2027 Subaru Uncharted Brief Review: The Electric Crosstrek That Everyone Is Overlooking

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      Modern electric vehicles follow one of two philosophies. Some highlight their technological nature, operating distinctly different from gas-powered cars, which means they require different usage considerations. Others aim to provide a mostly traditional feel, creating a sense of familiarity for their owners and essentially mimicking normal cars that just happen to be battery-powered.

      Both approaches have their pros and cons, and neither is entirely right or wrong. However, the 2027 Subaru Uncharted clearly falls into the second category of EV, which is why I appreciate it.

      The Uncharted is Subaru's smallest electric SUV, using the Solterra's components but in a more compact form with a streamlined roofline. It starts at $36,445, including destination charges, and features a single drivetrain option with a 221-horsepower electric motor located on the front axle.

      That’s not the Uncharted I drove, though; I tested the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive GT variant, which delivers 338 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque. This version is priced higher at $45,720. Every Uncharted comes with a 74.7 kWh battery, and when paired with the dual-motor setup, it can achieve up to 287 miles on a full charge. (It's worth noting that this GT model, equipped with larger wheels, is rated for only 273 miles. They look good, but they aren't worth losing 14 miles of range.)

      Observant readers may notice the similarities between Subaru's smallest EV and Toyota's compact EV, the C-HR. The notable difference is that Subaru offers a front-wheel-drive Uncharted, while the C-HR is more expensive, available only with a dual-motor drivetrain. It’s a bit unusual since you would expect Subaru to be the brand offering only an all-wheel-drive option, but here we are.

      The Uncharted isn't attracting a lot of attention, and while I don’t think it’s groundbreaking, it has many appealing features. I find it visually striking, especially from the rear three-quarter view, with its elevated haunches and sloping roofline. The GT model is also quite enjoyable to drive—it accelerates to 60 mph nearly a full second quicker than a WRX—while providing a comfortable and quiet ride with responsive steering. Yes, it does lean a bit in turns and weighs around 4,500 pounds, so it's not a WRX on winding roads, but it remains an enjoyable, lively option for daily driving.

      It’s also notably efficient. While some may scoff at any EV that can't deliver 300 miles on a full charge—on that note, the front-wheel-drive Uncharted offers a promise of 308 miles—this performance-focused version averaged a solid 4 miles per kWh during the week I had it, without any effort. It charges at 11 kW on a Level 2 charger, which is an improvement over the previous Solterra's 7.6 kW, and up to 150 kW with Level 3 DC charging, all via a NACS port. That’s comparable to the new Chevy Bolt, though still behind the Hyundai Ioniq 5's 350 kW.

      The interior is where Subaru (and Toyota) shows the most room for growth. I don't mind the placement of the digital instrument cluster or the simplicity of the display, but surely they could have positioned it better to avoid obstruction from the steering wheel. The Uncharted relies heavily on its touchscreen for nearly all functions, including climate control, but this infotainment system—essentially Toyota's—is inconsistent. While it’s generally straightforward to navigate, it can be slow and cluttered, with many settings poorly explained. Occasionally, fonts fail to load in the built-in navigation. At least the dual-zone temperature dials that integrate with the screen are nice.

      I like the steering wheel, which I've mentioned before, and I really enjoy the regenerative braking paddles that allow for adjustments in off-throttle energy recovery without navigating through software menus. No, there’s no one-pedal driving mode in this vehicle, and if that is a dealbreaker for you, there are other options available. Personally, I’m happy with the system and appreciate the control the paddles offer in stopping power.

      However, the abundance of various textured plastics in the driver's view serves as a stark reminder that you're in a budget-friendly EV. There was no need for Subaru to allocate so much valuable center-console space to a pair of wireless phone chargers that 1) charge slowly and 2) often fail to secure devices. If they had implemented the Qi 2 system with integrated magnets like Nissan has, I would be more favorable toward that feature.

      Overall, what I genuinely appreciate about the Uncharted is that it doesn’t try to be different just for the sake of it. It feels very approachable,