Subaru’s electric vehicle range has grown quickly over the past 12 months. Following the Solterra and larger Trailseeker comes the all-new Uncharted, the smallest member of the family and arguably the one aimed most directly at keen drivers.
Sharing much of its engineering with the Toyota C-HR+ and Lexus RZ – as well as the Solterra and Trailseeker – the Uncharted attempts to combine a fashionable coupe-like SUV design with the sort of handling and all-weather confidence buyers have long associated with Subaru.
Just one variant is on sale in Australia, making the buying process easy while perhaps missing out on potential avenues such as ‘Wilderness’ off-road specials and treatment. The main question is, is it just another coupe-style electric SUV or something worth getting excited about? Let’s take a look.
2026 Subaru Uncharted: Specifications
Electrical: 74.7kWh battery, 2x electric motors
Output: 252kW / 438Nm
Gearbox: Single-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 20×7.5, 235/50
ANCAP: Five stars
Official range (WLTP): 522km
Max charging AC/DC: 22kW/150kW0-60km/h: 2.68 seconds*
0-100km/h: 5.23 seconds*
60-110km/h: 3.39 seconds*
1/4 mile: 13.67 seconds at 163.0km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.888g*
100-0km/h braking: 39.74m in 3.09 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.272g*
Starting price: $59,990*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2026 Subaru Uncharted: How much does it cost?
The Subaru Uncharted is offered in Australia in a single AWD specification as mentioned, priced from $59,990 (excluding on-road costs). Standard equipment is generous, including the Harman Kardon audio system, 14-inch touch-screen, heated front and rear seats, powered front seats, surround-view camera system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, digital rear-view mirror and Subaru’s full suite of safety technologies. Optional extras are limited to a panoramic glass roof and two-tone paint combinations.
At that price, it isn’t the cheapest electric SUV in its class but it does represent very good value when you factor in Subaru’s established service and parts network, build quality, and all-terrain experience and provable capability.
2026 Subaru Uncharted: Interior & packaging
The Uncharted strikes a nice balance between compact exterior dimensions and genuine family usability. Measuring just over 4.5 metres long, it slips through city traffic with ease and fits comfortably into tight parking spaces, yet there’s enough room inside for four adults without anyone feeling cramped.
At the back, the boot measures in at 403 litres, not bad for the class, while the rear seat provides respectable legroom despite the swooping coupe-inspired roofline. The main compromise is rear-quarter visibility; the thick C/D-pillar creates a sizeable blind spot when looking over your shoulder, although the standard blind-spot monitoring and surround-view camera largely compensate for it.
Up front, the driving position feels natural. Everything falls nicely to hand, outward visibility is excellent through the large windscreen and corner quarter window, and there’s plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel to suit different size drivers. However, there is one interior feature that completely misses the mark; the square steering wheel.
It might look futuristic, but in everyday use it simply isn’t as comfortable as a conventional round wheel. As the steering unwinds through your hands, the flat sections repeatedly interrupt the natural movement, making it feel awkward when driving enthusiastically or simply negotiating roundabouts. For certain height drivers (such as yours truly – 170cm) the steering wheel blocks the view of the speedo completely as well. It’s one of those ideas that appears to prioritise styling over functionality, and hopefully Subaru reconsiders it in future models.
Across the dashboard sits a 14-inch high-definition touch-screen, and thankfully this appears to be the Lexus interpretation of Toyota’s latest infotainment system rather than the version seen in some later Toyotas. It’s intuitive, quick to respond and includes permanent shortcut buttons at the bottom of the display, meaning important menus remain accessible even while Android Auto or Apple CarPlay is running. A dedicated shortcut for the driver assistance systems is especially welcome, allowing quick access without hunting through layers of menus.
There are some physical controls where they matter. One particularly thoughtful touch is the separate button for adjusting instrument brightness. It might seem like a small detail, but having a dedicated control instead of burying it inside touch-screen menus makes a surprising difference during night driving.
That standard Harman Kardon audio system deserves praise too. It produces rich, clear sound with plenty of depth and easily ranks among the better stereos in this segment for a standard inclusion. But it’s worth keeping in mind the starting price here places it nearer to its higher-spec equivalent rivals, some of which also come with a decent sound system.
2026 Subaru Uncharted: Powertrain & handling
Featuring a dual-motor powertrain that develops a healthy 252kW, you could think of this as like a Crosstrek XT or even Crosstrek STI, considering the output level and acceleration it provides. More importantly, the way the power is delivered feels natural and progressive rather than artificially aggressive. We timed 0-100km/h in 5.23 seconds, in cold conditions. With slightly higher temps it would no doubt achieve 5.0 seconds or even dip into 4s.
The accelerator calibration is excellent, making it easy to drive smoothly in traffic while still delivering effortless overtaking performance whenever you ask for it. Like most EVs, it surges through gaps with little effort, but unlike some rivals it doesn’t feel overly sensitive or jerky at low speeds.
Subaru has retained its familiar all-wheel drive philosophy. The dual-motor system continuously manages torque distribution between the axles, working alongside X-Mode, Grip Control and a generous 211mm of ground clearance to provide genuine capability off road. We attacked our usual hill climb (around 25-30-degree incline, with moguls) and it calculated where the slip was and redirected power to achieve the ascent.
The real highlight, however, is the chassis and suspension tune. Quite simply, Subaru has nailed it. Australian country roads are notoriously challenging for suspension systems, with off-camber, bumpy, blind corners, and even broken tarmac providing proving-ground-like conditions. Many EVs feel overly firm as manufacturers attempt to control the extra battery weight, while others are too soft and lack body control. The Uncharted somehow achieves both compliance and composure.
Broken back roads are soaked up beautifully, yet the moment the road begins to twist the body remains remarkably flat and balanced. It feels planted without becoming harsh, in other words, allowing you to carry speed with confidence while still delivering the ride comfort expected of a family SUV.
The steering is accurate and nicely weighted, although more feedback and feel would be nice, while grip levels from the all-wheel drive system are relentless, in both dry and wet conditions. Even on dirt roads, it is very sure-footed. That makes it genuinely enjoyable to drive, not simply competent.
Charging capability is another standout. Subaru includes 22kW three-phase AC charging – something still surprisingly uncommon outside premium European brands that usually offer it as an optional extra. It won’t benefit everyone immediately, but it effectively future-proofs the vehicle as Australia’s charging infrastructure continues to expand. It also offers 150kW DC fast charging, which is not the quickest out there but it suits the vast majority of current public charging stations that max out at around 150-175kW.
2026 Subaru Uncharted: First impressions
The Subaru Uncharted feels like one of those rare cars where almost every major component and area has been carefully considered. From the infotainment system, to the performance and power delivery, to the suspension tuning which is close to perfect for Australian conditions… it all reminds you that Subaru has been making cars for decades. It knows this stuff like the back of its hand. Aside from the square steering wheel, there’s very little to criticise here.
2026 Subaru Uncharted: Video
