The Least And Most Expensive Car Brands And Where Subaru Ranks Now

Shoppers checking out the most affordable SUVs are hit with sticker shock because of the low supply of new cars. A new report from Kelly Blue Book with data from Cox Automotive says the average new car price in November 2022 hit a new record high of $48,681.

The average price paid for a new mainstream (non-luxury) vehicle in November was $44,584, also a record and higher by $330, according to the KBB report.

photo credit: Lancaster Subaru

How affordable are Subaru vehicles like the 2023 Outback, Crosstrek, Forester, and other new models compared with mainstream automakers? While the average new non-luxury car is $44,584, a Subaru vehicle is $35,513, now over $9,000 less than the U.S. average. Below are the least expensive and most expensive car brands.

Five least expensive cars brands

Subaru $35,513
Mazda $35,655
Nissan-Mitsubishi $36,686
Hyundai $36,697
Honda $38,982

Six most expensive cars brands
Rivian $71,983
BMW $69,488
Mercedes-Benz $69,189
Tesla $68,634
Stellantis $54,721
Ford $53,239

A recent report from LendingTree found nearly 40 percent of new car buyers now say they regret their new car purchase. The most common regret? Buying the wrong make and model was number one, followed by purchasing an expensive car they couldn’t afford, and third, not shopping around for the best deal.

photo credit: Patrick Subaru

Here is the pricing for Subaru’s top three vehicles, the Crosstrek, Outback, and Forester.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek pricing

All 2023 Subaru Crosstrek trim levels get a $600 price increase. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek now comes in six trim levels for U.S. customers. The base trim is priced from $24,870, Premium ($26,020), Special Edition ($27,970), Sport ($29,220), Limited ($30,720), and Crosstrek Hybrid ($38,070). Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,225).

2023 Subaru Outback pricing

The 2023 Outback comes in nine trim levels for U.S. customers; the base trim is priced from $29,620, Premium ($31,920), new Onyx Edition with a 2.5-liter engine ($34,720), Limited ($36,520), Touring ($41,070), Outback Wilderness ($39,670), Onyx Edition XT ($39,820), Limited XT ($40,920), and Touring XT ($43,520). Pricing includes $1,225 destination and delivery fees.

photo credit: Subaru of Wakefield

2023 Subaru Forester pricing

All 2023 Forester trim levels increased by $550 in price. The 2023 Forester comes in six trim levels; The Base Forester starts at $27,620, Premium ($30,620), Sport ($32,190), Limited ($34,300), Wilderness ($35,245), and Touring ($37,720). Pricing includes dealer fees ($1,225).

Aside from pricing, what sets the Subaru brand apart?

The Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and other new models all come standard with all-wheel-drive, where most automakers charge extra for the all-weather feature. Subaru SUVs come with 8.7 inches of ground clearance for improved performance off-pavement.

Affordability has to include fuel mileage

The EPA says Subaru models now rank the best in the U.S. among automakers with a gas-powered lineup. Subaru has the most fuel-efficient lineup after Tesla, which has an an-all-electric fleet. Subaru accomplished this with an all-wheel-drive lineup which is less fuel-efficient than a front-wheel-drive vehicle.

Top safety scores

Subaru gets the highest Top Safety Pick+ scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earns five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Subaru vehicles are the most affordable new cars for SUV shoppers

If you buy a 2023 Crosstrek subcompact SUV, Outback midsize SUV, Forester compact SUV, or other new Subaru model, you likely won’t regret your decision because of its affordability, standard all-wheel-drive, fuel efficiency, safety, and resale value.

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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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Photo credit: Subaru