As a data analyst and automotive tech specialist, I‘ve been a Subaru enthusiast for many years now. I discover vehicle stats and capabilities informing my perspective on models. Which is why I‘m thrilled to walk you through Subaru‘s diverse lineup!
Beyond manufacturing good-looking vehicles packed with the latest tech and family-friendly features, Subaru builds some of the most reliable, capable and long-lasting cars money can buy.
Advanced safety systems like EyeSight driver assist and standard all-wheel-drive are key reasons over 90% of Subaru vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road! Now, let‘s explore all the capable models Subaru creates today across categories. I‘ll provide plenty of juicy stats and comparisons along the way.
An Overview of Subaru‘s Special Capability Formula
Before reviewing models, we should discuss why Subarus perform so well on- and off-road. It comes down to their special Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system powering all four wheels continuously. Combined with their low boxer engines, this layout gives Subarus stability and control other crossovers can only dream of!
This is why Subarus are so popular in areas with harsh weather like the mountains and snowbelt regions. Just look at this AWD market share dominance:
| Region | Subaru AWD Share |
|---|---|
| Northeast US | 65% |
| Upper Midwest US | 60% |
| Colorado | 57% |
Beyond impressive traction, Subarus are renowned for safety, reliability and retain value very well long-term compared to competitors. Now, let‘s check out the models where Subaru packs in these trusty capabilities!
Subaru‘s Capable SUV Lineup
Subarus versatile lineup has an SUV for just about every need. Let‘s explore how the Forester, Outback, Ascent and more blend practicality with adventure-readiness!
The Forester: Functional Flexibility
Although midsize by today’s mega-SUV standards, the Forester packs SUV capabilities in its tidy footprint thanks to smart packaging. Despite being Subaru’s compact SUV entry, it serves up an abundance of cargo flexibility and off-road competence starting under $27k.
By maintaining compact dimensions externally while efficiently utilizing every interior inch, Forester claims best-in-class passenger and cargo volume (76.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded). It retains Subaru’s renowned 8.7 inches of ground clearance for venturing off-pavement without leaving room for friends.
For the ultimate adventure, the Forester Wilderness model flexes even more off-road muscle. Its increased 9.2 inches of clearance, dual-mode X-Mode optimized for mud/snow and underbody skid plates give you confidence blazing trails competitors wouldn’t dare tread lightly!
||Forester|Forester Wilderness|
|–|–|–|
|Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches | 9.2 inches|
|Approach Angle | 18.9° | 20.0° |
|Departure Angle | 28.6° | 23.6° |
Combine legitimate trail talent with up to 33 mpg highway fuel economy, and Forester offers functionality few can match at its price point.
The Outback: Rugged, Roomy Adventure Wagon
Straddling segments between wagon and SUV, the Subaru Outback blends car-like ride and handling with durability traditionally reserved for truck-framed beasts.
It may not have the flash of more expensive German rivals, but the Outback checks more capability boxes favoring function over form. Its raised suspension grants it SUV ground clearance (a class-leading 9.5 inches in Wilderness spec) without surrendering compliant on-road manners.
For motivating all that ruggedness, Turbo variants like the 260-horsepower Outback XT post sports sedan-like acceleration. And with up to 75 cubic feet of cargo volume with rear seats folded down, the Outback competes with mid-size SUVs for packing your next expedition.
No wonder Outback is Subaru’s top-selling model, blending the best of all worlds into an affordable, enduring Swiss Army knife on wheels.
The Ascent: A Three-Row SUV That Punches Above Its Weight
Sometimes you need a versatile three-row SUV packing maximum people AND cargo capabilities. Rather than settling for cumbersome truck-based options, meet Subaru‘s surprisingly adept Ascent.
Sneakily packaging three full rows and up to 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind its power rear tailgate, Ascent boasts stats topping rivals costing $15,000 more. Unlike cramped third rows requiring contortionist skills to access, Ascent sports adult-sized legroom and comfort across rows.
Further flexing functionality, Ascent posts best-in-class ground clearance (8.7 inches) granting confidence on trails and offers a 5000-pound tow rating outperforming same-sized rivals. Ascent backs versatile efficiency with satisfying acceleration from its 260-horsepower turbo-four engine never feeling taxed loaded with people and gear. It‘s certainly worth a look if needing a multi-duty workhorse!
Subaru Sedans: Efficiency with an Extra Edge
While today‘s buyers gravitate towards SUVs, Subaru retains a model sedan for just about any need or budget. From the value-packed Impreza to a well-equipped midsize Legacy, Subarus remain compelling alternatives to typical Camry/Accord fare. What you lose in flash, you gain in all-weather assurance and peace of mind from their proven longevity.
The Subaru Impreza: Capable Compact Value
Sedans don‘t come more agreeable and affordable than the Subaru Impreza. Despite its compact footprint and sub-$20k starting price, the Impreza retains the brand’s core strengths: confident AWD grip, welcoming ride quality and top safety ratings.
While no speed demon, its 2.0-liter Boxer engine musters 152 eager horses while topping 36 mpg highway (for the fuel misers). The hatchback variant expands practicality allowing over 55 cubic feet maximum cargo room folding rear seat backs.
Available driver assist upgrades like automatic emergency braking bundle active safety shielding vehicles costing twice as much. Combined with Subaru’s legendary build quality and resale value, the Impreza looks like an astute choice for penny pinchers wanting all-weather assurance without compromise.
The Subaru Legacy: Standing Tall Among Midsize Stalwarts
Attempting to woo Camry and Accord faithful isn‘t easy for Subaru‘s Legacy. But where style and badge cachet fall short, this capable midsize rewards those valuing competence over curb appeal.
Endowing sedan sensibilities with trademark Subaru substance, the Legacy plays to its strengths granting stability mainstream rivals can’t match. Beyond a comfortable, quiet cabin perfect for eating highway miles, its Symmetrical AWD transforms sketchy weather days from harrowing to just another commute.
While falling behind category leaders in fuel efficiency, available 6-cylinder grunt provides satisfying motivation traditional buyers expect. And acing the latest IIHS crash tests confirms Subaru’s safety commitment spanning all models. Considering over 95% of Legacys stay running past 10 years and 200k miles, those favoring function over form should give Legacy an extended look!
Subaru‘s Surprisingly Capable Performance Models
When Subaru engineers have some weekend fun concocting driver’s cars like the iconic WRX and BRZ models, special things happen! While Subaru focuses mainly on sensible transportation, these enthusiast favorites prove they know how to kick out some jams too. Let’s check out their greatest hits backing hype with hardware.
The Subaru WRX: Rally Dominance Distilled
Evolving from Subaru’s legendary World Rally Championship dynasty spanning decades, the Subaru WRX distills racing omnipotence into an intensely capable yet incognito sport sedan.
Beneath sheetmetal little changed from a workaday Impreza lies a spectacular driver’s experience. Starting with its fiercely turbocharged flat-four pounding out 271 adrenaline-inducing horses through a six-speed manual gearbox alone, the WRX promises unadulterated performance. This is no techno-cocoon of stability programs protecting drivers from their machinery.
instead rewards focus and skill with tremendous gripfrom its full-time AWD system. A track-tuned suspension, powerful Brembo brakes and a limited-slip rear differential connect man to machine for grin-inducing backroad blasts. Despite outgunning luxury marques costing twice as much, the WRX retains everyday civility for daily driving duties.
Make no mistake though: The WRX remains an unapologetically analog driver’s car seducing adrenaline junkies off the beaten path!
The Subaru BRZ: Pure Sports Car Bliss
contrast to heavy turbocharging and AWD, the Subaru BRZ philosophically channels lightweight sports cars of the past like British roadsters. By optimizing weight distribution and center of gravity versus raw power, the BRZ provides immersive thrills on a different plane.
Weighing under 2,900 pounds, its 2.4-liter naturally aspirated Flat-4 musters only 228 horsepower – a humble figure by today’s hyper-horsepower standards. But paired to a sublime 6-speed manual transmitting every ounce of momentum to the rear wheels, the BRZ delivers an unfiltered driving experience too often missing from overly-assisted modern sports cars.
Modern chassis tuning grants the BRZ reflexes rivalling more powerful Porsche Caymans and Mustang GTs on tight circuits. This recipe of simplicity and lightness conspire to bring back the lost art of working through gears heel-toeing towards corner apexes. In the age of explosive straight-line metrics, the BRZ injects purist pleasures into the sports car recipe!
Subaru’s New Eco-Friendly Hybrid & Electric Options
Rounding out Subaru’s diverse lineup, their new Hybrid and full Electric models bring green capability satisfying environmental sensibilities without completely sacrificing beloved Subaru strengths.
The Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid: Electrified Ruggedness
The Crosstrek compact SUV can now be had with plug-in hybrid electric propulsion for maximum efficiency. Generating 90 MPGe and 35 miles of EV range, the Crosstrek Hybrid melds useful battery-only commuting with the assurance of an internal combustion engine taking over when needed.
Unlike Toyota cramming in batteries at the cost of ground clearance and cargo capacity, the Crosstrek Hybrid retains Subaru’s trademark 8.7 inches of clearance – the best among hybrid SUVs! So you can continue venturing where the pavement ends without grating expensive batteries on rocks whether accelerating under electric or gas engine power.
Of course, increased rear suspension travel provides additional wheel articulation off-road while traction control integrates with brake vectoring for planted footing. Although the Crosstrek Hybrid prioritizes efficiency and range during daily driving, Subaru’s engineering ingenuity confirms you needn’t sacrifice capability when going green!
The Subaru Solterra EV: Familiar Capability, New Electric Power
joining the industry’s march towards vehicle electrification, Subaru’s first dedicated EV packing zero tailpipe emissions arrives in their Solterra crossover arriving for 2023. Hiding its climate-friendly credentials under familiar SUV architecture, the Solterra combines Subaru’s trusty foul weather traction within an electric-only package highlighting ecological responsibility.
Riding on Subaru’s new e-Subaru Global Platform architecture, Solterra sports 8.3 inches of ground clearance letting owners continue venturing off pavement sans guilt. Generous 220 mile range from its 72 kWh battery quells range anxiety during around-town trips and outdoor excursions while zipping to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds scratches that EV torque itch.
Inside, Solterra keeps things simple with intuitive controls avoiding complex interfaces plaguing certain competitors. Rather than dazzling with flash, Subaru focuses on building approachable EVs with the capability and durability that keeps bringing loyal, active-minded buyers back.
Why Subarus Build Such Loyalty
By now you’ve probably noticed my passion for this quirky Japanese brand. And I’m certainly not alone in my admiration; Subaru earned the highest customer loyalty among automotive brands for over 10 consecutive years now.
I believe Subarus inspire such allegiance because they focus on developing honest products perfecting capability versus chasing flash-in-the-pan trends. Their niche commitment to AWD traction, build quality carrying owners 200k+ miles and all-weather assurance proven worldwide builds fierce loyalty.
While rarely turning heads at the country club or lighting performance timing sheets on fire, Subarus invite owners on adventures anywhere while promising reliability for years without drama. Ultimately, relationships between humans and machines come down to trust and competence. By studiously building some of the most trustworthy, capable vehicles at reasonable prices for over 50 years, Subaru earned their rightful place in the hearts of experience-seeking owners.
So there you have it my friend – the full functional scoop on Subaru’s compelling lineup! Let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you found this breakdown of trusted Crosstreks, capable Outbacks and Subaru’s unique magic blend helpful on your vehicle search. Whatever roads you travel, give Subaru some consideration keeping you smiling all the way!
