A look at two very different Subarus.

By Keith Griffin

In recent weeks, two Subarus arrived in my driveway. One was the classic Subaru Outback, while the other was the Subaru Uncharted, an EV with a respectable 300 miles range at a good price point for an electric vehicle.

Subaru Uncharted

Business behavioral experts say to deliver the bad news first, followed by praise to soften the blow. It’s a tactic to embrace with the Subaru Uncharted.

The exterior design is off-putting. From the back left corner, as you stand in the rear, the Uncharted looks like a mini-Cybertruck, and that’s never a good thing. Yet, its wheels are appealing with a design resembling a fan in motion.

Then there’s the name. How can a vehicle be uncharted? Maybe Subaru execs dubbed it thus because of its combination of range and price. It is also uncharted in that this Subaru can use any charger, even those owned by Tesla. Maybe that’s why it resembles a Cybertruck.

Let’s look at what is good about the Uncharted. The all-new, all-electric compact crossover is the latest addition to Subaru’s growing electric vehicle lineup. It offers buyers a small, sporty CUV with up to 338 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of less than 5 seconds, fast charging from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes, symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard on most models, and an available manufacturer-estimated range of more than 300 miles on a single charge.

Powered by a 74.7-kWh, high-capacity lithium-ion battery, the Subaru Uncharted offers impressive range in any configuration. Uncharted Sport and GT models are equipped with standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with X-MODE, a range of up to 290 miles, and 338 horsepower, more than the Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro EV. For buyers focused on affordability and range, the entry-level Uncharted Premium FWD model is offered in limited numbers. It is front-wheel drive only and provides an estimated range of more than 300 miles and 221 horsepower at a lower price point.

All trim levels of the Subaru Uncharted are equipped with an All-Weather Package, including heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and windshield wiper de-icer; power rear gate; interior ambient lighting; and DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. OK, so this is an annoying feature because my left hand constantly blocked the monitor and enabled the nagging electronic nanny telling me to keep my eyes on the road.

The Uncharted Sport adds X-MODE Dual-Mode with Grip Control, heated steering wheel, StarTex water-repellent upholstery, a panoramic view monitor, and more. Uncharted GT will include a panoramic moonroof with motorized shade, 20-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon premium audio system, smart rearview mirror, and more.

The 2026 Subaru Uncharted starts at $34,995 MSRP, the lowest entry price across Subaru’s EV lineup.

Subaru Outback

Simply put, the 2026 Subaru Outback is just a classic vehicle with few, if any, flaws. It’s good both inside and out.

There are no complaints about the interior or exterior design of the Outback. It’s easily identifiable as a Subaru. Sure, it’s technically a redesigned midsize SUV for 2026, but this new look still screams station wagon. The world needs more station wagons that have comfortable seating for five, decent cargo space, and are easy to enter regardless of the driver’s height.

For 2026, the Outback receives key technology improvements, including a new 12.1-inch Multimedia system, upgraded DriverFocus, and new advanced EyeSight driver assist technologies. Together, the system enhancements make the 2026 Subaru Outback the most connected and capable Subaru yet.

A true testament for the Outback is its driveability. Handling is easy around town, in parking lots, and even on mildly twisting roads. The latter only because no sharp curves presented themselves during a week behind the wheel. They would have been no problem. Using map data, the Outback’s pre-curve speed control anticipates upcoming turns and adjusts vehicle speed based on curve sharpness for smoother, more controlled cornering.

The 2026 Outback has two engine options. The base engine is a 2.5-liter “boxer” four-cylinder with 180 horsepower. An available turbocharged 2.4-liter version produces 260 horsepower

The 2026 Outback is available in six trims, ranging from the base Premium ($34,995) to the top Touring XT ($47,995).

Keith Griffin, a  West Hartford resident, is a longtime automotive journalist and past president of the New England Motor Press Association.