If there’s one vehicle brand that doesn’t often branch out from their image, it’s Subaru. The rally and offroad success of the past Impreza WRX on the world stage set the scene for this years product lineup.
The Subaru trademark of all wheel drive for everything continues in 2019.
Many of the vehicles are wonderful off road. New for 2019, Subaru has introduced the Ascent, which is one of the best vehicles they have introduced in years. Subaru is unsurprisingly heavy in the crossover and SUV market, but they do have their fun in the form of the BRZ and WRX. All statistics are for the 2019 model year, unless not available, in which case 2018 was used.
Subaru Ascent
Specifications: $32,970+ - 21-27 mpg - 260 hp
Review: The Ascent is a brand new model and an attempt to join the world of three row crossovers. The vehicle itself is quite good. Access to the third row is more intelligently designed than it is in competitors and has more size. There’s plenty of power and of course it comes with all wheel drive. Handling is crisp and secure. When you point the Ascent through a corner, you can be sure it’s going to follow your directions. Safety abounds with automatic emergency braking and lane assist. Overall just an excellent product from Subaru.
Subaru BRZ
Specifications: $26,455+ - 24-33 mpg - 205 hp
Review: The looks of the BRZ may scream “teenage racer” but the vehicle itself is far more mature. The BRZ may be a touch underpowered compared to its competition, but it is beautifully balanced. This vehicle is definitely just for driving enjoyment, as there’s no way to fit a human adult in the rear seat. The trunk is also miniscule. But all that seems insignificant after running the BRZ through an S turn.
Subaru Crosstrek
Specifications: $22,710+ - 27-33 mpg - 152 hp
Review: The Crosstrek is an interesting little crossover that has the Subaru pedigree and off road ability oozing off of it. The interior is simplistic. The exterior is inoffensive and the engine is certainly nothing to write home about. Despite that, this little Subaru is surprisingly fun. It’s the perfect vehicle for the camping enthusiast who has to spend the rest of their time in cramped city streets.
Subaru Forester
Specifications: $25,270+ - 26-33 mpg - 182 hp
Review: The Forester has been a fixture in the Subaru lineup for a long time and one of the original inspirations for the entire crossover genre. It started as a car with increased ride height and some increased cabin height. Not much has changed from that. As with all Subaru’s, the Forester has all-wheel drive and is reliable. Safety features are standard rather than an expensive option, which makes this a good value and safe option.
Subaru Impreza
Specifications: $19,355+ - 28-38 mpg - 152 hp
Review: A name that still impresses with the rally pedigree of its past, the Impreza continues to become tamer, as the rally fun instead goes with the WRZ. The Impreza starts with a 152 hp inline 4 cylinder which can be attached to a continuously variable transmission or a five speed manual. Unlike some other models, most of the technologically advanced safety features come as options to keep the price point down on the Impreza.
Subaru Legacy
Specifications: $23,055+ - 25-34 mpg - 256 hp
Review: The Legacy recently got a full redesign, so there aren’t huge changes for 2019. Engines range from a flat-four putting out 175 hp to the 256 hp V8. The Legacy is often thought of boring, and that’s not an altogether incorrect thought. It’s safe, it’s well put together and it has good features. It even comes in at a great price.
Subaru Outback
Specifications: $26,810+ - 25-32 mpg - 256 hp
Review: The Outback is back for yet another year and continues to be a solid vehicle that provides a lot of the utility of a sport utility without the bills at the pumps. While a 175 hp four cylinder is standard, the optional V6 adds a little pep. The outback is incredibly nimble off road and with the amount of cargo space it has, works perfectly for campers.
Subaru WRX
Specifications: $27,855+ - 21-27 mpg - 268 hp
Review: The WRX used to be a version of the Impreza until Subaru decided to branch it off into its own model. It’s still inspired by the Impreza, but retains a lot of the classic WRX styling cues like a gigantic hood scoop. The WRX has nimble and powerful, but the suspension is incredibly rough. The smallest bump is felt. If you want to get the classic WRX experience with the gigantic spoiler on the rear, you will need to move up to the WRX STI, which also features a 305 hp turbocharged 4 cylinder.
New and Used
There is both a benefit and a disadvantage to picking up a used Subaru. On the plus side, they are incredibly reliable and well built. This means that a used Subaru isn’t going to break down easily. However, the caveat is that Subaru parts and repairs are often very expensive. So while they won’t break down that often, when they do, it can be painful.