What is the best Subaru car?
The best Subaru models are affordable and reliable – but which is the right car for you?
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By Craig Hale
Last updated: 17 July 2025
Subaru is a less common brand that still has stacks of appeal – the Japanese manufacturer is responsible for plenty of excellent performance cars, off-roaders and practical family models.
Best of all, they’re affordable and reliable, so you can be confident that buying used is a great option to get behind the wheel of a Subaru.
All the models below have one thing in common – their excellent four-wheel-drive systems. If you’re struggling to pick the right car for you, keep reading to find out each one’s selling points.
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Which Subaru car is the best?
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Impreza
Subaru Forester
Subaru Outback
Subaru BRZ
Subaru Solterra
Subaru Crosstrek – the best Subaru car on a budget?
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Previously known as the Subaru XV, the Crosstrek is a small crossover that’s more similar in size to a family hatchback, with the added benefit of a raised driving position and slightly more ground clearance.
Despite its compact dimensions, it has plenty of headroom and legroom for all passengers and is well-equipped across all trim levels.
Newer models use a 136hp 2.0-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, which means they can drive for short distances at low speed on electric power alone, but don’t expect the same efficiency as you’d get from more dedicated hybrids like the Hyundai Ioniq.
Even though it’s the brand’s smallest model, it still has a very capable four-wheel-drive system as standard.
Subaru Impreza – the Subaru car with the best interior?
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The Subaru Impreza is a desirable and popular second-hand car because you can no longer buy it new.
It has a more typical hatchback design and is similar in size to something like a Ford Focus, though like the rest of the brand’s lineup, it has extensive off-road credentials and an excellent four-wheel-drive setup.
All models come with lots of car tech, including Apple CarPlay, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and adaptive cruise control, which means they have better-specced interiors than some other entry-level hatchbacks.
Power comes from 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre engines but the car went off sale before any hybrid systems came into play for Subaru, so when combined with the four-wheel-drive system, they’re not as cheap to run as some other cars.
Subaru Forester – the top Subaru car for long distances?
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Subaru’s largest model is the Forester, which is as big as the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, making it a great choice for growing families.
Thanks to its boxy shape, headroom and legroom are excellent and it has a large 509-litre boot, which isn’t too dissimilar from the CX-5, so it’s well suited for long road trips.
It uses a similar hybrid system to the XV, which means you benefit from a seriously impressive four-wheel-drive system and a handy electric boost – though earlier models were petrol-only.
Inside, the Forester feels light and airy, and outward visibility is great because of its large windows – not only good for keeping young children entertained, but also for navigating tight spaces as a driver.
Subaru Outback – the best Subaru when it comes to durability?
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Subaru calls the Outback a crossover, but it’s more of an estate – think of it as a rival to the Audi A4 Allroad or Volkswagen Golf Alltrack.
Because of the way it’s shaped, not only is the boot big (561 litres), but it’s also incredibly wide. It offers a lot of floor space, which is important for carrying multiple items such as suitcases.
Subaru is a brand synonymous with reliability, and Outback drivers rank the car highly. Like other Subaru models, it uses a boxer engine, which has a low centre of gravity that’s good for off-roading – plus it sounds great.
Newer models have a large, portrait-oriented touchscreen media system, which is the sort of thing you’d expect to see in much more expensive cars.
Subaru BRZ – a great Subaru for performance?
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The Japanese car manufacturer has a long history of building performance cars, but being a coupé, the BRZ is fairly unique among the brand’s hot hatches.
It was built together with Toyota and is virtually identical to the GT86, so if you’re struggling to find a BRZ, a GT86 might be the next best thing.
The 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 200hp, so it’s not as fast as some other sports cars but it’s very engaging to drive, and you can use more of the power in most cases without breaking the law.
It’s a more unique alternative to something like an Audi TT and even has a pair of rear seats, but they’re best used only by children.
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Subaru Solterra - the best electric Subaru?
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The Subaru Solterra is an electric SUV that shares many parts with the Toyota bZ4X, so while the model itself may be new and unique, its mechanical parts should come with the extra peace of mind of being backed by another reliable brand.
They both come with the same 71.4kWh battery, but the Solterra is only available with the all-wheel-drive setup, which should be no surprise given the brand’s reputation for off-roading and rallying.
It’s good for up to nearly 290 miles of range, and it comes as standard with a heat pump which significantly improves the efficiency of the car’s heating system in the winter.
Standard specification is great, and the interior features a unique design with lots of materials and layers to make it stand out against a growing number of electric SUVs.
Buy the best Subaru car:
Subaru has a grand selection of cars, but whichever model you're buying, you'll know it's a highly capable and reliable car.
And unless it's the sporty BRZ, you'll also benefit from one of the best 4x4 systems in the business, so what's not to love?
If you're ready to enter the world of Subaru, browse our range of used Subarus for sale now.
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