As the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, Outback, and Forester finished out the year, here are ten things customers can count on Subaru to continue in the new year. There's one thing Subaru should do to improve its standing with customers in 2023.
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Despite all the challenges, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, Outback, Forester, and other new models had a good year. We will have the final sales results early this week. Subaru did many things right with its top-selling models, and most will stay the same in 2023. Subaru has core values and concepts that make them distinctive, which customers have come to rely on when they buy a Subaru vehicle.
Subaru's core values of all-wheel-drive, safety, the Boxer engine, and fun-to-drive cars won't change. Check out ten things customers can count on and one thing Subaru should do in 2023 to be even better.
Value and affordability
Subaru has always been a value brand, and they will keep their next-generation 2024 Impreza, Crosstrek, and Forester affordable when they arrive later this year. A new report from Kelly Blue Book with data from Cox Automotive says the average new Mainstream (non-luxury) car price in November is $44,584. The average transaction price for a Subaru vehicle is $35,513, now over $9,000 less than the U.S. average. Look for Subaru's value pricing to continue.
All-wheel-drive is not an option
Subaru builds fun niche all-wheel-drive models that get customers further off the grid. Subaru is the only automaker that offers standard all-wheel-drive on every one of its models (except the rear-drive BRZ sports coupe). Other automakers have front-drive models and charge more for the all-wheel-drive option on their vehicles.
Subaru keeps the value of its vehicles high
Subaru keeps inventory levels low on all its new vehicles, contributing to higher resale values. Subaru will keep the value of the 2023 Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, and other new models high because they offer the lowest incentives and rebates of any automaker. According to Kelly Blue Book's (KBB) 2022 Best Resale Value Awards, Subaru earned three individual segment honors with the Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback.
Subaru is not afraid to go against conventional wisdom
When Subaru revealed the details of the next-generation 2022 BRZ, journalists criticized it for not having a turbocharged engine. Subaru is not afraid to go against conventional wisdom and brought the new sports car with a naturally-aspirated engine. With a non-turbo engine, the BRZ received multiple recent awards for being the best new sports car.
You won't get hurt if you make a mistake
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, Outback, Forester, and other new models will continue to bring a unique quality called balance that sets the SUVs apart from all others. The difference between being good and being great is a quality called balance. As an athlete, the body maintains its center of gravity above its support base. Without it, you'll fall on your face.
In an SUV, you can get in an accident if someone makes a mistake. Subaru's SUVs come with 8.7 inches of ground clearance but have a lower center of gravity than the competition because they use the Boxer engine design. Even though they sit higher off the ground, they have improved stability.
Subaru wants you to be safe in the event of an accident
Subaru has publicly stated its goal is to be the overall auto safety leader, and now they want to have zero fatal traffic accidents by 2030. How will the Japanese automaker pull it off? They have a team of four individuals working in Japan who say it is possible. You can read the full report here.
Subaru gives to your local community
It's good to know automakers like Subaru help in a time of need, and it's not new for Subaru of America. They have been involved in communities long before COVID hit. Subaru of America's ongoing efforts to help communities in need is continuing. The automaker also uses its Subaru Love Promise for community-focused initiatives to support local charities.
Subaru stays in its lane
Subaru has always been an outdoor-focused brand. Many automakers are now jumping on the outdoor lifestyle bandwagon. Subaru didn't recently get on the outdoorsy SUV craze; they created it decades ago. Subaru will continue to focus on its niche of all-wheel-drive models in 2023, with new outdoor-themed models like the Crosstrek Wilderness trim level coming next year.
It's about the journey, not the destination
Sheryl Connely, Ford's chief futurist, recently said, "You see RV sales going through the roof, and we see a rise in camping and glamping, and I think the outdoors, that ties in with mental health. Spending time in nature can help improve one's mood and disposition and let them feel less anxious."
Subaru's 2024 SUVs and cars will keep with the "go-anywhere" attitude, and the 2024 Subaru Forester compact SUV, Crosstrek subcompact SUV, and Outback midsize SUV will appeal to customers with active lifestyles. Being "distinctly Subaru" means getting further off the grid and away from civilization with additional features beyond all-wheel-drive.
Subaru's SUVs offer dual-function X-Mode with deep snow and mud settings and have a low center of gravity for improved performance while navigating steep trails. Subaru incorporated its core values in the all-new 2023 Subaru Solterra EV, and we applauded them.
One thing Subaru should change in 2023
The most significant thing Subaru fans have asked for is a Subaru Forester with a turbocharged engine option. Subaru customers in Japan received an early Christmas present in 2022, but not in North America. Subaru Corporation announced the Japanese-specification 2023 Forester would get a new XT Edition with a turbocharged engine.
The new Forester XT comes with a 1.8-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, but it's not coming to North America. The Japanese automaker still needs a next-generation 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine for U.S. customers. Stay tuned.
Let Subaru of America know, in the comment section below, one thing you would like them to change in 2023.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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They need to bring HVAC dials
They need to bring HVAC dials back. The on screen HVAC controls are much too laggy and is a serious safety hazard!
If safety is a priority with
If safety is a priority with Subaru, they need to get rid of the Halogen headlights and use adaptive LED headlights on all trims.
If we can't have a hatchback WRX STI, let us have the Levorg STI.
SUBARU needs to leapfrog the
SUBARU needs to leapfrog the competition with a plug-in hybrid Ascent! The current version is very capable, but a dog for fuel consumption. Just add a significant hybrid capability to the current 2.4L turbo and you have a game-changer.
1) They need to replace the…
1) They need to replace the oil-eating, cat-converter-destroying engines in the 2012 et al series Foresters. They know the engines are a problem, they lost a class-action, but they still refuse to truly help customers with those models. Replace the engines and cats, or give compensation to owners. They've lost many once-loyal customers because of this issue.
2) They need to get with the times and improve MPG, and also have hybrid versions of Foresters, Outbacks, etc. Honda, Toyota, and others have better MPG & also hybrid options for even higher MPG, so they're recruiting former Subie owners.
3) Keep the CD player! Middle-age and older drivers still want them, and those groups are also some of Subaru's most loyal customers.