I drove the Subaru Uncharted for a week — this $35K EV is an undercover urban road warrior

Subaru has already proven to me that it’s on the right track with building out its EV portfolio in the U.S. I’ve already noted that the Solterra is one of the most underrated EVs around. For 2026, though, Subaru is giving car shoppers new options, and the Uncharted is one of them.

You could call it a smaller version of the Solterra, as it looks practically the same inside and out — but it’s perfectly suited for the challenges of the inner city. In my 2026 Subaru Uncharted review, I’ll tell you exactly how this subcompact crossover SUV compares against others I’ve tested, like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Nissan Leaf.

While the FWD base trim starts at $34,995, the GT trim I drove for a week drives the cost up to $43,795 as tested. That might seem like a huge stretch, but it benefits from a more powerful AWD powertrain, premium Harman Kardon audio, a panoramic glass roof, a 360-degree camera system, and much more.

2026 Subaru Uncharted: Specifications

2026 Subaru Uncharted: Testing summary

I drove a total of 150.8 miles during my week of testing the 2026 Subaru Uncharted GT, reaching an average efficiency of 3.4 mi/kWh. That’s respectable, but I was hoping for a bit more from a subcompact SUV — especially when the similarly sized Kona Electric GT-Line averaged 4.3 mi/kWh.

Despite that, the Uncharted is clearly optimized for city driving, as it was significantly more efficient in town than during long-distance highway drives. In fact, I recorded an astounding 7 mi/kWh efficiency in one test consisting mostly of slower speeds.

Likewise, I was hoping for faster Level 1 charging at home because its 2.96 mi/hr rate still trails the Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Kona Electric. Although, I was using an adapter to connect my existing SAE J1772 charger to the Uncharted's NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging port. To compensate, I’d strongly suggest installing a Level 2 charger at home to ensure you can reach a full charge overnight.

2026 Subaru Uncharted: What I Like

Sporty design

I really dig the sporty, tech-forward aesthetic of the Uncharted — and it's made even better by the fact that it's more compact than the Solterra.

From the front, it features an aggressive stance that makes the Leaf’s design look tame, while the profile shows off its striking two-tone styling. The GT trim, in particular, benefits from upgraded 20-inch alloy wheels.

The Uncharted isn’t shy about making its presence known, and its curb appeal perfectly matches its tough demeanor.

Small, but mighty

Thanks to its compact footprint, the Subaru Uncharted is a total joy to drive — an experience amplified by dual motors that deliver a combined 338 hp. Part of the reason its efficiency trailed that of its rivals could be attributed to the fact that I drove it mostly in Sport mode, but that’s exactly what makes it so thrilling.

The driving dynamics are so intuitive that anyone could get behind the wheel and immediately adapt to its tight, responsive handling.

Excellent adaptive cruise control

The Uncharted’s adaptive cruise control system works much like the one Toyota uses in its EVs, such as the bZ — which comes as no surprise given that Toyota and Subaru share the same electric platforms.

I tested it on a stretch of highway and it performed smoothly, adjusting its speed by applying the necessary acceleration and braking while remaining perfectly centered in the lane.

Dual wireless chargers

Nearly all cars nowadays offer wireless charging for your phone, but there are still some that don't — like the base model of the Chevrolet Equinox EV.

The Uncharted, however, doesn't just come with one, but two wireless chargers for extra convenience. Although it’s rare for both the driver and passenger to need a charge at the same time, it's nice knowing I don't have to fight for one.

Helpful digital rearview mirror

Since the Uncharted has a tiny rear windshield, it can be challenging to see what’s behind me using only the traditional glass — which is why the digital rearview mirror is so helpful.

With a quick flip of the switch on the underside of the mirror, I can instantly activate the camera feed to get a wide-angle, unobstructed view of what's behind the vehicle. This feature also comes in handy on the highway, especially at night, because it eliminates the blinding glare typically caused by the headlights of following cars.

Expansive charging support with NACS

Just like the 2026 Solterra, the Uncharted is equipped with a native NACS charging port, making it more future-proof than EVs that still rely solely on CCS Type 1 for DC fast charging.

By featuring a native NACS port, the Uncharted allows you to plug directly into Tesla Supercharger locations across the country. Furthermore, you can still access other networks like ChargePoint, EVgo, and Electrify America by using the included CCS adapter.

Tight handling with a squircle steering wheel

The steering wheel in the Uncharted GT uses a distinct "squircle" shape that provides more responsive feedback while driving. Since the top and bottom are flat, I feel as though I’m not working as hard to steer, which helps in making tight maneuvers feel much easier than with a traditional steering wheel design.

2026 Subaru Uncharted: What I don't like

Tight legroom in the rear

Subcompact SUVs aren’t typically known for their generous legroom, and the Uncharted is no exception. While the front seats offer plenty of space, the rear can be a bit tight for taller passengers.

However, the experience here feels less cramped than in the Hyundai Kona Electric because my knees were practically brushing against the front seatbacks — whereas the Uncharted still offers a small but noticeable amount of breathing room.

Raised driver's display is distracting

Hopefully Subaru and Toyota ends up changing this design choice with future models, but the elevated driver’s display is more of a distraction because it’s way too high from the rest of the surrounding area. When I’m seated back, it appears as though the display is above the hood — rather than being positioned lower like on other cars.

2026 Subaru Uncharted: Verdict

The 2026 Subaru Uncharted is a fascinating look at how the carmaker is expanding its EV lineup. Personally, I find the Solterra’s size more agreeable for most people, but the Uncharted is best reserved as a city vehicle for its smaller footprint, punchy driving performance, and impressive short-distance efficiency.

I also love its price; at $34,995 for the base trim, it’s a budget-friendly model that won’t break the bank. However, I don’t mind the increased cost of the GT trim because it tacks on all the premium features I’ve come to expect when driving a modern EV.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.

More from Tom's Guide

• I'm not anxious that it's getting darker earlier with this thermal camera for my car — here's why
• I just test drove the new Nissan Leaf — and it's irresistible at under $30,000
• CrabWalking with the GMC Sierra EV is the weirdest thing I’ve ever done with a car — and it’s actually pretty useful