Is the 2026 Subaru Uncharted a Good Crossover EV? 5 Pros, 2 Cons

The Subaru Uncharted joined the Japanese automaker’s growing lineup of electric vehicles for the 2026 model year, boasting an all-electric range of more than 300 miles and a relatively affordable starting price. And as part of Subaru and Toyota’s ongoing EV joint venture, the Uncharted is largely a Toyota C-HR dusted with a pinch Subaru’s outdoorsy persona.

Related: The 2026 Subaru Uncharted Is the Weirdest Subaru, and That’s a Good Thing: Review

Roughly the size of a Crosstrek, the Uncharted slots in as Subaru’s smallest and most affordable EV. With 8.2 inches of ground clearance and available all-wheel drive, it offers a bit more off-road capability than most EVs, or is at least better equipped for tackling rutted dirt roads and forest trails. However, opting for AWD over the standard front-wheel-drive layout comes at a substantially higher cost.

Cars.com’s West Coast Bureau Chief Conner Golden got a crack at the Uncharted both on- and off-road at a media program, and he came away generally  impressed. (Per Cars.com’s ethics policy, we pay for our own travel and lodging when attending such manufacturer-sponsored events.) Tap the link above to read his expert review, or read on for a quick look at five things we like about the 2026 Subaru Uncharted and two things we do not.

What Do We Like About the 2026 Subaru Uncharted?

1. Reasonable Range

When specified in base Premium trim with a single 221-horsepower motor driving the front wheels, the Uncharted is good for a range of up to an EPA-rated 308 miles. Sport and GT trims get a second motor that adds AWD and boosts total output to 338 hp. The trade-off is, of course, a reduced driving range of 287 miles. Furthermore, GT trims with 20-inch wheels drop that to 273 miles of driving.

2. Lightly Off-Roadable

With 8.2 inches of ground clearance, the Uncharted is ready for mild dirt back-roads adventures, even if that’s about half an inch less than most gas-powered Subaru SUVs. Coupled with available AWD and X-Mode terrain profiles, the Uncharted is moderately better equipped for light off-roading and slogging through muddy dirt roads than many EVs.

3. Good Tech

The dashboard design is clean and modern, dominated by a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system mounted high where it’s easy to see and operate. That’s a good thing because the Uncharted lacks a lot of physical controls. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included, along with two wireless device charge pads in the center console. There’s also a configurable digital instrument display mounted high in front of the driver, made easier to see thanks to a squared-off steering wheel.

4. Decent Value

With a starting price of $36,445 (all prices include destination), the Uncharted is not exactly cheap. But its price is competitive with other EVs, and the Uncharted recently earned a spot on our list of the 11 cheapest EVs you can buy. Adding to the value equation, even base Premium trims come well equipped with features including a power tailgate, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control and Subaru’s comprehensive EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features.

5. Cabin Comfort

Its exterior dimensions may be similar to the gas-powered Crosstrek, but the Uncharted’s coupelike shape takes a toll in occupant and cargo room. Still, our just-shy-of-6-foot test pilot found more than enough head- and legroom from the driver’s seat, and good visibility all around thanks to the Uncharted’s large glass area. Rear-seat room is not as generous, but the sloping roof doesn’t take away too much headroom.

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What Do We Dislike About the 2026 2026 Subaru Uncharted?

1. Choose Carefully

The Uncharted’s reasonable starting price is a big plus, especially given that base Premium trims come reasonably well equipped. Just remember that the Premium trim is not available with AWD, and the price goes up fast if added. The Sport trim is the cheapest entry point with AWD, and without adding much else, tacks on a hefty $4,800 to the bottom line for a total price of $41,245. Top GT trim comes loaded with features and starts at $45,245.

2. Limited Off-Road Capability

Many likely Uncharted buyers will probably not care that the new EV lacks some of the off-road capability long associated with the brand, but those who do should keep their expectations in check. Even with available AWD and X-Mode terrain profiles aimed at the rough stuff, the Uncharted would not be a good first choice for anything more than a casual, low-impact backwoods adventure.

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