Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Badge engineering is nothing new, manufacturers have done it for decades to share development costs and expand into segments they might not otherwise have been able to. The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are two great modern examples of this, although in that case they shared their engineering expertise to create a new vehicle, rather than one company just slapping its badge on another's design.The Subaru Uncharted and Toyota CH-R are the result of a similar collaboration, and while they may share the same platform and electric tech, there are several differences between them aside from the exterior body panels. We cover them both here to see which one is the better overall package.Subaru UnchartedView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Uncharted is a new nameplate for Subaru, and this new compact EV slots in below the larger Solterra EV in the model range. It is built on a shared electric vehicle architecture jointly developed with Toyota, and it serves as an all-electric companion to the popular Crosstrek subcompact crossover.You can pick from a range-maximizing 221-hp single-motor front-wheel-drive setup in the base Premium trim, or a punchier 338-hp dual-motor all-wheel-drive system in the Sport and GT models. All trims get a 14.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with dual wireless smartphone charging pads. With 8.2 inches of ground clearance and Subaru's X-Mode terrain management system, the Uncharted is also pretty capable off the beaten track.Toyota C-HRToyota USAView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleThe C-HR was Toyota's subcompact SUV offering from 2018 to 2022, and while it was certainly stylish, it was FWD only and had a lackluster 2.0-liter engine and CVT transmission. Toyota has resurrected the name for 2026 for its new subcompact EV, and while it still has a funky design, the newcomer is on a whole different level in terms of performance and overall capability.AdvertisementAdvertisementSharing the same e-TNGA electric platform as the Subaru Uncharted, the C-HR comes with the 338-hp dual-motor setup for both of its trim levels. That means AWD is standard, and the C-HR has 8.0 inches of ground clearance, which is a fraction less than the Uncharted. The base SE trim comes equipped with standard 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and a 14.0-inch central touchscreen display.And moving up to the XSE adds 20-inch gray aluminum wheels, synthetic suede upholstery, power passenger seating, and access to an available 9-speaker JBL premium audio system and a panoramic glass roof.Subaru Uncharted vs Toyota C-HR: Price, Performance, and PowerToyotaView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleMake and ModelSubaru UnchartedToyota C-HRPowertrainSingle-Motor FWDDual-Motor AWDDual-Motor Electric AWDPower221 hp (FWD)338 hp (AWD)338 hpTorque198–323 lb-ft323 lb-ft0–60 mph6.5 sec est (FWD)4.5 sec est (AWD)4.5 sec estDriving Range273–287 miles (AWD)308 miles (FWD)273–287 milesFast Charging (10–80%)30 min (150 kW DC)30 min (150 kW DC)Base Trim$34,995 (Premium)$37,000 (SE)Mid-Spec Trim$39,795 (Sport)n/aTop Trim$43,795 (GT)$39,000 XSEThe base Subaru Uncharted starts off at a substantial $2,005 below the entry-level C-HR SE, but that's because it gets the single-motor FWD powertrain instead of the SE's dual-motor AWD setup. Spec levels are broadly similar, but the Uncharted does offer 21 miles extra range between charges.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you want the benefit of AWD and the big step up in performance that the dual-motor offers, then the C-HR SE is your best bet. At $37,000 it is the cheapest way to do so, and undercuts Subaru's own Uncharted Sport model by a few hundred dollars. The C-HR XSE adds a few additional features, but the larger wheels lower overall range to 273 miles.The Subaru Uncharted GT is the priciest of the lot, and for your $43,795 you get a Harman Kardon audio system, panoramic glass roof, and 20-inch alloy wheels as standard, most of which are either unavailable on lower trims or cost extra.Subaru Uncharted vs Toyota C-HR: Dimensions and Interior Space ComparisonSubaruView the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleDimensionSubaru UnchartedToyota C-HROverall Length / Width / Height177.8 in / 73.6 in / 63.8 in177.9 in / 73.6 in / 63.8 inFirst Row Headroom39.1 in38.6 in (with sunroof)39.1 inFirst Row Legroom42.1 in42.1 inSecond Row Headroom37.5 in37.5 inSecond Row Legroom32.2 in32.2 inCargo Space (Behind 2nd Row)25.4 cu ft25.3 cu ftTo all intents and purposes these two models have the same interior space for passengers, and their luggage. While Toyota doesn't quote a separate front headroom figure for models equipped with the panoramic sunroof (this is optional on the XSE), the figure should be identical to the Uncharted when equipped.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe interior layout and tech are also all but identical, with the fabric choices being the most notable difference between the two vehicles.Which One Should You Get?ToyotaView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleThese two subcompact electric crossovers are so closely matched in everything from performance to specification levels and overall range, that the decision comes down to the exact specification level that you are looking for.The C-HR makes sense for those wanting the dual-motor layout at the lowest price point, while the Uncharted ably covers both the entry-level and top-spec trim requirements. The base Premium FWD Uncharted model is the most affordable here, and it is still quick and responsive despite lacking that additional electric motor.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you want all the bells and whistles, then the Uncharted GT is your best bet, it gets ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a Smart Rear-View Mirror, none of which are standard on the Toyota C-HR XSE (although rear seat heating is an option). Subaru makes a big deal about its symmetrical AWD system, but in this case both vehicles have the same setup, although the Uncharted has 0.2 inches more ground clearance, not something you'd notice out on the trail.Combining the five trim levels of these two subcompact electric SUVs covers all the bases and gives you more choice to get the perfect specification. Forget the badge on the hood, and pick the one that suits your wallet and needs best.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.