Automakers have increasingly experimented with unconventional steering wheels, from yokes to squared-off designs. The Subaru Uncharted takes a different approach with a pseudo-hexagonal wheel that initially looks unusual but, in practice, proves surprisingly easy to use.
After spending time driving the roughly 4,500-pound EV, the unusual shape turned out to be far less distracting than expected. While the wheel itself is not necessarily the reason for the positive experience, its shape creates a sense of precision when the driver grips one of its corners. The Uncharted also combines the steering wheel with a tight steering ratio and light steering effort.
The Uncharted’s Steering Wheel Keeps Controls Simple
The steering wheel works particularly well for a driver who prefers a 9-and-3 hand position. Its shape naturally accommodates that grip, while Subaru and Toyota, which sells the same vehicle as the C-HR, place large physical buttons on both sides of the center section.
Those controls are unusually large and arranged in a straightforward way. A rocker controls the volume, while left and right arrows handle track selection. A spacious directional pad controls the information displayed on the small digital instrument cluster mounted in front of the driver.
The result is a steering wheel that requires very little adjustment, even for someone who regularly switches between different vehicles.
Why Familiar Controls Matter in an EV
Drivers who test numerous vehicles often notice small differences in infotainment systems, ergonomics and software controls because they move between cars frequently. Most consumers, however, generally buy a vehicle and gradually become familiar with its controls.
Even so, straightforward design remains valuable. The Uncharted demonstrates that an unconventional-looking steering wheel does not have to mean complicated operation.
Instead, its design combines an unusual shape with familiar physical controls, creating an experience that feels more like a conventional car than a futuristic EV.
Subaru’s Regenerative Braking Paddles Stand Out
Another feature that makes the Uncharted’s controls particularly appealing is its regenerative braking system. The paddles behind the steering wheel allow the driver to adjust regenerative braking strength while driving.
There are four levels of regenerative braking, giving the driver more control over how the vehicle behaves when the accelerator is released. For drivers who dislike one-pedal driving, that level of adjustment provides a useful way to tailor the vehicle’s response.
Instead of navigating through multiple menus to change regenerative braking, the Uncharted puts the adjustment directly within reach of the driver. That makes it possible to change the vehicle’s behavior according to the driving situation.
One Regenerative Braking Setting Is Missing
There is one notable drawback: the Uncharted does not remember the regenerative braking level selected during the previous drive. Instead, the system returns to its lowest-strength setting each time the vehicle is used.
While the lowest setting may suit drivers who dislike heavy energy recuperation, retaining the driver’s previous selection would make the system more convenient.
The Uncharted Treats an EV Like a Normal Car
Ultimately, the Subaru Uncharted’s steering wheel is more successful than its unusual appearance might suggest. What initially looks futuristic and unfamiliar turns out to be a straightforward interface built around physical controls that are easy to understand.
The experience also highlights a broader point about EV design. Battery-powered vehicles do not necessarily need spaceship-like interfaces, complicated software or unfamiliar controls to feel modern. Many of the qualities that make a good gasoline or hybrid vehicle work well can also make an EV easier and more enjoyable to use.
For the Uncharted, that philosophy extends from its steering wheel to its regenerative braking controls. The result is an EV that manages to look unconventional while keeping the driving experience remarkably familiar.
