New Subaru Uncharted signals UK model blitz
Subaru wants a bigger slice of the European pie - it reckons an all-new 344hp all-electric SUV will help
Everyone likes a Subaru Outback. It’s just one of those cars: hardy, dependable, unassuming and very desirable to the right kind of person. Many have followed the Outback style over the years, with various Allroads, All-Terrains, Alltracks, Scouts and so on, but only one has endured 30 years without straying too far from the original formula. There’s the utility and practicality of an estate, with as much off-road ability as anyone who doesn’t own land will ever need.
The latest one appears to offer more of the same, albeit with one key twist - it’s now battery-powered. Subaru’s boxer engines were facing an uphill battle against legislation - the current 2.5 is just 169hp strong in an Outback - and the instant torque of an EV powertrain will surely be especially useful given an Outback’s remit. So this bold new wagon is the E-Outback; shown only as a blue Trailseeker for the moment (the mechanically identical one sold in the US), it’s perhaps the most drastically different Outback in 30 years. Under the fresh new look is a 74.7kWh battery that should offer, by Subaru’s estimate, more than 279 miles of range. There’s also the scope to reach 62mph in 4.4 seconds, a totally different performance plane to any previous Outback. Just as importantly, the all-wheel drive remains symmetrical (we’d assume with dual motors), there’s 210mm of ground clearance, plus 1,500kg of towing capacity.
Additionally, Subaru has kept the Outback usefully large. It reckons four suitcases can go in the boot - or ‘all the equipment for your next adventure’ - while also offering all the safety kit that’s now required in a new car. Though UK pricing for the E-Outback hasn’t been announced yet, it’s coming next summer - definitely one to keep an eye on. Just the other day we were talking about how there aren’t enough EV estates around…
The E-Outback forms part of a wider EV refresh for Subaru in Europe. The Solterra, the joint project with Toyota that also created the bZ4X and which hasn’t really hit the mark yet, now benefits from what Subaru is calling ‘significant hardware and software upgrades’ alongside a styling refresh to help it stand out in a crowded SUV sector. Most importantly, it now goes further and faster; a new 73.1kWh battery means more than 310 miles on a charge (it was 289 previously), and the dual motor setup is now much more potent, with 344hp against the old 215. So the 0-62mph is reduced by almost two seconds to 5.1. The Solterra charges quicker, too, for the holy trinity of EV improvements; 10 to 80 per cent takes half an hour (Subaru hasn’t said what that is as a DC figure), and it can even do that at minus 10. Towing capacity - an EV SUV Subaru is still a Subaru, after all - has now doubled to 1,500kg. Three years on from launch, this is probably the Solterra it should have always been - it’s arriving here early in ‘26.
At the same time, Subaru will bring a new model called the Uncharted to the UK. It’s the company’s first small electric SUV, offering both front- and four-wheel drive configurations. Subaru says it’s a car for ‘outdoor-loving explorers and performance enthusiasts alike’; to that end, it has the same ground clearance and towing capacity as the E-Outback , while also offering up the Solterra’s dual-motor arrangement for those that want it. That means 0-62mph in just five seconds and 292 miles of range. Interestingly, too, the big battery that powers that flagship model will also be offered in a single-motor, long-range, front-drive version of the Uncharted. That should mean 363 miles from a tank, as well as ‘Subaru’s world-leading expertise in traction and stability control tuning’ for a decent amount of all-terrain ability. There will also be a front-drive Uncharted with a 57.7kWh battery for 276 miles of range.
Covering all the bases then, by the sounds of it - there’s even a 14-inch infotainment screen in the SUVs, to ensure all the electric family car boxes are ticked. Hopefully, however, not all of the old Subaru quirkiness has been lost, however conventional most of the new models appear: ‘Adding these three models to its current line-up, Subaru will continue to deliver and intends to keep on delivering the promise of enjoyment and peace of mind to car enthusiasts and born-ready explorers alike, ensuring they stay driven by what they love.’ Long may it continue. And put us first in the queue for an E-Outback, please…
However if the e-outback looks like anything like that (likely) and doesn't come with a ludicrously high price tag (less likely) then I'm interested.
Contrary to what some have said regarding EV Subarus losing their USP, let's be honest, the Achilles heel of the current line up is the engine and drivetrain, way off the pace in the current European market and has been for some time. The heady days of burbling flat four turbo Impreza's are ancient history now.
Moving to electric gives Subaru a chance to compete again.
The Outback I test drove last year was a bit better but still far too thirsty for the available performance. A full EV doesn't suit our usage at all so I was hoping for a decent PHEV but still interested to know what it's like.
TBF the outback looks OK, the other looks like... everything else whose names i can't even remember.
(Talking about names, WTF was bZ4X all about?)
Shame this won't have the range of the CLA elsewhere on the front page, or I could actually buy a Subaru again.
(I hope the pic isn't massive... if it is - apologies
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