2026 Subaru Uncharted EV: The SUV That Breaks the Brand’s Mold

The 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV just threw out decades of tradition, by offering Front Wheel Drive, something no Subaru has since the Clinton era and a 300 miles of range.

•          Base Premium FWD: 221 hp, a range of 300+ miles, limited production1

•          Sport/GT AWD: 338 hp, 290 miles of range, 0-60 mph under 5 seconds1

Why This Changes Everything

Here’s the thing about Subaru, they’ve built their entire brand around all-wheel drive being standard, not optional. Walk into any Subaru dealer, and you’ll hear about Symmetrical AWD until your ears bleed. So when they roll out the Uncharted with front-wheel drive as the base model, which is kind of revolutionary for Subaru.

What might have made Subaru to do so and in many ways the reasoning seems to make perfect sense, buyers want maximum range without paying a premium, and the front-drive Uncharted delivers exactly that. At over 300 miles per charge, it beats most competitors in the compact EV segment and does it at what’s expected to be a sub-$35,000 price point.

2026 Subaru Uncharted EV
2026 Subaru Uncharted EV

Uncharted & e-TNGA platform

The Uncharted is built on the Toyota e-TNGA platform, the same foundation as the new C-HR, but Subaru infuses it with its own identity, highlighted by pronounced black cladding, a silhouette which is unmistakably upright, and signature rugged design touches all over that set it apart from the Toyota sibling.

Subaru Uncharted EV Powertrain

The powertrain split here is dramatic. That base Premium FWD model uses a single 221-horsepower motor and its focus is on efficiency above all else. It’s front-wheel drive, it’s built in limited quantities.

Step up to the Sport or GT, and you get a completely different animal. Dual motors pump out 338 horsepower, standard Symmetrical AWD kicks in, and suddenly you’re looking at acceleration that embarrasses most hot hatches, 0-60 mph in under five seconds. The range drops to around 290 miles, but you gain X-Mode for slippery conditions.

Both versions use the same 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery, and both come with a NACS port for Tesla Supercharger access. Charging runs up to 150 kW, so you’re looking at 10-80% in about 30 minutes, even when it’s freezing outside thanks to battery preconditioning.

2026 Subaru Uncharted EV
2026 Subaru Uncharted EV

Subaru Uncharted EV- Interior

Subaru’s never been accused of being tech-forward, but the Uncharted is about to change that narrative. The 14-inch touchscreen is standard across all models, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly, and there are dual wireless charging pads up front plus USB-C ports in the back.

The cabin itself feels roomy for its size, rear legroom matches the Crosstrek, and cargo space behind the second row tops 25 cubic feet1. Subaru’s practical touches are everywhere, from the squared-off steering wheel to the water-repellent StarTex upholstery on higher trims. The GT gets the full luxury treatment with ventilated seats, a panoramic moonroof, and an audio system from Harman Kardon.

Safety and Driver Aids

EyeSight comes standard, as expected, with the full suite of automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Upper trims add a 360-degree camera system, traffic jam assist, and lane change assist, features that put the Uncharted on par with premium EVs costing significantly more.

Visit the official website of Subaru for more information on Safety features.

For more information about the Safety features & crash-test results of Subaru uncharted EV, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Taking on It’s Rivals

The Uncharted is going head-to-head with the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV. Both are solid choices, but neither offers the Uncharted’s combination of range (in FWD form) and performance (in AWD form). The Kona Electric maxes out at 258 miles of range, while the Niro EV hits 253 miles, both respectable, but not 300-plus.

At 338 horsepower, the Uncharted AWD models significantly outgun both Korean rivals, and X-Mode gives it genuine all-weather capability that city-focused EVs typically lack1.

When the Sale Starts

Sales start in early 2026, with the front-drive model expected to be priced competitively but available in limited numbers. It’s a calculated gamble from a company that’s never been known for taking risks, but given the current EV landscape, it might be exactly what Subaru needs to stay relevant.


Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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