Subaru’s new affordable compact SUV is the 2026 Uncharted, a small all‑electric crossover that undercuts the Solterra on price and becomes the brand’s first‑ever front‑wheel‑drive SUV. It slots in below the Solterra and Trailseeker as Subaru’s entry‑level EV, trading the company’s traditional standard all‑wheel drive for a lower base price and more range‑focused, urban‑friendly packaging.
Pricing, Positioning and “Brand First”
The Uncharted Premium FWD starts at 34,995 dollars before destination, making it several thousand dollars cheaper than the most affordable Solterra and positioning it as Subaru’s value play in the electric SUV space. That low entry price is possible because the base model is front‑wheel drive—marking the first time Subaru has sold an SUV without standard all‑wheel drive in North America, a major break from decades of brand positioning around Symmetrical AWD. Higher trims add Subaru’s familiar all‑wheel‑drive hardware back in, but the FWD base version is key to the “big value” story, giving buyers a way into a Subaru EV at a more approachable price point.
Powertrain, Range and Performance
The Uncharted uses a dedicated EV platform and offers both single‑ and dual‑motor setups. In its higher‑spec configurations, Subaru quotes up to 338 horsepower and an estimated range of “more than 300 miles,” with official materials pointing to about 330 miles (roughly 531 km) on certain front‑drive trims. All versions support DC fast charging at “thousands of stations nationwide,” with Subaru citing quick‑charge capability but not yet publishing exact peak‑kW figures; given its segment and price, expectations sit in the 150–200 kW bracket, enough for convenient highway top‑ups. The available Symmetrical All‑Wheel Drive variant sacrifices a bit of range for extra traction and performance, appealing to traditional Subaru customers who want EV efficiency but still drive in snow, mud or on unpaved roads.
Size, Interior Space and Everyday Practicality
Subaru positions the Uncharted as its smallest and most “urban‑friendly” electric SUV, sitting below the Solterra in length and footprint while still offering everyday usefulness. It comes with 8.3 inches of ground clearance as standard—more than many rival compact EVs—so it can handle light off‑roading, gravel roads and winter conditions better than low‑slung crossovers. Inside, the cabin is designed as a straightforward, easy‑to‑clean, family‑friendly space, with a flat‑floor EV layout to maximise rear legroom and a versatile cargo area sized for daily use rather than full‑on adventure gear.
Tech, Safety and Subaru DNA
Despite being the “budget” EV in Subaru’s lineup, the Uncharted still packs the brand’s core safety and tech features. Subaru’s EyeSight driver‑assist suite—combining adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping assistance and pre‑collision braking—is expected to be standard or widely available, consistent with the company’s approach on other SUVs. The infotainment system supports modern smartphone integration, and Subaru’s marketing emphasises a familiar, user‑friendly interface rather than a radically new UX, easing the transition for existing owners moving into an EV. Ground clearance, roof‑rail options and durable interior materials help the Uncharted feel like a “real Subaru” despite its front‑drive base model and more city‑oriented mission.
How It Fits into Subaru’s EV Strategy
The Uncharted arrives as the little sibling to the Solterra and the larger Trailseeker, giving Subaru three distinct EV SUVs spanning midsize, adventure‑focused and compact city‑friendly niches. With its lower price and optional AWD, the Uncharted is designed to capture buyers who might otherwise consider mainstream compact EVs but still value Subaru’s reputation for safety, reliability and light off‑road capability. Together with the upcoming Forester Hybrid and other electrified models, it marks another step in Subaru’s move from an all‑combustion line‑up into a more diversified mix of hybrids and EVs without abandoning the rugged feel that built its fan base.
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FAQs
Q1: What is Subaru’s “brand first” with the Uncharted?
It’s Subaru’s first SUV sold with front‑wheel drive instead of standard all‑wheel drive, allowing a lower starting price for an EV.
Q2: How much does the Uncharted cost and how far can it go?
The Uncharted Premium FWD starts at 34,995 dollars before destination, with estimated range of over 300 miles and up to around 330 miles on select trims.
Q3:Does the Uncharted still offer all‑wheel drive?
Yes. While the base model is FWD, higher trims include Subaru’s Symmetrical All‑Wheel Drive for buyers who want traditional Subaru capability in an EV.