Subaru

The Subaru Legacy may be approaching its final chapter, but Subaru isn’t letting it bow out quietly. As one of the few remaining midsize sedans offering standard all-wheel drive, the 2025 Legacy continues to make a strong case for itself with a blend of value, comfort, and safety that’s tough to match. With production winding down, the long-running model remains a steady favorite among families and commuters who want security and space without breaking the bank.

Priced from $25,210, the 2025 Legacy lineup spans five trims – Base, Premium, Limited, Sport, and Touring XT – offering two engine options: a 180-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter. Both pair with a CVT for smooth, efficient power delivery. Now, with Subaru rolling out a new lease deal for November, shoppers can drive home one of the last affordable AWD sedans at an even more enticing price point.

Subaru

Available through Subaru's official website, the latest lease offer puts the Legacy Premium trim squarely in the spotlight this month. The automaker is offering the mid-tier model for $319 per month on a 36-month term, with $3,959 due at signing, plus tax and license. The offer doesn’t require a security deposit, and total lease payments come to $11,484, with a purchase option of $16,654 at the end of the term. Buyers must take delivery by December 1, 2025, to qualify.

This deal, aimed at well-qualified lessees, represents one of the best-value AWD sedans on the market today. With an MSRP of $30,280 (including freight) and a net cap cost of $26,790, the Legacy Premium delivers strong value in a segment increasingly dominated by crossovers. However, regional variations may apply, and shoppers should confirm local terms before signing.

Subaru

Subaru hasn’t cut corners on substance with the 2025 Legacy Premium. Under the hood, the 2.5-liter boxer engine provides 180 horsepower and smooth acceleration, while the brand’s hallmark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive ensures stability in all weather. Fuel economy remains competitive at up to 30 mpg combined, making it an appealing option for year-round commuters.

Inside, comfort takes a front seat. The Premium trim steps up with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats—features that elevate everyday driving. Spaciousness continues to be a standout, with generous rear legroom (39.5 inches) and a 15.1-cubic-foot trunk, while Subaru’s EyeSight suite brings safety tech like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist as standard, making it one of the safer options still out there.

Subaru

The 2025 Subaru Legacy may not be the flashiest car in its class, but it’s one of the most well-rounded, especially for drivers who prioritize safety and traction over trends. As Subaru prepares to sunset its stalwart sedan, this lease deal gives buyers one last chance to secure a practical, all-weather daily driver at a compelling rate.

Shoppers should act quickly, as the lease offer runs through December 1, 2025, and availability could tighten as production winds down. For those looking to own one of the last traditional all-wheel-drive sedans on the road, the Legacy remains a solid send-off to an enduring nameplate.

Subaru

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.

The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV designed for both everyday usability and weekend excursions. Sitting between the Crosstrek and the Outback in Subaru’s lineup, it is a strong seller for the brand, with 145,806 units moved so far this year.

The 2026 Forester comes with subtle refinements, improved interior materials, and a more ruggedly capable Wilderness variant that returns with increased ground clearance and off-road upgrades.

Kristen Brown

For shoppers exploring flexible options, Subaru Forester lease deals are now available for November.

Subaru’s current leasing program covers both 2026 and 2025 Forester models. For those looking to lease a Forester, the Subaru's November offers are valid through December 1, 2025. According to the latest national offer, customers can lease the 2026 Forester base model for $309 per month for 36 months, with $4,308 due at signing before taxes and licensing fees.

A similar offer is available for the outgoing 2025 Forester, priced slightly lower at $275 per month, with $4,274 due at signing.

Trim

Monthly Payment

Lease Term

Due at Signing

Annual Mileage

2026 Forester (Base)

$309

36 months

$4,308

10,000 miles

2025 Forester (Base)

$275

36 months

$4,274

10,000 miles

While these are based on the base trim configurations, other Forester lease offers are available for higher trims, such as the Premium, Sport, and Wilderness, through participating Subaru retailers.

Subaru Forester lease plans can differ slightly depending on the location and credit standing. Shorter 24-month and 30-month terms are also available in some states. Those interested can check Subaru’s official website or contact local dealers to verify availability and eligibility before the offers expire.

The 2026 Subaru Forester stays true to the brand’s core formula of balanced capability and comfort. It comes standard with a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission and Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive. The Wilderness trim, meanwhile, is meant for those who crave adventure, with a revised suspension setup, increased ride height to 9.3 inches, and upgraded all-terrain tires.

Notable features include:

• Standard symmetrical all-wheel drive across all trims
• 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• EyeSight driver-assistance suite with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist
• Spacious 75-cubic-foot cargo capacity with seats folded
• Wilderness trim upgrades, including skid plates and off-road drive modes

The cabin also features improved storage, larger cupholders, and a redesigned shifter placement for better ergonomics. Fuel economy ranges from 26/33 mpg city/highway for standard models to 24/28 mpg for the Wilderness.

Subaru

The 2026 Subaru Forester has a reputation for reliability and all-terrain capability while offering a cleaner interior and more refined design. Its leasing options make it easier for drivers to experience a well-rounded, outdoors-ready compact SUV without heavy upfront costs. Whether through the outright purchase or these Forester lease deals, it is a solid choice for outgoing families that require practicality in a compact SUV.

Cole Attisha

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.

Crosstrek vs. Forester: Which Subaru crossover is better? As with any comparison, these two models each have their pros and cons. Compared to their rivals, though, the Subaru siblings promise a bit more dirt-road comfortability and place the emphasis on durability rather than showroom appeal. Both also come with a Subaru staple as standard, that being all-wheel drive.

Here’s a closer look at the differences separating the Crosstrek and Forester.

Related: 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid and Wilderness unveiled

Subaru Crosstrek

Kristen Brown

The difference between the Crosstrek and Forester starts with size. The Crosstrek slots into the affordable subcompact segment with the Toyota Corolla Cross, whereas the Forester is a compact crossover, just like the RAV4. Here’s a look at how their dimensions compare:

Despite sharing the same wheelbase, the Forester has a longer, taller, and marginally wider body. This benefits interior space, but the Crosstrek will be easier to maneuver in city driving or tight parking garages.

Related: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid First Drive Review: Efficient, Sporty, and Adventure-Ready

Both of these crossovers get Subaru’s Boxer 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as standard, with identical outputs of 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to all four wheels via a CVT, but the Crosstrek feels a bit perkier, given it has less weight to lug around.

Both also have an optional hybrid powertrain, which pairs the 2.5L four-cylinder with an electric motor. Combined, the system produces 194 hp and can achieve 36 mpg combined in the Crosstrek and 35 mpg combined in the Forester. 

In independent testing, the non-hybrid Crosstrek reached 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, two-tenths ahead of the Forester, another advantage of the former’s smaller and lighter body. It must be noted that the Boxer engine is rather unrefined when pushed hard, though.

The standard specification in both crossovers isn’t all that different, but once you start looking at the available options, the Forester emerges as the more premium vehicle.

In the Forester, you can get ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, a driver’s memory system for the seat/mirrors, and genuine leather upholstery, none of which are available for the smaller Crosstrek. Most Forester trims get a power panoramic moonroof, whereas only one Crosstrek trim has a standard non-panoramic moonroof. More Forester trims also have access to the Harmon Kardon sound system, whereas five of the seven Crosstrek trims don’t.

If you want a crossover with more amenities, the Forester wins.

With its larger body, it comes as no surprise that the Forester has more interior space. It’s got 110.8 cubic feet of passenger volume as opposed to a maximum of 100.5 cubic feet in the Crosstrek. That may not sound like a huge difference, but you can feel it when seated in the Forester’s second row—it has 39.4 inches of rear legroom to the Crosstrek’s 36.5. Shoulder room is also in favor of the Forester, although the Crosstrek surprisingly has a little more rear headroom.

Cargo space in the Forester measures 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 74.4 cubic feet with the back seats folded; the Crosstrek’s figures are up to 20/54.9 cubic feet, respectively, so the Forester has a lot more space for luggage.

Cole Attisha

Trim for trim, the Subaru Crosstrek is cheaper than its Forester sibling. It starts at $26,995, going up to $33,795 for the off-road-focused Wilderness. The Crosstrek Hybrid, meanwhile, starts at $33,995.

It will cost you $29,995 for the base Forester, which is $3,000 more than the Crosstrek. The Wilderness costs $38,385 and the top-spec Touring goes for $41,595. Pricing for the 2026 Forester Hybrid isn’t available yet, but the 2025 version started at $34,995.

If you want the adventurous look and a bit more capability, the Crosstrek Wilderness costs around the same as the Forester’s second-cheapest trim, the Premium.

Related: 2025 Subaru Forester vs. Nissan Rogue: 5 Major Differences

Now that the Crosstrek has the same standard engine as the Forester, the gap between the two doesn’t feel as large as it once did. The Crosstrek has most of the capability of the Forester, but at a lower price, and it’s also a little quicker and more efficient. But if you want more space, refinement, and amenities, the Crosstrek can’t match the top Forester trims.

For a mix of practicality, mild off-roading capability, and value, both crossovers get the job done in the typically unpretentious way we’ve come to appreciate from Subaru.

Subaru’s always been careful to market its models as ideal for families, families who adventure, campers, environmentalists, and, of course, dog lovers. No one’s ever questioned the Forester, Outback, Ascent, and Legacy’s ability to accommodate kids. When the Crosstrek debuted in 2013, it was essentially marketed as a baby Outback, with the same ground clearance but roughly the same size as the Impreza of the time. In a way, it bridged the gap between the Impreza and the Forester.

Kristen Brown

Because it was smaller, it got better mileage than its larger counterparts (my best friend with a 2018 says she regularly gets close to 40 mpg when she’s on the highway). And because it has the same all-wheel drive system as the other models, it’s just as capable, for a more than fair price, even at the top of the line. The Wilderness model, which is the Crosstrek’s top-tier gas-only model (the Limited Hybrid is obviously more, but not by much), starts at $33,795. With smaller rear seats and a little trunk, can it work for families? Here’s what I think after I put my toddlers in it.

Like so many of Subaru’s other models, there are a few different flavors to choose from, depending on what you’re looking to get out of it. If you want something a little more fancy, you can go with the Limited model, which features nicer interior materials, a sporty, chic black-and-orange seat contrast theme, and a premium sound system for $32,995. You can go bare-bones with the Base trim, choose between two hybrid trims, or choose the Premium or Wilderness trims. So, the full MSRP range is $26,995 to $34,995.

But the Wilderness, in my not-so-humble opinion, is the best bargain. It’s a second trim from the top at $33,995. Still, it comes with a factory lift that increases ground clearance from 8.6 inches to 9.1 inches, all-terrain tires, a metal skid plate under the engine to protect it, and Subaru’s water-resistant StarTex upholstery material (an excellent feature for toddlers). Additionally, the roof and rails are reinforced to handle heavier loads, the CVT is improved for greater robustness without sacrificing efficiency, and it comes with attractive copper accents on the inside and outside. 

Kristen Brown

It’s built for those Subaru owners who used to lift and modify their old Outbacks or Foresters to tackle more challenging off-road trails, and the Wilderness can certainly handle them–and that can be said about the Forester and Outback versions, too. But it’s also pretty damn good as a daily driver, too. I still averaged more than 20 mpg around town, even with full-time all-wheel drive, and on the highway, I averaged about 27 mpg.

Related: Which Subaru Wilderness Model is Best? I Explain

This shouldn’t be surprising to anyone, but the Crosstrek’s interior is a lot tighter than it appears. The rear seats fit adults, teens, and older kids in booster seats, but my two front-facing toddlers in their car seats were packed in there like sardines in a tin can. The rear windows are also pretty small, and the Wilderness model doesn’t have a sunroof, so it feels a little more closed in, too. Even with the front passenger’s seat pushed fairly far forward, my two-year-old didn’t have to work very hard to put both of her feet onto the chair and move her entire body weight into them. 

There are also no A/C vents in the rear, which makes it a little tricky to keep toddlers cool or warm. The overall interior space is small enough to keep everyone comfortable; you need the fan speed a tad higher than you would typically use with kids in the back. There are USB-C charging points, though, so older kids, teens, and adults can charge their phones or tablets, and there is a folding center armrest with cupholders built into the center seat. So, as long as you don’t have anyone sitting in the middle and not in car seats, the rear is very comfortable.

Kristen Brown

My kids didn’t complain about being in the back of the Crosstrek Wilderness, though my three-year-old did make several comments about not being able to see out of her window (since they’re pretty high up on the door panel), and she couldn’t see out of the windshield. So, if your tot is relatively susceptible to car sickness, this is definitely something to consider. Thankfully, though, the rear windows do roll all the way down, so that should help ease and prevent it, too.

At first glance, the trunk looks to be pretty generous. And at 20 cubic feet, it’s a respectable size compared to the car's overall dainty sizing. However, with the redesign, the trunk entrance is narrower than in the previous design, making it more challenging to get things, like a stroller, into the trunk. Even larger, wider items like suitcases or bicycles are harder to load into the trunk. 

Kristen Brown

So, if one of the most significant selling points for you is the trunk size, I’d keep that in mind. And be ready to order a cargo box or basket, or have a hitch installed so you can fit a hitch cargo carrier or bike rack to it. Otherwise, if you want something that’ll suit your weekly grocery haul, solo camping trip, or things for your dog, it’s perfect. But the items that come with car seat-bound toddlers or infants make it a bit tricky.

Related: 2025 Mazda CX-30 Vs. 2025 Subaru Crosstrek: Which One Is Right For You?

Because the price for the Crosstrek Premium and Limited is so reasonable, it means that certain corners were cut. All trims of the Crosstrek come with the company’s award-winning tri-camera EyeSight system and a touch infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, but there are a lot of things it doesn’t have. Like a sunroof, a light for the trunk, mirrors with blind-spot indicators (on lower trims it’s an option, on higher trims they’re standard equipment), auto-dimming side mirrors, or an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with a compass. Though even on the lower trims, those can be added on, which is fantastic.

Kristen Brown

If you don’t feel like paying for the hiked price (which, to be fair, isn’t that much compared to other automakers–looking at you, Toyota) from the company’s official website, there are so many aftermarket companies that offer those items and more to pimp your ride, that even if you bought the base model, you’d still come out ahead after all the add-ons. If you’re looking to ball on a pretty serious budget, the Crosstrek is a great way to do it, especially for families with young kids or teens. The Wilderness obviously isn’t that flexible, but it already comes with such a long list of cool factory mods and standard features that you don’t need to add any of those things onto it. Unless you wanted to. Also, because it’s reliable, it will make a safe and fun first car for a teen.

In short, yes, the Crosstrek Wilderness can work for families, but only if you really, really want a Crosstrek over something more roomy like a Forester, Outback, the outgoing Legacy, or an Ascent. The price is tough to beat for the number of features, but it’s tight, and the trunk is difficult to fit items into because the trunk opening is very narrow. Otherwise, in a financial bind, the Crosstrek Wilderness is a decent option–but there’s better out there.

Ford recently made news for recalling 1.5 million cars over a backup camera defect, and now the world's largest automaker is dealing with a similar problem. Toyota announced that it is conducting a noncompliance safety recall that impacts approximately 1,025,000 vehicles in the U.S. with Panoramic View Monitor systems due to backup camera images potentially not displaying or freezing briefly when the vehicles are shifted into reverse, which could increase the risk of a crash. The recall affects not just Toyota's house-brand vehicles, but also luxury Lexus vehicles and the 2023-2026 Subaru Solterra, which Toyota manufactures alongside the bZ4X (which is now simply called the bZ for 2026). The list of affected vehicles is long, so strap in.

Toyota

The recall affects numerous models from the 2022-2026 model years, with 12 different nameplates noted in the announcement. Impacted vehicles are listed below in alphabetical order:

• bZ4X (2023-2025)
• Camry (2025-2026)
• Crown (2023-2026)
• Crown Signia (2025)
• Grand Highlander (2024-2026)
• Highlander (2023-2025)
• Land Cruiser (2024-2025)
• Mirai (2023-2025)
• Prius (2023-2025)
• RAV4 (2023-2025)
• Sienna (2025)
• Venza (2023-2024)

Lexus

Nine Lexus models are also named in the recall, affecting coupes, convertibles, crossovers, sedans, and SUVs alike:

• ES (2023-2025)
• GX (2024-2025)
• LC (2024-2025)
• LS (2024-2025)
• LX (2022-2025)
• NX (2022-2025)
• RX (2023-2026)
• RZ (2023-2025)
• TX (2024-2026)

Subaru

According to Toyota, the problem lies in the software of the Parking Assist ECU, which means that a fix can be applied via an over-the-air update without owners visiting the dealer. The bad news is that Toyota will only notify customers "by late December 2025," which indicates that it will take some time to accurately resolve the issue. It should be noted that this recall is separate from the one issued in September, in which 591,000 Toyota and Lexus vehicles were recalled for instrument panel displays that could go blank. It's also unrelated to the recall issued last month, in which roughly 394,000 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid pickups were recalled for infotainment displays that may show a half green, full green, or full black screen. While it's nice to know that this isn't a repeat recall, it's concerning that so many software-related problems are affecting the automaker at this time. Toyota (and Ford) are not alone, though. Stellantis faced a similar issue in September, recalling some 219,000 vehicles, and Volvo recalled over 413,000 of its cars earlier this year for failing rearview camera systems, too.

If you were a car enthusiast like me who saw YouTube become a real platform for media and entertainment, the Gymkhana videos by the late Ken Block may have been a cultural touchstone for many who appreciated cars and the people who drove them. Since the first video, Gymkhana Practice, was uploaded in 2008, the series has garnered hundreds of millions of views and inspired a legion of young and young-at-heart automotive enthusiasts worldwide with Block's high-octane, jaw-dropping vehicular acrobatics and extreme car control feats. In 2009, Block's skills became the highlight of an unforgettable Top Gear segment, where he demonstrated his skills with host James May sitting shotgun.

In 2020, Block handed the Gymkhana torch to the motocross, rally, and NASCAR driver Travis Pastrana, who has since collaborated with Subaru on his rendition of high-horsepower hijinks.

Subaru

On the floor of the SEMA show in Las Vegas on November 4, Hoonigan and Subaru Motorsports USA announced the return of the adrenaline-laden Gymkhana short film series with the unveiling of the Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo, a 1978 Subaru BRAT built for Travis Pastrana to shred tires and spark imaginations.

Named in part by the latest Gymkhana film's setting in the land down under, where the term "hoon" was coined, the Brataroo is a purpose-built machine made in collaboration between Subaru of America and its technical partner, Vermont SportsCar (VSC), a well-known builder of competition-spec cars for different rally series.

This special BRAT is no ordinary BRAT with rear-facing seats in the truck bed. Pastrana's special ride is a lightweight, widebody machine that has been specially modified to slide. The heart of the beast is a rallycross-bred, turbocharged 2.0-liter Subaru boxer engine tuned by VSC to deliver 670 horsepower and an 680 lb-ft of torque at an ear-piercing redline of 9,500 RPM. Power is distributed throughout all four wheels by the BRAT's all-wheel-drive system through a six-speed sequential SADEV gearbox and racing-spec differentials.

Subaru

On the outside, the BRAT's iconic sheet metal has been reworked to include a wide-body kit designed by renowned concept artist Khyzyl Saleem (The Kyza), with body panels finished entirely in lightweight carbon fiber. The Brataroo also features advanced active aerodynamic components not seen on anything this side of a Formula 1 car.

According to Subaru, the Brataroo features adjustable front fender louvers that can pivot forward or backward to fine-tune the car's front-end balance, whether it's on the ground or airborne. Out back, the special BRAT can be configured with one of two interchangeable rear wings: either a larger wing for maximum downforce and aerodynamic stability at high speeds, or a smaller wing to enable more nimble maneuvers. Like the louvers out front, the wing's angle of attack can be adjusted to control the vehicle's direction mid-air.

The Brataroo also boasts a bespoke livery inspired by Outback sunsets, featuring kangaroos flashing Pastrana’s signature thumbs up, ‘70s Subaru branding, and the logos of KMC Wheels, Mercury Marine, Yokohama, Heat Wave, and Dixxon. It also rides on a bespoke set of 18-inch KMC Wheels forged monoblocks inspired by the BRAT’s four-spoke wheels, wrapped in Yokohama ADVAN A052 or APEX tires.

Pictures of this insane BRAT's interior were not provided, but Subaru says that it is inspired by the utilitarian nature of the original 1978 model, blending both the old and the new. While it features a lightweight carbon-fiber dashboard, it also features some 70s charm with flax-composite wood-grain accents, a restored OEM radio, repurposed HVAC controls (to adjust the active aero), and a period-correct Uniden CB radio.

“This BRAT’s completely unhinged - in the best way possible,” Pastrana said in a statement. “It’s got the soul of a vintage Subaru with the tech to do things no Gymkhana car has ever done. Every part of it is designed to take abuse, fly big, and come back for more. It’s hands down the craziest Gymkhana car we’ve ever built.”

The Subaru Brataroo 9500 will be on display during the 2025 SEMA Show before it is set to appear in the next Gymkhana film, dubbed Aussie Shred, which is set to premiere in early December on the Hoonigan YouTube channel.

It is nice to see a mainstream Japanese automaker like Subaru embrace the quirky bits of its storied history that enthusiasts and fans like Pastrana really appreciate. It's another step further to especially recognize vehicles like the BRAT, which famously had rear-facing seats in the truck bed as a clever solution for 70s-era chicken tax concerns.

This special BRAT is definitely one step up from the 862-horsepower GL wagon that Subaru and VSC made for Gymkhana 2022, and hopefully Pastrana's involvement could bring new appreciation to more of the brand's other quirky classics. Personally, I'd like to see a Pastrana-VSC-bred XT6, but who knows what Hoonigan and Pastrana will bring to the table after the next Gymkhana video drops in December.

My teenage daughter will be driving soon. She’s very responsible, so I’m not totally stressed out of my mind, and she’s more practical than I am with my rear-wheel drive, stick shift, sports car druthers. I'm probably more worried about boys than about her driving. As much as I want her to enjoy the independence that comes with driving, I’m far more concerned about her safety. That’s the first priority, then the ease of driving, minimized distractions, long-term reliability, affordable to insure, and, as a distant last, style. 

This means no big horsepower numbers, no rear-wheel drive, no giant touchscreens, and no ancient Craigslist specials with mystery service histories. The good news is that there are plenty of affordable, modern used cars that strike a great balance of safety, good driving manners, and user-friendliness, all for less than $20,000 and newer than 2017. These are my thresholds, and I aim to stick to them. I’ve narrowed the list down to five cars I’d actually feel good about putting my daughter in.

If there’s one name synonymous with reliability and low drama, it’s the Toyota Corolla. Some kids might balk at it, but they’re not paying for it, are they? The 2017–2019 generation added Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of driver aids as standard equipment, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, features that used to only come on luxury cars.

Beyond the safety tech, the Corolla’s modest 139-hp four-cylinder engine is ideal for a new driver. It’s enough power to merge safely onto highways, but not enough to encourage risky driving. You can even get a manual transmission, something I want my daughter to learn right away. Visibility is excellent, the controls are straightforward, and the ride is soft enough to make potholes less punishing for someone still learning finesse behind the wheel. The 6- to 7-inch infotainment touchscreen is right-sized for minimal distraction, and buttons and knobs are plentiful. 

Maintenance costs are famously low, and used prices are typically well under $15,000 for these model years. It’s not flashy, but that’s the point: the Corolla focuses on keeping my daughter safe and comfortable, not entertained with unnecessary gadgets or horsepower. It earned the Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, a big win for Toyota and a boon for parents. 

Mazda

If your teen cares about design and you don’t want them rolling their eyes at a “boring” car, the Mazda3 is one of the most stylish sedans around. It's a design that looks as good today as it did when it debuted and is one of the few compact cars that looks and feels upscale, with an interior that rivals entry-level luxury sedans. I would steer her away from the smaller hatchback due to its big blind spots. The Mazda3 sedan also looks more mature than the five-door, so I could drive it without looking like I was borrowing it from her. It’s just too bad the manual wasn't offered after 2019. With 186 horsepower from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, there's enough oomph to get out of bad situations but not enough to get into them.

More importantly, the 2019–2020 models with the i-Activsense package offer a full suite of advanced safety tech, including automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The steering and braking are linear and confidence-inspiring, which are qualities that help a new driver feel more in control. Being connected to the road, feeling the pavement changes, and knowing what the car is doing all contribute to better driving and less distraction. The Mazda3 is superb in this regard and is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick. 

Mazdas are also known for excellent build quality, and this generation’s reliability has been solid. Used examples of the 2019 and 2020 Mazda3 typically range between $14,000 and $18,000, depending on mileage and trim. Price-wise, it's right there where I want it.

Toyota

I’m all for my daughter driving a slightly larger vehicle, and midsize is about right. That’s where the Camry comes in. The 2018 redesign brought in more rigid crash protection, upgraded airbags, and Toyota Safety Sense P with a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. It also earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. 

What sets the Camry apart is its stability and comfort. Its longer wheelbase makes highway driving feel secure and composed, an important characteristic when your teen is learning to manage different speeds and traffic conditions. The cabin is quiet and roomy, and visibility is generous, with well-positioned mirrors and a low dashboard. It also has great physical controls, and the 7- or 8-inch touchscreen isn’t overwhelmingly big.

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 203 horsepower is the base engine. It's more than sufficient for spritely acceleration without a thirst for fuel, returning over 30 mpg combined. Well-equipped examples from 2018–2019 can be had for $15,000–$18,000. It’s one of those cars that doesn’t make headlines but excels in everything that matters when it comes to safety and reliability. It also entered a new realm of style, eschewing its old, somewhat vanilla self for something more dramatic. If my daughter were commuting long distances or driving with friends, the Camry would be at the top of my list.

Living in an area with harsh winters makes all-wheel drive a huge plus. The Subaru Forester’s standard Symmetrical AWD system and excellent visibility make it a confidence booster for any new driver. The 2019 redesign also made the Forester stronger, safer, and more tech-savvy. The standard 182-horsepower flat-four engine isn't powerful, but it's enough to get it moving for highway traffic. The 2018 model also had an optional 250-hp turbocharged engine, but that would be too much gumption for a teenager.

EyeSight driver assistance, available on most trims, adds adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and pre-collision braking, which were all standard by 2020. It earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating for crashworthiness, crash avoidance/mitigation, and seatbelt performance, and also offers an upright seating position and large windows, so your teen won’t have to guess where the corners of the car are. Thankfully, this generation of Forester still had great physical controls for climate and audio, keeping distractions to a minimum.

The Forester isn’t quick, and that’s fine with me. Let’s call it adequate. It’s meant for calm, steady driving. Plus, the roomy cabin and solid build make it feel more substantial than smaller cars without being intimidating to drive like bigger ones. Most 2019–2020 Foresters sit between $17,000 and $20,000 on the used market, and that price includes one of the best all-weather systems available under $25k, new or used. If my daughter ends up driving through Midwest snow or heading off to college in a colder state, this would likely be her first car.

The Mazda CX-5 combines safety, comfort, and handling in a way that few compact SUVs can. It’s essentially a taller Mazda3, sharing its sharp steering, easy-to-judge size, and upscale cabin. The 2020 and 2021 models come with standard advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. As with all Mazdas (excluding the redesigned 2026 CX-5), the cabin is rife with great knobs and buttons for minimal distraction.

Mazda

It’s also quieter and more composed than most rivals, which helps young drivers stay focused rather than fatigued. The base 187-horsepower 2.5-liter engine delivers adequate power without feeling jumpy, and the visibility is excellent, something that’s crucial when learning to park or maneuver in traffic. It’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for greater peace of mind. It’s about as high as any vehicle can score.

Used 2020 CX-5s can be found for around $17,000–$19,000, depending on trim and mileage. I’d look for the Touring trim or above to get heated seats, better headlights, and more driver-assist features. If my daughter prefers sitting a little higher up, something that gives her a better view of the road without being in a big SUV, the CX-5 would be a great fit.

Picking your teenager’s first car isn’t about what’s trendy or what their friends are driving. It’s about minimizing distractions, maximizing safety, and making sure maintenance and insurance costs don’t break the bank. Every car on this list has strong crash-test scores, proven reliability, and modern driver-assist technology. They're also easy to drive. Of course, even the safest car can’t replace good driver training, and I don’t mean driver’s ed. Before my daughter ever drives solo, we’ll be doing plenty of practice sessions in different conditions: rain, snow, sweepers, highway traffic, and shopping mall parking lots. You can never be too prepared.

We came away from our first drive of the 2026 Subaru Solterra EV impressed by the changes that had been made to the crossover. From more range to a newly designed dashboard, it’s clearly an improvement over the pre-facelift model. Earlier this year, sales of the EV appeared to be moving in the right direction, and certain lessees could qualify for a tax credit of $7,500 on the vehicle.

But the tax credit fell away after September, and many EVs are already bearing the brunt of this change. Kia and Hyundai EV sales declined sharply last month, but even those declines are nothing compared to the Solterra’s dramatic fall.

Subaru

In October, Subaru managed to sell only 13 units of the Solterra. That’s compared to 1,078 a year ago in the same month, representing a staggering 98.8% drop in sales. It’s also a big drop from September, when 443 Solterras were sold.

However, there may be a reason besides the tax credit’s absence that explains the Solterra’s decline. Pricing for the 2026 model was only announced on September 25, with the manufacturer saying this version would become available later this fall. This transition to the 2026 model year may have impacted availability of the EV, and some buyers may have held off on a planned purchase to wait for the updated model.

Subaru

Although hardly anyone bought one last month, the 2026 Subaru Solterra is much improved over the previous model. The range on a full charge is up by 25%, and a new XT derivative produces 338 horsepower. Charging speeds have increased, the styling has been sharpened up, and the interior gains a new 14-inch touchscreen interface. Weeks ago, Subaru added Tesla Supercharging access for the 2026 Solterra, and a NACS charging adapter for previous model years will be available soon.

These are meaningful changes that address many of the concerns we had with the Solterra when it was first launched. The related Toyota bZ (previously bZ4X) received similar updates for 2026.

2026 Subaru Uncharted

Moving only 13 units of the EV is worrying for Subaru’s EV growth, especially as the company plans to launch the smaller Uncharted EV early next year. This EV is expected to start at around $34,000, which will make it one of the most affordable new EVs in the country. The company also has the larger Trailseeker EV coming in 2026, which boasts more cargo space than the Solterra.

For the Solterra, November sales should tell us if the transition to the 2026 model year is the main reason for its sales dip—or if the tax credit drove a larger-than-expected percentage of sales.

Previous surveys suggest that incentives of over $5,000 play a significant role in motivating people to buy EVs. Without them, EVs like the Solterra may struggle to match previous sales highs in the coming months.

If you’re shopping on a budget in 2025, you don’t have to settle for bare-bones safety. The most you could hope for back in 2015 was anti-lock brakes, airbags, and standard cruise control. It used to be the case that only premium brands would outfit their vehicles with the latest safety tech, but that's changed over the past decade.

Government regulations and strong consumer demand have pushed automakers to make these systems standard across nearly all vehicle classes. On top of that, even budget-friendly models today benefit from decades of safety research and engineering progress, giving them protection and technology that older and more expensive cars never had. Below are the affordable cars that pack the most standard safety tech right out of the box, plus what their systems actually do and why they matter.

Toyota

The Corolla may be going electric in the very near future, but it's a stalwart economy car that has lasted for decades. The 2025 Corolla continues the model's fame, and every trim comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0). That means Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing (centering), and Dynamic Radar Cruise, all standard even on base trims.

Toyota

Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0 features an enhanced forward-facing camera and radar, providing improved performance across various functions, including the upgraded Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Proactive Driving Assist. The system also has support for over-the-air (OTA) updates. Few cars at this price mix that depth of capability with Toyota’s long safety pedigree.

The Civic in both hatchback and sedan forms is one of the best cars at its price, period. It also happens to be one of the safest. The base Civic LX costs a mere $24,595 for 2026, and you'll find that it has a premium set of standard safety features on top of its attractive design.

Honda makes its Honda Sensing suite standard, including Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow. The refreshed Civic also earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for 2025. It’s a top pick if you care as much about active safety as you do about steering feel and cabin quality because the Civic has all of that, and more.

Mazda

The current Mazda3 might be aging, but it's doing so in safety and style. The base Mazda3 2.5 S now includes many i-Activsense features as standard, notably Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Smart Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, High Beam Control, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Rear Seat Alert. That’s an unusually rich list without stepping up trims.

Mazda

Mazda also touts that its broad crash-protection updates across its range helped the model earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating in 2025.

2025 Hyundai

The 2025 Elantra ($22,125) is high on style and in-car tech, but it also doesn't scrimp on Safety. Hyundai’s SmartSense umbrella brings Automatic Emergency Braking (with pedestrian detection), Lane Keeping and Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, and more. While exact feature levels vary by trim, core SmartSense items are standard, and the 2025 Elantra achieves strong safety credentials like the IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

Hyundai

The Elantra’s lane-centering works well on straight highway stints, and the standard attention monitor is a real fatigue-trip saver. It’s a solid pick if you want generous tech per dollar, in addition to great creature comforts, edgy style, and one of the best warranties in the auto industry. The Elantra used to be a car you had to buy, but now it's one you'll want to buy just based on the safety features alone.

Nissan

The Sentra is now in its last year of this generation, pending a full redesign for the 2026 model year. It has a user-friendly cabin with great physical controls, a decently sized infotainment system, and more trunk space than most of the competition. While it starts at a mere $21,590, it's one of the best entry-level sedans, offering great standard safety equipment.

Nissan

Safety Shield 360 is standard on every 2025 Sentra, bringing Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, High Beam Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind-Spot Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Rear Automatic Braking, which is a feature that’s still not universal among the Sentra's rivals. The Sentra is a stylish, sensible, and truly affordable sedan that doesn't scrimp on the safety features that bring peace of mind.

Subaru

The Impreza might not get as much love and attention as its Crosstrek sibling, but it does boast some great safety features for less money ($26,595). In addition to the brand's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System, Subaru’s latest EyeSight is standard on every Impreza and now uses a third wide-angle camera to better spot pedestrians and cyclists. EyeSight bundles Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Pre-Collision Braking.

Subaru

The Impreza's Automatic Emergency Steering helps avoid collisions by employing automatic steering and pre-collision braking support when there’s enough space to intervene, as detected by the car's sensors. Impreza’s always-on, camera-based approach is exceptionally polished. If you drive in bad weather, the standard AWD plus EyeSight’s broadened field of view boosts confidence behind the wheel.

Kia

Replacing the Forte is the edgy and ultra-modern 2025 Kia K4 ($25,165), debuting with a look like no other affordable sedan on earth, along with a cabin that looks and feels more expensive than the asking price. Even the base K4 LX comes with a long list of standard safety features such as Auto Emergency Braking Technology with Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping & Following Technology, Driver Attention Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and High Beam Assist.

Go up the trim ladder, and the K4 adds features such as Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control with Curve. For shoppers who like a modern interface, a sporty and open cabin, and ample room in both rows, the K4 delivers big-car tech in a budget compact. Its safety set makes it a truly well-rounded bargain sedan.

In 2025, you can absolutely get big-league safety on a small-car budget. If you want the broadest standard coverage with minimal option chasing, start with the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra, and Kia K4. Each brings a robust set of collision-prevention and driver-assist features without forcing you to pay for a more expensive vehicle. Just double-check trim level specifics, and you’ll drive away with cutting-edge safety for thousands less than you might expect. It's peace of mind for less, and that's always a good thing.

There is a certain thrill in poking around salvage auctions. You go in dreaming of hidden gems. You come out either a hero or someone Googling the price of tetanus shots. The guys at the YouTube Channel, I Do Cars, inspected a car bought from auction that belongs to their buddy, Pete, who chose option three: hero, tetanus, and emotional scarring after discovering his “deal” of a 2017 Subaru WRX STI came with a secret.

Not a fun secret like launch control or a hidden divorce playlist. No. This one involved a blown, "built" EJ257 that someone had swapped in and dressed up to look like it had never seen war. According to the video, that someone hails from New Britain, Connecticut. We are not naming names, but let us say that whoever did this wrenching should not be allowed near engines, screwdrivers, or probably forks.

At first glance, Pete’s STI looked normal. Under the skin, though, the bolts sat loose, as if they had been installed during a fire drill. The turbo? Held with the same commitment that most people apply to New Year's fitness goals. Vacuum lines existed mostly as decoration.

Then the engine came out. And the engine said, in its own oily way: “Leave now. There is only sadness here.” The belt was cut. The turbo oil feed line was missing. The timing covers looked like they had seen both God and the void. And the connecting rod had already booked a holiday outside the block.

Youtube - I Do Cars

Subaru folks love to chant the same gospel: “It is a built EJ, mate. Stronger than stock.” And to be fair, built EJs can be tough as nails. Right up until someone force-feeds them too much boost, forgets the concept of oil, and pushes them so hard they don’t just give up… they erupt. What you’re left with isn’t an engine, but a surprise art installation inside the sump.

The teardown proved it. Pistons were missing chunks, as if someone had taken a snack break inside the block. Bearings had melted into glitter paste. Rod bolts were scorched to a dramatic bronze, looking like they stared directly into a mechanical sun, and the crankshaft had been seasoned by heat, as if it had spent the afternoon on a backyard grill. One piston even lost its crown — allegedly thanks to a batch of Manley pistons known for self-ejecting in moments of existential crisis. Subaru owners call that “character.” Everyone else calls it a warranty claim that never happened.

YouTube - I do Cars

The oil filter. Let us pause here. On a built turbocharged engine that probably made six hundred horsepower, someone installed an oil filter roughly the size of a shot glass. 

An engine that could inhale small birds through the turbo depended on lubrication from something you might find on a garden tractor. Truly, we live in a fallen world.

YouTUbe - I Do Cars

To be fair, not all was doom. The heads survived, mostly. The cams survived, mostly. The Killer B oil pan lived, because apparently, metal pans are immortal even when the engine turns itself inside out.

Everything else has the structural integrity of crisps stepped on by a toddler. Pete will sell what he can. The rest becomes garage memorabilia or perhaps warning signs hung over the engine stand like medieval plague banners.

Subaru owners, bless them, believe they are buying rally legends. Sometimes what they are buying is pain, forged internals, and a new set of cam seals every weekend. That is part of the charm. But buying a salvage STI with a “built motor”? That is not a charm. That is skydiving with a parachute packed by a raccoon.

Do not trust loose bolts. Do not trust photos. And never trust someone who says “ran when parked” when the piston clearly tried to escape the block like a prisoner stealing a guard’s uniform. Auction heroes and horsepower faithful, take note. The road to rally glory is paved with forged rods, the tears of the hopeful, and occasionally a piston lodged in the oil pan like a forgotten kidney bean in soup. This STI did not just blow up. It died loudly, dramatically, and dishonestly, which might be the most Subaru way to go.

Still want one? Of course you do. That is how Subaru gets you. That and boost noises.

YouTUbe - I Do Cars