At this point, we know the drill—whenever Toyota or Subaru comes out with a new EV, we can expect the other to release a badge-engineered version of the same model not long after. We saw it with the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ, and we saw it with the Subaru Trailseeker and Toyota bZ Woodland. So when Toyota released the new C-HR in May, we were pretty sure a Subaru version would come soon.
However, the new 2026 Subaru Uncharted is more interesting than its badge-engineered nature might make you think. Toyota already positioned the C-HR as a sporty option that packs the same power as the larger bZ in a subcompact body, and Subaru is leaning into that to create what might just be the sportiest vehicle it has offered in quite some time. I wouldn’t be surprised if an Uncharted tS shows up in the future.
But that’s not the only unexpected aspect of this new EV—it’s also the first front-wheel drive Subaru model sold in the United States since the 1996 model year! This is particularly shocking since the Toyota version is only available with all-wheel drive (at least in the US—there is an FWD C-HR available in Europe). Overall, Subaru is really shaking things up with this model, and it could be a breath of fresh air for the brand.
Move Over WRX, There’s a New GT in Town
The high-performance spirit of the 2026 Uncharted can be seen in its trim and powertrain selection. Sitting at the top of the lineup is the Uncharted GT—a trim level that is shared with the rally-inspired WRX. Opt for the GT trim (or the mid-level Sport), and you get a dual-motor powertrain pumping out 338 hp for a claimed zero to 60 mph time of five seconds flat. That’s a half-second faster than the WRX (or the rear-wheel drive BRZ), making the Uncharted the quickest model in the Subaru family.
While it’s not quite Tesla fast, it’s a serious step forward for a brand that has been resting on its laurels since the days of Colin McRae. And, with an estimated 290 miles of range, the Uncharted competes on level ground with models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai IONIQ 5 when it comes to going the distance. Throw in a standard Tesla-style NACS charging point for convenient top-offs, and this can make for a fun road trip vehicle.
However, if you aren’t looking for what is effectively an oversized rally car, there is the Uncharted Premium with a more affordable and efficient front-wheel drive powertrain—something we haven’t seen from Subaru in 30 years. While its 221 hp won’t provide the same level of excitement, it’s still almost 30 horses more than you can get from the similarly-sized Crosstrek. And with an estimated range of over 300 miles, it will go a bit further between charging stops. But if you want this configuration, you had better hurry since Subaru says it will only be available in limited numbers.
Sometimes, Badge-Engineering Isn’t a Bad Thing
Aside from the performance aspects, the Uncharted benefits from a lot of other new Toyota features. This includes an updated infotainment system with a 14-inch touchscreen that’s a noticeable upgrade over what you’ll find in any existing Subaru model. However, Subaru added more than just a badge when it welcomed this model to its lineup, and you’ll find plenty of trademark Subaru features, like X-MODE all-wheel drive and durable StarTex upholstery for your wilderness adventures.
While badge-engineering has a bad reputation, sometimes it can be just what a brand needs to spice up its lineup with something new and different. This is especially true when the brand takes the time to put its own unique stamp on the model. While the 2026 Uncharted may alienate some Subaru fans, it has the potential to attract new buyers—especially if you want a slightly more affordable and efficient version of the Toyota C-HR.
