The Most Reliable Subaru SUV Isn’t the Crosstrek or Outback
This one goes out to the Subie fans. Suburbu SUVs have a reputation for reliability and safety. However, some of the most popular models like the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback aren’t the most reliable options in the lineup.
The Subaru Forester is the most reliable model in the lineup
The Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most popular models in the lineup and it sold 159,193 models in 2023. The Subaru Outback actually passed it to become the most popular option in 2023, with 161,184 models sold.
However, both of these options have a lower reliability score than the Subaru Forester, which moved about 152,566 models sold. It seems to be an underdog compared to its siblings but offers the highest reliability score.
According to J.D.Power, the Forester is the most reliable model in the SUV fleet. It has a reliability rating of 84 out of 100, which is great. It’s ha a recall due to a potential air conditioning leak and improper headlight alignment.
Scores between 70 and 80 are average, while scores between 81 and 90 are above average, and anything between 91 and 100 is best.
But the beloved 2024 Crosstrek isn’t far behind. It earned a reliability ranking of 83 out of 100. It’s only one point behind Forester, but recently faced recalls for a faulty wiring harness and driveshaft cracking.
Then the 2024 Outback rings in with a score of 80, putting it in the category below the Crosstrek and the Forester. It doesn’t have any recalls for the year, but common complaints include trouble with the brakes and wheel alignments.
The average Forester model is expected to reach between 200,000 to 250,000 miles. However, it is possible to reach 300,000 miles with regular care and proper maintenance. There are a few rare cases of some Forester SUVs reaching 500,000 miles.
If you drive an average of 15,000 miles annually, then your Crosstrek could provide about 17 years of service on the road.
The average maintenance cost for the 2024 Forester is $630, so that’s slightly below average. The average SUV costs about $650 to maintain per year.
Each Subaru SUV offers unique advantages to fit various needs and budgets. For example, the Crosstrek is the most affordable model and the Forester is currently the most reliable option.
