2026 Subaru Uncharted Impressions From Andrew Frankl
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By Andrew Frankl
The Auto Channel European Bureau Chief
Yes folks, when I saw the name I was puzzled as you are.
So without further ado I got in touch with Subaru’s super helpful Miranda Jimenez who sent me the following e mail : “as the first Subaru all-electric compact cross-over the name Unchartered signals the vehicle’s capability and fun to drive nature, taking owners and passengers to their next adventure”
So now I know! Truth be told it was quite an adventure. Looking very much like BMW’s brand new Car of the Year which I drove a couple of weeks ago in Europe the Subaru was a very pleasant surprise. It has a comfortable ride, the silence was total, the radio was fine as was the acceleration helped by all-wheel drive.
The prices are a very pleasant surprise starting at a very reasonable 35 thousand dollars for front wheel drive, 221 horsepower and a range of 308 miles. The 308 miles is of course subject to the usual caveat-no air conditioning, no radio, careful driving. It is the same for all EVs as is range anxiety.
There were thousands of EV drivers on their way “up the hill” to Tahoe when they ran into a monumental snow storm and were stationary for three hours, some heating would have been very welcome.
All EV's including Audis, BMWs, Mercs, Teslas, all cars costing 80 or more thousand dollars, have a built-in choice for the drivers to make, Heat or AC or range, but leaving the snow aside if you are a Subaru Unchartered owner right now in the middle huge gas price increases you are a happy boy or girl. No long faces for you at the pumps!
Instead... smiles.
With Uncharted 8.2 inch ground clearance you can be sailing past the money grabbers, listening to some classical music courtesy of the Auto14-inch multimedia system with wireless Apple Play or Android auto.
Doing some local chores and carefully avoiding the holiday traffic I really enjoyed myself. Several friends in The Auto Channel's winter location came, had a look, kicked some tires and left impressed. It is an EV companion to the gas-powered Subaru Crosstrek.
The Uncharted was jointly developed with Toyota’s C-HR and the specs are virtually the same. So the chances are that if you have a good relationship with your Subaru dealer that is where you will end up.
The more powerful version features Toyota’s 338 hp dual motor electric powertrain which is of course quicker but the range will fall accordingly.
To the question all readers ask me-would I buy one? If I was in the market for a cost-effective, pleasant EV I certainly would but with the World being in a seriously unchartered place I would probably wait a while.
2026 Subaru Uncharted vs. Crosstrek vs. Forester
Compiled By Chet Grant For The Auto Channel
Subaru now gives shoppers three very different ways to buy into the brand's core values of safety, practicality, and everyday usefulness. The all-new 2026 Subaru Uncharted brings all-electric power, quick acceleration, and modern fast-charging capability. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek remains the right-size compact crossover for value-minded buyers who want standard all-wheel drive and strong fuel economy. The 2026 Subaru Forester continues as the roomier, more family-focused compact SUV with more cargo versatility and a slightly more substantial feel on the road.
For buyers trying to choose among them, the decision is fairly simple. The Uncharted is the technology-forward EV choice. The Crosstrek is the more affordable and efficient gas-powered daily driver. The Forester is the larger, more traditional Subaru SUV for buyers who want extra room, comfort, and utility.
Driving Character
The Uncharted is the quickest and most modern-feeling of the three, especially in dual-motor all-wheel-drive form. It delivers instant electric torque, quiet cruising, and a smooth, refined ride. The Crosstrek feels lighter and more nimble in city and suburban use, with straightforward controls and the familiar Subaru compact-crossover personality. The Forester is the more relaxed and roomy choice, tuned for comfort, visibility, and family use rather than speed.
What Makes Each One Different
- Uncharted: all-electric, up to 338 horsepower, up to 308 miles of EPA-estimated range, NACS charging
- Crosstrek: gas-powered compact crossover with standard AWD, standard 2.5-liter BOXER engine on conventional gas trims, hybrid version also offered in the 2026 lineup
- Forester: larger gas-powered AWD SUV with more cargo and passenger-friendly packaging, plus a broader trim ladder including Wilderness
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Model | Powertrain | Horsepower | Drivetrain | Range / MPG | Ground Clearance | Starting MSRP | Best Fit For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Subaru Uncharted Premium | Single-motor EV | 221 hp | FWD | Up to 308 miles EPA-est. | 8.2 inches | $34,995 | EV buyers seeking maximum range and value |
| 2026 Subaru Uncharted Sport / GT | Dual-motor EV | 338 hp | AWD | About 287 miles (Sport) / 273 miles (GT) EPA-est. | 8.2 inches | $39,795 / $43,795 | Buyers wanting strong acceleration, AWD traction, and EV technology |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek | 2.5-liter BOXER 4-cylinder | 180 hp | AWD | Up to 33/26 mpg hwy/city | 8.7 inches | $26,995 | Value-minded buyers wanting a smaller AWD crossover |
| 2026 Subaru Forester | 2.5-liter BOXER 4-cylinder | 180 hp | AWD | Up to 33/26 mpg hwy/city | 8.7 inches | $29,995 | Families and shoppers wanting more room and SUV practicality |
Trim and Positioning Snapshot
| Vehicle | Trim Walk | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncharted | Premium / Sport / GT | Premium is the lower-price range leader; Sport adds dual-motor AWD and more equipment; GT is the loaded flagship |
| Crosstrek | Base / Premium / Sport / Limited / Wilderness, plus Hybrid lineup availability | Compact, efficient, and easy to live with; Wilderness adds more trail attitude |
| Forester | Base / Premium / Sport / Limited / Touring / Wilderness | Broader family-SUV lineup with more cabin space and available premium features |
Options and Feature Highlights
| Feature | Uncharted | Crosstrek | Forester |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Wheel Drive | Available on Sport and GT | Standard | Standard |
| Fast Charging | Yes, DC fast charging with NACS port | No | No |
| Tesla Supercharger Access | Yes | No | No |
| X-MODE / Off-Pavement Focus | Available dual-function X-MODE with Grip Control | Available depending on trim; stronger emphasis in Wilderness | Available depending on trim; strongest in Wilderness |
| Large Central Touchscreen | 14-inch touchscreen | Subaru Multimedia system, trim dependent | Subaru Multimedia system, trim dependent |
| Premium Audio / Panoramic Roof / Higher Luxury Content | Upper trims | Upper trims | Upper trims |
| EyeSight Driver Assist Technology | Standard / broad safety suite | Standard | Standard |
The Auto Channel Bottom Line
The 2026 Subaru Uncharted is the one to buy if you want the newest technology, the fastest acceleration, and true electric-vehicle capability with real long-range usefulness. It is the most advanced of the three and clearly aimed at buyers who want Subaru character in a fresh EV package.
The 2026 Crosstrek remains the practical sweet spot for shoppers who want Subaru all-wheel-drive confidence, a compact footprint, and a lower entry price. It is the easiest recommendation for urban drivers, commuters, and budget-conscious buyers.
The 2026 Forester is the strongest choice for buyers who want a roomier cabin, easier family duty, and a more traditional compact SUV feel. It gives up the EV novelty and acceleration of the Uncharted, but for many households it may still be the best all-around Subaru utility play.
In plain English: choose Uncharted for EV power and modern charging, Crosstrek for compact value, and Forester for family-ready space and versatility.
The Auto Channel | Reviews Performed Using Human Intelligence For Human Drivers
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