​​Cars.com finds 5 Pros and 2 Cons for the Uncharted​ 

Cars.com recently published an in-depth review of the Uncharted, but also summarized its findings in a separate article which lists the five things they loved about the model, along with two that might need some improvement. Ewing Subaru of Plano further summarizes their findings in this blog Post. 

Subaru doesn’t come right out and say it, but in terms of size, the Uncharted is effectively the EV alternative to the Crosstrek. It is also the brand’s most affordable EV, particularly because Subaru has deviated from its usual product plan and offers a single-engine front-wheel drive (FWD) Uncharted model with a starting MSRP of $34,995. That may be of interest to those who live in the not exactly mountainous and relatively snow-free Plano area and have likely done just fine with FWD so far.  

It may also be Subaru’s sportiest-looking EV, with a cheeky fastback shape, hidden rear door handles, an available striking two-tone exterior with a black roof, and wheels pushed out to the corners. So, what does Cars.com like and not like about the Uncharted? Read on. 

Pro: Reasonable Range 

The single front-mounted motor is rated at 221 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque. Not huge numbers for an EV, but fairly robust for a vehicle of this size. For reference, the similarly sized Crosstrek is rated at 182 hp and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. With the single motor, it isn’t hard to exceed 300 miles of range in the FWD Uncharted, which is rated at 308 miles of range by the EPA for a combined MPGe figure of 129. 

The additional rear-mounted motor in the Sport and GT trims increases total output to 338 hp. And that power is going to all four wheels. The range in the Sport with this drivetrain is 287 miles. While the 20-inch wheels in the GT bring it to 279 miles. For combined MPGe, the Sport and GT are rated at 117 and 112, respectively. 

Pro: Off-Road Ability 

There is no Uncharted Wilderness, which sounds like it means something else anyway. The model does have 8.3 inches of ground clearance. That is less than the Crosstrek’s 8.7 inches but higher than most EVs. Combined with the X-Mode drive mode selector on AWD models, this has Cars.com declare that “Uncharted is moderately better equipped for light off-roading and slogging through muddy dirt roads than many EVs.” 

Pro: Cabin Tech 

The Uncharged features a standard, relatively massive 14-inch center touchscreen and offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Not one, but two phones can also charge wirelessly on dual pads in the center console. The driver’s display is also digital, offers different display options, and is mounted to be viewed above the thoughtfully flattened upper steering wheel rim, where it can effectively double as a head-up display.  

Pro: Cabin Comfort 

The Uncharted has plenty of room for a six-foot-tall driver or passenger up front, and the generous glass area provides good visibility. The sloping roof means about an inch and a half less headroom in the rear, which offers 32.2 inches of legroom. Behind the rear seats is an available 23 cubic feet of cargo space. 

Pro: Value 

The Uncharted is not the least expensive EV on the market, but it is close – and incredibly well equipped. The $34,995 base Premium trim includes unexpected standard features, such as a power tailgate, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, adjustable ambient lighting, the big screen, dual chargers, and Subaru’s comprehensive EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features. 

Fortunately, Cars.com’s cons for the uncharted are fairly minor, and essentially non-existent if you opt for the base Premium FWD models and plan to stay on the pavement or well-traveled trails.  

Con: Price Jump to AWD 

Again, it is almost unheard of for a Subaru not to have standard AWD, but because the Premium is FWD-only, you upgrade to the Sport model to get AWD and the increased power of the second motor. This also adds StarTex® seating surfaces, a power front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, a 360-degree camera system, and roof rails, but it also means a $4,800 price jump. This and the increased range explain Subaru’s decision to break with its usual conventions and offer the FWD model. 

Con: Limited Off-road Ability 

If your off-road ambitions are light or absent, this may not be an issue at all. Otherwise, chalk this up to expectations of the Subaru brand. Even with AWD, the Uncharted does not match the Crosstrek’s capabilities and may be more in line with the Impreza’s.  

What this shows is that the Uncharted, despite its name, may be ideal for the very well-charted routes of the daily commute and routine driving we all do every day, and it will look good doing it. Gather your own pros and cons of the Uncharted by visiting Ewing Subaru of Plano for a test drive.