When you’re shopping for a vehicle that delivers dependable performance and long-term value, understanding Subaru reliability is essential. At Byers Auto Group, we believe in staying transparent, which is why we’ve compiled an overview of how Subaru models stack up, especially when it comes to hard-working families, daily commuters, and all-weather drivers. Keep reading to learn more.
What does Consumer Reports say about Subaru? The brand has topped other popular automakers in 2025:
“Subaru has ascended to the top of our brand rankings, supplanting Lexus and Toyota, which have traded the two top spots for many years.”
“Subaru’s cars share many reliable components,” says Steven Elek, who oversees auto data analytics at Consumer Reports. “This commonality means that when Subaru redesigns a vehicle, it can make fewer incremental changes by carrying over dependable systems. This reduces the risk of new problems.”
What do auto critics say about certain Subaru models? Forester vs. Outback reliability comparisons are similar, as both vehicles offer the quality and dependability drivers crave for their commute. Check out what the folks at RepairPal and U.S. News & World Report had to say when comparing the Forester and Outback:
“The Subaru Forester Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 21st out of 26 for compact SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $632, which means it has average ownership costs. The frequency and severity of repairs are both fairly average when compared with all other vehicles.”
“The Subaru Outback Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 10th out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $607, which means it has average ownership costs. The frequency and severity of repairs are both fairly average when compared with all other vehicles.”
“The Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback are more alike than different. Though the Forester is a compact crossover and the Outback is a wagon, they have similar styling, performance, features, and practicality. In fact, that practicality is what Subaru is known for—along with the brand’s great all-wheel-drive system that comes standard across most of the lineup, including these two five-seaters. In base form, the Forester and Outback are both affordable (coming in well below the average price for a new car), reasonably efficient, well-equipped, and comfortable. The Forester is fully redesigned for 2025, while the Outback was last refreshed in 2023 but has had some tweaks to its features menu since then.”
As with our Forester vs. Outback reliability comparison, the Subaru Crosstrek and Ascent share similar reliability ratings. NHTSA crash tests and rollover ratings for these vehicles are the same, with the vehicles earning 5/5 overall, rollover, side barrier, frontal barrier, and side barrier crash ratings, among others.
Customers have positive things to say about these vehicles, according to Cars.com, which ranks the models high in reliability, performance, comfort, value, and exterior and interior features.
Our friendly, knowledgeable team can walk you through all the data on Subaru reliability and help you compare models side-by-side—from the sturdy Crosstrek to the spacious Ascent, and from the reliable Forester to the adventurous Outback. If you have any questions, please contact us. Stop by one of our locations and test-drive a new or used model you have your eye on. We will see you soon!
