Your First Subaru EV: How the 2026 Solterra and 2026 Uncharted Compare for Former Crosstrek Drivers
May 20 2026,
If you've been driving a Subaru Crosstrek and you're ready to make the jump to electric, you've got two very different options inside the same brand. The 2026 Solterra is Subaru's established all-electric SUV — a full-size, AWD-only model with serious off-road credentials and up to 446 km of range. The 2026 Uncharted is the newest name in the lineup, a smaller, sportier all-electric sub-compact SUV with up to 338 hp, 0–100 km/h in under 5 seconds on AWD trims, and a turning radius nearly identical to the Crosstrek you're already used to. Both run on electricity. But they're built for different kinds of drivers.
Switching from an internal combustion Crosstrek to either of these EVs is a bigger change than picking a new trim level. Your charging habits, how far you drive on a typical day, what kind of cargo you carry, and how much you enjoy spirited driving all factor in. This guide breaks down the two EVs side by side so you can sort through which one actually fits your life.
At a Glance: 2026 Solterra vs. 2026 Subaru Uncharted
|
Feature |
2026 Solterra AWD |
2026 Uncharted FWD LR |
2026 Uncharted Sport AWD |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Powertrain |
Dual-motor AWD |
Single front motor |
Dual-motor AWD |
|
Horsepower |
338 hp |
221 hp |
338 hp |
|
All-electric Range (ideal conditions) |
Up to 446 km |
Up to 496 km |
Up to 438 km |
|
Cargo Volume (seats up) |
674 L |
651 L |
651 L |
|
Cargo Volume (seats folded) |
1,798 L |
1,685 L |
1,685 L |
|
Ground Clearance |
211 mm |
208 mm |
208 mm |
|
Battery |
77.0 kWh |
77.0 kWh (LR) |
77.0 kWh |
|
DC Fast Charge (10–80%) |
~30 min |
~30 min |
~30 min |
|
Symmetrical AWD + X-MODE |
Standard |
Not available on FWD |
Standard |
|
Towing Capacity |
Not rated for towing |
1,587 lbs (720 kg) |
1,587 lbs (720 kg) |
|
Turning Radius |
Larger than Crosstrek |
Similar to Crosstrek |
Similar to Crosstrek |
|
Infotainment |
14-inch touchscreen |
14-inch touchscreen |
14-inch touchscreen |
Sizing: The Uncharted Feels More Like a Crosstrek
This one matters for drivers who've spent years in a Crosstrek. The Solterra is 4,690 mm long with a 2,850 mm wheelbase — noticeably larger than what Crosstrek drivers are used to, and its turning radius reflects that. The Uncharted is 4,515 mm long with a 2,750 mm wheelbase and, per Subaru's own documentation, a turning radius nearly identical to the Crosstrek. Underground parkades, tight city streets, and familiar parking spots will feel much closer to what you already know.
If you want something that fits and handles like a compact SUV — just electric — the Uncharted is the logical size match.
Range: The Uncharted FWD LR Leads, but the Solterra Is No Slouch
The Uncharted FWD Long Range model posts the highest range in this comparison at up to 496 km under ideal conditions. The Solterra AWD delivers up to 446 km. The Uncharted Sport AWD comes in at up to 438 km.
For most commuters and urban drivers making the switch from a Crosstrek, all three figures comfortably cover weeks of daily driving between charges. The meaningful distinction shows up on long highway days or cottage runs: the Uncharted FWD LR has the range advantage, while the Solterra and Uncharted Sport AWD offer the security of dual-motor traction in mixed conditions.
AWD and Off-Road: The Solterra Is Still the Trail Machine
The 2026 Solterra uses Subaru's Symmetrical Full-Time AWD system as standard equipment across the entire lineup. It includes X-MODE Dual-Mode System with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, Grip Control, and Downhill Assist Control. Ground clearance sits at 211 mm.
The Uncharted Sport and GT AWD trims also include Symmetrical AWD with X-Mode. The front-wheel-drive Uncharted trims do not. If you're buying the Uncharted Sport or GT, you're getting comparable AWD capability to the Solterra. If you're buying the FWD or FWD LR Uncharted for the range numbers, you're giving up the traction advantage.
Former Crosstrek owners who used their AWD regularly — snowy driveways, gravel roads, seasonal camping — should look at either the Solterra or the Uncharted Sport/GT AWD, not the front-drive models.
Performance: A Genuine Difference
Both the Solterra and the Uncharted Sport/GT deliver 338 hp from dual electric motors and reach 100 km/h in under 5 seconds. If you're coming from a 152 hp Crosstrek 2.0-litre or a 182 hp 2.5-litre model, either of these will feel like a significant step up in throttle response.
The Uncharted's chassis was developed specifically for dynamic handling. Subaru describes it as purpose-built for straight-line stability and grip on loose surfaces. If driving feel matters to you beyond just commuting, the Uncharted Sport or GT will likely be the more satisfying vehicle on a daily basis.
Cargo: Both Are Practical, Solterra Has the Edge Loaded Up
With seats up, both the Solterra (674 L) and the Uncharted (651 L) carry more cargo than you'd expect from compact-class EVs. Folded flat, the Solterra opens to 1,798 L compared to 1,685 L in the Uncharted. Neither matches the room of a traditional mid-size SUV, but both are genuinely useful for active lifestyles — camping gear, sports equipment, or grocery runs.
If cargo capacity is a priority and you regularly haul bulky items, the Solterra's 113-litre advantage with seats folded is worth noting.
Technology and Charging: Identical Setup
Both vehicles use a standard 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a NACS charge port for access to Tesla Superchargers across Canada, DC fast charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes under ideal conditions, and an 11-kW onboard charger for Level 1 or Level 2 home charging. An onboard battery preconditioning system helps maintain charging performance in cold weather on both vehicles.
From a day-to-day ownership standpoint, living with either EV works the same way.
Which EV Makes Sense for You?
Choose the 2026 Solterra if:
- You regularly drive on snow, gravel, or rough terrain and need AWD as standard
- You want more cargo volume when the rear seats fold
- A larger, more SUV-like footprint suits your driving style
Choose the 2026 Subaru Uncharted if:
- You want a vehicle that fits and parks like your current Crosstrek
- The Uncharted FWD LR's 496 km range better covers your longer drives
- You want a more performance-forward driving experience on Sport or GT AWD
Both are full Subaru EVs with the same charging infrastructure, the same infotainment setup, and the same safety technology. The decision comes down to size, traction priority, and how you use the vehicle day to day.
Explore Both at Subaru of Maple
The best way to understand which EV fits your driving life is to sit in both and ask the questions that matter to you. Stop in at Subaru of Maple in Vaughan to compare the 2026 Solterra and the 2026 Uncharted in person.
