2027 Subaru Uncharted Quick Review: The Electric Crosstrek That’s Being Overlooked

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      Modern electric vehicles adhere to one of two philosophies. Some emphasize their technological nature, operating in completely different ways compared to gasoline-powered cars, as they require distinct considerations. Others aim for a more traditional feel, making an effort to provide familiarity for their owners and essentially presenting themselves as conventional vehicles that happen to be powered by batteries.

      There are pros and cons to both approaches, and neither is entirely correct or incorrect, but the 2027 Subaru Uncharted clearly aligns with the second type of EV, which is why I appreciate it.

      The Uncharted is the smallest of Subaru’s three electric SUVs and reconfigures the Solterra’s components into a more compact design with a sleeker roofline. Its starting price is $36,445, which includes destination fees, and the sole drivetrain option consists of a 221-horsepower electric motor located on the front axle.

      However, the Uncharted you see here is the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive GT variant, producing 338 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque. This version is significantly pricier, costing $45,720. All Uncharted models feature a 74.7-kWh battery, and when paired with the dual-motor powertrain, it's rated for a maximum of 287 miles on a full charge. (It's worth noting that the GT model with its larger wheels is estimated to deliver only 273 miles, which is a modest trade-off for aesthetics.)

      Astute readers will recognize similarities between Subaru’s smallest EV and Toyota’s equivalent, the C-HR. The primary distinction is that Subaru offers a front-wheel-drive version of the Uncharted, while the C-HR is only available in a dual-motor configuration at a higher price point. This is somewhat unexpected, as one would anticipate Subaru to prefer an all-wheel-drive option for such models.

      The Uncharted has not generated much excitement, and although I wouldn’t call it groundbreaking, it offers many appealing features. I find its appearance to be quite striking, especially from the rear three-quarter angle, with its pronounced curves and streamlined roofline. Additionally, the GT model is enjoyable to drive—it accelerates to 60 mph nearly a second faster than a WRX, providing a comfortable, quiet ride alongside responsive steering. While it does exhibit noticeable body roll during sharp turns and weighs around 4,500 pounds, it remains a fun and lively option for daily use.

      Moreover, it’s reasonably efficient. While some may criticize any EV that doesn’t achieve at least 300 miles on a single charge, the front-wheel-drive Uncharted claims a range of 308 miles. Nevertheless, this sportier version still managed to deliver an average of 4 miles per kWh during the week I used it, which is impressive. It also charges at 11 kW with a Level 2 charger—better than the pre-refresh Solterra's 7.6 kW—and up to 150 kW via Level 3 DC charging through a NACS port. This performance is commendable but still trails behind the 350-kW Hyundai Ioniq 5.

      Inside the cabin is where Subaru (and Toyota) reveal the most potential for improvement. While I don't mind the placement of the digital instrument cluster or its straightforward display, it could have been arranged better to avoid being obscured by 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. Although it’s fairly user-friendly, it can be slow and cluttered, with various settings poorly explained. There are instances when fonts fail to load in the built-in navigation. On a brighter note, the vehicle features stylish dual-zone temperature dials that integrate with the screen.

      I particularly like the steering wheel and appreciate the regen paddles, which allow for modulation of off-throttle energy recovery without having to navigate through software menus. However, there is no one-pedal driving mode in this vehicle, and if that's a dealbreaker for you, there are other alternatives on the market. Personally, I find that the paddles provide a satisfying level of control when it comes to stopping power.

      On the downside, the various textures of cheap plastics visible from the driver’s seat serve as a stark reminder that you are in an affordable EV. Additionally, there's no justification for Subaru allocating so much valuable center-console space for a pair of wireless phone chargers that are both slow and ineffective at keeping devices secure. If they had implemented the Qi 2 system with integrated magnets like Nissan, I would be more favorable towards this feature.

      Ultimately, what I genuinely appreciate about the Uncharted is its refusal to be different just for the sake of it. It’s accessible and user-friendly like a regular car. Functions such as switching drive modes and adjusting regeneration are managed through