9 Ridiculously Reliable Subarus On The Used Market
Subaru has built its reputation on one simple promise: show up, no matter what the weather throws at you. The brand’s Symmetrical AWD system — standard on every model except the rear-wheel-drive BRZ — has made Subarus a go-to choice for drivers who live where winters bite hard. But dependability goes beyond all-wheel traction. After years of refining its signature boxer engines and drivetrains, Subaru has quietly become one of the stronger reliability stories in the mainstream market, with third-party data to back it up.
That reputation has only grown in recent years, pushing Subaru toward the top of used-car shopping lists for buyers who want longevity without a luxury price tag. The question worth asking is just how reliable these vehicles actually are across the lineup. Despite a relatively focused range of cars and SUVs, Subaru consistently ranks among the top brands for long-term dependability.
2017 Subaru BRZ
Quality & Reliability Score: Not Rated (Overall Score 87/100)
Among the AWD Subaru cars and SUVs resides a fun and focused RWD sports car. The Subaru BRZ is a driver’s machine that’s ready to deliver the behind-the-wheel experience you’ve been looking for. It was co-developed with Toyota, which means it’s a dependable and low-maintenance sports car to own. The 205-hp 2.0-liter boxer-four in this first-generation BRZ isn’t as punchy as the larger 2.4-liter unit found in the newer models, but it has proven its mettle over the years.
The cost of annual maintenance for the 2017 BRZ is about $753, which is on the higher end for the brand, but still reasonable for a sports car. Over ten years, maintenance and repairs average nearly $6,616, making this an affordable car to keep on the road. At least one driver has reported crossing the 200,000-mile mark in a BRZ, which is impressive considering it’s a sports car and not a traditional sedan or SUV.
2008 Subaru Tribeca
Quality & Reliability Score: 79/100
It’s no longer in production, but there was a time when the Subaru Tribeca was one of the more distinctive SUVs on the market. This capable SUV handles all-weather driving with ease and offers enough space for growing families to ride in comfort. You can likely find one of these SUVs for extremely low prices given its age, and it should still provide many years of driving pleasure.
The 2008 Tribeca is built to reach nearly 300,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. Some owners have reported reaching nearly 200,000 miles so far. Annual maintenance should run around $518 when you drive this Subaru SUV. Over the course of ten years, you’ll spend about $7,310 on maintenance and repairs.
2021 Subaru Impreza
Quality & Reliability Score: 79/100
The 2021 Subaru Impreza is an impressive vehicle for more than its reliability scores. It’s also the lowest-depreciating sedan in the United States according to iSeeCars, which makes it a practical choice for most drivers. The 2.0-liter flat-four-cylinder engine and CVT combine to make this an efficient daily driver, translating to lower fuel costs over time.
Some owners have reported reaching nearly 200,000 miles without any significant issues with their Impreza sedans. That means you can have an affordable car to drive and trust that it will go the distance with proper care. The cost of keeping this car maintained over ten years averages $6,129, and annual maintenance runs about $612.
2020 Subaru WRX
Quality & Reliability Score: 80/100
If you want a reliable car with rally racing roots, the 2020 Subaru WRX is the car for you. This capable sedan is relatively inexpensive to buy used and easy to keep on the road. You’ll appreciate the peppy performance and engaging driving character that’s baked into the WRX’s DNA. If you want a little fun during your daily commute, this is the car for you.
Annual maintenance for the 2020 Subaru WRX should come to about $682, which is relatively affordable. Over the course of ten years, it costs around $6,679 to keep this car on the road. This car has been known to reach as much as 300,000 miles, but hitting that mark requires conservative driving and consistent maintenance.
2023 Subaru Outback
Quality & Reliability Score: 80/100
The Subaru Outback is a familiar name in the automotive world. This now-SUV first made its name as a lifted wagon that could easily handle its time on the trails. The excellent AWD system and rugged styling gave it a near-cult following of drivers who took their Outbacks into the wilderness.
The Outback is affordable and reliable to own. Maintenance costs average $607 per year, and ten-year maintenance and repair costs come to $8,386. This SUV offers plenty of cargo room and genuine off-road capability, and it’s built to last — as highlighted in the video above.
2018 Subaru Legacy
Quality & Reliability Score: 82/100
The Subaru Legacy is a sedan that just makes sense. If you want a midsize sedan built to go the distance while also delivering the benefits of AWD, the 2018 Legacy is a compelling option. This car has been known to surpass 300,000 miles, meaning you can count on it for the long haul.
Legacy owners consistently report comfort and confidence behind the wheel. Not only is it one of the most reliable cars on the road, but the cabin is also well-suited for long road trips. Annual repair costs average $563, while the ten-year cost of maintenance and repairs comes to $6,264. The 2018 Legacy is offered with either a flat-four or flat-six engine, giving buyers a meaningful choice at purchase.
2021 Subaru Ascent
Quality & Reliability Score: 82/100
The largest Subaru in the lineup is the three-row midsize Ascent SUV. The 2021 model stands out as one of the most reliable versions of this family hauler. The Ascent is a strong pick for families, especially when you factor in its reliability scores and solid fuel economy for a three-row vehicle.
Many owners haven’t yet accumulated enough miles to approach the expected 250,000-mile lifespan, but the trajectory looks promising. The average cost of maintenance is around $617 per year, and the ten-year cost of repairs and maintenance should come to nearly $8,160 — making this three-row SUV a sensible choice for budget-conscious families.
2019 Subaru Forester
Quality & Reliability Score: 83/100
The 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine and X-Mode traction control layered on top of the AWD system make the 2019 Subaru Forester a capable and enjoyable vehicle both on and off the pavement. The Forester ranks among the most reliable Subaru models ever built, giving you the confidence to drive it hard without worry.
Some owners have reported surpassing 300,000 miles in their Foresters, though most should reach between 200,000 and 250,000 miles with proper care and servicing. Older SH- and SJ-generation Foresters have been reported to suffer from head gasket and oil consumption issues, but that appears to be the most significant recurring concern. This SUV averages $617 per year for maintenance and carries an average ten-year cost of maintenance and repairs of $8,337.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Quality & Reliability Score: 85/100
The Subaru Crosstrek has been steadily building its reputation over the past several years. This compact crossover offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance in the Wilderness trim, giving it genuine off-road credentials when adventure calls. An efficient powertrain delivers up to 35 mpg combined, making it a smart pick for drivers watching their budget.
Some owners have already reported reaching as many as 194,000 miles in their 2021 Subaru Crosstrek models. With proper maintenance, this SUV should be good for more than 250,000 miles. It’s also among the most affordable Subarus to keep up, averaging $492 per year for maintenance and $8,210 for maintenance and repairs over the first ten years.
Sources: Subaru, J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge.
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