Subaru has unveiled its third battery electric vehicle (BEV), the Subaru Uncharted, which is set to join its global electric line-up. The Uncharted—not to be confused with the popular video game—is making headlines for being the company’s first front-wheel drive (FWD) model to be offered in America in decades.
This is a significant move for a brand renowned for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which is standard on its other BEV models like the Subaru Solterra and the recently launched Trailseeker.
The primary reason the Subaru Uncharted is offered in FWD is because the SUV is based on the Toyota C-HR+, making the Uncharted the smallest EV on offer from Subaru. To highlight its compact manoeuvrability, the carmaker states that the Uncharted has almost the same turning radius as the Subaru Crosstrek.
However, Subaru is keen to point out that it did not simply take a C-HR+ and paste a new body onto it. The company states that the Uncharted features unique styling and chassis tuning compared to the Toyota crossover, the former projecting a more rugged appearance primarily thanks to the rugged black trim on the front bumper.
Although some resemblance to the Toyota C-HR+ can still be seen in the side profile, belt line, and concealed rear door handles, the Uncharted’s overall design language establishes it as the more “outdoorsy” sibling of the two.
RELATED: The Trailseeker is the EV SUV that Subaru should’ve built all along
The familiar resemblance to its Toyota cousin is most evident inside, with the Uncharted sharing the same dashboard layout. It even appears to feature the same multi-function steering wheel and centre console, which includes two wireless charging pads.
The tech package is also shared, comprising a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch central infotainment display that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Three variants of the Subaru Uncharted will be offered in the US: Premium, Sport, and GT. The entry-level Premium variant is the aforementioned front-wheel drive (FWD) model, powered by a single electric motor that produces 221 hp.
The Sport and GT variants are equipped with a more powerful dual-motor, all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain that delivers a combined 338 hp. As the SUV was unveiled in the US, the company did not provide a 0-100 km/h time, but states that the AWD Uncharted can accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.0 seconds.
All variants of the Subaru Uncharted are equipped with a 74.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This enables an estimated range of 483 km for the FWD variant and 467 km for the AWD variants. Equipped with a Tesla-style NACS charging port in the US, the Uncharted supports 11 kW AC charging and up to 150 kW DC fast charging, which allows for a 10-80% recharge in approximately 30 minutes.
For now, pricing of the Subaru Uncharted remains in uncharted territory, as the company will only announce its sticker price closer to its US market launch in early 2026. However, some sources are estimating that the Uncharted will be priced somewhere in the mid-USD30,000 range (approx. RM127k).
GALLERY
