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Subaru's new Uncharted arrives with surprising firsts
The 2026 Subaru Uncharted is officially priced and headed to U.S. showrooms, and it arrives with a twist: front-wheel drive is standard. For North America this marks the first Subaru offered with FWD since the second-generation Impreza two decades ago. Built in Japan on Toyota underpinnings, the Uncharted begins at $34,995 for the Premium FWD model, before destination and options.
Trim lineup and pricing
Subaru is launching the Uncharted in three trims aimed at different buyers:
- Premium FWD: $34,995 — the entry point, offering long range with a single-motor FWD setup and a claimed EPA combined range of over 300 miles (about 483 km).
- Sport: $39,795 — steps up power with a dual-motor arrangement producing 338 hp and an EPA combined range above 285 miles (459 km).
- GT: $43,795 — top-of-the-line with dual motors like the Sport but tuned for slightly different range packaging, rated at more than 270 miles (435 km).
Expect a $1,450 destination charge in most states. Subaru will sell the FWD Premium in limited quantity, reflecting buyer preferences in this segment for all-wheel drive.
Battery, charging and real-world expectations
The Uncharted uses a 74.7-kWh battery pack paired with an 11-kW onboard AC charger and battery preconditioning. DC fast charging peaks at 150 kW, matching Subaru-Toyota siblings like the Solterra and Trailseeker, and Subaru says the pack can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
All trims come with NACS charging ports, ensuring out-of-the-box compatibility with Tesla Supercharger networks where available — an important convenience factor for EV shoppers.
Performance, capability and interior features
The single-motor front-drive Premium uses a 221-hp electric motor, delivering robust range but modest acceleration compared with dual-motor models. The Sport and GT both use a two-motor layout for stronger performance and improved traction. With 8.2 inches of ground clearance, the Uncharted positions itself as a practical compact SUV for varied road conditions rather than an off-road specialist.
Inside, Subaru equips the model with a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and its EyeSight driver-safety suite as standard. Notable convenience and comfort features include:
- Power rear liftgate and all-weather package
- 18-inch alloy wheels with gloss-black covers
- LED headlights with washers and a wiper de-icer
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Dual wireless phone chargers and a digital key (on FWD Premium)
The Sport adds Subaru's X-Mode dual-mode traction system, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, 360-degree camera, StarTex upholstery, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist and driver-seat memory with power adjustments for the front passenger.
Styling and colors
The GT gets unique interior trim and exclusive styling cues, and it is the only trim offered with a two-tone paint option. Buyers can choose from five exterior colors: Coastal Wolf Gray Metallic, Cosmic White Pearl, Habanero Orange Metallic, Astro Black Mica, and Metropolis Gray. Note that the two-tone treatment is not available with Astro Black Mica.
Market positioning and takeaways
Underneath, the Uncharted shares much with Toyota's small SUV EVs, making it feel more Toyota than traditional Subaru in structure. That said, Subaru has carved a niche by offering a familiar safety suite, elevated ground clearance, and off-season practicality. The Sport's 338-hp dual-motor output gives it an edge over rivals such as the Hyundai Kona EV and the Kia Niro EV in pure power, while the Premium FWD stands out for its long EPA range and accessible price.
For shoppers, the key decisions will be whether they prioritize range and cost (Premium FWD) or performance and features (Sport or GT). With NACS ports and rapid charging capability, the Uncharted is positioned to be a competitive player in the compact electric SUV market when it reaches dealers early next year.
"Subaru's Uncharted blends practical EV range and mainstream SUV sensibilities with a surprising FWD twist for North America," said an industry analyst — a short summary of a model that aims to bridge two brand philosophies.
Source: autoevolution
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