Subaru Uncharted, a simple rebranded Lexus RZ?
This page is translated from the original post "Subaru Uncharted, un simple Lexus RZ rhabillé ?" in French.
- 18/07/2025 18:58
Subaru has unveiled an electric SUV, the proportions and features of which strangely remind one of the Lexus RZ. Coincidence?
Finding a viable business model with electric vehicles is not an easy task. So, to enter the market at a lower cost, or to help fellow manufacturers absorb expenses, why not start from an existing base? In the case of Subaru, this is not a bad approach; the alliance with Toyota and Lexus was conceived this way from the beginning.
Nevertheless, reducing the new Subaru Uncharted to a mere clone of the Lexus RZ (or the Toyota bZ4X) is somewhat limiting. Strangely, the Japanese automaker boasts about the arrival of its first 100% electric SUV, but has it not forgotten the existence of the Solterra? Sure, its distribution is limited, but still…
With a name like Uncharted, Subaru is setting the stage: this compact SUV wants to venture off the beaten path, both literally and figuratively. It marks the brand’s new incursion into the highly competitive electric SUV segment, a territory so far dominated by the Tesla Model Y.
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Officially launched in July 2025, the Subaru Uncharted will arrive on the European market in early 2026. It indeed shares its technical base with the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ, but Subaru has largely reworked the formula to infuse its own DNA (according to the official press release).
The Uncharted is based on the e-TNGA platform, rebranded here as the e-Subaru Global Platform in its advanced version. However, unlike the Solterra, which nearly replicates the architecture of the bZ4X, this new model takes a more distinctive approach, both in terms of style and tuning.
A shared technical page?
Under the hood (or floor), several versions are offered:
• AWD dual motor: 344 hp (252 kW), 77 kWh, 470 km range (WLTP estimated), 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds.
• FWD long range: single motor of 172 hp (126 kW), same 77 kWh battery, but range increased to 585 km.
• Standard FWD: 57.7 kWh battery, 444 km range.
The all-wheel-drive version features an in-house developed torque management software capable of dynamically adjusting the distribution between the axles. Subaru claims thus superior traction, better cornering precision, and true off-road capabilities thanks to the Dual X-MODE system.
All versions come with a built-in AC charger of 22 kWh, but there’s no information yet on the DC charging power. Subaru simply promises a charge from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes, which is far from cutting-edge technology in 2026…
Visually, the Subaru Uncharted stands out from its technical cousins. More angular and muscular, it retains Subaru’s design codes while introducing new elements:
• High, assertive front end
• Wide wheels and pronounced wheel arches (beware of the range)
• Generous ground clearance of 210 mm
• Reduced turning radius to 5.5 meters for enhanced maneuverability
The spacious and well-equipped interior features a distinctive square steering wheel, two wireless charging pads, regenerative braking paddles, and a large 14-inch touch screen.
Ultimately, aside from a different design, this Subaru Uncharted unfortunately won’t bring much that is new. Even less in terms of arguments to convince customers to switch from Lexus to another brand with a sparse network and even greater loss of residual value.
A tough world for electric vehicles…
ALSO READ: Tesla presents a Model Y with 6 seats and an extended wheelbase
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