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Subaru Uncharted debuts as the brand's first EV compact crossover
From a distance, Subaru’s adoption of EVs may seem to be happening at a rather glacial pace, for the local market at least. However, the brand’s electrification plan is a bold one – by 2030, half of its sales are expected to come from BEVs, with eight electric models planned by 2028.
As part of the latter plan, Subaru has now introduced its first all-electric compact crossover, called the Uncharted. Based on the Toyota C-HR platform, they are mechanically identical, sharing the same 74.7kWh battery, motor configurations, and much of the body construction. Naturally, though, Subaru applies its styling, suspension tuning, and branding tweaks.
Set to go on sale in North America in 2026, the Uncharted will be available in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration, which will be sold in limited numbers, plus Sport and GT with symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems. According to the Japanese carmaker, the Premium variant will produce 164kW from a single electric motor, while the Sport and GT will ship with dual-motor all-wheel drive with a total of 252kW. Performance for the AWD variants is claimed at 5 seconds from 0-100km/h.
When it comes to recharging the battery pack, it can be replenished from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. With fully charged batteries, Subaru claims the Uncharted AWD variants can travel up to 460km and 480km for the FWD model between chargers.
When it comes to design, Subaru seems to have absolutely nailed it. The coupe-like silhouette gives it a sporty edge, especially when paired with the two-tone roof treatment on the GT model. Around the back, the sleek rear lights, black badging, and silver-painted lower fascia sum it all up nicely. Subaru’s also added low-profile roof rails on AWD models and offers a choice between stylish 18- or 20-inch wheels depending on the variant.
Step inside and you’re greeted by a modernised cabin, thanks to a large floating 14-inch infotainment screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus dual wireless charging pads in the centre console. One thing I really appreciate is that Subaru has always been consistent in keeping physical buttons and toggle switches for key functions. In an age where so many carmakers are going full touchscreen, this is a big win for usability.
And then there’s the compact steering wheel and smart cockpit layout that appear thoughtfully put together and refreshingly user-friendly.
As expected, the Uncharted features the brand’s EyeSight driver-assist systems that include Pre-Collision Braking, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitors, Lane Departure Alert, Emergency Stop Assist, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, and more. Depending on the model, buyers will be able to specify a panoramic view monitor, Traffic Jam Assist, and Lane Change Assist functions.
The new Subaru Uncharted signals the brand’s readiness to take its place in the EV race. And if this is any indication of what’s to come, the future of Subaru’s electrification journey looks more than promising; it looks genuinely exciting.
