Subaru

In the fiercely competitive compact crossover segment, the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester are competent alternatives to the best-selling Toyota RAV4. Both have been around for a long time, giving Honda and Subaru many years to refine their challengers. These two vehicles may fall into the same segment, but the Subaru leans more towards buyers with an adventurous, outdoorsy lifestyle, while the Honda excels as an everyday family vehicle. Here, we’ll take a deeper dive into how these rivals are unique by highlighting five major differences between them.

2026 Subaru Forester

Subaru

The differences begin under the hoods of these crossovers. Both come with standard four-cylinder gas engines and have optional hybrids, but the Subaru employs a naturally-aspirated Boxer mill and the Honda uses a turbocharged four-pot for non-hybrid models. 

In Car and Driver testing, both non-hybrid versions of these SUVs were on the sluggish side, but the Honda is a bit quicker and it attains peak torque much lower down than the Subaru. In hybrid form, the Honda is much quicker, while the Forester Hybrid lags behind most electrified models to 60 mph.

If you appreciate a more responsive vehicle, the Honda comes out on top.

Subaru

Honda

Every Forester gets the brand’s Symmetrical AWD system equipped as standard, which has long been a feature of Subarus. Given the Forester’s base price of just under $30,000, many buyers will appreciate not having to spend more than this to get AWD.

The CR-V comes with front-wheel drive as standard, with Honda’s real-time AWD system costing another $1,500. The cheapest CR-V with AWD is almost $2,500 more than the equivalent Subaru. If you must have AWD, the Subaru is the better-value option between these two.

Honda

In February, the EPA ranked Honda as the number 1 brand for fleet efficiency in its Automotive Trends Report. Looking at the CR-V’s gas mileage figures, it’s not hard to see why.

The base CR-V Hybrid with FWD gets 43/36/40 mpg city/highway/combined, easily beating the Forester Hybrid’s 35/34/35 mpg. Even when adding AWD, the CR-V Hybrid still beats the Forester, returning figures of 40/34/37 mpg.

In non-hybrid form, the CR-V gets best gas mileage numbers of 28/33/30 mpg. The Forester isn’t far behind, with its larger 2.5L engine getting best figures of 26/33/29 mpg. The Honda is also available in e-FCEV form, a fuel-cell hydrogen model that achieves 87 MPGe combined when running on a combination of hydrogen and electric power.

Overall, the CR-V is the more economical vehicle, particularly in hybrid guise.

Subaru

Honda

Both these vehicles are highly practical with airy, comfortable interiors. The Forester has more overall passenger space, but the CR-V vs Forester practicality debate tilts in favor of the Honda when you start using the trunk. Here’s how they compare.

The figures quoted here represent the most ideal configurations of each vehicle. Adding optional equipment like a sunroof or choosing a hybrid model can slightly reduce overall space, although the differences are negligible.

Kristen Brown

Subaru

Despite the Subaru having a bit more space for people, the Honda is far from cramped and we feel its larger trunk gives it the versatility advantage for everyday use.

Related: The 2026 Subaru Forester Has Many Trims, but Only One Is the Smart Buy

Cole Attisha

When you compare the Subaru Forester to the Honda CR-V, more distinct differences appear when driving them. We found the CR-V to have one of the best ride/handling balances in this segment. The ride is relaxing, steering is precise, and it doesn’t lean through the corners excessively. The Forester gets close; it rides comparably smoothly, but stops just short of the CR-V’s engaging nature when the road starts to turn. The CR-V Hybrid is especially good to drive on normal roads.

The tables turn in the Subaru’s favor if you want a mild off-roader, though. Both models come in rugged versions, those being the CR-V TrailSport and Forester Wilderness. The Subaru wins thanks to much better ground clearance (9.3 to 8.2 inches). Both have all-terrain tires and Snow driving modes, but the Forester Wilderness also comes with Low Speed/Low Ratio Gradient Control. Neither vehicle is a true off-roader, but the edge goes to the Wilderness if you’ll often be heading to campsites or other locations where you’ll have to navigate rough, uneven surfaces.

Related: Can You Daily Drive the Off-Road Ready 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness? Here's Why I Say, "Hell Yeah"

Kristen Brown

As a bonus, we decided to take a look at the reliability record of these two models over the last five model years. We’ve used JD Power’s quality and reliability ratings for this purpose.

Model year

Honda CR-V

Subaru Forester

2026

83/100

81/100

2025

83/100

81/100

2024

84/100

83/100

2023

80/100

84/100

2022

82/100

84/100

Both these vehicles have a solid reliability reputation, with consistent quality/reliability scores in the 80s. The Forester led in 2022 and 2023, but the CR-V has been on top for the last three model years. Still, this is close enough for us to declare it a tie.

Related: 2026 Toyota RAV4 vs 2026 Honda CR-V Reliability: Which One Will Be More Reliable?

The depth in the packed compact crossover segment is seriously impressive. These two contenders demonstrate that much, but have slightly different strengths. For everyday commuting, school runs, and the weekly grocery shop, the CR-V’s massive trunk, better performance, and superior economy stand out. If you need AWD at a low price, the Forester wins. It’s also the better option in Wilderness guise if some moderate off-roading is necessary. As a range, the CR-V’s spread of talents see it emerge as the better option for most people, but there’s no shame in opting for the rugged Forester.

Related: Some Compact SUVs Are Posers. We Tell You Which Ones

The Subaru Uncharted debuted last year as the automaker's cheapest EV, starting at $34,995, and for the 2027 model year, pricing is staying the same, with a $1,475 destination charge. That sub-$35k price applies to the base Premium FWD, which has a 221-horsepower electric motor on the front axle and delivers an estimated 308 miles of range. The subcompact electric crossover gets Subaru's EyeSight driver aids as standard, 18-inch aluminum wheels with gloss black covers, black fabric upholstery, a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, heated and folding wing mirrors, dual-zone climate control, and dual wireless smartphone chargers. If you want more out of your crossover, the other trims add more capability for not much more scratch. Let's take a look.

Subaru

One rung up the trim ladder is the Subaru Uncharted Sport with 287 miles of range, and this gets a second motor to power the rear axle, giving the crossover all-wheel drive and 338 hp. You also get roof rails with a 176-pound dynamic load capacity, a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate, and black or gray StarTex upholstery. The front passenger seat gains eight-way power adjustability, too, and the driver can take advantage of Traffic Jam Assist and Lane Change Assist. All of this costs $39,795, excluding destination, but if you're willing to spend $43,795, you can upgrade to the range-topper.

Related: Subaru’s Quickest Production Car Is Staying Under $40,000 For 2027

The most expensive and best-equipped Uncharted variant is the 273-mile GT, which gains a panoramic glass roof with a power sunshade, ventilated front seats, a Harman Kardon sound system, 20-inch alloy wheels in a gunmetal finish, heated outboard rear seats, and a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink. The GT also gets access to two-tone paint in Habanero Orange Metallic, Metropolis Gray Metallic, Coastal Wolf Gray Metallic, or Cosmic White pearl, while lesser trims have the same options without a duotone finish. The Premium FWD and the Sport can also be ordered in Astro Black Mica.

Subaru

With the 2027 Subaru Uncharted arriving at dealers in the fall, the automaker is trying to clear inventory of the 2026 model, and lease offers for the month of June start at $415 per month. This applies to the Premium FWD on a 36-month contract with $2,915 due at signing (plus fees and taxes), and Subaru includes a $2,000 Customer Cash Rebate, with no need or a security deposit. However, you'll have to act quickly, as this deal expires after 30 June (next Tuesday).

The Toyota bZ has been called a very reliable EV, but a new recall may call that assessment into question. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a new recall for the 2026 bZ, its Subaru Solterra twin, and the Lexus RZ, all of which may experience an unexpected loss of drive power, potentially leaving drivers stranded and at risk of a crash. The issue affects tens of 20,991 EVs, and unfortunately, the issue cannot be resolved by an over-the-air update, so affected owners will need to visit a dealer for a fix.

Lexus

The NHTSA recall report tells us that the affected Toyota bZ, Subaru Solterra, and Lexus RZ EVs have an issue with the ECU that controls the battery. This has two integrated circuits, and one of these can immediately overwrite data that the other had just written to. If this happens, the memory can fail an operational check, and if it does this multiple times, a warning message - "EV System Malfunction" - shows up on the driver cluster, along with "multiple malfunction indicator lamps" for various systems. Next, the electric drive system shuts down, and the car stops driving. The good news is that the power steering and power-assisted brakes will still work, allowing you to pull over safely. The bad news is that this malfunction occurs "at any driving speed," so it could occur while you're in the left lane on the freeway.

Related: The Most Reliable Toyota Models In 2026, And Why RAV4 Is Missing

Basically, both the monitoring integrated circuit and the battery control integrated circuit are trying to use the same memory address location, and that makes the ECU freak out. Interestingly, Toyota discovered this problem in a completely different car with a combustion engine, "during development testing of a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle model." We'd like to believe Toyota was working on a RAV4-based pickup, but the automaker didn't reveal much more. What it did say was that testing of numerous EVs with similar software, conducted in April of this year, revealed that certain other vehicles had a difference in the cycling of the monitoring integrated circuit's write operation, so they didn't show the fault. As of earlier this month, Toyota is aware of no field technical report and only one warranty claim that may be related to the issue.

• 2026 Subaru Solterra: 4,757 units (production dates: September 17, 2025 - April 13, 2026)
• 2026 Toyota bZ: 11,495 units (production dates: June 2, 2025 - April 9, 2026)
• 2026 Lexus RZ: 4,739 units (production dates: April 24, 2025 - January 20, 2026)

Lexus

As with any recall, a fix will be made available at no charge to the customer, but they'll have to visit a dealer for the ECU software update. Unfortunately, it appears that this software update is not yet ready, as Toyota plans to notify owners of the fix over August 3-17, and there's no indication of when VINs will be searchable on the NHTSA's site. We'd recommend avoiding the fast lane until then.

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The 2027 Subaru Forester compact SUV is the most adventure-ready in its segment thanks to its generous ground clearance and full-time AWD, with an even more capable Wilderness trim available. Redesigned last year, it’s still fresh, though it retains the recognizably boxy Forester shape. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Boxer-four won’t set the drag strip on fire with 180 horsepower, but a little more power and significantly better efficiency can be had in the 194-hp hybrid. With over 74 cu-ft of total cargo space, the Forester challenges some midsize SUVs for practicality.

Kyle Edward/Autoblog

The 2027 Forester carries over unchanged from last year with a single difference: the Wilderness trim is now also offered as a hybrid (above and below), whereas it was only available as a gas model last year.

2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid in Geyser Blue

Kyle Edward/Autoblog

The Forester’s tall stature and upright greenhouse spell practicality, not flash, and it has a charmingly rugged, honest look about it. Last year’s redesign looks quite modern, complete with standard cornering LED headlights and a roof spoiler. All trims get roof rails, and the Wilderness is ruggedized with 9.3 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and other exterior upgrades, including a hood decal and anodized copper accents.

2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid in Geyser Blue

Kyle Edward/Autoblog

The cabin is practical and ergonomically sound, not plush, with excellent all-round visibility and comfortable seats. Base and Premium come with cloth, making way for water-repellent StarTex in the Sport and Wilderness and leather in the Limited.

Most trims have an 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Base has dual 7.0-inch displays and wired connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard on the hybrids and optional on the gas Wilderness. Features include SiriusXM and HD Radio. The Base gets four speakers; other trims get Wi-Fi and either six speakers or 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio.

2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid gray interior

Adam Lynton/Autoblog

The 2027 Subaru Forester’s price is expected to increase a little, but the final numbers weren’t available at the time of writing.

Trim Level

Price

Base trim: Base

~$31,550

Top trim: Touring Hybrid

~$42,995

Best value trim: Sport

~$35,900

The Sport represents great value for around $5K more than the Base, adding niceties like 19-inch wheels, a panoramic power moonroof, X-MODE, LED fog lights, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, paddle shifters, a wireless charging pad, an upgraded infotainment and audio system, and more.

Engine

Horsepower

Torque

Transmission

Drivetrain

2.5L Flat-4

180 hp

178 lb-ft

CVT

AWD (standard)

2.5L Flat-4 hybrid

194 hp

N/A

CVT

AWD (standard)

The hybrid has a 1.1-kWh battery and an electric motor that adds 14 hp to the engine’s output.

The base powertrain is sluggish, taking around 8.3 to 9.4 seconds to accelerate to 60 MPH, depending on the trim and test weight. With only 14 hp more, the hybrids score only slightly better at 8.2 to 8.8 seconds on average.

Cole Attisha

City

Highway

Combined

2.5L gas AWD (Base/Premium)

26

33

29

2.5L gas AWD (Sport/Touring)

25

32

28

2.5L gas AWD (Wilderness)

24

28

26

2.5L Hybrid AWD (Premium/Sport/Touring)

35

34

35

2.5L Hybrid AWD (Wilderness)

TBC

TBC

TBC

Subaru’s advanced Symmetrical All-Wheel drive doesn’t operate in FWD mode until traction is lost, like many rivals, but is permanently engaged. Steering-angle data is incorporated into the AWD logic, and the Wilderness also gains dual-function X-MODE with presets for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud, as well as hill-descent control.

Dimension

Other Trims

Wilderness

Length

182.3 inches

182.9 inches

Width

72.0 inches

72.4 inches

Height

68.1 inches

69.3 inches

Wheelbase

105.1 inches

104.9 inches

Row

Headroom

Legroom

Shoulder Room

First Row

40-41.2 inches

43.3 inches

57.7 inches

Second Row

37.7-39.6 inches

39.4 inches

56.7 inches

Cargo volume behind the rear seats is 29.6 cu-ft in the Base and 27.5 cu-ft for trims with the panoramic roof. Total space with the rear seat folded is 74.4 and 69.1 cu-ft, respectively. The hybrid system does not impinge on luggage space.

2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness trunk

Subaru

The Forester’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance is class-leading, and this increases further to 9.3 inches for the Wilderness. The Wilderness also has impressive approach, breakover, and departure angles of 23.5, 21, and 25.5 degrees, respectively.

Warranty Type

Coverage

Basic

3 years / 36,000 miles

Powertrain

5 years / 60,000 miles

Complimentary Maintenance

Not included

Pros:

• Standard AWD
• Generous ground clearance
• Spacious interior
• Strong resale value and reliability
• Wilderness has genuine off-road capability

Cons:

• Base powertrain sluggish compared to rivals
• Cabin materials lack a premium feel
• Real-world fuel economy disappoints
• CVT lacks engagement

The latest Forester still plays to the traditional Forester strengths, with a roomy cabin, solid build quality, and segment-best AWD system and ground clearance, especially in the surprisingly capable Wilderness. It’s best as a Sport, and pay extra for the hybrid system if you can, for a bit of extra oomph and better economy, because the gas engine is sluggish. Despite a lack of power and excitement, the Forester is an accomplished and comfortable crossover.

Cole Attisha

• Toyota RAV4
• Honda CR-V
• Chevrolet Equinox
• Hyundai Tucson
• Kia Sportage

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The 2027 Subaru Outback is a midsize crossover SUV that started life as a ruggedized version of the Legacy wagon in 1994, but has become a model in its own right. It’s still more off-road wagon than SUV, but has surprising off-road ability, with the 9.5 inches of ground clearance and dual-function X-MODE of the Wilderness trim taking it a step further. The base naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Boxer 4-cylinder delivers only 180 horsepower, but a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4L version is available. Both drive all four wheels permanently via a CVT automatic with an 8-speed mode. Rivals include midsize SUVs like the Honda Passport and Toyota Crown Signia.

The 2027 Outback is not getting any changes after last year’s redesign, but Subaru has been introducing hybrid variants of some of its models in their second model years, so a hybridized Outback may be imminent, perhaps even as a late-2027 model. There may be a small price increase, while the destination fee also increases from $1,450 to $1,600.

2026 Subaru Outback

Cole Attisha

The Outback is recognizably a wagon, but the latest generation has a bluff nose and boxier proportions for more SUV attitude. Split-level LED DRLs and headlights, LED fog lights, a rear LED light bar, roof rails, and plastic lower body cladding and wheel-arch trim are standard. The Wilderness stands out with a truck-like grille with large “SUBARU” lettering, brush guards protecting the lights, and anodized copper-finish accents. Most trims run on 18-inch wheels, but the Limited and Touring trims get 19s, and the Wilderness gets 17-inch hoops with all-terrain tires.

2026 Subaru Outback in Deep Emerald Green

Subaru

A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard, as is a 12.3-inch touchscreen with 6-speaker audio and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, upgraded with navigation and 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio above the base Premium trim. The standard dual-zone climate control retains hard buttons. Heated front seats are standard; the Touring trims get power ventilated front seats, and all trims above Premium get a heated steering wheel and heated outboard rear seats. 

Water-repellent StarTex upholstery is used on the Premium and Wilderness; the Limited trims get leather, and the Touring trims get Nappa leather. Cabin space is genuinely generous, with nearly 40 inches of rear legroom.

2026 Subaru Outback Touring XT Java Brown interior

Subaru

The 2027 Subaru Outback’s price list has not been released at the time of writing, so the prices below are based on the latest available indications:

Category

Trim

Price

Base trim

Outback Premium

~$35,145

Top trim

Outback Touring XT

~$48,145

Best value trim

Outback Limited

~$41,865

The high-value Limited asks for around $42K, but adds a lot of value over the Premium, including navigation, leather, a power moonroof, Harman Kardon audio, and heating for the rear seats and steering wheel.

The Premium, Limited, and Touring get the naturally aspirated 2.5L engine, while the turbocharged 2.4-liter goes into the Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness.

Engine

Horsepower

Torque

Transmission

Drivetrain

2.5L NA H4

180 hp

178 lb-ft

CVT

AWD

2.4L Turbo H4

260 hp

277 lb-ft

CVT

AWD

The Outback with the base powertrain is slow, reaching 60 MPH in around 8.6 - 8.8 seconds, and works hard at speed. The turbocharged setup cuts that time to a swift 6.0 - 6.5 seconds, for way more confident passing and merging power, even with a load on board.

Chase Bierenkoven

There weren’t any 2027 EPA figures at the time of writing, but the 2026 numbers below should still apply to the unchanged Outback:

Configuration

City

Highway

Combined

2.5L NA AWD (Premium, Limited, Touring)

25

31

27

2.4L Turbo AWD (Limited XT, Touring XT)

21

29

24

2.4L Turbo AWD (Wilderness)

21

27

23

Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive maintains constant AWD traction and isn’t a reactive system that powers all four wheels only when traction is being lost, like some rivals. X-MODE optimizes the powertrain and electronic assists to optimize traction, and the Wilderness upgrades it to dual-function X-MODE with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes and low-speed gradient control.

Dimension

Measurement

Length

191.7 inches

Width

74.0 inches

Height

67.5 inches (68.3 Wilderness)

Wheelbase

108.1 inches

Ground Clearance

8.7 inches (9.5 Wilderness)

Measurement

Front

Rear

Headroom

40.2 - 41.0 inches

40.2 - 40.5 inches

Legroom

43.0 inches

39.5 inches

The trunk holds 34.6 cu-ft with the rear seat up and an SUV-rivalling 80.5 cu-ft with it folded down.

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness trunk

Chase Bierenkoven

Coverage Type

Duration

Basic (Bumper-to-Bumper)

3 years / 36,000 miles

Powertrain

5 years / 60,000 miles

Complimentary Maintenance

Not included

Pros:

• Standard AWD and ample ground clearance
• Roomy cabin and trunk
• Physical climate controls
• Wilderness has legitimate off-road hardware and adaptive dampers

Cons:

• Base powertrain is slow
• CVT lacks engagement
• No complimentary maintenance

The Outback proves that you don’t need a “real” SUV to go adventuring, with plenty of ground clearance, permanent AWD, strong punch from the turbocharged engine, and genuine SUV-matching off-road ability in the Wilderness trim, all coupled to generous equipment levels and a roomy cabin. Whether these qualities trump the SUV image is up to you. Weaknesses include a sluggish base engine that exacerbates the drony CVT, but that’s about it, so the Outback emerges as a strong entry in its segment.

Subaru

• Honda Passport
• Toyota Crown Signia
• Mazda CX-70
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Chevrolet Blazer

American car buyers have made their preference known. They walk into a dealership and walk out with a full-size SUV or a trendy new crossover. However, given the reliability pandemic with new and complex cars, it may make more sense to look at the overlooked. The automotive market is, contrary to belief, still offering up some robust cars that are engineered to last decades but cursed by changing consumer tastes, controversial designs, or simple marketing failures.

According to the YouTube channel Car Help Corner's recent analysis, here are five reliable cars that buyers overlook in favor of more mainstream options, and why they deserve a second look.

Toyota

Sedans are a dying breed, which explains why the Toyota Crown remains a well-kept secret. Essentially taking the place of the Avalon, the Crown is an elevated four-door built in Japan with an obsessive focus on quality. It pairs a time-tested naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system with standard all-wheel drive, offering up to 41 mpg combined. Buyers looking for performance can opt for the Hybrid Max, pushing 340 horsepower. It provides the quiet, isolated ride of a premium car without the badge markup. Yet, because it lacks a traditional SUV silhouette, consumers pass right by it. Toyota's Camry and Corolla are sales toppers; the Crown deserves to sit alongside them for buyers looking for something more upmarket.

Subaru

The standard Subaru Impreza is the victim of friendly fire. The vast majority of buyers walk into a Subaru showroom and immediately gravitate toward the lifted Crosstrek. What they miss is that the 2026 Subaru Impreza—now exclusively a five-door hatchback starting at a highly competitive $26,595 for the 2026 model year—is practically the same car. It features the same renowned symmetrical all-wheel drive, the same structural rigidity, and the same Japanese manufacturing quality. By foregoing the slight ride-height increase of the Crosstrek, buyers get a more planted daily driver with better incentives and a lower entry price. Yet the Crosstrek outsells the Impreza nearly 7-to-1 in North America.

Honda

The Honda Ridgeline has spent its entire existence taking heat from traditional truck purists. Because it utilizes a unibody platform shared with the Pilot rather than a heavy body-on-frame setup, it is often dismissed. This is a profound mistake. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline pairs a naturally aspirated 280-horsepower V6 with fully independent front and rear suspension. It out-handles and rides better than the Toyota Tacoma or Chevrolet Colorado. Factor in the dent-resistant bed and the class-exclusive lockable in-bed trunk, and the Ridgeline is objectively all the truck most Americans will ever need, engineered with a powertrain that refuses to die.

Lexus

In the premium crossover segment, size dictates sales. The Lexus UX 300h is admittedly tight on rear legroom and cargo volume, which allows for sales to be cannibalized by its sibling, the slightly larger and pricier NX. However, underneath the sharp Lexus sheet metal lies the mechanical architecture of a Toyota Prius. Utilizing a remarkably efficient hybrid system based around a 2.0-liter engine, the UX is arguably the cheapest luxury vehicle to run and maintain on the market today. It trades complex engineering for absolute, unwavering reliability and rock-bottom running costs. While it is a strong seller, the UX 300h is frequently overlooked in favor of its larger siblings.

Honda

The return of the Honda Prelude nameplate for 2026 is already generating controversy among driving enthusiasts. Starting around $42,000, it is not the raw, manual-transmission sports car purists demanded. Instead, Honda built a sleek, two-door hybrid coupe. By integrating a highly efficient two-motor hybrid system with chassis and braking components derived from the Civic Type R, Honda has created something entirely unique. The Prelude is capable of 44 MPG combined, 200 horsepower, and offers sharp, engaging handling without the punishing ride, dismal fuel economy, and frequent repair bills typical of traditional performance coupes. It is a niche vehicle, but one positioned to potentially be the most dependable coupe on the road. Of course, given its novelty, only time will tell.

While buyers have begun to accept frequent trips to the service center as normal, these five vehicles prove that reliability often hides in plain sight.

In case you missed it, Subaru already confirmed that the Performance-B STI Concept gets the green light for production. As expected, details are still locked away, but a recent US trademark filing might just give us a sneak peek at what badge this hot hatch will wear.

Filed on June 9, Subaru's latest paperwork with the US Patent and Trademark Office is for the name "IMPREZA TX." It's an intent-to-use application, so Subaru is basically calling dibs on the name for now – no promises that it'll actually show up on a production car just yet.

Whether the trademark application is intended for the upcoming hatchback remains unconfirmed, but the timing certainly makes it an interesting development.

USPTO

If Subaru does slap the "TX" badge on the new hatch, it wouldn't be the first time the brand has played with those letters.

Subaru fans will remember the XT badge from models like the Forester, as well as the current Outback Limited XT, where "T" meant turbo and "X" stood for all-wheel drive. Subaru never spelled out what "TX" is supposed to mean, but flipping the letters could just be a new spin on a familiar formula.

Sure, automakers love to trademark names that never see the light of day. But with Subaru already promising a new manual hatchback, it's hard not to connect the dots when "Impreza TX" pops up right now.

Subaru is still playing its cards close, but with a production plan confirmed and a fresh name lurking in the background, we're starting to get a clearer idea of what the next performance hatch might look like.

Jacob Oliva/Autoblog

Subaru already dropped the biggest hint in the concept, though. The automaker insists this hatchback won't just be a WRX or BRZ clone. The company says it's cooking up "a new personality" for the car, hinting that it'll carve out its own spot in the lineup.

Specs are still a mystery, but the concept car didn't exactly hide Subaru's intentions. We're talking turbo boxer engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, wild aero, a hood scoop you could spot from space, flared fenders, side skirts, twin pipes, and a massive rear wing.

The whole package looked less like a pie-in-the-sky concept and more like a real rival for the Toyota GR Corolla or Honda Civic Type R. If Subaru keeps most of that attitude for the production car, probably wearing a TX badge, it’s an exciting development we’re holding our breath for.

Jacob Oliva/Autoblog

Subaru has introduced a new production strategy that it may also launch in the U.S., building combustion cars, hybrids, and EVs all on the same line for the first time. It's calling the move "ultra-efficient production," and it will start with its Yajima assembly plant near Tokyo, Japan, in August. The two-line plant is currently responsible for the Trailseeker and the Toyota bZ4X Touring/bZ Woodland EVs on one line and the Forester and Outback on the other. Now, it will add the Forester hybrid to its portfolio after retooling took place last August. The idea is to save production costs, but also to make Subaru more flexible in light of shifting demand and geopolitical factors like war and tariffs.

Adam Lynton/Autoblog

This is the first time Subaru has produced vehicles with three different powertrains in mixed output, reports Automotive News, and it plans to expand the strategy to its Indiana plant before applying it to the new Oizumi plant currently under construction, scheduled to be ready in 2028. Having the ability to produce gas, hybrid, and EV powertrains and the vehicles they go into on either side of the Pacific means that Subaru will be less vulnerable, not only to tariffs and changes in buyer demand at home and in the U.S., but also to fluctuating exchange rates. "We will be able to adapt to changes," said Managing Executive Officer Ikuo Watanabe. Recent changes include taking a $362 million charge last month to delay production of Subaru's first independently developed EV, leaving the automaker's EV lineup to rely on the products it developed with Toyota's help - the Solterra (Toyota bZ), Uncharted (Toyota C-HR), Getaway (Toyota Highlander), and Trailseeker (Toyota bZ Woodland/bZ4X Touring).

Related: Subaru’s Quickest Production Car Is Staying Under $40,000 For 2027

"Demand trends are uncertain and we cannot predict which powertrain, battery electric, hybrid, or internal combustion engine will sell well and when," said Watanabe. "Making an investment decision on one specific technology poses the greatest risk." This is the same argument Toyota has been making since the turn of the decade, when many automakers were betting big on EV growth. Greenpeace may not like the strategy, but these are businesses that can't survive offering only EVs.

Jacob Oliva/Autoblog

With the new production plan, Subaru intends to cut production processes by half as it aims to reduce costs by 200 billion yen ($1.2 billion) by 2030, and that should help make the automaker more competitive, giving it more leeway to build exciting new performance cars without compromising on its core lineup. But on the other hand, cutting production costs can sometimes lead to reliability and quality issues. We'll just have to wait for the fruits of the factories to reach dealer floors to see if there are drawbacks to this flexibility.

Once a quirky wagon with a taste for adventure, the Subaru Outback has grown up without losing its roots. For 2026, Subaru has cranked things up with a full redesign, giving the Outback a chunkier SUV vibe, more space for people and gear, and all the familiar touches fans love.

As one of Subaru’s go-to family haulers, the new Outback still nails that sweet spot between comfort, mild off-road chops, and daily practicality. If you’re itching to try the latest version without signing your life away, Subaru’s June lease deals make it easier than ever to get a taste of the new Outback without the big upfront spend.

Kristen Brown

Right now, Subaru is rolling out lease offers on the freshly redesigned 2026 Outback, with deals running through June 30, 2026. The spotlight is on the Outback Premium trim, but you’ll need to check with your local dealer and have your credit in order to snag one.

Model

Monthly Payment

Lease Term

Due at Signing

Annual Mileage

2026 Subaru Outback Premium

$305

36 months

$4,304

10,000 miles

The headline lease runs for 36 months – the longest Subaru’s offering right now. Depending on what’s on the lot and what’s hot in your area, you might find other deals on different trims. No security deposit needed, and the offer sticks around until June 30, 2026 if you qualify.

If you’re weighing leasing versus buying, the low monthly payments might be the clincher. Just remember, what you see depends on your ZIP code, your dealer, and your credit score.

Kristen Brown

The headline for 2026? The Outback gets a total makeover this year. It still rocks Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive and boxer engine, but now it’s got a taller, more SUV-like stance. Subaru claims the flatter roofline means more space inside and extra room for your gear.

Most Outbacks run with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 180 horsepower, but if you want more punch, the XT and Wilderness trims pack a turbocharged 2.4-liter good for 260 horses. Both engines hook up to a CVT, and towing ranges from 2,700 to 3,500 pounds depending on which engine you pick.

For tech fans, the Outback’s cabin now sports a massive 12.1-inch touchscreen with a zippier processor, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru’s latest EyeSight safety gear is standard, so you get adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, forward-collision warning, and auto emergency braking. Spring for a higher trim and you can even cruise hands-free on the highway at up to 85 mph.

Chase Bierenkoven

The new Outback is battling a crowded midsize crossover ring, but it still brings a mix that’s tough to beat. That considerable ground clearance and that optional turbo mean it’s just as happy hauling groceries (quickly) as it is chasing dirt trails.

Now, if you like to keep your options open, leasing the Outback would be a smart move. You get all the latest tech and fresh looks without locking yourself in for the long haul. Plus, those lower monthly payments might just put a fancier trim within reach.

Kristen Brown

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle.

Subaru’s reputation for reliability is well-earned, with Consumer Reports naming it the Best Overall Automotive Brand for 2026 for the second year in a row. That award blends reliability, owner satisfaction, safety, and road-test scores, but on pure reliability alone, Subaru ranks second for 2026, behind Toyota.

“Subaru is reliable” and “this Subaru is reliable” are not the same statement, and the gap between them matters when you are spending real money. Ask which single model in the lineup holds up best, and the answer points away from the showroom’s newest metal. The most reliable Subaru in 2026 is not the new electric one, and it is not the loaded three-row flagship. It is one of the cheapest, most ordinary cars the brand sells, and there is a concrete reason for that.

Subaru reliability is not spread evenly by badge. It comes from hardware the company has refined for decades and shares across most of the range: the horizontally opposed boxer four-cylinder and standard symmetrical all-wheel drive. When a brand reuses proven engines, transmissions, and drivetrains across high-volume models, it removes the new-design risk that sinks first-year reliability scores. That is why Subaru dependability concentrates in the cars built on its oldest, most-validated mechanical base, and thins out in the models carrying its newest, least-tested technology. The more familiar the parts, the better the track record.

Three models carry the brand’s reliability case in 2026, and all three sit in the Great band of J.D. Power’s Quality & Reliability scale. Picking the best Subaru model here comes down to body style and budget, because the reliability is close.

Related: Most Reliable Car Brands of 2025-2026, Ranked

Consumer Reports rates the Crosstreck as the top subcompact SUV for 2026, and it is also Subaru’s best-seller, with a record 191,724 units sold in 2025. A 2024 redesign sharpened the look and quieted the cabin without disturbing the proven mechanicals underneath. High volume and shared hardware tend to produce more predictable reliability outcomes over time.

Cole Attisha

Best for: buyers who want the safest reliability bet at a low price, in SUV form.

Spec

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

Engine

2.5L Boxer 4-Cylinder

Horsepower

180 hp

Torque

178 lb-ft

EPA City/Hwy

26 / 33 mpg

Starting MSRP*

$26,995

J.D. Power Quality & Reliability

85/100 (Great)

The cheapest way into Subaru’s engineering, and the only pick here that is not an SUV. The Impreza shares its platform and core mechanicals with the Crosstrek, minus the rugged cladding and the raised ride height. For buyers who want that dependable boxer-and-AWD foundation in a lower, lighter hatchback, it is the lowest-priced entry in the lineup.

Subaru

Best for: buyers who want Subaru’s proven hardware at the lowest price, in a car rather than an SUV.

Spec

2026 Subaru Impreza

Engine (Standard / Available)

2.0L Boxer / 2.5L Boxer

Horsepower

152 hp / 180 hp

Torque

145 lb-ft / 178 lb-ft

EPA City/Hwy

27 / 33 mpg (2.0L), 26 / 33 mpg (2.5L)

Starting MSRP*

$26,595

J.D. Power Quality & Reliability

83/100 (Great)

The Foprester is the pick when you need more room. Consumer Reports has named it the top compact SUV for 13 consecutive years, a streak no rival comes close to. It is larger and more practical than the Crosstrek while riding on the same dependable Subaru fundamentals, which is why families default to it.

Subaru

Best for: buyers who want Crosstrek-grade reliability with real cargo and passenger space.

Spec

2026 Subaru Forester

Engine

2.5L Boxer 4-Cylinder

Horsepower

180 hp

Torque

178 lb-ft

EPA City/Hwy

26 / 33 mpg

Starting MSRP*

$29,995

J.D. Power Quality & Reliability

81/100 (Great)

*Starting MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges. EPA figures are for the base or standard gas trim and vary by trim. Reliability scores are J.D. Power Quality & Reliability ratings (jdpower.com), on a 100-point scale where 81 to 90 is Great.

The brand halo has limits, and Subaru’s own lineup shows them. The Solterra, its electric SUV, has been the lowest-scoring model in Subaru’s lineup on reliability, and it has been recalled twice by NHTSA for the 2025 model year. That is not unusual for a first-generation EV, but it means the brand’s reliability reputation does not automatically extend to it.

The same caution applies to what is coming. Subaru’s newer electric models, the Trailseeker and the Uncharted, have no ownership track record yet, and no amount of brand goodwill substitutes for years of survey data.

The Ascent, the three-row flagship, sits in between. Recent model years have improved to roughly average reliability, but the Ascent has landed on Consumer Reports’ least-reliable list in the past, so its history reads as mixed rather than clean.

Subaru

If you want the most reliable Subaru in 2026, buy the Crosstrek. It pairs the brand’s proven mechanical base with the high sales volume that produces consistent reliability data, and Consumer Reports backs it as the best in its class. Choose the Impreza if you want that same engineering for the lowest price in a car instead of an SUV, or the Forester if you need the space. Skip the first-generation electric models if dependability is your top priority.