Front-Wheel-Drive 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV Delivers 249 Miles in Real-World Highway Test

The 2026 Subaru Uncharted represents a new nameplate and the third electric vehicle in Subaru’s lineup, slotting below the Solterra. Co-developed with Toyota, the subcompact electric crossover is a corporate twin to the Toyota C-HR and competes against the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV3, and Chevrolet Equinox EV. While Toyota primarily led the engineering and Subaru contributed off-road expertise, Subaru handles manufacturing. Notably, the Uncharted is the first new front-wheel-drive Subaru since the original Impreza, though all-wheel drive is also offered.

In testing, the front-wheel-drive Uncharted Premium features a single front-mounted permanent-magnet motor producing 221 hp and 198 lb-ft of torque, paired with a single-speed fixed-ratio transmission. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and completes the quarter mile in 14.8 seconds at 95.7 mph. By comparison, the Uncharted GT trim uses a 338-hp dual-motor AWD setup that reaches 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, while a tested dual-motor 2027 Toyota C-HR did it in 4.5 seconds. Competitors tested include the 300-hp Tesla Model Y Standard (6.2 seconds to 60 mph), the 496-hp Model Y L (4.2 seconds), and the 261-hp 2027 Kia EV3 GT AWD (5.6 seconds).

The Uncharted is equipped with a 74.7-kWh NMC lithium-ion battery and a NACS port supporting a 150-kW maximum charging rate. It carries an EPA-rated range of 308 miles and fuel economy ratings of 140/118/129 mpg-e (city/highway/combined). In the 70-mph Road-Trip Range test, it achieved 249 miles. Fast-charging tests added 128 miles in 15 minutes and 212 miles in 30 minutes. However, the vehicle lacks one-pedal driving, does not retain regenerative braking settings after a key cycle, and has no on-route charge planning software, glove compartment, or frunk.

Inside, the tested model features heated cloth front seats, copper trim accents, and abundant black plastic with varying grain textures. A hexagonal steering wheel makes viewing the windshield-adjacent digital driver display easier than in Toyota counterparts, though driver assist systems produce frequent beeping. The dashboard holds a 14.0-inch touchscreen running Toyota's infotainment system with physical volume and temperature buttons, alongside dual wireless phone chargers, Eco and Snow mode buttons, and a push-down rotary gear selector. Rear access is tight due to small door openings.

Riding on 235/60R18 Toyo Open Country tires with a 108.3-inch wheelbase, 177.8 x 73.6 x 63.8-inch dimensions, and a 4,102-lb curb weight (56/44% front/rear distribution), the Uncharted handles winding roads decently thanks to a low center of gravity. On the figure-eight course (26.8 seconds at 0.68 g average) and in braking from 60 mph (129 feet, 0.83 g lateral acceleration), it feels soft and underdamped with light steering and torque steer. The tested Uncharted Premium starts at $36,470 and costs $37,310 as tested.