Introduction to the 2026 Subaru Uncharted
For many years, Subaru's cars sat on the wrong end of the emissions table, making them expensive to purchase and run, but an extension of its existing partnership with Toyota resulted in the Solterra, its first EV. Now Subaru is expanding its electric vehicle line-up with the Uncharted, a slightly smaller SUV that's been co-developed alongside the Toyota C-HR+. Moreover, it's going to be available with front- and all-wheel-drive powertrains and two battery options. Our brief first drive took place next to the Jerez race circuit in Spain.
Pros & cons of the 2026 Subaru Uncharted
Pros: X-mode for off-roading, interior quality, choice of powertrains
Cons: Quick but not much fun, average boot space
Exterior & design of the 2026 Subaru Uncharted
• Raised for better ground clearance
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Not identical to the Toyota
Although there's little to separate the Subaru Uncharted from the Toyota C-HR+ on paper, there are some visual differences to set them apart.
Mostly that takes place at the front end, where Subaru's designers added different headlights that carry a six-point layout with an arrangement of illuminated dashes in a 'three-over-three' configuration that is a nod to the brand's six-star logo.
The main headlight is a smaller item fitted lower down in each of the front corners and includes a built-in washer jet. In darker hues, it's less obvious to see the front panel that's body-coloured, but it contrasts nicely against the lower black bumper section when a different paint colour is chosen. At the base is an air inlet grille for the Uncharted's cooling systems.
One of the other differences between the Uncharted and the C-HR+ is that Subaru went for a higher ground clearance. At 211 millimetres, it's not exactly on stilts, but there is a more noticeable gap between the wheels and the wheelarches.
The dual-motor version reviewed here gets 20-inch alloy wheels that have quite a stylish design. The entry-grade front-wheel-drive model sits on 18-inch wheels that help to prolong the Uncharted's driving range.
The exterior dimensions for the 2026 Subaru Uncharted are:
Length: 4,515mm
Width: 1,870mm
Height: 1,625mm
Wheelbase: 2,750mm
The Uncharted has a coupe-like sloping roofline with the rear door handles set into the window frame to create the impression of it being a two-door SUV. A kink over the rear wheels emphasises the Subaru's haunches. Its back lights start just behind the rear passenger doors and wrap around the back, mirroring the six-point star design of the headlights.
When viewed directly from behind the design is much blander than the front, with a light grey insert in the black plastic bumper and an upright tailgate. It carries the Subaru wordmark rather than a badge logo and the third brake light is mounted within a small lip spoiler.
There's no rear window wiper because, according to Subaru's engineers, they wanted to keep costs down and not impact boot space, so it becomes yet another SUV that claims aerodynamics alone will keep the rear window clean. We remain unconvinced.
Interior, practicality, tech & safety of the 2026 Subaru Uncharted
• Battery preconditioning included
• Multiple safety systems standard
• Can tow up to 1,500kg
There's a nice balance to the Uncharted's interior, from the overall look and feel of the materials to the integration of tech and ergonomics.
Among the highlights is the 14-inch touchscreen that also features in the updated Subaru Solterra, and as we've seen in newer Toyota and Lexus models, features rotary dials attached to the display to enable cabin temperature adjustment.
The infotainment includes a mapping system which can control battery preconditioning to ensure it is at the optimal temperature when you arrive at a charging stop.
Below is a centre console design that's also shared with the refreshed Solterra and contains two wireless charging pads, so there's no need to fight with your passenger as to who gets to use it. The puck-style drive selector feels nice to use and there are buttons on either side for various drive settings.
Beneath this floating centre console is a decent storage area that's large enough for a small bag and other oddments. Two cupholders are set lower down between the front seats with more storage underneath the central armrest.
The steering wheel is a squarish shape with two banks of buttons flanking either side of the airbag. It feels good to hold, but it is a little too large for our liking. Whilst the interior feels well made and solid, the lack of brighter colours other than a strip of bronze across the top of the dashboard does make it look a tad bland.
Passengers in the rear don't come off too badly, given how the Uncharted is 100mm shorter in wheelbase than the Solterra, and even with a more sloped roof, headroom remains sufficient for adults of average height. The middle seat is on the narrow side, but that's nothing surprising for this segment.
A boot that holds up to 404 litres is smaller than those of many rivals, including the Peugeot E-3008, Volkswagen ID.5 and Renault Scenic. The rear seats do fold forward to boost cargo capacity, but don't form a completely flat load level.
One aspect of the Uncharted that Subaru makes a big deal about is the comprehensive suite of safety systems. These include autonomous emergency braking, road sign assist, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert and a lane change assist function that is useful in motorway scenarios.
The AWD Uncharted is also equipped with Subaru's X-mode, which is specifically dedicated to off-road driving, but we'll go into more detail on that in the performance section.
Performance of the 2026 Subaru Uncharted
• Agile handling
• Punchy acceleration
• Impressive off-road ability
In some circles, Subaru is known for only one thing, and that's rallying. More specifically, it's known for the Impreza, which still has a cult following, but some fans might be surprised to know that the Uncharted is now the most powerful model the company has made to date. The dual-motor Uncharted produces up to 338hp, which is enough to accelerate it to 100km/h from rest in 5.1 seconds. Not blisteringly fast but more than sufficient for a car like this.
The dual-motor setup isn't the only option available, as Subaru plans to offer two front-wheel-drive versions with different battery sizes. The entry-level car will use a smaller, 57.7kWh battery matched to a 165hp motor. This is expected to be the one that brings in the most new customers to the brand.
The mid-level Uncharted uses the larger 77kWh battery, and its motor on the front axle is uprated slightly to provide a 221hp output. For many, this could be the version that makes the most sense.
There is a noticeable performance difference between the front- and all-wheel-drive Uncharted models, and even with only a brief spell behind the wheel of both, the ride quality and comfort are also different.
You can feel the added traction having both axles powered provides, and the body lean is kept well in check. We wouldn't say that the ride comfort is stiff, but it is certainly on the firm side. That should provide a decent balance between comfort and having the confidence to explore its performance.
What did surprise us was how capable it was when tackling some proper off-road terrain, even while running its standard all-season tyres. Naturally, a big plus with electric cars is the instant availability of maximum torque, and with X-mode engaged, it was impressive how the Subaru could climb uneven surfaces and then stop and hold itself on inclines steep enough that we could only see the sky.
Activating the Grip Control, the Subaru can then automatically resume its ascent at a preset pace via the toggle switch on the centre console. The driver can adjust the speed up or down over multiple stages and this also works for hill descent.
The Multi-Terrain Monitor remains active when X-Mode is selected up to 20km/h and provides a clear view beneath the car with marker points of where the front wheels are and their angle. While we accept that few people will take such a car onto the terrain we sampled, it's impressive to see how capable a road-focused a car can perform when challenged.
Running costs, charging and range of the 2026 Subaru Uncharted
• 22kW AC charging as standard
• Up to 600 kilometres range
• Two battery options
Buyers will have a good choice of powertrains in the Subaru Uncharted, and it starts with a 57.7kWh battery providing 455 kilometres of range. This entry-point model will suit those who don't need to cover long distances frequently and are more likely to stick to urban or city driving.
At the mid-point in the line-up is the Uncharted with the longest range. The combination of the 77kWh battery and a slightly more powerful 221hp motor on the front axle results in a 600-kilometre driving range that's also partly thanks to its smaller alloy wheels.
Topping the Uncharted range is the dual-motor version, which uses the same 77kWh battery and can cover 525 kilometres on a single charge.
Where Subaru has been clever is in equipping all versions with 22kW AC charging as standard, and DC fast charging at 150kW. The latter isn't especially quick, but that AC capability does mean on-street chargers become more useful.
The Uncharted is also equipped with a battery preconditioning mode that activates via the onboard navigation, so if it knows that a charge stop is needed along the journey, it'll ensure the battery is temperature-optimised to make the most of its charging ability.
Irish pricing & rivals of the 2026 Subaru Uncharted
• No pricing as yet
• Should be similar to the Toyota in price
• AWD version tops the line-up
The Subaru Uncharted isn't due to arrive in Ireland until the spring of 2026, so as yet there are no confirmed prices available. It's expected that the entry-level version should be similarly priced to the equivalent Toyota, and as this is expected to lead conquest sales for Subaru, it needs to be competitive.
It sits in a very packed market segment and there's an abundance of rivals, not only from established brands such as the Renault Scenic, Volkswagen ID.5 and the Ford Capri, but also from newcomers such as the BYD Sealion 7 and Xpeng G6.
Verdict - should you buy the 2026 Subaru Uncharted?
While it's surprisingly capable in an off-road environment, that's a very niche reason to consider the Subaru Uncharted, but we guess it does set it apart from its Toyota cousin. Nonetheless, the Uncharted is not as spacious nor practical inside as many of its competitors and that's not something that's easily ignored. What's more appealing is the useful driving range and performance. It also has a reasonable amount of kerbside appeal. If the pricing is competitive then its single-motor variants could make it even more attractive.
FAQs about the 2026 Subaru Uncharted
How different is the Subaru Uncharted from the Toyota C-HR+?
Subaru says that it has a 50:50 input with Toyota on creating these models, but understandably, with Toyota being a much larger company, many people assume that Subaru is merely sticking its badge onto it. However, Subaru does fit a different suspension and recalibrates the steering, so there are more differences than you might think.
How many child seats fit in the Subaru Uncharted?
There are two ISOFIX anchor points in the rear of the Subaru Uncharted, although the middle seat is on the narrow side, so it's unlikely to be able to accommodate a booster seat.
Want to know more about the Subaru Uncharted?
Is there anything else you'd like to know about the Subaru Uncharted? Or anything you feel we haven't covered here? Then just head over to our Ask Us Anything section and, well, ask us anything.
