Subaru Unveils Uncharted: First Front-Wheel Drive Electric Vehicle in Years
Subaru is intensifying its commitment to electric vehicles, similar to hybrid advancements. On Thursday, the automaker introduced its third electric model following the Solterra and Trailseeker: the Uncharted. This new vehicle, much like its larger electric counterparts, is built on a Toyota platform—the latest C-HR—but showcases distinct Subaru design elements and suspension tuning.
Breaking a long-standing trend in the American market, the Uncharted is now available with a front-wheel-drive configuration. Subaru plans to produce the Premium FWD version in limited quantities, delivering 221 horsepower from a single electric motor. The higher-end Uncharted Sport and GT variants will feature dual motors with all-wheel drive, generating a combined 338 hp. These models boast a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 5.0 seconds, surpassing the current WRX performance.
All configurations of the Uncharted are equipped with a 74.4-kWh battery pack, offering an estimated range of over 300 miles for the Premium FWD model and 290 miles for the Sport and GT versions. Standard features include a Tesla-style NACS charging port capable of 150 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. While these figures are competitive, they are not groundbreaking.
Subaru has developed a specialized chassis tuning for the Uncharted to enhance off-road capabilities. Models with all-wheel drive will also come with Subaru’s X-Mode drive settings, which optimize performance on low-traction surfaces.
The interior mirrors that of the new Toyota C-HR, featuring a compact 7-inch digital dashboard and a large 14-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, the cabin includes dual wireless phone chargers in the front. Standard amenities across all models encompass heated seats, heated exterior mirrors, a windshield de-icer, a power tailgate, and a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies.
The Sport trim adds features such as a heated steering wheel and surround-view cameras, while the GT trim includes cooled seats, heated rear outer seats, 20-inch wheels, and an enhanced Harmon-Kardon sound system.
The Uncharted is Subaru’s smallest electric vehicle, being nearly 7 inches shorter in length than the Solterra, measuring approximately 177.6 inches overall. This makes it just slightly longer than the Subaru Crosstrek, yet it offers more cargo space with 25.0 cubic feet compared to the Crosstrek’s 20.0 cubic feet.
Subaru plans to announce pricing details closer to the Uncharted’s expected release in early 2026. While a base MSRP in the mid-$30,000 range is anticipated, factors like tariffs may influence the final pricing.