Most Reliable Subaru Car Isn’t Impreza or Forester
Subaru is a dependable car brand — and its vehicles have a reputation for lasting many miles and years. Some may assume that one of the Japanese automaker’s sedans, such as the Impreza, is the best for reliability. Others might think it’s the Forester compact crossover SUV, another vehicle with a good dependability history. However, it’s neither of these two models. The most reliable Subaru car is the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact crossover SUV.
2023 Subaru Crosstrek is the most reliable Subaru car
Consumer Reports selected the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek as the most reliable Subaru car, which is a little unexpected. Over the years, the Impreza has typically been the most reliable model, while the Forester has historically led the way for the crossover SUV lineup. Also, while mechanically similar to the Impreza, the Crosstrek has more complicated features for off-road use. And more complexity often translates to a greater likelihood of problems arising.
However, for the analysis from Consumer Reports, the Crosstrek bests all other Subaru models. It is the number one choice for reliability, outranking the Impreza and Forester. Also, as detailed by USA Today, the subcompact crossover SUV is the 8th most reliable vehicle for all car brands. No other Subaru model made the top 10.
Top ranking for Crosstrek based on Auto Reliability Survey
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek earning the most reliable Subaru car honor is based on the annual Auto Reliability Survey from Consumer Reports. Over a 12-month span, Consumer Reports collected owner surveys for over 300,000 vehicles, including the models in the Subaru lineup. For the surveys, owners identified various problem areas, such as leaks, noises, paint, brakes, engines, and electrical systems.
The Crosstrek had fewer issues for these problem areas than other Subaru models, including the Impreza and Forester. Consequently, it earned the top spot for Subaru reliability.
When choosing which Subaru vehicle to get, dependability is a crucial factor. The high-level reliability of the Crosstrek results in less costly repairs — and fewer hassles. It also has benefits for longevity, safety, and performance. Plus, an owner can have the confidence of dependably getting to their destination — without ever getting stranded on the side of the road.
Also, overall, the Subaru brand is dependable. It earned a spot on CR’s top 10 list of most reliable car brands, placing seventh.
Changes for the 2023 Crosstrek
In advance of its redesign for the 2024 model year, the 2023 Crosstrek is primarily a carryover model. However, the crossover SUV offers a new Special Edition trim with a distinctive Desert Khaki paint color — and other unique design elements.
This includes a Crystal Black Silica color for the side mirrors, door handles, front grille bar, and antenna, along with Dark Gray 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and Low Luster Black exterior badges. Inside the Special Edition trim, the cabin has Low Luster Black trim accents and black and red upholstery.
The most reliable Subaru car isn’t the Impreza or Forester. It’s the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact crossover SUV. We’ll have to see if this high-level reliability holds for the redesigned 2024 model, which has a more sculpted exterior, better performance, and many new features.
