Subaru: The Official Car of Nature, Snow, and Dogs

Subaru is more than a car manufacturer; it is a lifestyle. Famous for making Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on almost every vehicle, this Japanese brand dominates the snowy roads of the American Northeast and Northwest. Powered by unique "Boxer" engines, Subaru blends practical safety with a deep rally racing heritage.

Origin: Japan
Est. 1953
Subaru Hero Vehicle

Model Lineup

Explore the current production vehicles.

Outback

The original sport-utility wagon that defined a segment. The Outback is the icon of American adventure, masterfully blending the comfort of a wagon with the go-anywhere capability of an SUV. It's the trusted, rugged companion for any journey.

Production 1995-Present

Forester

The smart, safe, and incredibly practical compact SUV. With its excellent visibility, standard Symmetrical AWD, and spacious interior, the Forester is the dependable and versatile choice for families who value safety and utility above all else.

Production 1998-Present

Crosstrek

The subcompact SUV with a huge heart for adventure. The Crosstrek packs rugged styling, impressive ground clearance, and legendary AWD capability into a fun-to-drive and efficient package. It's the perfect escape artist for the city and the trail.

Production 2013-Present

Ascent

The biggest Subaru ever built, designed for the modern American family. The Ascent delivers three rows of seating, 19 cupholders, and the steadfast safety of standard EyeSight and Symmetrical AWD. It's the capable and trustworthy hauler for your entire crew.

Production 2019-Present

Impreza

The only compact car in its class with standard All-Wheel Drive. Now a versatile 5-door hatchback, the Impreza continues to offer a unique blend of safety, reliability, and all-weather confidence, making it the smartest choice in its segment.

Production 1993-Present

Legacy

The sophisticated mid-size sedan that intelligently stands apart. The Legacy offers the all-weather security of standard Symmetrical AWD, a comfortable ride, and a spacious, premium cabin. It is the thinking person's alternative to the ordinary.

Production 1990-Present

WRX

A rally legend, tamed for the street. The WRX is a pure, exhilarating performance machine, delivering turbocharged boxer power and the tenacious grip of Symmetrical AWD. It’s an icon of raw, unfiltered driving pleasure for the true enthusiast.

Production 2002-Present

WRX STI

The pinnacle of Subaru's rally-bred performance. The STI was a more hardcore, track-focused beast than its WRX sibling, featuring the driver-controlled center differential (DCCD) and its iconic giant wing. It is a true legend of the enthusiast world.

Production 2004-2021

Solterra

The first all-electric adventure SUV from Subaru. The Solterra combines zero-emissions driving with the brand's legendary Symmetrical AWD and generous ground clearance. It's a new kind of Subaru, built for the trails of tomorrow.

Production 2023-Present

BRZ

A masterclass in pure driving fun. The BRZ is a lightweight, perfectly balanced, rear-wheel-drive sports car designed for the purist. With its low center of gravity and telepathic steering, it is one of the most engaging driver's cars available.

Production 2013-Present

Baja

The wonderfully weird and incredibly versatile crossover-pickup. With four doors and a small open bed, the Baja was a quirky, multi-tool of a vehicle that became an instant cult classic for outdoor adventurers who dared to be different.

Production 2003-2006

Tribeca

Subaru's first foray into the 3-row SUV market. Named after the trendy NYC neighborhood, the Tribeca offered standard AWD and a unique, controversial design. It paved the way for the larger and more successful Ascent that followed.

Production 2006-2014

SVX

A futuristic and bizarre luxury GT from the mind of Giorgetto Giugiaro. The SVX was an ambitious coupe with a smooth flat-six engine, advanced AWD, and its unforgettable 'window-within-a-window' design. A true and rare 90s automotive oddity.

Production 1992-1997

Brat

An icon of quirky utility. The BRAT (Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter) was a small 4WD pickup famous for its rear-facing jump seats welded into the bed. It remains one of the most unique and beloved vehicles in Subaru's history.

Production 1978-1987

Loyale / GL / DL

The tough, simple, and unstoppable vehicles that built Subaru's reputation in America. These cars and wagons, with their rugged, on-demand 4WD and boxer engines, were the dependable, all-weather workhorses that created a legion of loyal fans.

Production 1971-1994

Author

HugeGarage Editor

Published

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8 Min Read

The Unofficial Car of the Pacific Northwest

If you visit Vermont, Colorado, or Oregon, you will notice something immediately: every third car is a Subaru. Why? Because Subaru offers a specific promise that resonates with Americans who live in "real weather." They don't treat All-Wheel Drive as a luxury option; they treat it as a necessity. Almost every car they build (except the rear-drive BRZ) sends power to all four wheels, all the time.

Subaru owners are arguably the most loyal demographic in the industry. They are hikers, skiers, and dog owners. Subaru knows this—that’s why their commercials feature golden retrievers driving cars rather than specs about horsepower.

The Boxer Engine: The Heart of the Pleaides

Open the hood of a Subaru, and you see something different. The engine sits low and flat. This is the Boxer engine (horizontally opposed pistons).

Only Subaru and Porsche use this layout extensively. The advantage? It lowers the car's center of gravity. This means that even a tall Subaru Forester handles with less body roll than its competitors. It also provides a distinctive, rhythmic exhaust rumble—the famous "Subie Rumble"—that enthusiasts adore.

Symmetrical AWD: Not All Systems Are Equal

Most SUVs use "slip-and-grip" systems (Front-Wheel Drive until the wheels spin, then power is sent back). Subaru uses Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The drivetrain is laid out in a perfectly straight line down the center of the car. Power flows constantly to all four wheels. This provides superior balance and traction in snow and mud. It is widely considered the best AWD system in the mass market.

The Rally Legend: WRX and STI

Subaru earned its cool factor on the gravel stages of the World Rally Championship. In the 90s, with a blue paint job and gold wheels, Colin McRae turned the Impreza WRX into an icon.

The WRX STI became the street-legal version of that race car. With a giant rear wing, a hood scoop big enough to swallow a pigeon, and a turbocharger, it was the dream car for a generation of gamers and gearheads. While the STI is currently on hiatus, the WRX remains the benchmark for affordable AWD performance.

The Outback: The Anti-SUV

In the 90s, when everyone started buying SUVs, Subaru took a Legacy station wagon, lifted the suspension, added some plastic body cladding, and called it the Outback. It was a stroke of genius. It offered the ground clearance of a truck with the driving dynamics of a car. It practically invented the modern crossover segment.

Buying Advice: The Head Gasket Elephant

We have to talk about it. If you are buying a used Subaru from roughly 1998 to 2012 (specifically with the 2.5L EJ25 naturally aspirated engine), you need to ask one question: "Have the head gaskets been replaced?"

These engines had a design flaw where the head gasket would degrade, causing oil and coolant to mix or leak. It is a costly repair ($1,500+). The good news? Once it's fixed with an updated multi-layer steel gasket, the car will run forever. Modern Subarus (FB series engines) generally do not have this problem, but they do use CVTs (transmissions) that prefer gentle driving over drag racing.

A Subaru is a tool for adventure. It isn't flashy, but when a blizzard hits and the luxury cars are stuck in the driveway, the Subaru is the one making the grocery run.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)?

Unlike many "on-demand" systems that only engage when wheels slip, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a full-time system that continuously delivers power to all four wheels. This provides maximum traction and stability on slippery American roads, from snowy New England winters to rainy Pacific Northwest commutes.

Because the drivetrain is laid out symmetrically along the centerline of the vehicle, it provides better balance, reduced vibration, and more neutral handling compared to traditional front-biased AWD systems.

What is new for the 2026 Subaru Outback and Forester?

For 2026, the Subaru Outback and Forester have been completely redesigned with a focus on refined technology and rugged capability. Both models now feature an advanced 12.1-inch tablet-style touchscreen and an upgraded version of EyeSight Driver Assist technology.

The 2026 Outback offers improved cargo capacity of up to 80.5 cubic feet and enhanced ground clearance, while the 2026 Forester introduces a Forester Hybrid model for the first time in the US market, significantly improving fuel efficiency for suburban families.

How does the Subaru BOXER engine improve vehicle safety?

The SUBARU BOXER® engine features a unique horizontally opposed design where the pistons move side-to-side rather than up-and-down. This flat layout allows the engine to sit lower in the chassis, creating a lower center of gravity for better cornering stability and reduced body roll.

In the event of a severe frontal collision, this low-profile design is engineered to drop below the passenger cabin rather than being pushed into it, acting as a crucial secondary safety measure to protect the driver and front passenger.

What are the features of the Subaru Wilderness Edition models?

The Subaru Wilderness editions (available for Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek) are factory-upgraded for extreme off-road enthusiasts. Key features include:

  • Increased Ground Clearance: Up to 9.5 inches to clear larger obstacles.
  • All-Terrain Tires: Standard Yokohama GEOLANDAR® tires for superior grip on mud and gravel.
  • Dual-Function X-MODE: Optimized settings for deep snow, sand, and mud.
  • Enhanced Roof Rails: High-capacity rails capable of supporting a rooftop tent.
What is the maximum towing capacity of Subaru SUVs?

Towing capacity varies by model and powertrain. The Subaru Ascent leads the lineup with a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs, perfect for hauling campers or boats. The Outback Wilderness and models with the 2.4L turbocharged engine offer up to 3,500 lbs of towing capability.

Even the compact Crosstrek Wilderness is engineered for adventure, featuring an upgraded transmission cooler that allows it to tow up to 3,500 lbs, doubling the capacity of the standard Crosstrek trims.

How does Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology work?

Subaru EyeSight® acts as an extra set of eyes on the road using dual color cameras (and integrated radar in 2026 models) to monitor traffic movement. It can apply Pre-Collision Braking to help avoid or reduce frontal impacts.

The latest version includes Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, which helps US drivers stay safely in their lane during long highway road trips, significantly reducing driver fatigue by managing steering, braking, and throttle control.

What is the range and charging speed of the 2026 Subaru Solterra?

The 2026 Subaru Solterra, the brand’s first all-electric SUV, offers an improved EPA-estimated range of up to 288 miles. For the 2026 model year, it features a standard NACS port for easier access to the nationwide Tesla Supercharger network.

With its upgraded 150 kW DC fast-charging capability, the Solterra can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 28 to 35 minutes. A new battery preconditioning system also ensures faster charging speeds in cold weather conditions.

What is Subaru STARLINK Safety and Security?

SUBARU STARLINK® is an in-vehicle technology suite that provides an added layer of protection for US owners. Features include:

  • Automatic Collision Notification: Alerts an advisor immediately if an airbag deploys.
  • Stolen Vehicle Recovery: Helps law enforcement pinpoint the car’s GPS location.
  • Remote Services: Allows you to lock/unlock doors or start the engine with climate control via the MySubaru app.
Is the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid available in the USA?

Yes, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid has returned to the lineup, utilizing a new hybrid powertrain that balances the efficiency of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with Subaru’s legendary off-road capability.

It is designed for the modern American commuter who wants zero-emission driving for short city trips while maintaining the freedom to take long-distance weekend adventures without worrying about charging infrastructure in remote areas.

Why do Subaru vehicles have such high resale value?

Subaru consistently ranks as a leader in ALG Residual Value Awards. This high resale value is driven by the brand's reputation for longevity; over 96% of Subaru vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today.

The combination of standard Symmetrical AWD, top-tier safety ratings (IIHS Top Safety Picks), and a loyal enthusiast base makes used Subarus highly sought after in the pre-owned market across the United States.