The Most And Least Satisfying Subaru Models From New Subaru Owners

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How happy are new Subaru buyers with their all-wheel-drive vehicles? That's the question I will answer. Check the most and least satisfying new Subaru models from top to bottom.

Each year, I cover the new Subaru models that are the most satisfying to owners. The data comes from Consumer Reports (by subscription), which asks members about their new car purchases. They ask Subaru owners, "If you had it to do all over again, would you definitely buy or lease the same model?" 

It gives a fascinating insight into which Subaru models are the most loved and least liked by owners. This year's data comes from Consumer Reports' latest owner satisfaction survey that reinforces the new Subaru models and other automaker vehicles that deliver the promised performance, efficiency, roominess, luxury, and comfort are the ones owners will readily buy again.

photo credit: Ramsey Subaru

I have compiled the results from the Consumer Reports website so new car shoppers can access the information in one place.

Here are the 2024 Subaru model year rankings of the most and least satisfying Subaru models based on the predicted owner satisfaction score. I have included each model's Overall Score compared with other models in their category. 

photo credit: Ramsey Subaru

  1. Crosstrek 4/5 (predicted owner satisfaction) Ranked #1 of 10 Subcompact SUVs
  2. Forester 4/5 (predicted owner satisfaction) Ranked #1 of 21 Compact SUVs
  3. Outback 4/5 (predicted owner satisfaction) Ranked #2 of 13 Midsized SUVs
  4. WRX 4/5 (predicted owner satisfaction) Ranked #2 of 10 Sports cars 4/5-seat
  5. Ascent 4/5 (predicted owner satisfaction) Ranked #6 of 16 Midsized SUVs 3-row
  6. Impreza 3/5 (predicted owner satisfaction) Ranked #5 of 14 Compact cars
  7. BRZ 3/5 (predicted owner satisfaction) Ranked #1 of 10 Sports cars 4/5-seat
  8. Legacy 3/5 (predicted owner satisfaction) Ranked #6 of 10 Midsized cars
  9. Solterra 2/5 (predicted owner satisfaction) Ranked #6 of 7 Electric SUVs

My Take

Interestingly, the Subaru model owner satisfaction scores are very close to the Subaru predicted reliability scores I reported on. Reliability is powerful intel because it predicts how well a particular model will satisfy other owners. 

Overall, Subaru owners are happy with their new car purchase. In the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index Survey (ACSI) Automobile Study, the scores from customers reveal that when most car brands' customer satisfaction dropped this past year, Subaru scored higher. Subaru scored high in six areas. 

  • service quality 
  • product quality 
  • safety technology 
  • dependability 
  • customer satisfaction 
  • drive performance

Your Turn

How happy are you with your vehicle if you own any newer Subaru model? And if you had it to do all over again, would you definitely buy or lease the same model? Let me know in the comment section below.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the Subaru model satisfaction story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

Watch the All-New 2024 Subaru Crosstrek review // Some welcome changes!

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Ramsey Subaru

Submitted by Shane (not verified) on January 7, 2024 - 8:43PM

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I bought a 2024 Legacy Premium in September and have about 6,000 miles on it after a recent a 3,000 road trip from east Texas to Colorado. I really love this car. It's extremely quiet and comfortable. I drove 6 hours of snow and felt completely safe, and being from Texas I'm not used to driving in snow. I'm averaging a little over 30 mpg overall, 32 on the road trip which is pretty good considering the wind and snow. I would definitely buy this car again.

Submitted by Music Guy (not verified) on January 8, 2024 - 10:18AM

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I am on my 3rd Subaru (Impreza, Outback, and now a Forester) and have liked them all for different reasons. I traded in my 2018 Outback because, at 75,000 miles, the CVT was getting a little clunky. With no way to check it or diagnose it (according to the dealer) my choice was wait for it to fail and spend $6,000 to $8,000 to replace it, or, spend that on new. I wanted another Outback, but 2023 models were out of my price range. I bought the lowest priced 2023 Premium level Forester on the lot. It's fine. But I miss the driving comfort of the Outback. I hope, with a 2023 model, Subaru has "fixed" the planned obsolescence of their CVT.

Submitted by F Hallenbeck (not verified) on January 8, 2024 - 11:28AM

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Bought a 23 forester in 9/23 and have had 0 problems-love it! Previous car bought was 2008 Camry and it has had problems that my 90s Toyotas never had (no more Toyotas, the quality dropped).

Submitted by Fred hallenbeck (not verified) on January 8, 2024 - 11:29AM

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Bought a 23 forester in 9/23 and have had 0 problems-love it! Previous car bought was 2008 Camry and it has had problems that my 90s Toyotas never had (no more Toyotas, the quality dropped).

Submitted by Dan Acosta (not verified) on January 8, 2024 - 6:28PM

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Satisfaction with our Outback is why we added an Ascent, and happy to say we’re very pleased with both.

Submitted by Chris (not verified) on January 8, 2024 - 8:50PM

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Crosstrek - 2018…the fancy one with a power seat! I went from my 96 dodge Ram 1500 to this. I thought I wanted a small pickup. I got one, except the bed is enclosed and has seats (if you choose to use them). My rear seats are down 99% of the time and I have a dog protector cover that keeps everything pristine. 8.5” clearance and AWD make it pretty truck like. It drives like it’s on rails. I live on an island, and I get about 30 miles a gallon. It has bells and whistles and is comfortable to ride in, one of the best cars I’ve ever bought. I looked at a hybrid. Not very well thought out. Don’t think I’d buy one.

2022 Subaru Legacy Limited XT in Crimson Red

Our family has had a number of Subarus over the years.

Loving the XT's turbo engine, smooth ride and overall comfort and quality feel. With around 14,000 mi, the only issue we've had so far was a defective front suspension component that Subaru took care of and the dealer in NY gave us A++ service. My wife is not tech oriented at all but she has no problem with the big touchscreen. Personally, I'd prefer a smaller touchscreen with more knobs and buttons.

Submitted by Leslie Robison (not verified) on January 13, 2024 - 6:13PM

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I purchased a Subaru Ascent in March of 23. It is the best car I have ever owned. This car does everything I need a car to do. It handles like a dream and is so comfortable to drive. It’s get-up-and-go has given me the confidence I need to start driving the interstates again. Every week I drive two hours to see my elderly father; without my Ascent the drive would be miserable.

I purchased a 2023 Crosstrek in April '23 due to my 2016 Crosstrek getting totaled in a right front side impact w/airbags deployed. My car/Benji was perfect for just me! I got another one because it did what it was suppose to-kept me alive. The passenger area was pristine, the engene bay was compressed and right quarter panel dent from guardrail tap.. No compromised windows.The 2023 is a nice upgrade with more saftey feautes.