, following the typical Subaru formula of generous wheel-arch clearance and liberal applications of black plastic cladding, though its flat trunk lid gives the otherwise plump design a welcome dose of attitude.

The ride follows suit: soft, composed, and well-judged, prioritizing comfort and stability over outright agility. The Uncharted isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, nor does it eagerly seek out and unravel corners like the Volvo EX30. The front tires squeal in protest and squirm for traction with simultaneous throttle and steering inputs, and the synthetic vagueness from the artificial steering dulls whatever edge remains. The brakes are overly grabby when depressed past the first 25% of pedal travel too. Otherwise, the cabin is exceptionally quiet and insulated. Wind and tire noise remain subdued at higher speeds, while solid ride composure keeps the Uncharted tracking straight and true.

The Uncharted FWD LR delivers playful acceleration and hits 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, which is 1.1s faster than the smaller-battery FWD model but 2.3s off the dual-motor variants. The single motor begins to run out of breath once triple-digit speeds arrive, with wide-open throttle producing increasingly glacial progress, but at more sensible speeds there’s little noticeable deficit in propulsion. We managed 440 km on a full charge on Toyo Open Country H/T tires, but we’re confident that a more ironclad will of self-restraint would yield a rating closer to Subaru’s claimed 496 km. And like Toyota’s recent upgrades, the Uncharted adopts the NACS (North American Charging Standard) port, allowing access to Tesla Superchargers.

The Uncharted embraces many of the same interior elements as the Solterra, only shrunk by 25 percent. Subaru adds a few unique flourishes to distinguish it from its C-HR counterpart, including the squared-off steering wheel and splashes of orange throughout the cabin, but the 14.0-inch touchscreen and gear selector are lifted wholesale from Toyota’s parts bin. Still, the colourful display is complemented by a welcome array of physical dials and buttons for volume and temperature, while the user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.

The squircle steering wheel is a love-it-or-hate-it proposition. We’re impartial to its appearance, but enjoy the extra thigh clearance afforded by its flat bottom and the unobstructed view it provides of the driver display perched far on the dashboard. More importantly, we can’t fault a steering wheel that eschews finicky haptic touchpads in favour of a logical arrangement of physical buttons.

Having two wireless charging pads is a pleasant sight, but spirited driving will send your phones sliding around, as the rubberized surfaces aren’t particularly grippy. We also miss the flexibility of the Volvo EX30’s centre tunnel, though the Uncharted makes up for it with additional storage tucked beneath the centre console. The rear cabin is surprisingly spacious, with enough headroom and legroom for our six-foot frame to sit comfortably. The C-pillar-mounted door handles take some getting used to, and despite the Uncharted’s tall profile, the trunk opening is frustratingly narrow, limiting both accessibility and usable cargo space.

While more Toyota than Subaru, this electrified, Crosstrek-sized SUV makes a compelling case as a relaxing, well-equipped EV with impressive range. The choice of front- or all-wheel drive, along with two battery sizes, creates an approachable entry point that doesn’t compromise its level-headed ride and sensible ergonomics. That should be enough to distract prying eyes away from the Volvo EX30, Nissan Leaf, and Kia Niro EV.

Specifications:

Model: 2026 Subaru Uncharted FWD LR
Paint Type: Flare Orange Metallic
Base Price: $46,995
Price as Tested: $46,995
Wheelbase(mm): 2,750
Length/Width/Height (mm): 4,515 / 1,870 / 1,620
Curb weight (kg): 2,520
Powertrain: 77 kWh lithium-ion battery, electric motor
Horsepower: 221 hp
Torque: 198 lb-ft
Transmission: Single-speed transmission
Observed Range: 440 km
Tires: Toyo Open Country H/T; 235/60R18