Which Subaru is Best for You?
Purchasing a new vehicle is a big decision. There are a variety of factors to consider, including your needs and tastes, as well as the capabilities and features of a vehicle you’re considering.Â
Fortunately, when you’re considering a Subaru, safety is one priority you don’t have to wonder about. With the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and other impressive features packed into our entire vehicle lineup, Subaru has a reputation for safety, having earned more IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards than any other brand over the last decade, as of November 2023.Â
While added safety in a vehicle certainly offers greater peace of mind, how do you narrow the field? To help you identify the best model for your everyday needs, we’ve compiled the following guide to help you understand your options and determine which Subaru is best for you.
Best Subaru for Families
Families are constantly on the move. From morning commutes to family outings or afterschool activities, it’s important to have a reliable vehicle to accommodate busy schedules. Although any Subaru car or SUV would be a great family car depending on your unique needs, here are some of our top picks for Subaru vehicles for families.
Outback
Renowned for its exceptional safety, versatility, and reliability, the Subaru Outback is an outstanding midsize crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) for families. Its spacious interior can comfortably seat a family of five and offers expandable cargo space to fit everything from grocery bags for everyday errands to beach chairs and boogie boards for long family trips.Â
The Outback boasts an impressive suite of features that come standard including Symmetrical AWD, EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, and X-MODE®. Additional available features can enhance the experience for everyone on board, from illuminated front and rear USB-A and USB-C charging ports for electronic devices to our DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System that offers an added layer of safety while sharing family adventures on the road.
Ascent
The Subaru Ascent provides many of the same features and advantages as the Outback, but in an even more spacious 3-row SUV frame. The Ascent offers an unparalleled combination of headroom, shoulder room, and legroom, with impressive cargo space. With seating configurations available for seven or eight passengers, the Ascent is the best Subaru for larger families looking to accommodate everyone comfortably and safely.Â
Family-friendly features like cup holders throughout the cabin and options for either stain-resistant upholstery or StarTex® water-repellent upholstery make the Ascent an even more appealing SUV for larger families on-the-go.
Best Subaru for Off-Roading
Subaru vehicles are made with safety and adventure in mind. While most Subaru vehicles are a great choice for traveling off-the-beaten-path thanks to features like X-MODE and higher ground clearance, here are some of our top choices for Subaru vehicles for off-roading enthusiasts.
Forester Wilderness
The Forester Wilderness is among the best Subaru models for off-road exploration thanks to its rugged, sporty design and multitude of built-in features that have become emblematic of the Wilderness family of vehicles.Â
The Forester Wilderness offers increased ground clearance to scale even the toughest terrain, as well as our X-MODE® Dual Mode System with Hill Descent Control (HDC), settings for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud, and Low Speed/Low Ratio Gradient control. A 180-Degree Front-View Monitor also provides a clear, broad view of obstacles on the trail ahead.
Explore the Forester Wilderness.
Outback Wilderness
The Outback Wilderness offers thoughtful design and features, making it an outstanding Subaru option for off-road adventures who crave a heightened driving experience. It offers the highest ground clearance of any Subaru in our lineup, but that’s not the only reason why it’s a great choice for off-roading. Advanced Dual Mode X-Mode with HDC, Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, and low- and medium-to-high-speed functions allow the Outback Wilderness to tackle any terrain.
Best Subaru for Snow
When it comes to wintry conditions, all Subaru Symmetrical AWD vehicles perform well in snow. Standard features like added ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and skid plates make Subaru Wilderness models among your top picks for trekking through snow and ice. Wilderness models also come standard with enhanced dual-function X-MODE with designated Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings.
Crosstrek Wilderness
The perfect blend of sporty, safety, and fun, the Crosstrek Wilderness is another exceptional option for navigating through snow. With standard Symmetrical AWD, higher ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, the Crosstrek Wilderness is able to help you scale snow drifts with ease. Dual-Function X-MODE® also helps to optimize traction in a variety of conditions, including deep snow. Â
The Crosstrek Wilderness is equipped with standard features that enhance visibility in winter weather conditions. LED fog lights help you more easily see the road ahead, while its Pre-Collision Braking allows you to use full brake force to come to a complete stop in the event of an emergency.
Explore the Crosstrek Wilderness.
Outback Wilderness
Equipped with Symmetrical AWD, dual-function X-MODE, and all-terrain tires, the Outback Wilderness combines modern innovation alongside classic ruggedness. On the interior, water-repellent StarTex upholstery is durable and easy to clean, even if you climb back into the Outback Wilderness covered in snow. It also comes with our standard 180-Degree Front-View Monitor to help you more easily see the road ahead while driving in snowy and icy conditions.
Explore the Outback Wilderness.
Forester Wilderness
The Forester Wilderness delivers stylish comfort through any winter driving adventures. Its anti-glare hood finish offers a distinctive look with a practical touch, helping reduce glare from sun and snow. Combined with the standard 180-Degree Front-View Monitor, these are just a few of the features that offer a clearer view of the road ahead when driving in the Forester Wilderness. Built-in MySubaru Connected Services also comes standard in all Wilderness models, giving you access to Remote Engine Start with Climate Control for a comfortable ride.
Best Subaru for Towing
If you plan to use your vehicle for work-related purposes, as well as personal use, the full Subaru lineup has a variety of vehicles capable of towing heavy loads and accompanying you on any adventure in style. Here are two of our picks for helping you tow heavy loads or equipment.
Ascent
The heaviest, most powerful Subaru vehicles prove useful anytime you need to haul gear or supplies–or even tow a camper. The largest model available, the Subaru Ascent, can tow up to 5,000 pounds
Equipped with a turbocharged engine that generates exceptional horsepower and torque, the Ascent has all the power necessary for safe towing. And with standard Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), Ascent owners can feel confident that they’ll remain steady and in control, even when towing heavy equipment.
Outback
While the Ascent may be an outstanding Subaru for towing based simply on maximum tow capability, the Outback delivers the same degree of power — with comparable horsepower and torque powered by a turbocharged engine. However, the Outback offers the added versatility of a crossover SUV that may appeal to more drivers. While the Outback tops out at 3,500 pounds of towing capacity
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Best Subaru Vehicles for Commuting
Whether you have a long or short commute, Subaru offers vehicles that can make traveling to and from work more enjoyable – and reliable. Here are just two great Subaru options to consider for getting you to work, school, or anywhere your daily travels take you.
Solterra
The very first all-electric vehicle from Subaru, the Solterra is an intriguing option for commuters. It requires no gasoline, instead running entirely on a rechargeable battery and a zero-emissions all-electric drivetrain. Our most fuel-efficient offering, the Solterra’s mileage range is more than ample for most daily travel, so owners typically won’t need to worry about finding a charging station.Â
Solterra represents a breakthrough for Subaru as the first EV equipped with our Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Commuters finally have an option that offers the exceptional safety features Subaru is known for along with the efficiency and sustainability that only EVs can provide.
Impreza
With its compelling combination of efficiency, comfort, safety, and reliability, the Subaru Impreza is among the best Subaru vehicles for commuting. Its sporty, hatchback-style is ideal for urban and suburban drivers alike.Â
While easy to drive and relatively simple to maintain, the Impreza is still packed with features like Symmetrical AWD, a roomy interior, and impressive fuel efficiency that set Subaru apart. These details, coupled with the fact that 94% of Subaru Impreza vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today
Legacy
Many of the reasons people love the Impreza are the same reasons why people love the Subaru Legacy. With comparable fuel economy handling, comfort, and safety features, deciding between the Legacy and Impreza comes down to personal preference when choosing the best Subaru for your commute. The slightly larger frame and sedan style of the Legacy may appeal more to some, while others may prefer the hatchback design and more compact size of Impreza. Both models are Consumer Reports recommended and make outstanding daily personal and family vehicles.
Best Subaru for Performance
Satisfy your need for speed, bolstered by the Subaru reputation for safety. For drivers who enjoy the feel of the open road, Subaru has several sports models designed with performance in mind.
WRX
The Subaru WRX offers track-tuned suspension for precision control alongside our standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 6-speed manual transmission for ultimate control when cruising. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Active Torque Vectoring allows for tighter turns around corners and works to reduce understeering, helping the WRX handle sharp curves. The MySubaru Connected Services® multimedia system with dual USB input ports allows you access to your favorite music and podcasts – among other features – to offer a soundtrack to your adventures.
BRZ
With speed, handling, and power, the Subaru BRZ packs a powerful punch in its sleek sports model frame. The BRZ offers track-tested suspension thanks to a front engine and balanced rear-wheel drive. Its quick ratio steering makes it a thrill to drive and a dream when handling the road. The powerful 2.4-liter direct injection SUBARU BOXER engine delivers an impressive 228 horsepower, while the available 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters allow for versatility when transitioning between everyday city and highway commutes or high-performance driving.
Best Subaru for Pet Owners
Pets are more than just companions. At Subaru, we understand that the safety of your furry family members can be a major consideration when purchasing a new vehicle. All Subaru models are ready for your pet companions. With that in mind, here are some of our top picks for pet owners who want their pals with paws along for the ride on any adventure.
Forester
On top of our standard Symmetrical AWD, the Subaru Forester packs features to help you stay focused on the road, along with ample cargo space for your pets to ride in comfort. The Forester offers even more room with 60/40-split flat-folding rear seats to expand the cargo area. Its extra-wide Power Rear Gate allows your pets to easily enter and exit the vehicle, while standard Panoramic Moonroof lets them feel the breeze and take in their surroundings. Speaking of focus, the Forester also offers the state-of-the-art Subaru DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System.
Outback
Made with safety and comfort in mind, the spacious Subaru Outback is equipped with standard Symmetrical AWD, capable of optimizing traction across a variety of road and weather conditions. Available cargo area release levers make it easier to fold down rear seats, giving your pets even more space on long drives. For easier entry and exits while wrangling a posse of pets, the available Hands-Free Power Rear Gate automatically opens and locks with the push of a button.Â
The Outback is made for fun and adventure, but also prioritizes safety and is equipped with airbags and a ring-shaped reinforcement frame that offers impact protection–especially important to help keep your pet safe.
Shop for the Best Subaru for You!
There is a Subaru for everyone. It’s all about finding the model that best fits your lifestyle and driving preferences. Build the best Subaru for you today!
