The all-new Subaru Uncharted debuts in the US

The name Subaru, for years, meant one thing to drivers: All-Wheel Drive. Now, as the brand moves deeper into the world of electric cars, it's making a surprising break from that long tradition. Subaru has officially announced that the 2026 Subaru Uncharted, a new entry-level EV crossover, will arrive at US dealerships early next year with a starting price of $34,995, undercutting the brand's existing Solterra by $3,500.

Just like the Solterra, the Uncharted looks very familiar. That's because the new Subaru is essentially a dressed-up Toyota C-HR - it has different bumpers and lights, but that's where the differences end. Subaru used to be a bit more independent, but now it's just wearing its cousin's hand-me-downs - that's not a bad thing at all. We just wish Subaru was a little more creative.

The entry point to the lineup is the Uncharted Premium FWD model, the first front-wheel-drive Subaru sold in the United States in a very long time. This base model has a single motor mounted up front, generating 221 horsepower (165 kW). This setup enables the crossover to achieve a predicted driving range exceeding 300 miles. Power comes from a 74.7 kWh battery pack, and when it needs a boost, owners can use the NACS port and a DC fast charger to take the battery from 10% to 80% capacity in as little as 28 minutes.

For drivers who simply cannot abandon Subaru's legendary AWD heritage, the mid-level Uncharted Sport begins at $39,795. The big headline here is a powerful dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. This upgrade delivers a decent boost in performance, hitting 338 horsepower (252 kW). This performance jump is substantial compared to the base model. The extra power and complexity of AWD cause a slight dip in efficiency, but Subaru estimates the Sport model will still travel more than 285 miles on a single charge. The Sport also gets interior upgrades, including StarTex upholstery, a heated leather steering wheel, and memory functions for the driver's seat.

The Uncharted offers a practical and modern design, though it won't win awards for originality - it shares a largely identical, edgy look with the Toyota C-HR. All versions come equipped with basic necessities like LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a power liftgate. The vehicle keeps a respectable 8.2 inches of ground clearance for tackling rough roads.

Inside, the cabin favors a clean, minimalist look. The driver's interface has a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and there's a large 14-inch infotainment system that includes both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control are all standard, and so is Subaru's comprehensive EyeSight driver assistance, offering features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind-Spot Monitor, and Lane Departure Prevention across the lineup.

The top-end Uncharted GT offers a touch of luxury for $43,795. The powertrain carries over from the Sport, but the GT trim adds high-end features like a panoramic glass roof and large 20-inch wheels with a dark, gunmetal finish. Customers can also choose an optional two-tone paint job for an extra $970. Interior comforts are improved with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. The extra equipment in the GT trim slightly reduces the total range, but Subaru predicts owners will still manage more than 270 miles between top-ups.

By offering the Subaru Uncharted with a high-range FWD option and a powerful AWD option, all starting just under $35,000, Subaru gives consumers real choices. The brand has successfully managed to carve out a valuable spot in the booming EV market, delivering a capable, feature-rich vehicle. If only the Toyota influence was less obvious.

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