7 Reasons Why Subaru Is Better Than Toyota 

How does Subaru compare with Toyota? Which car brand is better? I'll explain why Subaru is significantly better than Toyota and the seven areas where Subaru excels. 

Is Subaru better than Toyota? 

As a long-time Subaru owner and automotive journalist based in Colorado's high country, where snow is measured in feet, not inches, I've come to appreciate the unique advantages of Subaru's all-wheel-drive vehicles. Their performance on snowy and icy roads has never left me stranded or stuck, a testament to their reliability and capability. 

That's only one reason: there's much more that sets the Subaru brand apart. First, I explain my involvement with Subaru and why I cover the brand. 

My history with Subaru vehicles goes back a long way, creating a deep personal connection with the brand. 

My fiance introduced me to the Subaru brand in 1979 when she drove a 1978 GL 4WD Wagon. Yes, that dates me, and I've been around Subaru vehicles for about as long as they've been in the U.S. market. 

My automotive journey has put me behind the wheel of numerous Subaru and Toyota models. I've owned a Subaru XT Turbo, Subaru Legacy, Subaru WRX, Subaru Outback, and a Subaru Crosstrek. I've also owned a few Toyota models, like a RAV4 and a Toyota pickup. 

As an automotive journalist, I've driven every Subaru and Toyota model they've produced for the last twenty-four years. My least favorite Subaru model? I would say the Subaru Tribeca B9 SUV. 

What's my favorite Subaru model? 

Among the Subaru models I've owned, the WRX stands out as the most exhilarating to drive, while the Crosstrek strikes a perfect balance between size and utility. The Outback, with its rugged yet refined appeal, is a close third in my list of favorites. 

What model would I like Subaru to bring back? The Subaru Baja pickup. This time, I would like to see a Baja Wilderness midsize pickup. Check out my Baja report and why there's new hope for Baja fans. 

Ok, so why is Subaru better than Toyota?

Toyota is the largest automaker in the world and a popular brand. They make excellent vehicles, but are they the best? Bigger isn't always better. Subaru is one of the smallest Japanese automakers, which gives them an advantage. 

It's hard to move a large ship like the Titanic. You had better plan in advance, or you could sink. It's easier for a smaller automaker to make adjustments regarding market conditions than a larger automaker. 

Like some other car brands, Subaru didn't jump too quickly into the electric vehicle market. They are taking a smarter path.   

Jeff Walters, President and COO of Subaru of America, says, "Solterra was the first EV, and it's been a good path for us. In my opinion, with the new EV transition, Subaru has been on a fairly smart path, and the strategy going in for a company our size, we strive to be a quick follower, a smart follower."

Check out my report here on Subaru's new EV plan. 

Why do I think Subaru is a better automaker than Toyota?  Here are my seven reasons. 

1. Outward visibility and blind spots.

I've written a lot about Subaru's excellent driver outward visibility. The Forester is probably the best for outward visibility and blind spots. A significant difference is where the side mirror is mounted on the A-Pillar. Subaru mounts it on the door while the RAV4 is mounted closer to the front A-Pillar. 

For this reason, the Forester is ranked the best for shorter drivers. Shorter drives can easily see out. Drivers of all sizes will be safer because they can see the road better. 

2. The Boxer engine design offers many benefits. 

Subaru uses the Boxer engine design exclusively. Toyota has inline and V6 engines. The flat-four Boxer sits low in the chassis, giving every Subaru model a lower center of gravity and better weight distribution. This improves driving dynamics and stability in turns and when you need to make a quick maneuver to avoid an object in the road or another car.

The Boxer enables Subaru vehicles to have a lower hood height for improved front views from the driver's seat. You can see more of the road in front, and the larger vehicles like the Ascent, Outback, and Forester give the driver the feeling of driving a smaller vehicle. 

3. Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive tech is standard on all models except for the rear-drive BRZ sports car.

Subaru's all-wheel-drive system provides traction effectively by distributing the engine power to all four wheels in a balanced manner. The transmission sits back from the front axle within the wheelbase. With a Symmetrical all-wheel-drive and Subaru's horizontally opposed Boxer engine, the entire power train is mounted with side-to-side symmetry.

Subaru doesn't adapt all-wheel-drive components to a front- or rear-wheel-drive vehicle like other automakers; they develop multi-use cars around Symmetrical all-wheel drive. Many automakers adapt their AWD system to fit a front-drive configuration, and thus, they function passively, transferring torque away from the main drive wheels only when they slip.

Read my report on Subaru's AWD technology and why it's the best here. 

4. Subaru SUVs all have 8.7 inches of ground clearance. 

Subaru's SUV ground clearance has multiple benefits. It's easier to slide into and out because you aren't climbing up and not sitting down to get in. 

The extra ground clearance is a significant benefit when you are in deep snow or on the trail navigating loose rocks and uneven terrain. The Subaru Outback, Crosstrek, and Forester Wilderness trim levels have 9.5, 9.3, and 9.2 inches of rock clearing ground clearance, respectively.  

5. Safety 

Subaru uses a ring-shaped reinforcement frame that surrounds the entire cabin. This keeps the driver and passengers safe in a crash or collision. Read my report on how a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek saved Kenzi's life after she slid sideways on a wet road, rolled the vehicle three times, and hit a tree. She walked away without any injuries.  

Every Subaru now comes standard with the automaker's EyeSight safety tech. I would not buy a Subaru vehicle without it.  

6. Subaru treats its employees and customers with respect.

I talked with a car salesman who worked at a Subaru dealership and then went to sell Toyota vehicles. After only one year, he went back to selling Subarus because, in his words, "Subaru treats their employees better, and they treat the customers with respect." Powerful words from someone who has sold both car brands.    

7. Subaru's corporate leadership

Is Subaru more than a car company? Yes, and here's why.

Subaru's mission is not just about making great cars; it's about being a positive force that shows love and respect to all people. Subaru of America strives to embody this mission in every interaction, whether with new car buyers, longstanding owners, retailers, partners, or the communities where Subaru employees live and work. This inclusive mission is what they call the Subaru Love Promise. 

If you buy a Subaru, you'll help the automaker make an impact. They make a difference in the communities where they do business. Check out Subaru's corporate leadership in my report here. 

Is Subaru the perfect car company?

No, they make plenty of mistakes, but they do a lot that's right that's worth letting customers know about. I will strive to let you know what they do right and where they can improve. Stay tuned. 

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru