Subaru Uncharted (US) review: Jack of all trades, master of none

What in Drake’s Fortune is this?

This is the Subaru Uncharted, the compact EV SUV that’s meant to be your next affordable all-rounder.

Ah, there’s no Playstation tie-in here, then?

Apart from it looking like Crash Bandicoot crossed with a rice cooker, no.

Looks like the Toyota CH-R more than anything.

You’re not going to believe this, but it is the CH-R! This is the latest vehicle birthed from the ongoing Subie-Toyota collab, with both brands splitting duties in different ways. When it comes to the Uncharted, there’s a fairly even division of the design and engineering duties, though Toyota does handle the manufacturing in the end.

There are of course certain differences, with the CH-R’s fascia in line with the current Toyota signature look while the Uncharted follows the current Subaru design language like you’d see on the Solterra and Trailseeker. The Uncharted is also offered in FWD if you’d like, whereas the CH-R is AWD only.

So is the Subaru more affordable? It’s usually flipped.

It is, kind of. At first glance, the starting $34,995 price of the Uncharted is indeed lower than the base CH-R, but remember that this is the single-motor front-wheel drive version. The middle AWD ‘Sport’ trim comes in at $39,795 which is a smidge higher than the top CH-R trim.

Okay, so what are we looking at?

The Uncharted is an all-electric compact crossover that, in the context of the Subaru line-up, is akin to a BEV alternative to the Crosstrek. Though built and styled for more urban environments, it’s kitted out to perform off the beaten path as befitting the stellar badge it wears.

The front-wheel drive iteration has a single motor up front putting out 165kW or 221hp, while the AWD Sport and GT models have dual motors spinning up 252kW or 338hp. Apart from the lower price, the FWD version is attractive for its EPA-rated range of 308 miles. The Sport and GT trims are rated at 287 and 273 miles, respectively, and that difference between the two can be chalked up to the Sport running on 20-inch wheels instead of the standard 18s.

Mechanically, the models are otherwise the same, all riding on an independent suspension setup and fitted with a 74.7kWh battery that’s juiced with a NACS charging port. At a DC fast charging station, Subaru states the Uncharted can top up from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in around 28 minutes.

What’s it like to drive?

From behind the squared-off wheel of the Uncharted, the crossover feels more like a larger-than-average hatchback, if anything. The hot seat is set up in a way that it conveys sporty intent, which is encouraging for those of us who like that stuff. Setting off in the standard drive mode, the BEV is fairly even-keeled, with the different regen levels dictating how much the vehicle coasts when you let off the pedal.

If you like one-pedal driving you’ll be disappointed to hear that this won’t replace the brake even on its strongest setting. Still, if you prefer more conventional car behavior, all of this will be super familiar.

There is a palpable difference when switching to the other drive modes. Eco reins it in substantially while Power mode delivers more aggression. The latter is happy to let a heavy foot take advantage of the EV’s inherently quick torque delivery, making the Subaru sprightly and engaging for both overtakes and backroad frolics, giving it a 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds, incidentally.

It’s heavy and thus planted, meaning the Uncharted doesn’t so much float around corners as it does swing around them like a flail at the end of a chain. Brutal, but much more enjoyable than the typical chonky crossover.

What about off-road? How much ‘Subaru’ is in there?

It may not have the usual rugged Subaru look (read: more rubber cladding than an electrician’s boots), but the Uncharted’s 8.2-inch ground clearance, all-wheel drive and Subie software means it can trundle through – and over – more rough terrain than expected.

Subaru’s X-Mode makes negotiating mud and snow less of a headache, and does fairly well climbing up high-degree hills that lack the grip of tarmac. If you manage to surmount a particularly high hillock, hill descent will automatically cushion your trip back down. Taking it far off the grid might be more than it’s ready to tackle, but it’s comforting to know the Uncharted can handle most of the obstacles real life is prepared to throw at you.

What’s it like inside?

The Uncharted’s interior is comfortable, if a bit cozy. Details are minimal but the sparse cabin is stylish and focused, with few embellishments. When it comes to the second row, it’s all business, with enough space for two people to sit without being on top of each other, and though a third rider can fit, it’s pushing the limits.

Due to the Uncharted’s fastback roofline, it just starts to impede on rear passenger headroom, but it mostly affects the cargo space behind them. With the seats up, you’ve got an even 23 cu ft (651 liters) of space, though folded down, the Subie provides 59.5 cu ft (1,685 liters) for large loads.

In terms of tech, the Uncharted’s centerpiece is a properly massive 14-inch touchscreen that integrates the HVAC controls and includes real dials for it and the volume, sparing us from hunting both through a menu. We’re still on the fence about the seven-inch digital gauge cluster being placed so far back (it’s nearly a hood ornament), but it’s wide enough to be seen easily when we can actually see it from behind the wheel.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are dual wireless phone charging pads and the Subaru Eyesight suite of digital safety guards. All AWD Uncharteds include 360-degree camera views for parking and obstacle-crawling.

So what’s the final takeaway?

Despite its habanero orange signature paint, the Uncharted falls on the more mild side of things as a ‘pretty neat’ car. On the whole, it’s a versatile package for what’s now a reasonable price, and it’s more capable than it seems at first glance.

All of this should elevate that to a higher status but its execution is that of a car that meets standards rather than exceeds them. From its sportiness to its overlanding ability to everything else it does, it does them well enough to receive a curt nod of approval rather than applause.

You’ll be completely happy with the Uncharted, and then immediately stop thinking about it as soon as you walk away, regardless of how orange it is.