Subaru models, prices and problems

By CarWhere Research · Updated

CarWhere’s Subaru hub collects free research for Subaru shoppers and owners: 9 model guides (Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Ascent, WRX), 124 trim levels with dated Subaru MSRPs, 93 known issues and NHTSA recalls, 5 engine and transmission guides, Subaru history and VIN tools. Every page lists its sources.

Subaru sells mostly all-wheel-drive crossovers and wagons, alongside the WRX sedan and the rear-drive BRZ coupe. These pages explain what each model, trim, engine and generation offers, what has been recalled, what buyers actually paid, and what to check on a specific vehicle before you buy it.

Subaru models

Price, trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems for each Subaru line.

Subaru OutbackNewMidsize SUV / raised wagon, standard all-wheel drive. From $32,995 (2027 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Subaru ForesterNewCompact SUV, standard all-wheel drive. From $29,995 (2027 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Subaru CrosstrekNewSubcompact SUV, standard all-wheel drive. From $26,995 (2027 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Subaru AscentNewMidsize three-row SUV, standard all-wheel drive. From $40,795 (2027 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Subaru WRXNewCompact performance sedan, standard all-wheel drive. From $32,495 (2026 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Subaru ImprezaNewCompact five-door hatchback, standard all-wheel drive. From $24,595 (2027 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Subaru LegacyNewMidsize sedan (wagon in earlier generations), all-wheel drive. From $26,810 (2025 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Subaru BRZNewTwo-door sports coupe, rear-wheel drive. From $36,140 (2027 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Subaru SolterraNewCompact electric SUV, dual-motor all-wheel drive. From $38,495 (2027 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.

Subaru engines and transmissions

Specs by year, which models use each engine, known problems and recalls.

Subaru engines and transmissionsNewEvery modern Subaru engine and the Lineartronic CVT: EJ25, FB25, FA20 and FA24 boxer specs, horsepower by model and year, and recalls from NHTSA records.Subaru BOXER engines (EJ25, FB25, FA20, FA24)NewA Subaru BOXER engine is horizontally opposed: the pistons lie flat and face each other in a symmetrical side-to-side layout, so their forces cancel out.Subaru EJ25 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder, naturally aspirated and turbocharged, US 1996–2021NewThe EJ25 is Subaru's earlier 2.5-liter BOXER four.Subaru FB25 2,498 cc horizontally opposed four-cylinder, DOHC, US 2011–presentNewThe FB25 is Subaru's 2,498 cc, DOHC 2.5-liter BOXER four, introduced in the 2011 Forester.Subaru FA20 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four, naturally aspirated (BRZ) and direct-injection turbo (Forester XT, WRX), US 2013–2021NewThe FA20 is Subaru's 2.0-liter FA-series BOXER four.Subaru FA24 2,387 cc horizontally opposed four, direct-injection turbo (Ascent, Outback XT, Legacy XT, WRX) and 2.4L naturally aspirated (BRZ), US 2019–presentNewThe FA24 is Subaru's 2,387 cc, 2.4-liter direct-injection turbo BOXER four.Subaru Lineartronic chain-type continuously variable transmission, US 2010–presentNewLineartronic is Subaru's chain-type continuously variable transmission.

Subaru trim levels and badges

Current and previous-generation trims with dated MSRPs.

Subaru trim levels explainedNew124 trims across 9 Subaru models.Outback trim levelsNewThe 2027 Subaru Outback comes in seven trims: base ($32,995), Premium ($34,995), Limited ($39,995), Touring ($43,495), Limited XT ($43,595), Wilderness ($43,995) and Touring XT ($46,595).Forester trim levelsNewThe 2027 Subaru Forester has nine trims: gas Base ($29,995), Premium ($31,995), Limited ($37,595) and Wilderness ($39,495), plus Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited and Touring Hybrid ($34,730–$41,545).Crosstrek trim levelsNewThe 2027 Subaru Crosstrek comes in six trims: Base ($26,995), Premium ($27,995), Limited ($32,995), Wilderness ($33,795), Sport Hybrid ($33,995) and Limited Hybrid ($35,995).Ascent trim levelsNewThe 2027 Subaru Ascent has five trims: Premium ($40,795), Limited ($47,985), Limited Bronze Edition ($49,095), Touring ($51,165) and Onyx Edition Touring ($51,995).WRX trim levelsNewThe 2026 Subaru WRX has six trims: base ($32,495), Premium ($33,995), Limited ($38,995 manual, $39,995 SPT), GT ($44,995), tS ($44,995) and the limited-run Series.Yellow ($45,995).BRZ trim levelsNewThe 2027 Subaru BRZ comes in two trims: Limited at $36,140 with the 6-speed manual ($36,990 automatic) and tS at $38,770, manual only.Impreza trim levelsNewThe 2027 Subaru Impreza has two trims: base at $24,595 and RS at $29,495, before the $1,295 destination charge.Legacy trim levelsNewThe 2025 Subaru Legacy, the final model year, came in five trims: base ($26,810), Premium ($29,110), Limited, Sport ($36,410) and Touring XT ($40,110), before $1,170 destination.Solterra trim levelsNewThe 2027 Subaru Solterra EV has four trims: Premium ($38,495), Limited ($41,395), Limited XT ($42,895) and Touring XT ($45,855), before $1,525 destination.

Subaru prices: what buyers paid

Transaction prices, dealer invoice, incentives and lease rates.

What Subaru buyers paidBuyer-reported Subaru prices by model.Best Subaru lease dealsCurrent Subaru lease offers.Outback dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.Forester dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.Crosstrek dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.Ascent dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.WRX dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.BRZ dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.Impreza dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.Legacy dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.Solterra dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.Subaru incentives and rebatesCurrent Subaru cash, lease and APR offers.Subaru lease money factorsSubaru money factors and residuals for leasing.Dealer invoice price by VINEstimate what the dealer paid for a specific new Subaru.

Buying a used Subaru

What goes wrong, which years drew complaints, and how values hold up.

Subaru known issues by modelNew93 documented problems and recalls across 9 models.Outback problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.Forester problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.Crosstrek problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.Ascent problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.WRX problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.BRZ problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.Impreza problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.Legacy problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.Solterra problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.Is Subaru reliable?Subaru reliability from NHTSA complaints per vehicle sold, by model.Outback years to avoidModel years ranked by owner-complaint volume.Forester years to avoidModel years ranked by owner-complaint volume.Crosstrek years to avoidModel years ranked by owner-complaint volume.Ascent years to avoidModel years ranked by owner-complaint volume.WRX years to avoidModel years ranked by owner-complaint volume.Impreza years to avoidModel years ranked by owner-complaint volume.Legacy years to avoidModel years ranked by owner-complaint volume.Best Outback yearsThe strongest model years to buy used.Best Forester yearsThe strongest model years to buy used.Best Crosstrek yearsThe strongest model years to buy used.Best Ascent yearsThe strongest model years to buy used.Best WRX yearsThe strongest model years to buy used.Best Impreza yearsThe strongest model years to buy used.Best Legacy yearsThe strongest model years to buy used.How long do Subaru models last?Share of used Subaru models past 150,000 and 200,000 miles.Outback depreciationMedian asking price by model year vs new.Forester depreciationMedian asking price by model year vs new.Crosstrek depreciationMedian asking price by model year vs new.Ascent depreciationMedian asking price by model year vs new.WRX depreciationMedian asking price by model year vs new.Impreza depreciationMedian asking price by model year vs new.Find a Subaru for saleSearch live Subaru listings from dealers nationwide.

Comparisons, towing and fitment

Head-to-head comparisons and model-specific capacities.

Outback towing capacityModel-specific figures from manufacturer documents.Outback vs ForesterSide-by-side specs, prices and the verdict.Crosstrek vs OutbackSide-by-side specs, prices and the verdict.Forester towing capacityModel-specific figures from manufacturer documents.Ascent towing capacityModel-specific figures from manufacturer documents.

Decode a Subaru

Start from the VIN or the factory build record.

Free Subaru VIN decoderYear, model, body, engine and assembly plant from any 17-character Subaru VIN.Subaru build sheet by VINFactory colors, options and packages for a specific VIN, checked free before you pay.Subaru specs by modelDimensions, capacities and powertrain specs for Subaru model years.

Subaru history

Subaru history: Fuji Heavy Industries (1953), the 1958 Subaru 360, US sales from 1968, AWD standard since 1996, the Indiana plant, STI and new hybrids.

Subaru history: from the 1958 Subaru 360 to today’s hybrids and EVsNewSubaru history: Fuji Heavy Industries (1953), the 1958 Subaru 360, US sales from 1968, AWD standard since 1996, the Indiana plant, STI and new hybrids.Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel DriveNewSubaru Symmetrical AWD explained: standard across US model lines since 1996, the four system types, and the exceptions: the RWD BRZ and Uncharted FWD.Subaru STI and the WRX STINewWRX STI history: STI founded April 2, 1988; the US WRX STI ran 2004–2021 (300 to 310 hp); the 341-hp S209, the Type RA and today’s tS models.Subaru Wilderness modelsNewSubaru Wilderness history: Outback Wilderness (2022, 9.5 in), Forester Wilderness (2022, 9.2 in), Crosstrek Wilderness (2024, 9.3 in) and launch MSRPs.Subaru hybrids and the Crosstrek HybridNewSubaru Crosstrek Hybrid history: 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid (160 hp), 2019 plug-in (17-mile EV range), 2025 Forester Hybrid, 194-hp 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid.

Subaru research by model

Subaru models with links to their guide, trim levels, known issues, years to avoid, what buyers paid and specs
ModelTrim levelsKnown issuesYears to avoidWhat buyers paidSpecs
Subaru OutbackOutback trimsOutback problemsOutback years to avoidOutback prices paid2027 Outback specs
Subaru ForesterForester trimsForester problemsForester years to avoidForester prices paid2026 Forester specs
Subaru CrosstrekCrosstrek trimsCrosstrek problemsCrosstrek years to avoidCrosstrek prices paid2027 Crosstrek specs
Subaru AscentAscent trimsAscent problemsAscent years to avoidAscent dealer invoice2027 Ascent specs
Subaru WRXWRX trimsWRX problemsWRX years to avoidWRX prices paid2026 WRX specs
Subaru BRZBRZ trimsBRZ problems—BRZ dealer invoice2027 BRZ specs
Subaru ImprezaImpreza trimsImpreza problemsImpreza years to avoidImpreza dealer invoice2027 Impreza specs
Subaru LegacyLegacy trimsLegacy problemsLegacy years to avoidLegacy dealer invoice2025 Legacy specs
Subaru SolterraSolterra trimsSolterra problems—Solterra dealer invoice2027 Solterra specs

Know exactly how your Subaru was built at the factory.

See what a specific Subaru VIN was factory-built with. The CarWhere Subaru build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Subaru build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What SUVs and crossovers does Subaru sell?

CarWhere covers 5 Subaru SUVs and crossovers: Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Ascent, Solterra. Each model guide lists the current price range, powertrains and generations with Subaru and EPA sources.

How much is the Subaru Outback?

For the 2027 model year the Outback is priced from $32,995 to $46,595 MSRP (MSRP excl. $1,545 destination and delivery. Lowest = Outback (base), highest = Touring XT.). The Outback guide lists every trim with its dated Subaru MSRP.

Who makes Subaru cars?

Subaru is the car brand of Subaru Corporation, which was founded as Fuji Heavy Industries on July 15, 1953 and took the Subaru name on April 1, 2017. Its first car was the 1958 Subaru 360, which reached the US in May 1968. Subaru of America made Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard across its model lines in 1996.

What engines does Subaru use?

Modern Subarus use four BOXER engine families. The EJ25 2.5L ran through the 2021 WRX STI. The FB25 2.5L has powered mainstream models since 2011. The FA20 2.0L covered the BRZ and turbo WRX/Forester XT, and the FA24 2.4L turbo has powered the Ascent, Outback XT, Legacy XT and WRX since 2019. Most pair with the Lineartronic CVT.

How do I check a Subaru for recalls?

Enter the 17-character VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or ask a Subaru dealer to run it. Recall repairs are free. CarWhere’s known-issues pages list recall campaign numbers by model and generation.

How do I find out what options my Subaru has?

Start with the paperwork that came with the car. If it is lost, a build sheet reconstructed from the VIN shows factory colors, options and packages where detailed build data exists, and the free VIN decoder shows basics such as engine, body and plant.

Sources

Each linked page lists its own detailed sources. The hub's figures come from these datasets and references.

  1. CarWhere Subaru model guides (9 models) — CarWhere
  2. CarWhere Subaru trim-levels dataset (124 trims) — CarWhere
  3. CarWhere Subaru known-issues dataset (93 issues) — CarWhere
  4. Subaru of America media center — pricing, specifications and model-year changes — Subaru of America, Inc.
  5. EPA fuel economy data — U.S. Department of Energy / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  6. Recalls Data (NHTSA recall campaigns) — U.S. Department of Transportation open data

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Subaru of America, Inc. or Subaru Corporation. Subaru and the model names are trademarks of their owners.