Subaru Uncharted 2026 Review
As the third string to Subaru’s Sport Electric Vehicle bow, the Uncharted covers new ground – but does it make sense?It’s a WRX! It’s a Crosstrek! No, it’s an Uncharted, and according to Subaru, its latest ‘Sport Electric Vehicle’ (SEV) is a mix of the first two. You could say the Japanese giant is heading into… uncharted territory. Leveraging an engineering partnership with Toyota, the Uncharted capitalises from the joint EV platform, however, Subaru works in its own character to create an SUV that sits below the Solterra and Trailseeker. So, is there enough substance within the Uncharted’s complex makeup to justify its existence?
How much does the Subaru Uncharted cost?
The 2026 Subaru Uncharted presents as a fully loaded top-spec-only offering for $59,990 plus on-road costs.
Other markets receive lower model grades with single-motor, front-wheel drive powertrains, but not Australia. Being based on a platform shared with Toyota, there will soon be other options like the upcoming C-HR EV to choose from.
Externally, it buys into the coupe-SUV silhouette with a tapered roofline, while 20-inch wheels fill the guards and somewhat disguise the significant 211mm of ground clearance. It also gains signature LED headlights and flush rear door handles that lean into the fastback design.
Inside it uses a ‘squircle’ steering wheel to facilitate the high-mount 7.0-inch instrument cluster. It’s joined by a 14-inch infotainment screen, dual Qi wireless charge pads and a 10-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system.
The eight-way powered front seats (with memory for the driver) are heated – as are the outboard rear seats and steering wheel. Synthetic leather upholstery, ambient lighting and dual-zone climate control features, too.
A five-star ANCAP safety rating was awarded in 2025, while the Uncharted comes with eight airbags and the full Subaru Safety Sense suite. It’s highlighted by autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise, blind spot monitoring, active lane keeping, cross traffic alert, a 360-degree view monitor and driver attention monitoring.
Power and propulsion come from dual electric motors. The front axle provides 167kW/268Nm, while the rear taps in with 88kW/169Nm to help the 2025kg mass cover the 0-100km/h dash in 5.0 seconds. A 74.7kWh CATL lithium-ion battery provides current, can be charged up to 150kW (DC) and has a WLTP-rated range of 522km.
Despite there being no mechanical link, the e-motors create faux all-wheel drive (AWD) as both power sources talk to each other in code. Subaru cheekily continues to brand it ‘Symmetrical AWD’, while the two-channel X-Mode off-road drive modes aid traction.
The only options are premium paint ($660), a panoramic glass roof ($1200) or two-tone paint with glass roof ($2400).
What’s good about the Subaru Uncharted?
For a generation that feeds off quick dopamine hits, the 2026 Subaru Uncharted ticks a lot of boxes.
Thanks to its dual motors and instantaneous power delivery, it feels fast. From the seat of your pants, it accelerates with more force than the zero to 100km/h time of five seconds flat suggests. And it doesn’t trail off either, with more than enough punch to perform an overtake.
That rapid nature is juxtaposed by the compliant ride quality. It’s on big 20-inch wheels, low-profile Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres (235/50 R20) and no fancy adaptive dampers, but the passive tune is more than good enough to absorb most lumps and bumps, no matter the speed.
It’s one of the ways Subaru has personalised the Uncharted away from its Toyota twin: bespoke suspension tuning. It’s also tinkered with the AWD system, as well as adding two X-Modes that use electronic braking for enhanced off-road ability.
The Uncharted’s ability to smooth rough surfaces is as surprising as it is appreciated.
The oddly shaped steering wheel is tied to a quick and light rack to make city twirling a breeze, and the compact dimensions (4535mm long, 1870mm wide) aid manoeuvrability.
Efficiency is another revelation. The Uncharted not only totes an above average range of 522km, it’s also realistic too. We managed to come within 0.9kWh/100km of Subaru’s 16kWh/100km claim during testing, and considering that included spirited country-road driving and dirt-track antics, it’s impressive.
Sitting inside the Uncharted is much like the other offshoots that share the e-TNGA/e-SGP architecture. The presentation is appealing, while the materials and build quality are sound. Ergonomics are generally straight forward, especially having the climate controls anchored like a desktop toolbar – handy!
The physical dials for the temperature and volume control are pure Lexus, while the Toyota-based operating system is easy to navigate on the large central touchscreen. The standard-fit Harmon Kardon audio is appreciated too.
There’s a decent amount of rear-seat legroom for a compact SUV, and headroom isn’t impacted too much by the sloping roofline. The air vents and heated outboard pews are a premium touch.
What’s not so good about the Subaru Uncharted?
Subaru is pushing the fun-factor aspect hard, using phrases like ‘thrill’, ‘razor sharp’ and ‘confidence’ to describe its latest electrified EV.
Yet, aside from the perky straight-line pace, grippy nature and the off-road-friendly ground clearance, thinking of the 2026 Subaru Uncharted as a modern, electrified take on the WRX is wide of the mark.
It’s a shame the e-motor with the most grunt didn’t find its way onto the rear axle. With significantly more power and torque directed forwards, the Uncharted feels dynamically front-biased. It’s especially noticeable when steering lock and throttle are applied in unison.
This means the electronic nannies work overtime and the traction-control icon flashes more fervently than the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip. Take a more point-and-shoot approach and the experience becomes more rewarding.
While the Uncharted does turn-in keenly with tangible levels of grip, the two-tonne mass and soft suspension tune work against each other. It’s noticed most on quick changes of direction. However, while it does roll, rebound is largely kept in check.
No one is going to seriously off-road their Uncharted, despite the ground clearance and clever X-Modes. Without all-terrain tyres (or even a space-saver spare) and proper mechanical hardware like locking differentials, maintained dirt tracks are more likely, but that’s also where it’s the most fun.
Still, you’re better off relaxing into the composed ride quality than attempting Scandi flicks like Cody Crocker.
Not everyone is going to gel with the seating position either. As a consequence of trying to make the instrument cluster double as a head-up display, the already unconventionally shaped steering wheel is positioned low and the resulting driving position doesn’t feel natural.
Given that the Uncharted is classified as a small SUV, it’s 155mm shorter, 25mm lower and has 100mm less wheelbase than the Solterra. As you might imagine, that also means the interior isn’t as spacious. While leg and headroom room in the back is agreeable, you need to be mindful of your noggin getting in and out.
Despite the compact EV gubbins, cargo capacity and packaging haven’t been maximised within the platform. There’s no frunk to speak of and the boot is on the smaller side at 403 litres.
Should I buy a Subaru Uncharted?
It all depends on what you’re expecting from the 2026 Subaru Uncharted.
If the goal is a WRX-esque experience, then buy a WRX. While the Uncharted is rapid in a straight line, it doesn’t provide the same driver involvement or dynamic ability. A WRX Sportwagon could be your ticket if you’re after that and some SUV-like room.
On the flip side, without true mechanical Symmetrical AWD and proper ground clearance, an Outback Wilderness ticks more boxes off-road. Yes, its vastly bigger, but it’ll get you places the Uncharted can’t for similar money.
So, does it fall through the cracks to be a non-event? No, not quite.
Forget projections about this electrified Subaru being a quasi-hybrid between performance hero and rally star. Yes, it has a whiff of sporting flavour, but its real strengths lie with its comfortable, useable nature and real-world EV efficiency.
The Uncharted won’t be for everyone, yet for those it is, they’ll see great value in it.
2026 Subaru Uncharted at a glance:
Price: $59,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Dual permanent magnet synchronous motors
Output: 167kW/268Nm (front); 88kW/169Nm (rear)
Combined output: 252kW
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 74.7kWh CATL lithium-ion
Range: 522km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 16.0kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2025)
Related: Subaru backs all three electric models to “thrive”
Related: Subaru’s EV rethink reveals the harsh new reality facing car makers
Related: 2026 Subaru Uncharted confirmed and priced for Australia
Related: Subaru local line-up set for overhaul and expansion
- Genuine EV range and real-world efficiency
- Prodigious amount of power matched with ride comfort
- Decent balance of price, features and quality
- It isn’t as dynamic as the marketing would have you believe
- Cargo capacity doesn’t take full advantage of EV platform
- Squircle steering wheel and driving position won’t be to all tastes
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