Badge engineering could be worse than this: The 2026 Subaru Uncharted
Ars Technica
by
Michael Teo Van Runkle
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Subaru Uncharted is an electric vehicle (EV) that builds on the Toyota-SUBARU collaboration, sharing its platform with the Solterra. While it offers a front-wheel-drive option for the first time in the U.S. since 1997, its design and features closely align with the Solterra, including a 74.7 kWh battery pack. Priced at $34,995 for the base model, the Uncharted stands out for its efficient use of resources—avoiding excessive battery size to maintain affordability and reduce weight. This approach allows it to achieve impressive range estimates (308 miles for FWD, 287 miles for AWD) while keeping costs low compared to competitors.
The decision to focus on practicality over premium specs reflects Subaru's strategic stance during the EV transition phase. By partnering with Panasonic for future solid-state batteries, the brand aims to balance innovation with accessibility. The Uncharted also integrates a NACS charging port, granting access to Tesla's Supercharger network—a pragmatic move that underscores Subaru and Toyota's willingness to adapt to evolving market demands.
For tech enthusiasts and industry watchers, the Uncharted highlights key trends in EV development: collaboration between manufacturers, prioritization of cost-effectiveness over sheer power, and integration of widely accepted technologies like Supercharging. This approach not only makes EVs more accessible but also sets a precedent for other automakers navigating the complexities of electrification. The Uncharted's blend of heritage, innovation, and realism positions it as a notable entry in the growing EV market.
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Originally published on Ars Technica on 2/26/2026