Subaru adds to EV lineup with third model

Subaru has signalled the seriousness of its EV aspirations announcing sub-$60,000 pricing for its all-new Uncharted small SUV and shaving thousands off the sticker prices of its other electric models the Solterra and Trailseeker.

While the Uncharted is yet to land in Australia, Subaru’s existing electric models have had a price repositioning ahead of the launch of the new stablemate.

The Subaru Solterra has had $2,000 shaved off its manufacturer’s recommended retail price for both AWD and AWD Touring variants, with new pricing of $61,990 and $67,990 respectively.

Meanwhile, the larger Subaru Trailseeker, which has only recently launched in Australia, has had $4,000 pared off its list price, bringing the AWD variant in at $63,990 and the AWD Touring sneaking in under $70,000 at $69,990.

The changes appear designed to create a clear brand-walk for consumers from the all-new Uncharted up into these larger and more expensive models, but may also be due to the brand’s technology partner Toyota recently announcing its own price cuts to the closely related Toyota bZ4X and bZ4X Touring.

Both the Trailseeker and Solterra were jointly developed by Subaru with Toyota Motor Corporation which holds a 20% stake in the smaller carmaker.

Both Subaru EVs are based on a shared global electric vehicle architecture which also underpins Toyota’s bZ4X and bZ4X Touring models, which explains why Subaru would be keen to keep its EVs competitively price with their Toyota equivalents.

A statement from Subaru said customers who have recently placed orders or are in the process of completing a purchase on either the Solterra or Trailseeker should contact their Subaru retailer for guidance on how this update may apply to their purchase.

But it’s the all-new Uncharted compact SUV that’s at the forefront of the brand’s EV efforts right now, with a $59,990 price tag making it the least expensive Subaru EV and placing it on a reasonably competitive footing with rivals from China, Korea and elsewhere.

Boasting dimensions of 4,516mm (L), 1,869mm (W), 1,620mm (H) and riding on a 2,750mm wheelbase, the Uncharted is smaller than the Subaru Solterra and about the same size as the Kia EV3 which will be one of its main rivals in the small-to-medium EV segment. Toyota’s own equivalent, the C-HR+ electric SUV has also been confirmed for Australia but isn’t expected until mid-2027.

Available in a single variant, the Uncharted AWD features a dual motor all-wheel drive powertrain delivering outputs of 252kW and boasting 0-100km/h acceleration of 5.0 seconds. A panoramic roof ($1,200) and bundled panoramic roof with two-tone paint ($2,400) are the only options. 

A 74.7kWh battery endows the Uncharted with a driving range of up to 522km, with DC fast charging capability of 150kW enabling a 10-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes.

The Subaru EV’s pricing compares favourably with the front-wheel drive only Kia EV3 Earth Long Range which costs $58,600 (MRLP), has outputs of 150kW/283Nm, and offers a range of up to 563km from its 81.4kWh battery. 

The BYD Atto 3 is another obvious rival for the new Subaru EV but is significantly less expensive at $44,990 (MRLP) for the range-topping Premium.

Like the EV3, it’s front-wheel drive only with outputs of 150kW/283Nm, and a range of up to 563km from its 81.4kWh battery. 

The current generation Atto 3 is, however, poised to undergo a major upgrade which will see it switch from front- to rear-wheel drive and add and all-wheel drive option, along with an upgraded battery, a boost in power and torque to 230kW/380Nm (RWD) and 330kW (AWD), and increased range of 510km (RWD) and 470km (AWD). Pricing for the updated model has not yet been confirmed.

The Subaru’s tech specs also compare favourably with its key rivals and include 1500W Vehicle to Load (V2L) capability, allowing camping equipment, power tools and other compatible devices to be powered directly from the vehicle.

Like most of Subaru’s portfolio, the Uncharted promises above-average ground clearance of 211mm and a suite of traction control technologies including Symmetrical All Wheel Drive, X-Mode, Multi-Terrain Monitor and Downhill Assist Control.

The safety package appears similarly comprehensive with Subaru Safety Sense incorporating an array of advanced driver assistance systems.

Collision avoidance assistance, lane assistance, blind-spot assistance, rear cross traffic alert, safe door opening and a Driver Monitoring System are all standard.

The interior features a 14-inch high-definition centre touchscreen incorporating navigation, media and vehicle settings, plus a 7-inch LCD Multi-Information Display ahead of the driver.

Also included is a panoramic 360° View Monitor, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone charging, multi-colour ambient lighting, a digital rear-view mirror and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The Uncharted’s exterior design showcases a fastback silhouette with a steeply sloping roofline, which Subaru says is designed to enhance aerodynamics and reinforce the model’s sporty positioning.

Other notable design attributes of what Subaru is calling a ‘Sport Electric Vehicle’ include a wide stance, flush rear door handles 20‑inch alloy wheels, and distinctive LED lighting.

Subaru has stepped up its EV game significantly this year, announcing tech upgrades and price cuts of around $7000 for the Solterra in February, and following that with confirmation of its second battery-electric model the Trailseeker SUV, due in the second quarter of this year.

With the Trailseeker large SUV and Solterra medium-SUV now offering sharper pricing, and the Uncharted small SUV introducing a smaller and more affordable option, Subaru has an attractive lineup of EVs in showrooms just as consumer appetite for the technology is surging, off the back of high fuel prices thanks to the Iran war.