Subaru

A new trade deal between the U.S. and Japan heads off what could have been 25% tariffs on all Japanese-made goods, including automobiles. But the agreement nonetheless raises tariffs from the previous 2.5% to 15% which could translate into substantial price hikes on scores of vehicles imported from that Asian automotive powerhouse.

The settlement, described by Pres. Donald Trump as “perhaps the largest Trade Deal ever made,” on his site Truth Social, sets no limits on auto imports, unlike a “voluntary” trade agreement from the 1980s. But it also creates a $550 billion fund to expand Japanese investments in the U.S. And that could see automotive manufacturers like Toyota, Honda and Nissan expand their network of American parts and assembly plants.

“That 15% does look good,” at least compared to the 25% auto import tariffs Trump enacted in May, said Sam Abuelsamid, lead auto analyst with Telemetry Research, but it’s still a substantial hit that he expects will eventually be borne by consumers.

Even before the new U.S.-Japan trade deal was announced on Wednesday, some automakers had already warned of upcoming tariff-driven price hikes, starting with Toyota. But how much prices will go up is uncertain, as manufacturers will now have to figure out how to respond. Among other things, they will have to consider the competition when adjusting their numbers, cautioned Stephanie Brinley, principal auto analyst with S&P Global Mobility.

A cursory calculation suggests the impact could be substantial. Today’s typical new vehicle costs just short of $50,000, according to Cox Automotive. Tariffs are based on the transfer price, however, effectively the wholesale cost – and that is usually 10 to 20% lower. So, if that vehicle now came in at just $40,000, the new tariffs would come to $6,000. Previously, the tariff at 2.5% was just $1,000.

The question is who will pay? “I expect price hikes across the board. I don’t think (Japanese automakers) can swallow all of the tariffs because it would be more than their profit margins,” said Abuelsamid.

But it’s not as simple as just tacking on a few thousand dollars more to the price tag of a Japanese import, said Brinley. Automakers have to consider whether that would price a vehicle out of the market when compared to the competition. In some cases, automaker might choose to swallow at least some of the higher tariff costs. Or they could spread the costs out by raising prices even on American-made models.

“Each automaker will handle it differently,” added Brinley. In some cases, they may drop low-margin, entry-level trims, focusing on high-end packages where buyers might be more willing to swallow higher prices. It’s also “possible there may be (nameplates) with low enough volumes that it won’t make sense to continue it in the line-up.”

Nissan

Since Honda opened the first Japanese-owned “transplant” assembly line in the U.S. more than 40 years ago, that country’s automakers have invested tens of billions of dollars in American manufacturing operations. They still import a substantial number of vehicles from Japan. By brand, a partial list includes:

• Honda: almost all North American-made; Prelude and some Civic trims, ie Type-R;
• Mazda: everything except the CX-50;
• Nissan: Murano, next- Leaf, Armada, QX-80;
• Subaru: all their new EVs, Forester, BRZ, Impreza, some Crosstreks, some Ascents; and the new version of the  Outback;
• Toyota: Land Cruiser, 4Runner, 86 and Lexus GX and LX.

While the settlement with Japan has generated relief in many circles – Wall Street investors driving up a broad range of shares Wednesday – Japanese automakers like Toyota and Honda still face plenty of uncertainty.

Honda

The production networks they’ve developed here over the past four decades are based around additional trade agreements with the U.S. neighbors. Honda, for example, produces its HR-V crossover in Mexico, and the bigger CR-V in Canada. Those nations have yet to reach trade agreements with the Trump administration and, as it stands right now, face tariffs of 25 and 35%, respectively.

S&P is confident there will eventually be a broad array of trade agreements that will settle in with tariffs of “between 10 and 15%,” said Brinley. In some cases, those won’t be far off from today’s tariffs. In other cases, they’ll be substantially higher. Even as the lower figure, that would translate into a $4,000 bump to the price of a typical vehicle retailing at $50,000.

Even in the face of disappearing tax rebates and other roadblocks, the EV SUV landscape is getting just a bit more crowded. The latest addition comes in the way of the Subaru Uncharted, a small SUV that shares a platform with the upcoming 2026 Toyota C-HR. It will be sold alongside the larger and presumably more expensive Subaru Solterra beginning in early 2026. It’s a surprising move from a brand that isn’t doing so hot in the EV marketplace, but maybe we’re missing something. How does the Subaru Uncharted set itself apart from a host of very competent rivals?

First things first: let’s review exactly what the Subaru Uncharted is. Subaru claims the small SUV will be seven inches shorter than the Solterra EV, measuring approximately 177 inches in length. Subaru also quotes 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats, which is around the same as the Solterra. Flavors are limited to the standard model, which comes with 300 miles of range, 221 horsepower, and front-wheel drive, as well as the Sport and GT trim levels, which offer all-wheel drive, up to 290 miles of range, and 338 horsepower. The automaker is mum on pricing, but we’re expecting a base MSRP in the low to mid $30,000s, since the Solterra starts at $39,495.

In early communications, Subaru has given us a few hints at where exactly the Uncharted fits into the market. They claim the SUV will have a similar turning radius as the Crosstrek, and considering its nearly identical length (177 inches vs. 176.4 inches), it seems safe to say the Uncharted will effectively be an electric Crosstrek. Furthermore, press materials call out the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro EVs by name, claiming to offer more horsepower and range (both true). But how does the Uncharted fare against the models Subaru didn’t name?

We already know the Kona is down on performance compared to the Subaru Uncharted. Max range is limited to 261 miles, there’s no all-wheel drive option, and maximum horsepower is a measly 201 horsepower. The Kona EV is slightly shorter overall than the Uncharted, but it also offers around 25 cubic feet behind the second row. Whether or not the six inches of additional length that the Subaru Uncharted touts will pay dividends in passenger space is yet to be determined.

Hyundai

So, the Uncharted might be more powerful and larger than the Kona EV, but how does it compare to the larger and more expensive IONIQ 5? The IONIQ 5 comes in all- and rear-wheel drive guises, with the most powerful variant touting 320 horsepower. This is aside from the IONIQ 5 N, which isn’t really comparable to the Uncharted in any way. Max range is an EPA-estimated 318 miles. The SUV is around six inches longer than the Uncharted, but interestingly, it only offers a single cubic foot more of cargo space (26.3).

Hyundai

Pricing for the IONIQ 5 starts at around $44,000, which is likely around $10,000 more than the Subaru Uncharted. Meanwhile, the Kona EV starts at $32,975, much closer to where we expect the Uncharted to find itself. Overall, it looks like the Subaru Uncharted can make a solid case for itself against either of the Hyundai competitors.

The Kia EV SUVs share much with their Hyundai counterparts, but there are small differences. The Kia Niro EV offers similar range and power specs, maxing out at around 261 miles and  201 horsepower, respectively. Like the Hyundai, it’s front-wheel drive only, but it’s a bit longer — around three inches shy of the Uncharted’s length. The Uncharted tops the Niro EV’s 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, too.

2025 Kia Niro EV

Kia

The larger Kia EV, the EV6, offers all- or rear-wheel drive, a maximum of 319 miles per full charge, and a whopping 641 horsepower in the top-tier GT trim line. More in line with Subaru cross-shoppers might be the 320-horsepower all-wheel drive GT-Line model. Cargo space, surprisingly, is down compared to the Uncharted (24.4 cubic feet) despite measuring around seven inches longer. The Kia EV6’s base price of $42,900 and the Niro EV’s base price of $39,600 mean both are likely a bit more expensive than the Subaru Uncharted. Frankly, we aren’t sure where the value is, with the Subaru giving both models a run for their money.

A marque Subaru didn’t explicitly mention in their press release surrounding the Subaru Uncharted, Volkswagen’s ID.4 is a bit of a sleeper. Performance is very similar to the Uncharted, maxing out at 291 miles and a superior 335 horsepower, though not both at the same time. The latter is only available with the all-wheel drive model that also grants 263 miles of range, which we doubt will be a dealbreaker for anyone considering a Subaru Uncharted. Comparing cargo capacity, the VW remains in the lead. It offers 30.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row, despite only measuring three inches longer than the Uncharted.

2025 Volkswagen ID.4

Volkswagen

It's starting to feel like there might have been a good reason for Subaru to omit mention of the ID.4 in its initial release, but the one place the Uncharted might really threaten the ID.4 is a critical one: price. The ID.4 starts at $45,095, which is likely to be much higher than the base price of the Uncharted. The ID.4 is also due for a significant update in the coming year or so. While price likely won’t change much, it’s already got a lot going for it. Some newfound performance and updated styling might be enough to snag a buyer or two away from the Uncharted, but we’ll have to wait and see.

The new Subaru Uncharted, in many ways, is a big step forward for the small electric SUV segment. Unfortunately, as with many electric vehicles, pricing will likely determine whether the Uncharted takes Subaru into new territory or becomes, like the Solterra, a dubious value proposition. We’ll conclude with this: if Subaru can deliver on these early promises, the Uncharted seems well-positioned to take on its competitors. More importantly, it might be good enough to weather the ensuing drought of government-backed EV incentives.

Subaru recently showed its sportier side with the debut of the youthful-looking Uncharted electric crossover, and we expect it to attract a new group of fans to the brand when it arrives. However, Subaru is still a pragmatic brand at heart, one that delivers value and practicality with a rugged edge. That much is still on display in the newly updated 2026 Ascent, the brand’s only three-row SUV. In a segment occupied by the likes of the Mazda CX-90, can the latest Ascent still stand out?

Subaru

One trim level has been discontinued for 2026, and that’s the Onyx Edition. Customers now have the following trims to choose from:

• Premium
• Limited
• Limited Bronze Edition
• Touring
• Onyx Edition Touring

For the base Premium model, Black StarTex water-resistent upholstery has now been added, as has black accents for the exterior. This new upholstery replaces the previous cloth, and should make the cabin easier to keep clean.

On the more luxurious Touring, there are new woodgrain interior accents with a matte finish, which nicely complements the Java Brown Nappa leather. Slate Black Nappa leather is another alternative for this model.

That’s as far as the changes go for the latest Ascent. Subaru obviously feels that the model’s 2023 facelift, which included updated styling and a new 11.6-inch touchscreen, is still enough to keep the SUV fresh.

All models retain standard all-wheel drive and a 2.4-liter Boxer four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a CVT, it’s not the most inspiring powertrain in the class, and is still the main reason that rival SUVs are easier to recommend.

Related: 2025 Subaru Ascent: 3 reasons to love it, 3 reasons to think twice

The base 2025 Ascent starts at $39,995, making it the last model from the brand to start at under $40k, if only just. The 2026 Ascent range now starts at $40,795, an $800 increase.

Here’s the complete pricing for 2026:

• Premium: $40,795
• Limited: $47,885
• Limited Bronze Edition: $48,995
• Touring: $51,165
• Onyx Edition Touring: $51,995

Other than the base model, almost all other trims have the same MSRP as 2025. The Onyx Edition Touring is actually slightly cheaper than before. These prices exclude a destination and delivery charge of $1,450.

The Subaru faces stiff competition in the three-row segment. Not only is the Mazda CX-90 nicer to drive, but Hyundai has just launched an all-new Palisade. The Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot are other strong choices, and all of these vehicles have more power than the Ascent.

If you want standard AWD and a decent amount of safety features, the Subaru is still a sensible choice, but it fails to reach the highs of several rivals.

Need all-wheel drive, but don’t require the cargo space of an SUV? There are few better options than the Subaru WRX, which can even be had with a manual transmission for added driving thrills. There’s good news for fans of this iconic sedan looking to get behind the wheel, too. Subaru’s July lease deal allows you to hop in the driver’s seat for just $429 per month for 36 months. You’ll need $3,179 due at signing and have 10,000 miles allotted per year.

2024 Subaru WRX

Subaru

The lease offer stipulates an MSRP of $38,920, which gets you a 2025 Subaru WRX Premium. The offer is available in every market in the contiguous US that we checked against. That includes Pacific Northwest markets, the New York metro, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, and the Southwest. That said, picking up a WRX definitely makes more sense for shoppers in the northern parts of the country who will be able to take full advantage of the car’s all-wheel drive powertrain. Finally, these figures don’t include tax, title, or other fees, and you should check the latest offers on the Subaru special offers page.

By spreading the down payment across the 36-month term, we can get a rough idea of what a $0 down lease looks like in July 2025 on the Subaru WRX. Your new monthly payment sits at $518, but after local taxes and other fees, your payment will likely be higher. This isn’t an official quote, and as usual, please ask your Subaru dealership for the most up-to-date pricing.

There’s a lot to love about the Subaru WRX. Thanks to an optional manual transmission, it’s a hit with enthusiasts, and for good reason. Its peppy, turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder puts up solid numbers: 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, of course, and it comes with almost everything drivers really need. Dual-zone climate control, an 11.6-inch central display, plenty of USB ports, and keyless access are all standard. Neat touches like red contrast stitching, aluminum pedal covers, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel further give the WRX a bit of performance car cred.

The WRX remains a great alternative to models like the Golf GTI, GR Corolla, and Elantra N, delicately balancing performance with usability and price. With the lease offer Subaru is running in July 2025, we think the car remains a solid buy. Leasing performance (or performance-adjacent) cars is also a fairly safe route to go if you’re dipping your toes into quick, engaging cars. It’s a good way to experience different models and also reasonably fiscally responsible, as you’ll dodge any long-term issues or have them fixed under warranty.

*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.

Having just unveiled the Uncharted, a small electric crossover twinned with the next-generation Toyota C-HR, Subaru is considering an even smaller, more affordable electric model, reports Autocar.

"It's something that is up for consideration, because we need to prepare a wider range of BEVs to meet every customer's expectations," Masahiko Inoue, Subaru's global EV product head, told the magazine in a recent interview. Autocar reported that Subaru has taken note of the sales success of the new Renault 5, the all-electric revival of the compact hatchback once sold in the United States as the Le Car, which has logged impressive sales of 30,000 units in Europe since the beginning of the year.

The Uncharted is almost seven inches shorter than the Subaru Solterra, the automaker's only current EV, which itself is about the same length as the gasoline Impreza hatchback. So a smaller EV would be properly compact, more in the vein of the Subaru Justy hatch sold in the U.S. from 1987 to 1994, and one of the smallest cars Subaru has ever sold outside Japan.

Subaru

All of Subaru's EVs have been jointly developed with Toyota, and that's likely to be the case with additional models as well. Autocar notes that Andrea Carlucci, Toyota's product boss in Europe, previously said an electric Yaris "is the idea," which would provide the perfect basis for a smaller Subaru EV. But Carlucci also said "this is not quite now."

Subaru itself doesn't seem to be in a rush to roll out this model. Subaru Europe boss David Dello Stritto said the automaker has been watching the European electric small-car segment, which is set to expand with the Volkswagen ID 2 and smaller models from Cupra and MG, but wants to "wait and see how the Uncharted does" before deciding on a new entry-level model.

"I reckon we need about two years to find out how it's performing," he said. "We might have come up with new ideas during that period, so in two years' time we can talk again."

Europe may soon have a vibrant small EV segment, but the business case for a smaller Subaru EV in the U.S. is likely less compelling. While price has long been a major obstacle to EV adoption, the Uncharted is already a fairly small car by the standards of this market, so it's unclear if consumers will bite even with a low price. But such a car would provide an alternative to the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EV, due to arrive later this year.

For now, Subaru has one of the freshest EV lineups in the industry. In addition to the Uncharted, which made its public debut last week, the automaker unveiled a refreshed Solterra and the new, Outback-like, Trailseeker at the 2025 New York Auto Show earlier this year. Both are also slated to reach showrooms as 2026 models.

The Toyota RAV4 has been available with AWD since 1994, and the Subaru Forester has been since 1998. Toyota has been investing in Subaru since 2005, and since then, the two companies have collaborated to create some notable cars—the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GR86 being excellent examples of this successful partnership. Subaru shared its recipe for a solid AWD system, while Toyota helped Subaru develop a solid hybrid system for the second generation of the Crosstrek hybrid and the 2026 Forester hybrid. The RAV4 hybrid is only available in AWD, but surprisingly, the system isn’t from Subaru. 

Kristen Brown

The Forester hybrid is AWD by default, because, well, it’s a Subaru, and while Toyota had a hand in developing the hybrid system for the Forester, it’s not just Toyota’s leftovers. It’s much more Subaru than the last Crosstrek hybrid. One of the biggest differences between the two hybrid AWD SUVs, however, is the AWD system that helps define the two. Subaru has a much more traditional, mechanical system, while Toyota’s is very electronic. Let’s dig in.

The Subaru Forester has always had a very reliable, mechanical all-wheel drive system. There’s a front differential, which connects the front two wheels via independent axles. Then there’s a center differential, and then a rear differential that connects the two rear wheels. This way, all four wheels have a permanent connection to the engine, so the power is split 50:50 at all times. The center differential helps the front and rear differentials spin at different speeds when turning, which helps keep the car stable and improve handling. This system is known for its rigidity and longevity, but boy, is it thirsty. Without a way to bias either the front or the rear wheels, mileage suffers. When I had the Forester hybrid, which has this kind of AWD system, I was averaging 29 mpg. 

Kristen Brown

The RAV4 hybrid, however, has a very different AWD system. The front two wheels are connected to the front differential with two independent axles, but the rear is much different. The rear “axle” is electronic, meaning there’s no physical connection between the rear “axle” and the engine. The rear axle receives input from the engine when slipping is detected, when it’s put into “Trail” mode, or when the system predicts slipping from wheel speed, steering input, or how often the windshield wipers are being used. Therefore, unless the system is told to split power evenly, it’s primarily FWD. As a result, the RAV4 gets much better mileage. When I was driving it, I was impressed by the SUV's 36.3 mpg.

All-wheel drive is included for two reasons: handling and all-weather capability. Subaru’s popularity is largely thanks to its capabilities as an affordable AWD SUV (Outback and Legacy included). For a fair price, the Forester can handle both the school pickup run and a moderate trail laden with snow, ice, mud, or dirt, especially with viscous coupling. There’s yet to be an as effective AWD system as Subaru’s when the going gets really tough, because of the permanent connection and X-MODE. But, like I said before, it’s not as efficient as other “intelligent” systems. 

Kristen Brown

Toyota’s system is pretty good, though. It’s just obviously not as rugged as Subaru’s, but let’s be real here—no one buys a Toyota RAV4 to do any kind of crazy off-roading. Most Toyota RAV4 hybrid buyers likely use the RAV4’s AWD to get to a trailhead or a campsite instead of doing more rugged things that the Subaru is capable of. 

Both the RAV4 and the Forester are excellent AWD SUVs, and with the Forester being a hybrid this year, we can finally say they’re both excellent AWD hybrid SUVs, too. Both have good cargo space figures, both can be bought at more than fair prices, both are known for their reliability, and both will get you to where you want to go without much back talk. 

Kristen Brown

However, if someone was cross-examining them both strictly for the AWD system, I’d recommend the Subaru every time. Subaru spent decades refining and perfecting the system, and it shows. Now, if someone were looking at either for the hybridization, I’d recommend the RAV4 without a moment’s hesitation.

The 2025 Subaru Outback is the last year for the sixth generation before it gets turned into a larger, boxier SUV rather than a tall wagon. It’s the look many have come to love since station wagons, as we know them, are a dying breed. The current Outback comfortably seats five and comes with Subaru’s standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system that provides four-season traction and mild off-roading capability regardless of model or trim level. The Outback slots between the newly redesigned Forester and the three-row Ascent SUV. It’s also the brand’s second-best-selling model, second only to the Forester. 

Subaru

The Outback received a facelift in 2023, giving the lineup a more rugged appearance. Inspired by its own off-road leaning Wilderness trim, the Outback lineup added more black cladding and fender trim to bolster its tall wagon look. The Outback nicely toes the line between comfortable road manners and decent off-road prowess, which tends to elude most wagons. Its strengths lie with family hauling and solid cargo capacity, and it does so with a rugged attitude that draws customers back to it generation after generation. It’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The Outback’s major competitors are the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and the Hyundai Santa Fe, none of which have the Outback’s wagon silhouette or off-road ability. On top of that, Subaru is offering a very attractive lease deal for the month of July. 

Steven Paul

Through July 31, 2025, you can lease a new 2025 Outback Base for just $275/month on a 36-month lease. There’s $0 security deposit and $4,274 due at lease signing, plus tax & license. The mileage limit is 10,000 miles per year with a $300 disposition fee at the end of the lease term, except in New York and Wisconsin. The offer is not available in Hawaii. This special lease rate is extended to well-qualified buyers and is subject to credit & vehicle insurance approval. Excludes tax, license, title, registration, insurance, additional options, & dealer charges. Learn more here. 

Subaru

The base engine for the Subaru Outback is a 182-horsepower naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. Standard features for the Base trim include steering-responsive LED headlights, automatic wiper-linked headlights, raised roof rails, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, advanced adaptive cruise control, automatic climate control, and a dual 7-inch screen infotainment system. 

Subaru

The Outback Base might not have the high-end appointments of the higher trims, but the interior of the Outback is a spacious one, including a total of 109 cubic feet of passenger space and 39.4 inches of second-row legroom. Everything is laid out well, and the Base trim even gets an extra row of physical buttons for infotainment, unlike the on-screen versions on the other trims. Cargo space is a generous 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. Total cargo volume even exceeds the new Toyota RAV4 and comes very close to the big Honda CR-V. 

The 2025 Subaru Outback is one of the most unique crossovers in the industry because it retains a station wagon aesthetic where others have gone boxier, just as the Outback will do when its seventh generation arrives next year. It’s a capable, roomy, and truly safe crossover that also offers the benefit of standard all-wheel drive and a remarkably smooth ride. The very affordable monthly lease payment makes it even more attractive in the month of July. Before signing the lease agreement, be aware of the costs due at signing, including taxes and registration fees, etc.

*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.

You don’t have to be a Subaru owner to understand the brand’s target audience. If you’re a parent who answers the call of the wild, a dog owner, or someone who appreciates a good value, you’ve likely shopped for a Subaru at least once (or you own one now). Mazda examined the typical buyers of the Subaru Outback and Forester crossover SUVs and decided to throw a low blow by introducing the CX-50 in 2021. The body shape is long with a sloped roofline in the back, similar to the Outback, but has similar cargo space figures to the Forester. With a standard intelligent AWD system, off-road-centric drive modes, rugged styling, and outdoorsy marketing featuring images of families with dogs and/or kids, Mazda knew exactly what they were doing. 

Kristen Brown

When Mazda decided to partner up with Toyota to produce the CX-50 hybrid (utilizing the hybrid system in the RAV4 hybrid), it put itself ahead of the pack, since the Outback still isn’t a hybrid, and the Forester was just hybridized for 2026. With the Forester being a true AWD hybrid SUV, it gives it a bit more of an edge against the CX-50, especially since the pricing of the Forester hybrid and the CX-50 hybrid is very similar. The Subaru Forester’s price range is $29,695 to $43,295 for the Touring Hybrid, while the CX-50 Hybrid’s pricing starts at $35,195 to $41,195. Not only is the Mazda less expensive, but it also has a more premium interior and a trusted hybrid system, while the Forester hybrid is an all-new system.

Kristen Brown

As a gas-only car, we’ll compare the Mazda’s price range to the Outback. The Mazda starts at $31,995 and goes up to $44,495 for the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, while the Subaru Outback starts at $29,351 and goes up to $43,210. As you can see, the Mazda takes on the Forester and the Outback at the same time.

The Mazda I reviewed was the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, which is the top-shelf model of the gas-only CX-50. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that generates 227 horsepower when regular octane fuel. However, when you use premium (which, ingeniously, Maza engineered it to handle both), the horsepower is boosted to 256. Of course, more horsepower comes at the cost of miles per gallon, but if you’re looking for a little pep in your step, filling up with premium every once and a while is a great way to do that. The Forester has a “Sport” model, which is more than an appearance package than anything else, but the Forester XT was discontinued in 2018. As far as power is concerned, the Forester doesn’t stand a chance, as stock figures aren’t more than 180 horsepower. 

Kristen Brown

The Outback, on the other hand, can be bought with Subaru’s 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine in four trims: the Wilderness, Onyx XT, Limited XT, and the Touring XT. The Touring XT is the top-of-the-line trim level, and it’s meant to be what Mazda’s Premium Plus trim is: rugged luxury. The interior of both cars features creamy tan Nappa leather, all-weather features like heated mirrors, a heated steering wheel, heated seats, and complementary contrast stitching. The Outback’s turbocharged engine makes more horsepower at 260, but unless it’s in Sport mode, the CVT prioritizes a smooth ride that stays in the low end of RPMs to help keep mileage in the high 20s. When I had it, I was averaging 25 mpg. The CVT can certainly give the XT power when you put the pedal to the metal without too much rubberbanding, but the Mazda’s traditional automatic is much more responsive and refined.

The Subaru Forester and Outback both use a very traditional, mechanical AWD system. Since the front and rear wheels have a permanent connection to the engine, Subaru’s symmetrical system is known for its rigidity and longevity. Mazda’s system is similar, but much more electronically controlled. It’s an “intelligent” system that’s reactive and predictive, and when sensors don’t detect slipping (or predict slipping, based on factors like wheel speed, steering input, and windshield wiper usage), the system will split the torque to bias the front wheels. This helps the CX-50 get better mileage when AWD isn’t needed, and then be able to handle the unexpected at the same time. 

Kristen Brown

Subaru’s system is proven and incredibly tough, but because it’s always on, even when the weather is fair, mileage certainly suffers. The company has improved its efficiency by a large margin over the last few decades, but the figures are noticeably different. The Forester, as a non-hybrid, gets a little better mileage since it’s not as large or as heavy as the Outback at around 24 mpg combined, and the CVT helps, but the Mazda was getting 25 mpg doing mostly downtown driving. The Outback was getting around the same, but I did do more highway driving.

Mazda and Subaru are two companies that are known for their safety features that come as standard equipment, instead of having to pay extra for them (looking at you, Toyota). Subaru’s Eye-Sight is an award-winning dual-camera system that’s known for its effectiveness in busy areas like cities, but tends to be less effective in poor weather conditions that can block cameras. Mazda’s system is a predictive one that utilizes cameras and radar, making it effective in poor weather conditions. Additionally, cameras help prevent human accidents through features such as cyclist and pedestrian detection. Both systems are highly praised for their effectiveness, and both brands get gold stars for having incredible features as standard equipment. 

Kristen Brown

Therefore, even if you bought the base level of the Mazda CX-50, Subaru Forester, or Outback, you’d be getting top-shelf safety features for much, much less. Both companies have key features like lane assist, adaptive cruise control, driver attention alert, reverse automatic braking, automatic emergency braking, forward collision detection, blind spot detection, and more—all for a fair price. 

By the features on the CX-50, it’s obvious they were aligning themselves for Subaru’s buyers. Like the Outback and the Forester, the Mazda CX-50 comes with standard AWD at all trim levels, has 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and has an “Off-Road” drive mode that splits the torque and power evenly across all four wheels. Granted, that drive mode isn’t the same as Subaru’s X-MODE, designed for off-road driving, but all three models got good scores in snow, dirt, and mud. All three also come standard with all-season tires, and both brands offer adventure-friendly dealer add-ons like roof rails, cargo boxes or baskets, all-weather mats, cargo nets, and pet-centric options like seat covers. 

Kristen Brown

Off-road, the Mazda doesn’t feel as comfortable because of its limited visibility (the seating position is quite low, the windows are smaller and higher up, the hood line is high, and the cameras are a pretty low resolution), but the AWD system was poised, balanced, and incredibly responsive. The Subaru Forester and Outback are very happy to be off-road, because of the high seating position and excellent visibility. Both are very easy to see out of and even easier to drive without the need for cameras, so if you plan on doing a lot of overlanding, Subaru is the way to go. But if you want a family-friendly car that can handle the occasional trail to a remote campsite, the Mazda’s a solid choice. 

The CX-50 is around the same size as either Subaru, with the Subarus being a little taller, wider, and longer, but the low roof line and the low seating position made it feel quite cramped in the driver’s seat compared to the wide open feeling of either Subaru. The Forester has the best visibility out of all three, with a high seating position, a tall roof, and large windows. I was looking over the hood, which made it easy to see the corners of the hood, and since I could look over my shoulder and see behind me, I didn’t even need blind spot warnings. The Outback was also easy to see out of, but not as easily as the Forester. 

The Outback is the largest of the three, so it shouldn’t be shocking to learn that it has the most cargo and passenger space. The Mazda has decent cargo space, but the rear seats were cramped with both of my toddlers’ car seats. A low roof line means less height, so you can’t put as much in the trunk as you can in either Subaru. That could easily be fixed with a cargo box and basket, though.

The Mazda CX-50 poses a direct threat to the Subaru Forester and Outback with similar features, similar off-road features, standard AWD, and family-friendly price ranges. The Mazda’s hybrid option with Toyota’s trusted and proven hybrid system makes it hard to pass up, while the Forester’s hybrid system is all-new. Subaru’s excellent visibility and refined X-MODE make it more off-road-ready, but the Mazda’s power and use of an automatic transmission over a CVT make the driving dynamic much more refined and balanced, even when driving daily.

Kristen Brown

The Subaru has more passenger and cargo space if you’re shopping for a family car, but if you wanted a fun, spirited adventure SUV and kids weren’t in the picture, the CX-50 would be the one I’d recommend. You can’t go wrong with any of the three cars listed, especially at those prices. When the Outback finally comes out with a hybrid option, the competition will be even stiffer.

With all of the news about the redesigned Forester and Outback, it’s easy to let the cheapest of the Subaru bunch fade into the shadows. The affordable Impreza was redesigned in 2024, and it continues to offer practical transportation with standard all-wheel drive. Consider the little Subie to be the lower-riding, less showy, and more affordable version of the popular Crosstrek. It eschews the rugged-looking trim bits for more of an under-the-radar aesthetic, yet it remains four-seasons capable. Subaru is offering a very attractive lease deal for the month of July on its most affordable vehicle, which also happens to be one of the least expensive all-wheel drive vehicles on the market today.

Subaru

This month, the base 2025 Impreza is available to lease for $239/month for 36 months with $0 security deposit and $2,674 due at lease signing. This special lease rate applies to well-qualified buyers and is subject to credit & vehicle insurance approval. The mileage limit is 30,000 miles for the term of the lease (10,000 miles per year), and a disposition fee of $300 is due at the end of the lease (excluding New York and Wisconsin). The lease offer is not available in Hawaii. The monthly lease price excludes tax, license, title, registration, insurance, additional options, & dealer charges. Learn more here. 

Subaru

The Impreza Base is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat-four engine, which delivers 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. While it may not be quick, the Impreza handles remarkably well given its output, and the standard torque vectoring feature enhances its handling capabilities. The electric power steering is good, as is the stiff chassis, an improvement over the previous generation. 

Standard features for the Base trim include steering-responsive automatic LED headlights, 16-inch wheels, a roof spoiler, roof crossbar mounting points, remote keyless entry, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, automatic climate control, cruise control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. The interior of the Impreza provides a total of 100.5 cubic feet of passenger space and 36.4 inches of second-row legroom. That's more than the Mazda3 hatchback for both figures. The Impreza’s cargo space measures 20.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 56 cubic feet with the 60/40 split rear seats folded flat. Those numbers eclipse both the Toyota Corolla hatchback and the Mazda3 hatchback.

The 2025 Subaru Impreza isn't the only all-wheel drive hatchback in the industry, but that all-wheel drive traction comes standard, unlike many other hatchbacks. In base trim, it lacks some of the bells and whistles of pricier trims, but it has everything you need and nothing you don't. The affordable July lease deal only serves to make it even more accessible. Before signing the lease agreement, be aware of the costs due at signing, including taxes and registration fees, etc. Read the lease agreement carefully and inquire about potential additional costs at the dealership. 

*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 fully electric lineup of models is growing steadily, with the new Subaru Uncharted joining the Solterra and larger Trailseeker. The Uncharted is positioned closer to the Solterra, so it's these two crossovers we'll compare, based on the specifications already shared by Subaru. From the way they look to what's on offer under the skin, the Uncharted and Solterra are definitely aimed at different buyers. Here are five major differences between them.

Although the 2026 Solterra's design update has made it a better-looking SUV than before, the new Uncharted is undoubtedly sportier. The two models look very similar from the front, but the coupe-like roofline of the Uncharted and its shorter body creates a sleeker look than the Solterra. An available two-tone roof, orange paint, and 20-inch wheels on the Uncharted GT confirm that this is a much sportier Subaru than we're used to seeing.

Related: 2026 Toyota bZ vs Subaru Solterra: Which One Should You Buy?

Subaru

Although we don't have all the Subaru Uncharted's specifications yet, we know that it's almost seven inches shorter than the Solterra, something that one can pick up even visually. The Uncharted is, therefore, roughly the same length as the Crosstrek. Subaru claims that the shorter Uncharted is highly maneuverable, with a turning radius that's almost identical to the Crosstrek. This should make it much easier to drive in congested cities than the Solterra.

These days, even the cheap Impreza hatchback has Subaru's standard all-wheel-drive system. But with the Uncharted, Subaru is going back to a front-wheel-drive layout for the base Premium model. This example has a better range and a lower price, although Subaru says it will only be available in limited numbers. At 221 horsepower, the FWD model is less potent than the AWD model, which makes 338 hp. The Solterra, meanwhile, gets standard AWD across the range, and either 233 or 338 hp, depending on the version.

The 338-hp versions of both EVs can reach 60 mph in under five seconds, so anyone in a WRX STI would be advised not to challenge one of these EVs in a drag race.

Even though the Solterra has an improved range for 2026, it's still not enough to beat the new Uncharted. Subaru estimates the latest Solterra can get 285 miles on a full charge, whereas the new Uncharted gets over 300 miles in FWD guise. With AWD, the Uncharted's range is still a little better than the Solterra's, at 290 miles.

Both EVs are equipped with a NACS charging port, allowing them to be plugged into over 15,000 Tesla Superchargers located across the country.

Subaru hasn't confirmed how much the 2026 Uncharted or 2026 Solterra will cost yet, but the newer one is virtually guaranteed to be the brand's cheapest EV. The FWD version has less power and is smaller than the Solterra, and Subaru specifically stated it's coming in "at a lower price point."

The 2025 Solterra begins at $38,495 and goes up to $45,495 for the Touring Onyx Edition. If Subaru can get the base Uncharted down to around $34,000, it will be a perfect rival for the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which is the third best-selling EV in the country after the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.

The 2026 Solterra goes on sale later this year, while the new Uncharted arrives in showrooms early in 2026.

Related: The Cheapest Electric Cars You Can Buy Right Now