Toyota and Subaru are bringing two closely related urban electric SUVs to the U.S. market for 2026. While the C-HR comes back to dealers as an EV next month, the Uncharted arrives at Subaru retailers nationwide this spring and is among the rare FWD Subie models.
We’ve spent time with both vehicles, in EU- and U.S.-spec versions, which are imported from Japan. Here’s how the two platform mates compare:
Design
Both small SUVs share a low, wide front-end with slim horizontal lighting, black lower cladding, and a two-tone look with dark roof elements. The Uncharted adds thicker bumper and wheel-arch armor, and a more upright nose with a small closed-off grille panel.
While the exterior dimensions are almost the same, both have an identical 108.3 in. wheelbase (2,751 mm). Ground clearance is 8.0 in. (203 mm) on the C-HR and 8.2 in. (208 mm) on the Uncharted. Turning circle is 36.0 ft (11.0 m) on the C-HR, and is listed as 36.08 ft (11.0 m) in the Uncharted’s spec sheet.
The C-HR runs 18-inch wheels on SE and 20-inch wheels on XSE. The Uncharted runs 18-inch wheels on Premium and Sport, and 20-inch wheels on GT.
Interior
I found it easy to step into both cabins, and the front seats gave me solid back support with a comfortable driving position for my six-foot frame. Headroom felt a bit tight and the flat steering wheel partially blocked the dash-top instrument display. The 7-inch instrument display sits far back on the dash and the round steering wheel of the C-HR Electric (C-HR+ in Europe) still gets in the way.
Stepping into the cabins of both models, what stands out is the 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers. This is the largest unit fitted in a Subaru.
Toyota pairs that setup with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 across the lineup. The U.S.-spec XSE adds higher-content tech, including Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, and a Panoramic View Monitor. Subaru markets the same features as the EyeSight driver-assistance tech, and offers power rear gate and an all-weather package as standard equipment.
With the front seat set for me, I had just about enough knee room in both cars, but I still sat with my knees slightly raised. Headroom was good, though I wouldn’t call the rear seat comfortable for a six-footer. Once reclined, the seatback angle works for short trips, with rear vents, USB-C ports, cup holders, and a phone slot.
Specifications
Every C-HR comes standard with AWD and 338 hp in the U.S. market. Toyota quotes a manufacturer-estimated 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. Subaru splits the Uncharted by drivetrain and output. The entry Premium comes with FWD and 221 hp. Sport and GT move to AWD and 338 hp.
Range
Toyota rates the 2026 C-HR SE AWD at 287 miles (462 km) of EPA-estimated range and the C-HR XSE AWD at 273 miles (439 km).
Subaru has not finalized EPA numbers for the 2026 Uncharted yet and is only publishing manufacturer estimates. The Uncharted Premium FWD offers more than 300 miles (483 km) of range in limited quantities, the Uncharted Sport AWD is estimated at more than 285 miles (459 km), and Subaru quotes more than 270 miles (435 km) for the Uncharted GT.
Battery & Charging
Both vehicles come with a native NACS inlet, get battery preconditioning, and have a 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery with similar charging specs.
Toyota quotes a 391 V battery system, an 11 kW onboard AC charger, and 150 kW maximum DC input. Toyota also quotes 10-80% DC charging in about 30 minutes under ideal conditions. Toyota includes a NACS-to-CCS charging adapter and supports Plug & Charge.
Subaru quotes a 392 V rated voltage, 10-80% SoC in about 28 minutes, and references charging speeds up to 150 kW. Subaru also calls out an 11 kW onboard charger, and a Level 2 charge time of 7 hours at 240V/32A.
Cargo space
There are no differences in the cargo volume of the two EVs. Toyota quotes 25.3 cu. ft. behind the second row and 59.5 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded.
Subaru quotes 23.0 cu. ft. with the deck board in the upper position and 25.4 cu. ft. with the deck board in the lower position. Subaru also claims more than 25 cu. ft. behind the second row.
Pricing
Toyota has priced (MSRP) the 2026 C-HR with standard AWD SE at USD 37,000 and the C-HR XSE at USD 39,000. The Subaru Uncharted Premium FWD is priced at USD 34,995, followed by the Uncharted Sport AWD at USD 39,795, and the Uncharted GT AWD at USD 43,795.
Some features which are optional in the XSE are standard on the GT. These include Panoramic glass roof with power shade, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, headlight washers, and the exclusive Harman Kardon audio system with 11 speakers.
Subaru opens the Uncharted with a lower-price FWD trim, which is ideal if you prioritize range and don’t require AWD capability. The company has said it would offer this layout in limited numbers.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
