When it comes to automotive reliability, Subaru has carved out a reputation that few manufacturers can match. The Japanese automaker has consistently demonstrated its commitment to building vehicles that stand the test of time, with an astonishing statistic to prove it: over 96% of Subarus sold in the last decade are still on the road today.
This remarkable longevity stems from Subaru’s conservative engineering philosophy, which emphasizes proven components over untested technologies, along with their signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and horizontally opposed BOXER engine design.
In 2025, Consumer Reports ranked Subaru as the number one most reliable car brand, earning a reliability score that surpassed well-established competitors like Lexus, Toyota, and Honda.
This achievement reflects decades of refinement and a dedication to quality that resonates with drivers seeking dependable transportation.
From compact crossovers to performance-oriented sports cars, Subaru’s lineup offers something for every lifestyle while maintaining the brand’s core values of safety, durability, and all-weather capability.
The models featured in this list represent the pinnacle of Subaru’s reliability achievements over the past ten years. Drawing from authoritative sources including J.D. Power reliability ratings, RepairPal scores, and extensive owner feedback, these vehicles have proven themselves capable of exceeding 200,000 miles when properly maintained.
Whether you’re going through the snowy mountain passes, commuting through urban traffic, or embarking on cross-country adventures, these Subaru models deliver the peace of mind that comes from driving a truly dependable vehicle. Each model showcases the engineering excellence and build quality that have made Subaru synonymous with longevity and owner satisfaction.
1. 2018 Subaru Legacy
The 2018 Subaru Legacy stands as one of the most reliable midsize sedans Subaru has produced in the last decade, earning praise from both automotive experts and satisfied owners.
With a J.D. Power Reliability rating of 82 out of 100, this model year represents a sweet spot in the Legacy’s evolution, combining proven mechanical components with modern technology and safety features.
The Legacy has always been somewhat of an underdog in Subaru’s lineup, overshadowed by the more popular Outback, but those who choose this sedan discover a vehicle built for the long haul.
The 2018 Legacy introduced updated infotainment options and came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology in higher trims, marking a significant advancement in both convenience and safety features.
The EyeSight system, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning, was particularly noteworthy as it brought advanced safety technology to a mainstream midsize sedan at an accessible price point. This addition helped solidify the Legacy’s reputation as a family-friendly vehicle that doesn’t compromise on protection.
Under the hood, the 2018 Legacy offers two engine options, both known for their reliability. The standard 2.5-liter BOXER four-cylinder engine provides adequate power for daily driving while delivering impressive fuel economy, making it an ideal choice for commuters.
For those seeking more performance, the available 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine offers smoother acceleration and highway passing power without sacrificing the reliability that Subaru is known for. Both engines are mated to a Lineartronic CVT that, despite some early concerns with CVT technology, has proven durable in this application.
Many Legacy owners report their vehicles reaching at least 200,000 miles, with many going well above that mark. This longevity is attributed to the Legacy’s straightforward design and solid build quality.
The sedan’s all-wheel drive system, standard across all trims, provides exceptional traction in adverse weather conditions while being relatively maintenance-free compared to part-time AWD systems found in competing vehicles. This system is one of the key features that keeps Legacys on the road longer than many of their rivals.
The 2018 Legacy’s reliability is further enhanced by its excellent safety record. Beyond the EyeSight technology, the vehicle earned top marks in crash tests from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
This combination of passive and active safety features provides multiple layers of protection, contributing to the vehicle’s longevity by reducing the likelihood of accident-related damage. For buyers seeking a reliable, safe, and comfortable midsize sedan with standard all-wheel drive, the 2018 Subaru Legacy represents an exceptional value in the used car market.
2. 2014 Subaru Outback
The 2014 Subaru Outback represents a generation of vehicles that perfectly embodies Subaru’s philosophy of building practical, durable vehicles for real-world use.
This model year falls within the fourth generation of the Outback, which ran from 2010 to 2014, and benefits from years of refinement that addressed earlier issues.
Equipped with either the dependable 2.5-liter BOXER engine or the optional 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, the 2014 Outback delivers power and longevity, making it an excellent choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts who need a vehicle they can depend on for years.
The 2014 Outback’s reliability stems from its use of well-proven powertrains that had been refined over multiple model years. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while not particularly powerful, is known for its durability and reasonable fuel economy.
The optional 3.6-liter six-cylinder, borrowed from Subaru’s larger vehicles, provides more robust performance with minimal sacrifice in reliability.
Both engines are paired with either a five-speed automatic transmission (for the four-cylinder) or a five-speed automatic designed for the six-cylinder, avoiding the CVT transmission that some owners find less desirable.
The Outback has a spacious interior, plenty of cargo room, and high ground clearance, making it a practical choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the 2014 Outback can tackle rough roads and light off-road trails that would challenge traditional sedans or wagons.
This capability, combined with Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, makes the Outback genuinely versatile. The wagon body style provides nearly 36 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to over 73 cubic feet with the seats folded, offering practicality that rivals many SUVs.
The 2014 Outback’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to serve as a true multi-purpose vehicle. It’s equally at home commuting in urban traffic, hauling family gear on vacation, or going through the snowy mountain roads.
The comfortable ride quality, relatively quiet cabin, and user-friendly interior make it pleasant for daily use, while its capability ensures it won’t let you down when conditions get challenging.
For used car buyers seeking a reliable, practical vehicle with proven longevity, the 2014 Subaru Outback offers excellent value and peace of mind.
3. 2018 Subaru Outback
The 2018 Subaru Outback builds upon the solid foundation established by earlier generations while incorporating modern technology and refined engineering.
With a J.D. Power Reliability rating of 81 out of 100, this fifth-generation model demonstrates Subaru’s continued commitment to building vehicles that last.
The 2018 model year represents a mature iteration of the fifth-generation Outback, which debuted in 2015, allowing Subaru to address any early production issues and deliver a vehicle that benefits from four years of refinement and customer feedback.
The 2018 Subaru Outback is a reliable, all-weather workhorse with standard all-wheel drive and a dependable 2.5-liter BOXER engine.
The standard four-cylinder engine produces 175 horsepower, which, while modest, proves adequate for most driving situations and delivers respectable fuel economy of up to 32 mpg on the highway.
For those wanting more power, the available 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine produces 256 horsepower, providing confident acceleration and smooth operation. Both engines pair with a Lineartronic CVT that, by 2018, had proven its durability in Subaru applications.
Safety has always been a cornerstone of the Outback’s appeal, and the 2018 model exemplifies this commitment. Known for its safety, it offers Subaru’s EyeSight technology and top crash ratings.
The EyeSight system comes standard on most trim levels, bringing features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist to a wide audience.
These systems not only prevent accidents but also reduce driver fatigue on long journeys, contributing to the vehicle’s reliability by minimizing crash-related damage. The 2018 Outback earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, the highest safety rating available.
With a roomy interior, rugged design, and low maintenance needs, it’s a go-to for families and adventurers. The Outback’s interior provides comfortable seating for five adults, with generous legroom in both rows.
The cargo area offers 35.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 73.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it practical for everything from grocery runs to camping trips.
The interior materials and build quality in the 2018 model show noticeable improvement over earlier generations, with better sound insulation and more refined materials throughout the cabin.
The 2018 Outback excels in all-weather performance, which is crucial for its reliability reputation. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system continuously distributes power to all four wheels, providing superior traction in rain, snow, and ice compared to front-wheel drive competitors.
This capability means Outback owners can confidently go through challenging conditions without concern, reducing the likelihood of weather-related accidents. Combined with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the 2018 Outback can handle rough roads and light trails that would be problematic for traditional wagons or sedans, making it genuinely versatile for active lifestyles.
4. 2020 Subaru WRX
The 2020 Subaru WRX stands out as a reliable performance car that defies the stereotype of sports sedans being maintenance nightmares. It combines a powerful turbo engine with great traction courtesy of Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD – and tops it all off with solid build quality.
The WRX has long been Subaru’s performance flagship, tracing its roots back to the brand’s successful rally heritage, and the 2020 model represents a refined evolution of the fourth-generation platform that debuted in 2015.
Under the hood, the 2020 WRX features a turbocharged 2.0-liter BOXER four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
This engine delivers exhilarating performance while maintaining reasonable reliability when properly maintained. Designed for driver engagement, the standard transmission in the WRX is a six-speed manual, making the WRX a fun yet dependable choice for driving enthusiasts.
The manual transmission is generally preferred by enthusiasts for its direct connection to the driving experience and has proven more durable than some CVT applications in other Subaru models. However, a CVT option is available for those who prefer automatic operation.
The WRX’s reliability is somewhat dependent on how it’s driven. Vehicles driven aggressively or modified from stock may experience accelerated wear on components like the clutch, turbocharger, and suspension.
However, WRXs driven responsibly and maintained according to Subaru’s recommendations consistently prove reliable. The turbocharged engine requires premium fuel and more frequent oil changes than naturally aspirated engines, but these are reasonable trade-offs for the performance provided.
Owners who follow the maintenance schedule and allow the turbocharger to cool down properly after spirited driving typically enjoy trouble-free ownership.
The 2020 WRX’s interior, while not luxurious, is functional and driver-focused. The sports seats provide excellent support during spirited driving, and the straightforward controls put everything within easy reach. The infotainment system works well and includes smartphone integration, though it’s not the most advanced in the industry.
The rear seats are surprisingly spacious for a performance sedan, and the trunk offers 12 cubic feet of cargo space, making the WRX practical enough for daily use. This combination of performance, reliability, practicality, and all-weather capability makes the 2020 WRX a standout choice for enthusiasts who want a car they can depend on year-round.
Also Read: 10 Used Sports Cars Under $30K That Almost Never Break
5. 2022 Subaru BRZ
The 2022 Subaru BRZ represents something truly special in the automotive world: a reliable, affordable sports car that prioritizes driving enjoyment over raw power.
The 2022 Subaru BRZ has a 2.4-liter engine that’s quick but durable, marking a significant upgrade from the previous generation’s 2.0-liter powerplant.
The second-generation BRZ, introduced for the 2022 model year, demonstrates Subaru’s ability to build a dependable rear-wheel drive sports car, a departure from its typical all-wheel drive formula.
You’ll rarely see a sports car on the list of the most reliable cars worldwide, and yet the Subaru BRZ has truly proven its mettle. Sports cars often sacrifice reliability for performance, but the BRZ takes a different approach.
Built in partnership with Toyota (sold as the GR86), the BRZ benefits from shared development costs and Toyota’s legendary reliability focus.
The 2.4-liter naturally aspirated BOXER engine produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, providing lively performance without the complexity and potential issues associated with turbocharged or supercharged engines.
With a J.D. Power Reliability rating of 78 out of 100, the BRZ scores well for a sports car, which typically see lower reliability ratings due to harder use and more complex engineering.
The 2022 model benefits from a clean-sheet redesign that addressed many of the first generation’s minor issues. The engine’s naturally aspirated design means fewer components to fail compared to forced-induction alternatives, and the straightforward mechanical layout makes maintenance accessible for DIY enthusiasts or local mechanics.
The BRZ’s rear-wheel drive configuration might seem like a reliability concern in challenging weather, but the car’s excellent balance and available traction control systems make it manageable in most conditions.
The car’s low center of gravity, courtesy of the BOXER engine’s horizontal layout, contributes to predictable handling characteristics that help prevent accidents.
While not ideal for snowy climates without winter tires, the BRZ’s mechanical simplicity and Toyota/Subaru partnership quality mean it’s built to last through years of enthusiastic driving.
As far as reliability goes, the BRZ gets our vote for a good and exceptionally fun-to-drive option. For enthusiasts seeking a pure sports car experience without sacrificing dependability, the 2022 BRZ delivers.
It proves that reliability and driving enjoyment aren’t mutually exclusive, offering a compelling combination of performance, affordability, and long-term dependability that’s increasingly rare in today’s automotive market.
6. 2018 Subaru Forester
The 2018 Subaru Forester represents the final year of the fourth generation, making it a particularly attractive option for buyers seeking proven reliability.
This model year benefits from four years of refinement since the generation’s 2014 debut, with most of the early issues resolved. The Forester has long been Subaru’s best-selling SUV globally, and the 2018 model exemplifies why this compact SUV has earned such a loyal following among families, outdoor enthusiasts, and practical car buyers.
The 2024 Forester tops the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability charts among Subaru SUVs, with a score of 84 out of 100, and the 2018 model laid the groundwork for this excellent reputation.
The fourth-generation Forester introduced significant improvements in interior quality, safety technology, and refinement while maintaining the rugged capability that made earlier generations popular.
The 2018 model includes available EyeSight technology, heated seats, and a more sophisticated infotainment system, bringing modern conveniences to Subaru’s practical compact SUV formula.
The 2018 Forester offers two engine options, both known for reliability. The standard 2.5-liter BOXER four-cylinder produces 170 horsepower, providing adequate power for daily driving and highway cruising while delivering up to 32 mpg on the highway.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, available on the XT trim, produces 250 horsepower, offering spirited performance for those who want more than basic transportation. Both engines pair with a CVT transmission that, by 2018, had proven its durability in Subaru’s lineup.
The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter is generally preferred for maximum reliability, as it avoids the additional complexity of turbocharging.
The Forester’s spacious interior provides comfortable seating for five adults and offers generous cargo capacity. With 34.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 74.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, the Forester provides practicality that rivals larger SUVs.
The high seating position and large windows create excellent visibility in all directions, making the Forester easy to drive in tight spaces and providing a commanding view of the road. The interior materials in the 2018 model show improvement over earlier years, with better sound insulation and more upscale finishes.
The Forester’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance, combined with standard all-wheel drive, makes it genuinely capable on rough roads and in challenging weather conditions.
The suspension provides a comfortable ride on pavement while still offering enough articulation for light off-road adventures. This versatility means Forester owners can confidently tackle whatever conditions they encounter, from snowy mountain passes to rutted forest roads.
For families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable, practical SUV that won’t break the bank, the 2018 Subaru Forester represents an excellent choice in the used market.
7. 2017 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek represents the final year of the first generation, making it a particularly refined and reliable option for compact SUV buyers.
As the last model year before a complete redesign, the 2017 Crosstrek benefits from years of improvements and fixes, resulting in a vehicle that delivers the practicality and capability that made the Crosstrek popular while offering proven reliability.
The Crosstrek occupies a unique position in Subaru’s lineup, essentially being a lifted Impreza with additional body cladding and increased ground clearance, combining car-like efficiency with light SUV capability.
For the 2018 to 2019 models, the Crosstrek received an average rating of 81 out of 100 from J.D. Power, and the 2017 model established the foundation for these strong scores.
The first-generation Crosstrek, which ran from 2013 to 2017, proved that Subaru could successfully create a crossover that appealed to younger buyers and urban dwellers without sacrificing the brand’s core values of reliability and capability.
The 2017 model includes refinements to the suspension, improved interior materials, and available EyeSight technology on higher trims.
Under the hood, the 2017 Crosstrek features a 2.0-liter BOXER four-cylinder engine producing 148 horsepower. While not particularly powerful, this engine is known for its reliability and reasonable fuel economy, achieving up to 33 mpg on the highway with the CVT transmission.
A five-speed manual transmission is also available, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer traditional shifting and potentially offering better longevity than CVT options. The manual transmission adds driver engagement while maintaining the Crosstrek’s reputation for dependability.
RepairPal rates the Crosstrek a 4.5 out of five stars for reliability, putting it first out of over 20 compact SUVs. This outstanding rating reflects the Crosstrek’s simple, well-executed design and Subaru’s use of proven components.
The 2017 model avoids the complexity of more expensive competitors, focusing instead on providing reliable transportation with genuine all-weather capability.
The Crosstrek’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance, combined with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, allows it to tackle rough roads and challenging weather that would trouble conventional compact cars.
The 2017 Crosstrek earned strong safety ratings, including a five-star rating from NHTSA. The available EyeSight technology brings advanced safety features typically found in more expensive vehicles, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
For buyers seeking an affordable, reliable compact SUV with proven all-weather capability and low operating costs, the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek represents exceptional value in today’s used car market.
8. 2021 Subaru Impreza
The 2021 Subaru Impreza represents a mature iteration of the fifth-generation model, incorporating years of refinement since the platform’s 2017 debut.
The Impreza holds a special place in Subaru’s history as the model that brought the brand mainstream success in the United States, and the 2021 version continues this legacy with proven reliability and practical design.
Available as either a sedan or five-door hatchback, the Impreza offers buyers flexibility in body style while maintaining consistent quality and dependability across both configurations.
Both the regular Impreza and the wagon version were tied at 8 out of 10 for their reliability according to iSeeCars ratings. This solid score reflects the Impreza’s straightforward engineering and use of well-proven components.
The fifth-generation Impreza rides on the Subaru Global Platform, which provides improved structural rigidity, better crash protection, and enhanced driving dynamics compared to previous generations.
By 2021, any early issues with this platform had been resolved, resulting in a vehicle that offers exceptional reliability for its price point.
The Impreza wagon and the Impreza share an equal rating of 9 out of 10 in safety and an 8.7 out of 10 for value retention. These strong scores demonstrate that the Impreza offers more than just reliability; it’s also safe and holds its value well.
The 2021 model earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Standard EyeSight technology on most trims brings advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist to an affordable compact car.
The 2021 Impreza’s reliability is enhanced by its relatively simple design that avoids unnecessary complexity. There are no turbocharged engines, complicated electronic systems, or overly sophisticated suspension components, just well-executed basics that work consistently.
Routine maintenance includes oil changes every 6,000 miles, brake service as needed, and CVT fluid replacement according to Subaru’s schedule.
For buyers seeking an affordable, reliable compact car with standard all-wheel drive and excellent safety features, the 2021 Subaru Impreza offers outstanding value and peace of mind.
9. 2019 Subaru Outback
The 2019 Subaru Outback represents the final year of the fifth generation, making it a particularly refined and reliable choice for wagon enthusiasts and practical-minded buyers.
As the last model year before a complete redesign, the 2019 Outback benefits from five years of continuous improvement, with most of the generation’s initial issues resolved.
Coming in number one is the Outback, with its reliability score of 8.4 out of 10, making the Outback the sixth most reliable Crossover SUV according to iSeeCars analysis, demonstrating the model’s exceptional dependability.
The 2019 Outback offers two well-proven engine options that have demonstrated excellent long-term reliability. The standard 2.5-liter BOXER four-cylinder produces 175 horsepower and delivers up to 32 mpg on the highway, making it ideal for daily driving and long road trips.
The optional 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine produces 256 horsepower, providing smooth, confident acceleration with minimal sacrifice in fuel economy. Both engines pair with a Lineartronic CVT that, by 2019, had proven its durability through years of real-world use in Subaru’s lineup.
The Outback’s unique position as a wagon with SUV capabilities makes it exceptionally practical. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, it can tackle rough roads and challenging weather that would trouble traditional wagons or sedans.
The cargo area provides 35.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 73.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, offering versatility that rivals many larger SUVs.
The relatively low load floor makes loading heavy items easier compared to taller SUVs, and the wide-opening hatch provides excellent access.
10. 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness
The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness represents something unique in Subaru’s lineup: a model specifically designed for serious off-road capability while maintaining the reliability and practicality that defines the Outback nameplate.
Introduced for the 2022 model year as part of Subaru’s new Wilderness sub-brand, this rugged variant takes the standard Outback’s already impressive capabilities and enhances them significantly, creating a vehicle that bridges the gap between mainstream crossovers and dedicated off-road SUVs.
The Wilderness designation signals Subaru’s commitment to outdoor enthusiasts who need genuine capability beyond typical AWD crossovers.
The 2022 Outback Wilderness features several key modifications that enhance its off-road prowess. Ground clearance increases to 9.5 inches, nearly an inch higher than the standard Outback, providing improved approach, departure, and breakover angles for tackling challenging terrain.
The suspension receives specific tuning for off-road use, with revised dampers that provide better articulation on uneven surfaces while maintaining acceptable on-road comfort.
The all-terrain tires, measuring 225/65R17, provide more aggressive tread patterns for improved traction on loose surfaces, though they sacrifice some highway refinement.
Under the hood, the Wilderness retains the 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
This engine provides the power needed for off-road adventures, whether climbing steep grades or maintaining momentum through soft terrain.
The turbocharged engine requires premium fuel and more frequent maintenance than naturally aspirated alternatives, but it delivers performance that justifies these requirements.
The CVT transmission includes X-Mode with dual-function settings specifically calibrated for different off-road conditions, providing enhanced traction control when going through the challenging terrain.
For buyers seeking maximum capability without sacrificing reliability, the 2022 Outback Wilderness represents Subaru’s most capable offering. It proves that genuine off-road capability and long-term reliability can coexist in a practical, family-friendly package.
While the Wilderness commands a premium price over standard Outbacks, it delivers unique capabilities that justify the investment for outdoor enthusiasts who need a vehicle that can truly go anywhere while still serving as reliable daily transportation.
