Subaru Uncharted in the test: This Japanese SUV is Zen Buddhism on four wheels
Staying calm is a core competence of the Subaru Uncharted. The Toyota brother scores with composure and a good price. However, it also misses out on some things.
The Subaru Uncharted, a Japan-made SUV, is being described as "Buddhist" in its approach to electric vehicles, with a calm, reliable, and self-contained demeanor. The brand, which sells around 1,800 units in Germany each half-year, represents only 0.1% of the market, indicating a niche presence. 70-80% of Subaru's sales are in the United States.
The term "Uncharted" is derived from cartography and means "unexplored" or "uncharted," which better describes the vehicle's status as a new territory for Subaru. Unlike the Solterra, Subaru's current electric model, the Uncharted offers an alternative with a front-wheel-drive option, which is more practical and efficient for daily use.
Subaru, known for its reliability and practicality, aims to maintain its understated and solid brand image with the Uncharted.
The Uncharted shares many technical and aesthetic elements with the Toyota C-HR+, as it is built on a platform developed in partnership with Toyota in a Toyota factory in Takaoka, Japan. While this may make the Uncharted appear as a disguised Toyota, it also raises the question of whether Subaru, known for its understated and solid approach, can also be affordable.
The base price of 36,990 euros for the Uncharted is even slightly lower than the comparable Toyota, but the Active version with a larger 77-kWh battery and more power costs 4,000 euros more. For those who require all-wheel-drive, the price increases to at least 47,990 euros, adding an additional 11,000 euros to the cost. Adding the standard orange color also results in an extra 740 to 990 euros. By the time these expenses are considered, the Uncharted is no longer a bargain.
Exteriors-wise, the Uncharted appears subdued and almost shy, with the front resembling the larger Solterra but appearing fresher. Notably, the large wheel arches and above-average ground clearance of 211 millimeters give the vehicle a slightly outdoor look. The generous ground clearance is more noticeable on the side profile, as the bottom is covered.
The wide wheelbase with few cross members contributes to the vehicle's calm appearance. The rear door handle, almost hidden near the C-pillar, adds a subtle touch to the overall design. From behind, the black and white paint job resembles an orca-like appearance. Drivers may initially mistake the Subaru for a Toyota or Mazda, but the Subaru logo on the rear clearly identifies the vehicle.
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