First Look: 2026 Subaru Uncharted is a Compact Crossover with Big Aspirations

Subaru is plugging in. While it was slow to launch its first all-electric model, the popular Japanese brand plans to have three EVs in its line-up by next spring – and it showed off its latest addition, the 2026 Subaru Uncharted, during a New York debut Wednesday night. Headlight.News was there.

In recent months, we’ve seen Subaru roll out a notable mid-cycle update to its original Solterra EV, while also pulling the wraps off the Trailseeker, a battery-powered off-roader. During a splashy preview in New York on Wednesday, July 17, the automaker debuted EV number three, the Subaru Uncharted set to go on sales early next year.

It’s got a lot in common with Solterra, starting with the same e-TNGA architecture. And, as that designation might suggest, the Subaru Uncharted was developed as part of a joint effort with erstwhile rival, Toyota, the Japanese giant bringing out a version of its own dubbed C-HR.

There will be some notable differences in design and technology, Uncharted offering a more off-road-ready all-wheel-drive system. And Subaru will offer a less expensive, single-motor version that will deliver as much as 300 miles per charge.

What’s new

Subaru was selective in what it said about Uncharted during its NY debut, no surprise considering many things could change between now and its official on-sale date next year. Price, for one thing. There has been lots of speculation that Subaru and Toyota were ready to bring out new EVs targeting the low $30,000 range and a single-motor version could yet get there where it might challenge the likes of the Chevrolet Equinox EV and upcoming Kia EV4.

What we do know is that the 2026 Uncharted is based off the same basic architecture as Solterra, but shortened by almost 7 inches, to around 180 inches in total length. Even then, it offers a roomy 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and initial appearances suggest there’s reasonable rear legroom thanks to mounting the battery pack and motors under the load floor, freeing up some of the space normally devoted to an engine compartment.

Underscoring its around-town maneuverability, meanwhile, Subaru noted that the new EV has a turning radius almost identical to the compact, gas-powered Crosstrek

Powertrain

There will be three versions of Subaru Uncharted, all relying on a 74.7-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. Two powertrain layouts will be offered:

• The Premium FWD trim gets a single motor on the front axle making 219 horsepower. Subaru expects an EPA rating of “more than” 300 miles range. This layout is unique to Subaru and “will be offered in limited numbers,” the automaker said;
• The volume packages will be the Sport and GT, both adding a second motor on the rear axle to produce a combined 338 hp, though range will drop slightly, to around 290 miles per charge. Expect 0-60 times of just under 5 seconds, Subaru promised.

Both Uncharted Sport and GT feature an electrified version of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive with X-Mode. X-Mode is designed to precisely deliver torque where needed in low-speed situations, such as snow and ice or while heading off-road.

More Subaru News

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Charging

Polls show four concerns have led potential EV buyers to hold back: price, range, charging times and the availability of public charging. The Premium FWD package could address the initial two topics. And Subaru takes on the latter issues with Uncharted, as well.

For one thing, the new EV will replace the old CCS charger port used on the initial version of Solterra with a NACS, or North American Charging System, connector. That almost doubles the number of places it will be able to plug into while on the road since it provides access to the 15,000 Tesla Supercharger stations across North America.

The 2026 Subaru Uncharted also adds a battery preconditioning system that gets its battery pack to the optimum temperature when it comes time to plug in. Subaru claims Uncharted will be able to go from a 10 to 80% state-of-charge in as little as 30 minutes – though that will depend on using DC quick chargers delivering at least 150 kW of power. The new Subaru EV also gets a built-in 11 kW charger for accessing a 240-volt home circuit. Expect to stay plugged in overnight.

Design

Among the shortfalls of the original 2023 Subaru Solterra, critics lamented the fact that it was a virtual clone of the Toyota bZ4X – newly renamed bZ. No surprise, as they were developed together. So were Uncharted and Toyota’s new C-HR. But a quick look reveals the two allies tried to better differentiate those new EVs.

Uncharted adopts some of Subaru’s distinctive front and rear lighting signature, in line with the new Trailseeker and updated Solterra. That included an illuminated front logo. There are 18 and 20-inch tire and wheel options. And all-wheel-drive Sport and GT models add low-profile roof rails to make it easier to carry extra gear. A two-tone roof is optional on the GT.

Inside, there’s less differentiation between Uncharted and C-HR but for trim – like the orange accents used for the Subaru, and materials. Uncharted gets plenty of soft-touch finishes and the durable StarTex on seats and other surfaces.

Technology

Both compact EV crossovers share 14-inch touchscreen displays. Subaru makes standard some other desirable tech, such as twin smartphone wireless chargers on the center console, and USB-C ports front and rear.

Wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is the basic version of the Subaru EyeSight suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Depending upon trim it adds more advanced features, such as a surround-view monitor, Blind Sport Monitor and Active Cruise Control.

All Uncharted trims also come standard with Subaru’s All-Weather Package, including heated front seats and exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icing, a power tailgate and interior ambient lighting.

Pricing and availability

Look for the 2026 Subaru Uncharted to roll into U.S. showrooms “next spring,” according to spokesman Dominick Infante.

As earlier noted, pricing is yet to be announced – and it’s likely Subaru is trying to figure out the number behind the fog of the new – but still to be defined – Trump tariffs. The White House keeps adding to the list of duties and now has targeted imported autos and auto parts, foreign steel, aluminum and copper, and products from Japan.

The Uncharted EV will be assembled in the same Toyota factory in Motomachi, Japan now building Solterra and bZ, rolling down the line along with the new C-HR.

Potential buyers should also note that federal EV tax credits will go away as of September 30, 2025.