2026 Subaru Uncharted Road Test and Review

2026 Subaru Uncharted ・ Photo by Subaru

The all-new 2026 Subaru Uncharted is a completely fresh face in the Subaru lineup. As the brand's newest all-electric compact SUV, this five-passenger crossover marks a bold step into the future of the brand. It's built for the tech-conscious driver who wants a mix of nimble city driving and weekend exploration. Everything about this model is brand new, featuring a sporty fastback silhouette and a move to the NACS charging standard.

It serves as the entry-level electric model for Subaru, sitting just below the Solterra as a sporty alternative for those who need utility without the bulk of a full-size SUV. A standard 8.2 inches of ground clearance caters to active families and young professionals. Subaru has focused on value here, providing a long range and high-tech interior in a right-sized package.

Bold, Adventurous Exterior

The exterior of the 2026 Subaru Uncharted blends athletic lines with rugged functionality. It features a sporty fastback design that improves aerodynamics while maintaining that classic Subaru toughness. There's a brand-new illuminated six-star logo on the front along with multi-beam LED headlights and standard washers. The profile is enhanced by aggressive wheel arches and available 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on the top trim.

Functional details are everywhere, like the active grille shutter and the low-profile roof rails that come standard on the Sport and GT models. For those who want to stand out, there's a distinctive two-tone paint option available exclusively for the GT trim. The body is protected by contoured lower cladding and 8.2 inches of ground clearance for peace of mind when you leave the pavement. Every detail is engineered to handle the elements while looking sharp in your driveway.

2026 Subaru Uncharted ・ Photo by Subaru

Refined Interior Comfort

The cabin balances modern technology with everyday durability. The layout comfortably seats five passengers with soft-touch materials throughout and exclusive orange interior accents. Premium front-wheel-drive models feature comfortable cloth upholstery, while the Sport and GT trims upgrade to StarTex water-repellent material. There's a major focus on convenience with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and standard heated front seats.

The interior is spacious thanks to the available panoramic glass roof on the GT model. It's perfectly suited for road trips with 42.1 inches of front legroom and customizable ambient lighting to set the mood. Luxury touches like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats are available for those who want extra pampering. Subaru has created a space that feels high-end yet ready for a bit of mud from your next hike.

2026 Subaru Uncharted ・ Photo by Subaru

Electric Performance Punch

The Premium front-wheel drive trim provides a smooth 221 horsepower from a powerful front motor for efficient cruising. For more thrills, the Sport and GT trims utilize dual motors for symmetrical all-wheel drive and 338 horsepower. It's an incredibly responsive setup that delivers exactly the kind of punch you'd expect from a modern electric SUV.

Range is a standout feature for this new model, with the front-wheel-drive version delivering more than 300 miles on a single charge. All-wheel-drive variants still impress with more than 285 miles of range. Charging is a breeze thanks to the NACS port for Tesla charger acces. It charges up from 10 to 80 percent in about 28 minutes.

2026 Subaru Uncharted ・ Photo by Subaru

Confident Ride and Handling

Subaru engineers have tuned the Uncharted to provide a balanced and confident driving experience on various terrain. The low center of gravity from the underfloor battery helps it feel planted in corners, and the four-wheel independent suspension is specifically tuned to absorb bumps while maintaining agility for city maneuvers. It delivers the predictable and stable handling Subaru owners expect regardless of the weather.

For those who venture off the beaten path, the dual-mode X-Mode system on Sport and GT trims is a game changer. It includes settings for snow or dirt and deep snow or mud to optimize traction on loose surfaces. Features like hill descent control and grip control ensure you stay in control when the trail gets tricky. The rack-assist electric power steering provides just enough feedback to make every drive feel engaging.

2026 Subaru Uncharted ・ Photo by Subaru

Smart Cargo Solutions

Despite its compact fastback shape, the Uncharted offers impressive versatility for carrying all your gear. There's more than 25 cubic-feet of cargo space behind the second row when the deck board is in the lower position. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats let you expand that space for longer items like skis or camping equipment. A standard power liftgate makes loading and unloading simple when your hands are full.

The interior is full of clever storage for smaller items, from large door pockets to a center console with dual wireless charging. There's even a tire repair kit tucked away to maximize the usable floor space in the back. Although it's a compact crossover, it feels much larger inside thanks to the efficient packaging of the electric drivetrain. Whether it's a grocery run or a weekend getaway, this Subaru is ready to haul it all.

2026 Subaru Uncharted ・ Photo by Subaru

High-Tech Connectivity

The Uncharted has a large 14-inch high-resolution touchscreen. It comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can leave the cords at home. For charging, you get dual wireless device chargers up front and dual USB-C ports in both the front and rear. Physical knobs for volume and temperature ensure that essential controls are always easy to find.

The tech goes beyond just music and maps with a digital key that lets you use your smartphone to unlock and start the car. Audiophiles will appreciate the Harman Kardon speaker system with 11 speakers and a dedicated amplifier on the GT trim. Advanced driving tech like traffic jam assist and lane change assist are also available to make your commute less stressful with a 360-degree surround-view monitor to help get out of tight spots

2026 Subaru Uncharted ・ Photo by Subaru

Extensive Standard Safety Suite

Safety is a core part of the Subaru identity, and the Uncharted comes loaded with the latest EyeSight driver-assist technology. This standard suite includes pre-collision braking and advanced adaptive cruise control to help avoid accidents. A distraction mitigation system is also included to keep your eyes where they belong on the road. Other standard features include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert for confident lane changes.

Higher trims add even more protection with front cross-traffic alert and active lane change assist. The car is built with high-strength steel and includes emergency stop assist for added security. Every model features LED headlights with automatic high beams and headlight washers to maintain visibility in poor weather. With these advanced systems working in the background, Subaru continues its reputation for building some of the safest vehicles on the road.

2026 Subaru Uncharted ・ Photo by Subaru

Three Well-Priced Trims

The 2026 Subaru Uncharted is offered in three distinct trim levels to suit different budgets and needs. The entry-level Premium front-wheel drive starts at $34,995 and comes surprisingly well equipped. Moving up to the Sport trim brings the dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and more features for $39,795. The top-of-the-line GT model offers the most luxury and technology with a price tag of $43,795.

Additional options like premium paint for $475 or two-tone paint for $970 are also available for those who want a custom look. Subaru has worked hard to keep this SUV accessible for more drivers. Where EVs were once only attainable for those with deep pockets, the Uncharted makes them accessible to everyone.

2026 Subaru Uncharted ・ Photo by Subaru

The Final Verdict

The 2026 Subaru Uncharted is a fantastic addition to the electric vehicle market that feels like a true Subaru from start to finish. The positives are definitely the 300-mile-plus range on the front-wheel-drive model and the quick charging times. The user-friendly 14-inch touchscreen and the fact that so many safety features come standard is also key. While the front-wheel-drive model is the most affordable, the all-wheel-drive Sport trim feels like the sweet spot.

This crossover is agile and tech-forward while still being rugged enough for any adventure. It proves that you don't have to sacrifice capability to go green. Subaru has truly delivered an SUV that's ready to take you into exciting new territory with a positive and sustainable future.

2026 Subaru Uncharted ・ Photo by Subaru