Subaru has always been a brand which we admired. Its 4WD know-how, its legendary boxer engines—all this has stolen our hearts for decades. We have driven them as (long-term) test cars, put them through their paces on indeed, uncharted terrain many times. And they always left us impressed. But times are changing, and the boxer engine has to go eventually, as we need a cleaner world. Indeed, the hybrid models will not be built beyond 2027.

So, Subaru now goes electric, and we must admit, after having tested this 343-hp FWD Uncharted 4E-xperience, it certainly is electrifying. By going electric, Subaru relies here on a formidable partner: Toyota. Indeed, their C-HR+ serves as the technical base for the Uncharted. Both cars are built on Toyota-led e-TNGA/electrification hardware. Subaru engineers brought, however, their own touch: the car should handle, feel and drive like a true Subaru. And indeed, it truly does. We will come back to this in detail below.

To sum it up: Subaru engineers’ role was mainly application engineering, AWD/vehicle-dynamics tuning, validation, and Subaru-specific integration.

Interior

The dashboard reflects the current Subaru design language also found in the latest Solterra. We liked the position of the digital instrument display very much, i.e. further towards the windscreen and higher up. It is completely in line with the driver’s view, and the Subaru stylists have flattened the steering wheel rim somewhat, so one has an undisturbed view of the instruments in the cluster.

The finish is top-notch, the front seats are also excellent, stemming, it seems, from Lexus…

At the back, the sloping roofline of the Uncharted limits headroom somewhat for the tallest, but it is still more than adequate for 3 adults.

At the centre is a large 14-inch touchscreen with intuitive menus. Of course, it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It has two large smartphone charging docks on the centre console. We were glad to see analogous HVAC controls below the touchscreen, with two large dials for temperature settings for the driver and front passenger. The seating position behind the wheel was ideal for us.

We also loved, of course, the 10-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system with subwoofer and 8 channel amplifier, and we would say, always invest in a good sound system in your EV, as its uncanny smooth silence will always be ideal for you to enjoy the finest music.

Driving

The joy of driving is rediscovered in this 343-hp EV. The acceleration performance is absolutely stellar, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in a short 5 seconds. Top speed is sensibly limited to 160 km/h. We found the handling of this just over 2-tonne Subaru nimble and dynamic. Indeed, the Subaru engineers did their homework. The fine-tuning for ride/handling balance, body control, steering feel, and Subaru “driver confidence” character is top-notch.

This is likely the clearest Subaru engineering fingerprint: the different damping/steering/ESC calibration versus the C-HR+, where it should be remembered that the suspension architecture, wheelbase, and hard points are shared anyway, so the tuning freedom for the Subaru engineers was limited.

Then, let’s not forget, there is the X-MODE / off-road behaviour. Also a Subaru forte, embodying calibration of throttle, torque split, brake-based traction, and hill/loose-surface behaviour.

The Uncharted is also excellent at speed, with well-dampened noise and unerring stability.

Of course, in urban and busy traffic, there is also the Subaru Eyesight suite of digital safety guards, and a 360° camera is standard throughout the Uncharted range.

With such abundant power available, you are well advised to choose the more sedate “eco” mode and choose a proper regeneration level when you want to achieve some creditable consumption figures. The 4E-experience version has the 77 kWh battery, and with an average WLTP consumption of 15,6 kWh/100 km, the corresponding range is a quite reasonable 495 km.

Charging is very much in line with class standards. AC charging is possible at 22 kW, DC (fast) charging is up to 150 kW. In combination with battery preconditioning, you can charge the battery from 10 to 80 % in just under 30 minutes.

Steering is sensitive and precise, brakes are evidently up to the task.

Practicality

Luggage space is set at 403 L in normal configuration, 1.323 l with rear seat backrests down. There is no “frunk” or front luggage space available. Interesting is that in the 4WD configuration, you can tow up to 1500 kg, when you opt for the front wheel drive versions only up to 750 kg is allowed.

Conclusion

The Subaru Uncharted offers zest, performance, and this not only in its top version by the way, combined with excellent workmanship and very pleasing style. It is of course, reliable, as it is based on the Toyota C-HR+, but with added personality and character thanks to Subaru’s finetuning. It comes with  a generous 5 year/160.000 km guarantee too… so if you go for individuality and character in a smooth and stylish package, this is the UV car for you…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Photographer’s notes:

All the photos here in this test were made by my trusty Canon Powershot G9 X. It is so popular and well used that the battery lid has broken, and I use a ’60 vintage flash mount bracket screwed in the tripod mount to hold the camera together.

This little one I have now about 10 years, but its small size, big one inch sensor and the fast F 2-4.9 zoom lens 28-84 mm equivalent makes it such a nice camera to use.

You have also touch screen mode, just touch your finger on the screen, it will focus on the subject spot where you touch it, and also immediately make the photo. I did not think I would use it much, but I do! This cute Canon is handy, slips in your bag smartly, and looks very nice too! To add to the style, I use a bag of the same colour as the camera…

Hans Knol ten Bensel