There’s some critical déjà vu occurring, as a result of it feels prefer it was solely yesterday after we final reviewed a brand new Subaru electrical automobile (EV).
But, right here we’re once more, doing precisely that with a brand new nameplate from the Japanese producer. Sure, it appears rather a lot just like the model’s earlier two EVs, which we reviewed up to now six months, however there is a good cause for that, and it should not be too stunning by now.
The brand new EV in query is, in fact, the Subaru Uncharted, now the third Subaru EV on sale in Australian showrooms. It has an terrible lot in frequent with the model’s current EVs, the Solterra and Trailseeker, and in addition with the Toyota bZ4X, bZ4X Touring, and its direct twin, the C-HR+.
Subaru’s partnership with Toyota means there’s quite a lot of automobile sharing between the 2, most notably the BRZ and GR86 twins. Up to now, although, Subaru Australia seems to be shifting barely faster than Toyota within the EV area.
The Uncharted has arrived effectively earlier than the C-HR+, although Toyota has confirmed its small electrical SUV can be offered right here. That could be as a result of Toyota desires to keep away from positioning it too intently to the brand new C-HR hybrid, although the corporate hasn’t publicly confirmed this – however Subaru has no such limitation.
In actual fact, Subaru Australia has gone so far as embracing potential similarities between the Uncharted and its personal petrol-powered small SUV, the Crosstrek. It suggests it has the character of a sportier, turbocharged Crosstrek, which looks like a little bit of a tease when you’re a Subaru fan – learn on to see if it is true.
For now, Subaru seems to be making positive aspects within the EV market. After the primary six months of 2026, Solterra gross sales are up 289.3 per cent year-on-year with 471 deliveries, whereas the Trailseeker posted 256 registrations in its first two months on sale. Even the Uncharted recorded 83 deliveries in June.
Nevertheless, it has quite a lot of floor to make up if it is to catch the segment-leading Kia EV3, which posted 821 gross sales in the identical month. Nonetheless, Subaru’s EVs look like getting extra aggressive by the minute, so this mannequin can be price watching because the yr progresses.
To pattern the Uncharted, Subaru Australia provided media retailers week-long loans, permitting us to drive it on acquainted roads free from the confines of a standard press launch. Does it deserve a spot in Subaru showrooms?
How a lot does the Subaru Uncharted price?
The Uncharted is the most cost effective EV in Subaru Australia showrooms proper now, priced at $59,990 earlier than on-road prices.
|
Mannequin |
Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
|
2026 Subaru Uncharted AWD |
$59,990 |
That is solely $2000 lower than the base-spec Solterra ($61,990 plus on-roads), and $4000 lower than the base-spec Trailseeker ($63,990 plus ORCs). The hole jumps to $8000 and $10,000 respectively for the extra comparable top-spec ‘Touring’ variations of every.
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The Uncharted’s most direct rivals embrace the forthcoming Kia EV3 GT-Line AWD at $66,490 plus ORCs, the Volvo EX30 Cross Nation at $62,990 plus ORCs, and the Hyundai Kona Electrical Premium N Line at $63,000 plus ORCs.
Different potential rivals embrace the Toyota C-HR GR Sport ($58,890 plus ORCs) given it is a comparable dimension and a equally ‘sporty’ providing. The C-HR+ would even be a direct rival, nevertheless it is not as a result of arrive in Australia till mid-2027 and native pricing is but to be introduced.
To see how the Subaru Uncharted stacks up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What’s the Subaru Uncharted like on the within?
If you happen to’ve sat within the Solterra or the Trailseeker, you’ve got sat within the Uncharted.
To say the cabin is an identical to the remainder of Subaru’s EV catalogue is not any exaggeration. This is not notably stunning, given the streamlined improvement and simplified manufacturing method for the Japanese model’s EVs, and at the very least it means many patrons will know what they’re in for.
The one actual observable tweaks are beauty, with the Uncharted getting a bronze strip throughout the sprint and lacking out on the black-and-blue upholstery choice of its siblings. That stated, there are worse interiors to recycle.
As ever, Subaru’s (and subsequently Toyota’s) EV inside design language is usually purposeful and mildly extra visually attention-grabbing than a lot of the competitors with its unorthodox ‘floating’ dashboard and odd instrument cluster placement.
It will nonetheless take a second to get comfy with wanting over the steering wheel to see the raised instrument cluster, however Subaru’s squared-off steering wheel is a worthwhile change that improves visibility in comparison with Toyota’s round tiller. As with the Solterra and Trailseeker, I like Subaru’s method.
An ergonomic distinction I seen – and it may very well be totally imaginary – is that it felt harder to discover a comfy seating place on this Subaru EV. Aligning the wheel with the cluster wasn’t the difficulty; it was positioning the seat itself.
Whereas I used to be ultimately in a position to get located, the driving force’s seat nonetheless feels very excessive, even in its lowest setting. I felt extra at dwelling within the Uncharted after spending a couple of days behind the wheel, which was little question aided by the seat’s beneficiant cushioning.
There is a good vary of powered motion, together with helpful seat-base angle and lumbar adjustment. The usual inclusion of seat heating can be worthwhile. Sadly, there is no seat air flow.
The squircle tiller, in the meantime, affords heating and a {smooth} leather-based end. It is also a carry-over unit, however its compact proportions match the ‘sportier’ character of the Uncharted fairly effectively.
It options an virtually overwhelming array of buttons, a trait typical of Toyota. We will recognize that each button is bodily and never touch-sensitive, and all the pieces is labelled clearly sufficient to work out on the fly.
However a lot of that physicality is misplaced as soon as you progress over to the 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. That is the true coronary heart of the Uncharted, and plenty of features – together with a lot of the local weather controls – are positioned inside it.
There are nonetheless two bodily dials for dual-zone temperature that might do with being a tad notchier, however all the pieces appears fairly stylish on the whole. Wi-fi smartphone mirroring additionally commonplace, and we had no points with connectivity in our week with the automobile.
Comparatively easy is the 7.0-inch instrument show. That is very fundamental in its presentation and offers you just some menus to flick by way of, which implies you will not be overwhelmed. In typical Toyota vogue, that is operate over type, for the higher.
All the things else is comparatively easy. On the centre console are a smattering of driving-related buttons, alongside the massive, twist-action gear selector that’ll take a second for newcomers to determine.
Forward of it are two wi-fi cellphone chargers, and a lot of the console is completed in a uninteresting plastic that ought to put on effectively over time. The sunken cupholders between the console and central armrest create the impression of a floating centre console, presumably to maintain tall bottles out of the way in which.
As for storage, the central storage field is properly sized, and there is a tray beneath the centre console the place you may discover two USB-C ports and a 12V outlet. The bottle holders within the doorways are additionally beneficiant.
Like each different Toyota/Subaru EV, there is no passenger-side glovebox.
The second row is the place the Toyota-ness of this EV actually shines by way of, or at the very least the place the ‘C-HR’ a part of Toyota’s ‘C-HR+’ identify comes from. Just like the C-HR, it is a bit cramped again right here, with the sloping roofline and black headliner making it really feel extra enclosed than the Solterra.
The way in which the windowline swoops up in direction of the C-pillars may be very previous-gen C-HR, as are the vertically mounted exterior door handles. Thoughts you, it truly feels extra spacious than that inside, and at 173cm I might comfortably sit behind my very own driving place.
The bench seat is tender and properly sculpted, and there are only a couple of facilities like a tender fold-down armrest with cupholders and rear-facing air vents. Outboard seat heating can be very welcome.
In comparison with the present C-HR and Crosstrek, the Uncharted’s 403-litre boot is noticeably bigger. There’s some further cupboard space obtainable underneath the load flooring, however there’s disappointingly no spare wheel, nor any further cupboard space underneath the bonnet.
|
Dimensions |
Subaru Uncharted |
|---|---|
|
Size |
4535mm |
|
Width |
1870mm |
|
Peak |
1625mm |
|
Wheelbase |
2750mm |
|
Cargo capability |
403L |
To see how the Subaru Uncharted stacks up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Powering the Uncharted is a dual-motor electrical drivetrain, with peak energy and torque quoted at 252kW and 438Nm respectively. All-wheel drive is commonplace, and power comes from a 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack sourced from Chinese language producer CATL.
|
Specs |
Subaru Uncharted AWD |
|---|---|
|
Drivetrain |
Twin-motor electrical |
|
Battery |
74.7kWh li-ion |
|
Peak entrance motor outputs |
167kW/268Nm |
|
Peak rear motor outputs |
88kW/169Nm |
|
Peak system energy |
252kW |
|
Peak system torque |
438Nm |
|
Drive sort |
All-wheel drive |
|
Tare mass |
2025kg |
|
0-100km/h (claimed) |
5.0 seconds |
|
Vitality consumption (claimed) |
16.0kWh/100km |
|
Vitality consumption (as examined) |
17.8kWh/100km |
|
Claimed vary (WLTP) |
522km |
|
Max AC cost charge |
22kW |
|
Max DC cost charge |
150kW (10-80% 30mins) |
|
Unbraked towing capability |
750kg |
|
Braked towing capability |
1500kg |
These with a eager eye will discover the efficiency figures are the identical because the Solterra’s; and the burden distinction between the 2 electrical SUVs can be negligible. Subaru Australia claims the Uncharted’s 0-100km/h time is 5 seconds.
Our week with the automobile concerned a mixture of freeway commuting, nation roads, spirited driving, and concrete errand-running. The consequence was an power consumption determine (see above) that is excessive in comparison with some rivals, however shut sufficient to Subaru’s declare.
To see how the Subaru Uncharted stacks up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How does the Subaru Uncharted drive?
The Uncharted is attention-grabbing, as a result of after driving the Solterra and Trailseeker, I struggled to think about how totally different it will truly be. In spite of everything, they’re all very comparable automobiles beneath.
And it would be mistaken to say it delivers a vastly totally different expertise, as a result of there are fairly a couple of parallels. For one, the Uncharted’s 252kW peak energy output is an identical to the Solterra’s, and also you’d wrestle to discern something totally different in regards to the energy supply between the 2.
The Uncharted is commendably responsive on-throttle, and it definitely will get shifting in a rush. The actual fact it is all-wheel drive additionally means it has no situation getting its energy to the bottom whereas it pins you to the seat.
There are simply three on-road drive modes, which do what they are saying on the tin. Eco preserves cost, whereas Energy sharpens issues up, so now we have no actual complaints right here.
The brake pedal additionally feels good though it combines regenerative and friction braking. You possibly can flick by way of 4 totally different ranges of regen braking power utilizing the steering wheel paddle ‘shifters’, and we all the time recognize having the ability to do that on the fly.
These wanting one-pedal driving must look elsewhere, although, as no Subaru EV has a real one-pedal drive mode.
The steering errs on the heavier facet by way of really feel. That is probably a results of each a sportier electrical energy steering tune and the small-diameter steering wheel, nevertheless it does make the Uncharted really feel fairly substantial.
It is also simple to position on the highway, and there is simply sufficient highway really feel for the driving force to grasp what the entrance tyres are doing. There is definitely nothing flimsy feeling in regards to the Uncharted, and it is truly an pleasurable automobile to roll round in.
However with all that stated, it actually units itself aside with its suspension tune. It feels far sharper than its EV siblings straight out of the field, and it is spectacular how keen it’s to hold velocity by way of turns.
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There isn’t any denying the suspension is agency, nevertheless it’s deliberately so and never crashy for the sake of being ‘sporty’. Sure, you may discover some shocks coming by way of the cabin greater than you’ll in lots of different EVs, nevertheless it seems to be a well-executed tune.
The overarching theme right here is stability. The physique management of this electrical SUV is genuinely superb, and we have been constantly impressed with how shortly it settled after velocity bumps or extra sudden hits. There isn’t any ‘second bounce’, which is refreshing for an EV resembling this.
When it is time to flip up the wick, the Uncharted is more than pleased to play alongside. It sticks effectively when thrown right into a flip, and physique roll is well-managed.
The automobile’s traction management system can be very intelligent, permitting simply the tiniest little bit of slip from all 4 tyres to assist it pivot. It is by no means uncontrollable, and even shrugs off mid-corner bumps with out a lot as a second thought.
In actual fact, the one factor we do not love is that its traction-control calibration is not extra permissive or, extra precisely, that it would not let you may have a little bit of enjoyable in a sportier drive mode.
It is this small issue that holds it again from being a very playful or ‘sporty’ mannequin, particularly one from the model that makes the WRX. We presume this can be a product of the automobile’s donor model/mannequin, quite than Subaru’s personal deliberate doing.
Nonetheless, it is potential to have some enjoyable within the Uncharted. It strikes a pleasant steadiness between feeling sharp within the twisties and staying habitable within the day-to-day, due to a well-tuned passive damping setup and smart energy outputs.
There are additionally Subaru’s two ‘X-Mode’ off-road drive settings, although we did not get the possibility to check the Uncharted’s off-road capabilities past driving on smooth-ish gravel roads. It remained composed on these unsealed surfaces, with the traction-control system once more holding issues annoyingly effectively planted.
As for the protection tech, it is typically dependable. Aside from the odd steering wheel tug from the lane-keep help and the vaguely overreactive driver consideration monitoring system, the Uncharted’s driving expertise is rarely actually interrupted by poorly calibrated programs.
Nevertheless, the adaptive cruise management and lane-centring features may very well be higher. The Uncharted will maintain its velocity and observe mild bends with no situation, nevertheless it’s hesitant to use stronger steering pressure and preserve increased speeds on bendier rural highways.
That is the Uncharted’s solely actual fault, and it is at the very least one we have skilled in a number of different Toyotas. In any other case, refinement ranges are fairly good, and outward visibility is powerful regardless of the comparatively compact rear-end.
So all in all, the Uncharted is an efficient automobile to drive, however is it like a turbocharged Crosstrek? To us, it feels a tad heavier than we might desire a nimble, sporty Crosstrek to be, nevertheless it isn’t too far faraway from that description.
To see how the Subaru Uncharted stacks up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What do you get?
The 2026 Subaru Uncharted is just obtainable in Australia in a single extremely geared up trim.
2026 Subaru Uncharted AWD tools highlights:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Tyre restore package
- Auto LED headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Energy-folding heated facet mirrors
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Heated steering wheel
- Steering wheel regeneration paddles
- Black artificial leather-based upholstery
- 8-way energy driver’s seat with two-position reminiscence and lumbar
- 8-way energy entrance passenger seat
- Heated entrance seats
- Heated reclining rear outboard seats
- 7.0-inch digital instrument show
- 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- Bluetooth
- Voice instructions
- 2 x entrance USB-C ports
- 2 x rear USB-C ports
- Twin wi-fi cellphone chargers
- 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- Energy tailgate
- Inside ambient lighting
- Rear privateness glass
- Twin-zone local weather management
- 3 drive modes:
- Twin-mode X-Mode
- Automobile-to-load (V2L) capability
- 1500W energy outlet
- Keyless entry
Choices
There are only a few choices obtainable for the Subaru Uncharted. A panoramic glass roof was fitted to our tester.
2026 Subaru Uncharted choices:
- Panoramic glass roof: $1200
- Panoramic glass roof with two-tone paint: $2400
To see how the Subaru Uncharted stacks up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
Is the Subaru Uncharted secure?
The Subaru Uncharted has a five-star ANCAP security ranking, inherited from that of the intently associated Toyota C-HR+, which itself was based totally on Euro NCAP evaluation of the Toyota bZ4X/Subaru Solterra, with extra checks to account for his or her totally different physique kinds.
|
Class |
Subaru Uncharted |
|---|---|
|
Grownup occupant safety |
88 per cent |
|
Baby occupant safety |
86 per cent |
|
Weak highway consumer safety |
80 per cent |
|
Security help |
82 per cent |
Commonplace security tools highlights:
- 8 airbags, incl:
-
- Twin entrance
- Twin entrance facet
- Twin curtain
- Driver’s knee
- Entrance centre
- Adaptive cruise management
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Emergency Driving Cease System (EDSS)
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Entrance view monitor
- Lane-centring
- Lane departure alert
- Multi-terrain monitor
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Secure exit help
- Encompass-view monitor
- Site visitors signal recognition
- Tyre strain monitoring
To see how the Subaru Uncharted stacks up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Subaru Uncharted price to run?
Subaru Australia backs its vary with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, and an eight-year, 160,000km guarantee for its EV batteries. Servicing for the Uncharted is required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
|
Servicing and Guarantee |
Subaru Uncharted |
|---|---|
|
Automobile guarantee |
5 years, limitless kilometres |
|
Excessive-voltage battery guarantee |
8 years, 160,000km |
|
Roadside help |
12 months |
|
Service intervals |
12 months or 15,000km |
|
Capped-price servicing |
5 years |
Particular person capped-price service prices are detailed under:
|
Service |
Value |
|---|---|
|
12 months, 15,000km |
$128.87 |
|
24 months, 30,000km |
$290.55 |
|
36 months, 45,000km |
$128.87 |
|
48 months, 60,000km |
$300.85 |
|
60 months, 75,000km |
$135.04 |
|
Common annual service price |
$196.84 |
|
Complete capped-price service price |
$984.18 |
That whole service worth is cheaper than that of key rivals. Kia covers 5 years of EV3 upkeep with a $1308 pay as you go service plan, whereas 4 years of servicing for the Hyundai Kona Electrical (with 24-month intervals) prices $1492.
The outlier, nevertheless, is Volvo, which affords free servicing for the primary 5 years of EX30 possession.
To see how the Subaru Uncharted stacks up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Tackle the Subaru Uncharted
With the addition of the Uncharted, Subaru Australia’s electrical automobile lineup turns into only a tad livelier – even when it is not a full-blown leap into electrified efficiency for the Japanese model.
What the Uncharted does is present a extra compact, extra agile Subaru EV that also maintains most of the elements that make its different EVs strong choices. It is nonetheless sensible, consists of loads of flashy tech, and affords fairly aggressive EV functionality.
Its improved dealing with and marginally smaller physique make it extra attention-grabbing to drive than the Solterra and Trailseeker. It is probably not a real electrical WRX or a turbocharged Crosstrek substitute, however there are hints of each right here – however whether or not it will give you the results you want will depend on a couple of issues.
The Uncharted sacrifices some area and journey consolation in contrast with the Solterra, however counters this with sharper dealing with and stronger worth. Some should want the Solterra for its ‘all-rounder’ standing.
If straight-line energy is what you are after, the Trailseeker nonetheless has each beat, and it is arguably essentially the most compelling Subaru EV given its dimension benefit. All have their strengths, and that is the place Subaru’s pricing technique comes into play.
The extremely small gaps between all three EVs provides patrons a beneficiant alternative, and the actual fact it is cheaper than different small electrical SUVs whereas providing extra energy and loads of tools must be a powerful promoting level.
Provided that Subaru has progressed shortly with its EV lineup, we would not be stunned to see the Uncharted posting respectable gross sales numbers because it settles into the market over the approaching months – even when it will not be the model’s volume-selling EV.
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