Our First Spin in the 2026 Subaru Uncharted: A Surprisingly Spicy Small EV

Every once in a while, there’s a new model that comes along and completely surprises us and dramatically exceeds our expectations. With jaded, old reviewers like yours truly, that can be a rare feat, but Subaru’s newest (and smallest) electric crossover, called Uncharted, has done just that. 

Within Subaru’s expanding line-up, the Uncharted sits below the recently-updated Solterra, and the brand-new Trailseeker in what is now a 3-car EV family. To draw parallels to gas-powered models, think of the Trailseeker as an Outback equivalent, while the Uncharted is like a battery-powered Crosstrek. Of note, all three of Subaru’s EVs have a virtual twin in Toyota’s line-up that share both dimensions and drivetrains.  

Related – 2026 Subaru Uncharted Vs. Trailseeker Performance & Power Delivery

Breaking the “Dorky EV” Design Mould

Before getting into the technical details and driving experience, Uncharted’s styling deserves some attention. Most of the subcompact crossovers in the EV realm wear quirky styling that’s sometimes downright dorky. The Nissan Leaf, for instance, has received a fresh look, but it’s still not what one would call a ‘looker’. The Uncharted, though, takes the rakish roofline we’ve come to associate with crossover coupes and makes its tidy proportions still somehow look sleek and sporty, while still being slippery through the air. The front end, with its pair of 6-lens headlights, looks particularly aggressive, even recalling a bit of Macan EV, which is not a bad thing at all. 

Subaru has jumped on the trend of illuminating its nose badge now, and by spelling out the SUBARU wordmark across the tail-end, instead of repeating the logo. While lower-trim models wear 18-inch wheels, the two upper-spec trims roll on 20-inch wheels. All of it comes together to appear more premium than buyers are used to seeing at this EV entry point. 

Related – Forget the Solterra, Subaru’s Next Little EV Looks Tougher

Thoughtful Interior Design

The interior is also nicely finished.  It’s not lavish with fine woods and hides, but there are soft-touch materials and interesting textures throughout, and the build quality is excellent, too. More importantly, the cockpit is a highly functional space with a dashboard mounted low, opening up an expansive vista to the front and sides. The aggressively raked roof line does limit rear and rear-3/4 views somewhat, but the side mirrors and 360-degree camera views help mitigate that.

The driver faces a steering wheel that’s squared off top and bottom, with a digital gauge display perched high on the dash, and presenting crucial data very close to the driver’s natural line of sight. Plus, it negates the need for a head-up display. The central dash is dominated by a 14-inch touch screen to operate the infotainment system. A pair of dials helps ensure simple climate-control adjustments can be made with minimal distraction, and there’s a volume knob, albeit a small one. If the system looks (and operates) familiarly, it must mean you’ve had experience with some late-model Toyotas, since this system is pulled directly from there. 

The console space between the front seat passengers offers two wireless smartphone charge pads, room for cups or bottles, a clever storage bin that opens to either the driver or passenger side, and a Drive-Reverse-Neutral selector also pillaged from Toyota’s parts bin. 

Space is reasonable for front seat passengers, while in the back, occupants will have decent legroom, but headroom is a bit snug for taller folks. The cargo area is generous for a sub-compact crossover with 700 L of space behind the rear seat that expands to 1,685 L when the split-fold seat is down, reportedly offering more capacity than a Crosstrek. 

Related – Subaru SUV Models Up Close: Smallest to Biggest

Small EV, Big Performance

Subaru says there’s growing demand for more affordable electric vehicles, and the Uncharted is clearly aimed at that segment. The lineup begins with a front-drive single-motor variant using a 57.7-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and producing 165 horsepower. In Canada, this model is expected to start at $42,995, aggressively pricing it against other single-motor EVs, and well under the entry point to Toyota’s CH-R twin.

“Unlike some competitors, Subaru is offering a battery preconditioner as standard equipment on the Uncharted (as well as its Solterra and Trailseeker models), which will ensure the battery is sufficiently heated or cooled to optimize fast charging when needed.”

A second single-motor variant, the FWD LR, uses a larger 74.7-kWh battery and delivers 221 hp, with Canadian pricing expected to start at $46,995. In the U.S., the entry-level Uncharted Premium FWD starts at $34,995 MSRP and offers an estimated range of more than 300 miles on a single charge. (Full pricing chart and trims at the end of this review.)

Both the Sport and GT trims use the same 74.7-kWh battery paired with dual electric motors (one at the front and one at the rear), which together deliver a healthy 338 hp. Our test vehicle was equivalent to the top-spec GT model.

Unsurprisingly, 338 hp in a relatively light (for an EV) 2,000-kg crossover results in very brisk acceleration. Factor in the immediacy of electric torque, and the Uncharted’s ability to shove its occupants deep into their seats becomes highly addictive. As a commuter, the little Subaru is superbly equipped to point-and-squirt through dawdling traffic, zipping up to highway speeds from a standstill and executing rapid passing manoeuvres with ease.

What really surprised us is how adept a handler the little EV is. Carrying most of its weight in the floor keeps the centre of gravity low, helping the Uncharted navigate corners without the roly-poly feel typical of many crossovers. Drive it hard on a twisty road, as we did, and you’ll find a properly playful machine that can be thrown into corners quicker than expected before rocketing out again with the help of its all-wheel-drive system. The steering, while precise, offers little in the way of road feel.

We were also given the opportunity to try Subaru’s X-Mode on an off-road course designed to demonstrate how effectively the all-wheel-drive system can apportion power in low-traction conditions, even with one wheel briefly off the ground. Both on road and off, the Uncharted’s ride quality proved better than expected.

Range and Recharge

With the larger battery pack and lowest drivetrain drag, the Uncharted FWD LR offers the greatest range at up to 480 km (roughly 300 miles) in ideal conditions, while the dual-motor variants are expected to deliver around 438–460 km depending on specification. While not class-leading, they’re still quite competitive, and should serve most urban and suburban dwellers well.

The standard NACS port means the Uncharted can utilize the newer generation of Tesla’s abundant charging network, and can draw juice at speeds up to 150 kW, enough to take the battery from 10% charge to 80% in about half an hour under ideal conditions. Subaru also includes a battery preconditioner as standard equipment on the Uncharted (as well as its Solterra and Trailseeker models), which helps ensure the battery is sufficiently heated or cooled to optimize fast charging when needed. Given the dramatic high and low temperatures many motorists face, it’s good to see this included.

Takeaway

With the return of the federal government’s $5,000 incentive for affordable zero-emission vehicles, the Uncharted becomes a very impressive value, especially considering the combination of practical usability, impressive performance, and its stylish appearance. Within a segment of entry-level EVs, Subaru’s smallest offering feels more fun and more premium, making it an excellent choice for commuting or around-town runabout. The Subaru Uncharted is set to arrive in showrooms later this spring. 

2026 Subaru Uncharted Price and Trims

U.S. Pricing & Trims

Canada Pricing & Trims