Subaru Uncharted vs Solterra vs Trailseeker: how do they compare?

Alvin Lee 3 weeks ago New Car Price, News 202 Views

Subaru has traditionally built its reputation around practical, capable SUVs with standard all-wheel drive, but the brand is now taking that formula into the electric era. With the arrival of the new Uncharted and Trailseeker alongside the updated Solterra, Subaru now offers three distinct electric models.

While they share Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive philosophy and strong focus on all-weather and all-terrain capability, they are quite different in size, character and purpose. So, which one is right for you?

Subaru Uncharted

The Uncharted is the smallest and most performance-focused member of Subaru’s electric line-up. At 4535mm long, it is significantly shorter than both the Solterra and Trailseeker, making it the easiest of the three to manoeuvre around town. It also has 211mm of ground clearance, so its compact dimensions don’t come at the expense of Subaru’s traditional off-road credentials.

Despite being the smallest, the Uncharted is no slouch. Its dual electric motors produce a combined 252kW, enough to propel it from 0-100km/h in a claimed five seconds. Power comes from a 74.7kWh battery, with a preliminary WLTP range estimate of up to 522km. DC fast charging at up to 150kW can take the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes.

That makes the Uncharted an interesting proposition. It has the footprint of a relatively compact SUV, but performance that would have been considered sports-car territory not that long ago. With 403 litres of luggage space, however, it isn’t as practical as its larger siblings.

Subaru Solterra

The Solterra sits in the middle of the range and remains the most conventional SUV of the three. At 4690mm long, it offers more cabin and luggage space than the Uncharted while remaining considerably more compact than the Trailseeker.

The latest Solterra is a substantial upgrade over the original model. Its dual electric motors now produce 252kW, matching the Uncharted, while the 74.7kWh battery gives the standard Solterra AWD a 566km WLTP range. That makes it the longest-range model in Subaru’s current EV line-up. It’s 0-100km/h sprint time is rated at 6.9 seconds.

Interestingly, the more expensive Solterra AWD Touring actually has a shorter 517km range, largely because of its larger 20-inch wheels and additional equipment. So buyers wanting maximum range are better served by the entry-level Solterra AWD.

The Solterra also retains 212mm of ground clearance, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode, giving it genuine capability beyond the bitumen. With 421 litres of luggage space in the standard version, it also offers a useful balance between everyday practicality and manageable dimensions.

In other words, the Solterra is arguably the most balanced option of the three. It doesn’t have the outright performance of the Trailseeker, but it combines strong performance, the best driving range and sensible family-friendly dimensions.

Subaru Trailseeker

At the top of the range is the Trailseeker, Subaru’s largest EV SUV currently on offer.

At 4845mm long, it is substantially longer than the Solterra, while its 609-litre boot expands to 1230 litres with the rear seats folded in the standard AWD version. That makes it easily the most practical of the three for carrying passengers and luggage.

It is also the most powerful. Its two electric motors produce 280kW, giving it a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 4.5 seconds. Yet it retains 211mm of ground clearance, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode, making it much more than a fast family EV.

Its 74.7kWh battery provides up to 533km of WLTP range, putting it ahead of the Uncharted but behind the standard Solterra’s impressive 566km. DC fast charging at up to 150kW can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 30 minutes.

Which Subaru EV should you choose?

The three models therefore have surprisingly different personalities despite sharing much of the same electric philosophy.

The Uncharted is the choice for buyers who prioritise performance and compact dimensions. It is small enough to be easy to live with in the city, yet its 252kW power output and five-second acceleration make it the sporty choice.

The Solterra goes the furthest on a full charge. Its 566km claimed range gives it a useful advantage over both the Uncharted and Trailseeker, while its medium-sized SUV dimensions make it a sensible choice for buyers wanting a practical electric family car without stepping up to the larger Trailseeker.

The Trailseeker, meanwhile, is the one to choose if outright performance, space and adventure are priorities. It offers the most power, the quickest acceleration and the largest boot, while retaining the ground clearance and all-wheel-drive capability that have traditionally defined Subaru. It also has a braked towing capacity of 1,500kg, matched by the Solterra.

Rather than simply offering three versions of the same EV, Subaru has created a fairly clear hierarchy. The Uncharted is the sporty compact, the Solterra the long-range all-rounder, and the Trailseeker the large and powerful adventure tourer.