As the North American auto industry generally plods about and fumbles for answers on the topic of EVs, Subaru has stepped forward as a purveyor of some seriously sweet battery-powered rides. I’ve driven the Solterra, a Lexusy compact crossover that does all the EV things well. I’ve gushed about the Trailseeker (née E-Outback). And now I’m zipping around in a 338-horsepower Habanero Orange Metallic dune buggy dubbed the Uncharted.
Subaru’s Pink Slip Machine
In its final year, Subaru’s WRX STI put down 310 hp and remains a badass ride that I desperately want to drive. And, the Uncharted would happily gather the pink slip of its stablemate in a drag race. Yes yes, I know, these are very different cars. But it doesn’t change the fact that the Uncharted is a hoot to drive. Car and Driver says it’ll go 0-60 in 4.3 seconds. I didn’t clock it, but the acceleration is RIGHT NOW and absolutely intoxicating.
Relatively small at about 7” shorter than the Solterra, the Subaru Uncharted is flingable. Base models come with a single motor, FWD, and 221 hp, which I’m sure is nice. These models also boast the highest driving range of the lineup at 308 miles. You’ll have to pony up an extra 5 grand to enjoy the Sport trimline that starts around $41,000 and adds a second motor for AWD and the power bump. Range isn’t far off the pace at 287 miles, and these versions come with Subaru’s Dual-Function X-MODE if you plan to get off pavement.
The EV To The Crosstrek’s ICE
Should you do so, know that the Uncharted has 8.2” of ground clearance. It’s not insignificant and is nearly 2” more than what the Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers. See? I told you it was a dune buggy. I mean, it kind of looks like one. Some equate the Uncharted with the ICE-powered Crosstrek. They are roughly the same length, but where the Crosstrek leans egg-shaped, the Uncharted brings a rally car vibe. Chalk it up to that kicked-up decklid spoiler and little wings coming off the roofline. Me likey
On paper, 18” wheels with covers may sound chintzy. But IRL, they’re not. You can get dubs on the top-dog GT, but 18s suit the Meyers Manx lines with their fatter sidewalls. That nuclear orange paint job doesn’t hurt either. Truthfully, orange is not a color I’d choose for a car given the option. And yet, it looks good on the Uncharted with its squinty headlights, creased bodywork, and clear taillights.
Shifter Paddle Regen System
Besides outright speed, the Uncharted rides comfortably with nicely weighted steering. I love Subaru’s use of paddle shifters to control the regenerative braking system. Flicking through the levels of regen to rein in all that power reminds of downshifting a stick and, though it makes no crackle and pop combustion sounds, leaves me imagining it does. One-pedal driving is not on the menu, but you can putter along at 2 mph.
Inside, it’s a smallish affair for 6-footers. Granted, we’re talking about a subcompact, so perhaps that’s to be expected. For me, the bigger Trailseeker is the move as it starts at nearly the same price as this Uncharted Sport and offers a lot more cabin space. That said, the black-and-white patterned SynTex looks sharp here and brightens up an otherwise dark setting.
Subaru Builds EVs For New England
It’s also worth pointing out the high level of winter-friendly content Subaru brings to bear on the Uncharted, which is typical of the automaker’s products. Heated side mirrors and a wiper de-icer come standard. The mid-tier Sport model adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, the latter with 360° coverage (not a given across the industry). Opt for the GT, and heated rear outboard seats are on the docket.
A battery pre-conditioning system also purports to lend a hand in the cold weather and ensure the 28-minute rate for charging from 10-80% at a Level 3 charger is accurate even when the mercury goes frigid. I did not get a chance to check this out, but the standard NACS charging port means Tesla Superchargers are fully accessible.
No Glovebox Or Radiant Warming
One thing the Uncharted does not offer is radiant warming panels. This may sound like an odd thing to note, but considering the lack of a glove box, I was surprised to see this warming panel omission. Subaru has been ditching the glove box on its EVs in favor of radiant heat for passenger extremities.
The warming is quite a nice touch on cold mornings, but the lack of a glove box isn’t great. Especially on the small-ish Uncharted. Factor in the hard-to-access storage cubby beneath the center console, and suddenly it’s a challenge to keep track of your small doodaddery. Hopefully, Subaru is planning to add radiant warming on a future release.
Is The Subaru Uncharted Worth A Look?
Overall, the new Subaru Uncharted is a great little EV. Ample power, spunky good looks, and nearly 300 miles of range make for a great runabout with enough off-road capability to please weekend warriors. Sidebar: the roof rails are rated for 700 pounds, so car campers can really expand on the Uncharted’s footprint. Interior quibbles aside, I’d say Subaru is setting itself up as an EV powerhouse, assuming folks come around to the benefits of skipping the gas station.
About the author: Niel Stender is an automotive journalist. More of his work can be found at muckrack.com/niel-stender