It never hurts to ask for some help from your friends. And it’s certainly paying off for Subaru.
One of the last major automakers to enter the EV market, it will soon have three battery-electric vehicles in its U.S. lineup thanks to some assistance from Japanese giant Toyota.
Subaru just pulled the wraps off its latest entry, the 2026 Uncharted, a compact crossover set to reach U.S. showrooms early in 2026. It follows the Trailseeker, launched earlier this year at the New York Auto Show, as well as an updated version of its original battery-electric SUV, the Solterra.
The new model will be the smallest — and the most affordable — of the three. But it will still have plenty going for it, at least based on what the automaker was ready to talk about during Uncharted’s own New York reveal.
Among other things, it will offer a sporty, two-motor drivetrain capable of launching from 0 to 60 in less than 5 seconds, as well as an electrified version of Subaru’s off-road X-Mode all-wheel-drive technology. Depending upon trim, it also promises to deliver 300 miles of range.
2026 Subaru Uncharted First Look
Subaru was tight with details during its Big Apple premiere, but suggested Uncharted will measure about 180 inches nose-to-tail. That’s roughly 7 inches shorter than the original Solterra EV.
Despite its compact footprint, however, the automaker claimed it somehow squeezes in reasonable space for passengers in both front and back rows — and 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats.
That took some creative engineering, considering the two EVs share the same basic skateboard-style architecture — the e-TNGA platform initially developed by Toyota. The bigger manufacturer uses the same underpinnings in its own bZ model, as well as the smaller C-HR it introduced recently.
And, yes, that means Uncharted and C-HR are kissing cousins, much like Solterra and bZ. The two companies again worked closely together on design and engineering, each focusing on what they do best. That should pay off well in this case, the Subaru team leading development of the new all-wheel-drive system used in both of the new EVs.
No More Badge Engineering
When Solterra and bZ4X — the Toyota EV’s original name — debuted 3 years ago, critics lamented the fact that they were virtual clones, distinguished by little more than their badges. Though Uncharted and C-HR also have a lot in common, they’re showing a bit more individuality this time around.
In Subaru’s case, the compact crossover has an exterior design more consistent with the rest of its lineup, including brand-specific lighting. It also gets a new illuminated front logo. But the similarities to C-HR can’t be avoided, especially in the cabin, as their instrument panels are both dominated by 14-inch touchscreens.
Powertrain
There are more differences when it comes to their powertrains. Where the new Toyota EV will be offered solely in twin-motor form, Subaru Uncharted buyers will have the option of a single, front-mounted power unit making 221 horsepower or a twin-motor package bumping that up to 338 horsepower.
Both automakers are estimating 290 miles of range out of its 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery packs. But Subaru’s single-motor option on the Premium FWD trim squeezes out an extra 24 miles.
Curiously, there is one marked difference in the numbers the two manufacturers quote. Subaru expects drivers will be able to launch the Sport and GT packages from 0 to 60 in “under five seconds.” That’s about a second quicker than what Toyota was quoting at the C-HR launch in April.
One apparent plus for the new Subie EV: Uncharted adds X-Mode to its Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive. That system, at low to moderate speeds, enhances the way torque is shifted between individual wheels on uneven or slick surfaces. This should be a plus for those who might want to do a little off-roading — though you won’t likely challenge any serious trails, one Subaru insider confided.
Charging
One of the complaints about the original Solterra was its rather slow charging time. The new package has been upgraded with the introduction of a battery preconditioning system designed to ensure the pack is at an optimum temperature when it’s time to plug in. That new feature carries over to the 2026 Uncharted.
As a result, Subaru claims the new EV can go from a 10% to 80% state-of-charge in as little as 30 minutes. That is, if you can find a public DC quick charger putting out at least 150 kW of juice.
There’s also a built-in 11kW charger for using 240V Level 2 chargers. Based on what we’ve seen with other EVs with similarly sized packs, it should take an overnight session to go from 10% to 100%.
A real plus can be found hiding under Uncharted’s charge port door. Subaru has migrated from the old CCS plug found on the original Solterra to a new NACS, or North American Charging System, port. That gives the EV the ability to plug into any of the 15,000 Tesla Supercharger stations scattered across North America, roughly doubling the number of places to power up a drained battery.
Plenty of Useful Tech
Tech junkies should find a lot to like about the 2026 Subaru Uncharted. That begins with wireless versions of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on even the base Premium FWD model. So are the dual wireless smartphone chargers built into the front center console, along with a number of USB-C chargers front and rear.
A number of other tech features are dependent upon trim, as you’d expect. The Premium model has a rather limited version of the familiar Subaru EyeSight advanced driver assistance system. You’ll get more features on the Sport and GT packages, such as Traffic Jam Assist and a panoramic view monitor.
One good bit of news: all versions get heated front seats and exterior mirrors, as well as windshield wiper deicing and a power tailgate.
2026 Subaru Uncharted: Pricing & Availability
Neither Subaru nor Toyota have yet announced pricing for their smallest, and likely most affordable, EVs. With the Uncharted Premium FWD, the smaller Japanese automaker will all but certainly have the most affordable option. But it also took pains to note that the package will be produced in “limited numbers.”
There have been published reports suggesting figures in the low-$30,000 range. But that could be a difficult target to meet in light of the latest tariff announcements from the White House, which have targeted imported autos, in general, and Japanese products, in particular. Like Solterra, Uncharted will be assembled at Toyota’s Motomachi plant.
For comparison’s sake, the current price for the Subaru Solterra ranges from $39,915 to $46,915, depending upon trim.
Buyers should note that the current federal tax credits of $7,500 will also end this coming September. Look for the 2026 Subaru Uncharted to reach U.S. showrooms “next spring” (2026), a spokesperson told me.
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