Shopping for a subcompact SUV and looking specifically at Subaru? We’ve got you covered! Our garage has both the Uncharted and the Crosstrek, two great options for those in search of something city-friendly and versatile. Anyway, let’s jump in and take a look to see which one is right for you!
Subaru Subcompact SUV: The “Take My Money Now!” Choice
Yep, you read the subheading right! The Subaru Crosstrek is one of the best models in the subcompact SUV class. What makes it stand out? A lot. This little guy gets a lot of things right. A smooth ride and comfortable seating for four are just some of the highlights. The Crosstrek also has lots of cargo space for those impromptu IKEA runs. Meanwhile, standard Symmetrical AWD helps add plenty of traction no matter the road conditions.
As a daily driver, the Crosstrek shines. Despite the 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it drives more like a traditional hatchback instead of an SUV. Good body control, accurate steering, and secure handling add to this feel. That extra ground clearance also helps with the refined ride, since the extra suspension travel better isolates the cabin. Tires with generous sidewall on 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels elevate the ride comfort, too, all while providing added cushioning on dirt roads. Need a little more capability? That’s what the Crosstrek Wilderness is for. All-terrain tires, 9.3 inches of ground clearance, a re-tuned suspension, and a beefed-up CVT provide susperior traction when the pavement ends.
The Crosstrek’s proven powertrains bring a lot to the table, too. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder has 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a CVT, it provides good power for the majority of driving scenarios. It’s also reasonably efficient at an EPA-estimated rating of 26/33/27 mpg city/highway/combined. However, the available hybrid powertrain ups the ante with 194 hp and gobs of electrified torque, resulting in improved drivability. On top of that, the EPA rates the Crosstrek Hybrid at 36 mpg across the board! Win-win!
The Stylish and Speedy Option
We know what the Crosstrek is about. Now, let’s take a look at the other Subaru subcompact SUV: the all-electric Uncharted. This swoopy and sleek crossover is the smaller EV in Subaru’s lineup, and it’s one of two vehicles to have a version that only turns two wheels. That’s right, the Uncharted is available in a FWD variant, the base Premium trim. With that said, let’s take a closer look.
Co-developed with Toyota, the Uncharted features unique suspension and powertrain calibration. Additionally, it comes with certain features not offered on its sister vehicle, the C-HR, including ventilated front seats, X-Mode with Grip Control, and a Power drive mode. Subaru also opted for a squared-off steering wheel instead of a round one. As far as cargo space goes, it offers plenty, especially with its underfloor storage area and rear seats folded. However, the low roofline impacts the rear seats, which can feel tidy.
Power comes in spades. The base front-drive Premium has 221 hp and 198 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the Sport and GT, which have a dual-motor AWD setup, have 338 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque, enough to hit 60 mph in the mid-four-second range. Yep, the Uncharted has effortless power. Unlike their Toyota cousins, the latest iterations of Subaru’s AWD-equipped EVs always keep both motors active, even in Eco mode.
Get on the road, and you’ll immediately realize that the Uncharted prefers the pavement. Yes, it has 8.3 inches of ground clearance, but that doesn’t make it a true off-roader, so keep it on light trails. Where the Uncharted shines is in handling. Nonexistent body roll, quick turn-ins, and accurate steering add to the hot hatch-like feel. It rides well, too, even on the GT’s 20-inch wheels. However, it is stiffer than most Subarus, include the Crosstrek.
Subaru Compact SUV Tech Talk
In general, Subaru vehicles aren’t the most tech-forward, and that’s the case with the Crosstrek and Uncharted. The former uses Subaru’s older setup with either dual seven-inch displays on the base trim or an 11.6-inch touchscreen on the Premium variant and up. Although it works fine, the system takes a while to boot up, and certain items are buried in submenus. At least it has physical knobs and buttons for climate control functions and wireless smartphone integration. On the other hand, the available 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system sounds quite good.
Moving to the Uncharted, the Toyota-based interface immediately makes itself obvious. This features a 14-inch touchscreen that works well and responds reasonably quickly. It also comes with wireless smartphone integration and a nice 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system option. Nearly all controls are found on the the touchscreen, but some climate function have physical controls. Unfortunately, several features like onboard navigation, plug & charge, and more require a connected services trial or subscription.
Both SUVs come with a full suite of driver assistance features. Of the two, the Uncharted has more tech. This includes a surround-view camera, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and, with a Drive Connect trial or subscription, Traffic Jam Assist. Meanwhile, the Crosstrek skips all of those except for the surround-view camera, which is available on the Limited Hybrid trim. However, you may want to act fast because that feature is gone for 2027. Quibbles? The Uncharted’s driver assistance features can feel incredibly intrusive. They’re way too sensitive and act too nanny-like.
Which Subaru Subcompact SUV is Right for You?
So, which Subaru is right for you? That depends on what you need it for. Got easy charging access and want something more on-road focused with a sporty edge? Go Uncharted. Looking to get dirty or can’t charge where you work and/or sleep? Go Crosstrek. Either way, you’re getting a great vehicle.
At their respective price points, the Crosstrek and Uncharted offer incredible value. The former has the perfect blend of daily usability, versatility, and ruggedness all in a small package. Costing from $28,000 to just over $38,000, it’s a great buy, considering everything it brings to the table. Meanwhile, the Uncharted offers good driving range, a sporty drive, and eye-catching style. With a price range between $36,000 and $46,000, this EV offers great bang for your buck.
Subaru’s SUV lineup remains strong, and these two vehicles prove that. Yes, one of them is technically a rebadged Toyota, but some unique calibrations give it a distinctly Subaru feel. Regardless of whether you go Crosstrek or Uncharted, you’re definitely going to love it, flaws and all.
