Subaru's new Uncharted EV comes with 338hp all-wheel drive

Subaru is expanding its electric car lineup, starting with the US. The company has officially unveiled the Subaru Uncharted, a new compact electric crossover that slots in below the existing Solterra. While it shares its foundation with a Toyota C-HR, the Uncharted brings a distinct Subaru flavor to the table, complete with a surprisingly powerful all-wheel drive system.

This new entry from Subaru comes with two distinct personalities. For the first time in years, Subaru will offer a front-wheel drive model in the form of the Uncharted Premium FWD. This version uses a single electric motor that delivers a respectable 221 horsepower. While front-wheel drive may seem unusual for the brand, this model is positioned as the range champion of the lineup, capable of traveling over 300 miles on a single charge. However, Subaru has indicated this FWD variant will be sold in "limited quantities," suggesting it might be a short-lived experiment.

The main event is undoubtedly the all-wheel drive models, the Sport and GT. These versions feature Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, delivering a combined 338 horsepower. This much power allows the fairly compact Uncharted to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. In case you didn't know, that's quicker than the legendary WRX STI from just a few years ago.

All versions of the Subaru Uncharted are powered by the same 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The range varies depending on the drivetrain, with the AWD models offering an estimated 290 miles. The slight reduction in range compared to the FWD version is a common trade-off for the added performance and traction of a second motor.

When it's time to recharge, the Uncharted comes standard with a NACS charging port in the US, making it compatible with Tesla's Supercharger network. For fast charging on the go, it supports speeds up to 150 kW, allowing the battery to go from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. An 11 kW onboard charger is included for home charging. Subaru also added a battery preconditioning system, which helps the battery reach its optimal temperature for faster and more efficient charging, especially in colder climates.

Although Uncharted rides on the same e-TNGA platform as Toyota's electric C-HR, Subaru designers gave it a more adventurous aesthetic. The vehicle features more rugged front and rear bumpers and unique headlight and taillight designs to set it apart. It handles various conditions with what the company calls "impressive straight-line stability, handling, and grip on loose surfaces."

The inclusion of X-Mode on the AWD models improves its handling on tricky surfaces like gravel, dirt, or snow. Customers can choose between 18- or 20-inch wheels, and low-profile roof rails come standard as well.

Stepping inside the Uncharted, the family connection to Toyota becomes immediately clear. The cabin layout is largely borrowed from its cousin, dominated by a large 14-inch central infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster for the driver. While functional, the interior design includes a steering wheel that some might find an acquired taste.

Subaru differentiates its trim levels with specific features. The Uncharted Sport trim comes with a heated steering wheel, durable water-repellent upholstery perfect for messy adventures, and a panoramic view monitor for easier parking. The top-tier GT model adds more luxury, including a large panoramic moonroof, ventilated front seats for extra comfort, a smart rearview mirror, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system.

Subaru has packed its new EV with features and performance, but the company has not yet announced official pricing for the Uncharted. It is expected that the cost will be competitive with its Toyota counterpart, placing it in the heart of the growing market for compact electric cars. With its blend of traditional Subaru capability, impressive electric performance, and practical design, the Uncharted should attract buyers looking for a smaller, more nimble alternative to the Solterra and other larger EVs.

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