The Party Is Over For Subaru

Times are changing for the Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek. It's great for customers and not so good for Subaru of America. Check out what's going on at retailers now.

It's an excellent time for new model shoppers and an interesting time for Subaru.

If you are considering a new Subaru Forester compact SUV, Outback midsize SUV, or Crosstrek subcompact SUV, rest assured, it's a financially sound time to invest in these all-wheel-drive models. 

The recent shift in the market dynamics is crucial for potential buyers to understand. I've written before it's a time of opportunity for buyers, and things have changed for Subaru of America. Here are the latest developments at retailers.

The party is over. 

Before now, Subaru retailers had less inventory and high demand for the Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek. Now, retailers across America have increased inventory, fewer buyers because of the economy, and higher interest rates, and they have to offer incentives to move new Subaru models off their lots. 

The updated and the most current data released by Consumer Reports (by subscription) reveals that something odd is happening at Subaru retailers across America. There's good news if you are looking for fuel-efficient and affordable in a new vehicle. 

Prices are falling. 

Consumer Reports says, "We reviewed the latest transaction data reflecting what people actually paid for 2024 model-year cars in the past month. We filtered the list to include only CR-recommended models with the best fuel economy for their class. In short, these are good models with good fuel economy selling for less than the manufacturer's suggested retail price."

Being recommended by CR means that these models offer the best performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety scores and should instill confidence in your purchase decision. 

The 2024 Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek are among the top models recommended by Consumer Reports that are selling under MSRP. Here are the latest details. Note: CR also includes the Subaru Ascent and Subaru Solterra in other updated rankings. 

The most discounted cars I've listed below are all 2024 models.

The best small mainstream (non-luxury) SUVs with the lowest transaction price are:

• Subaru Forester
• Subaru Crosstrek
• Mazda CX-30

The best midsize mainstream (non-luxury) SUVs with the lowest transaction price are:

• Subaru Outback 
• Subaru Ascent
• Subaru Solterra
• Dodge Hornet

What does CR say about the Subaru Forester?

• Price Range:  $27,095 - $37,395
• CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 20 / Hwy 38 mpg
• #2 of 32  Compact SUVs

2024 Subaru Forester Premium AWD

• MSRP: $30,295
• Average spent under MSRP: $505
• Average transaction price: $29,790

It's important to note that this is the pricing of the 2024 Subaru Forester. Even though 2025 Forester models are now available at retailers, customers may find a few remaining 2024 models on retailers' lots. 

What does CR say about the Subaru Crosstrek? 

• Price Range:  $25,195 - $32,195
• CR MPG:  Overall 29 / City 20 / Hwy 41 mpg
• #1 of 11  Subcompact SUVs

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium AWD

• MSRP: $26,345
• Average spent under MSRP: $321
• Average transaction price: $26,024

What does CR say about the Subaru Outback?

• Price Range:  $28,895 - $42,795
• CR MPG:  Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg
• #1 of 17  Midsized SUVs

2024 Subaru Outback Limited XT AWD

• MSRP: $40,195
• Average savings off MSRP: $2,634
• Average transaction price: $37,561

What does CR say about the Subaru Ascent?

• Price Range:  $34,395 - $48,695
• CR MPG:  Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 32 mpg
• #11 of 19  Midsized SUVs 3-row

2024 Subaru Ascent Touring

• MSRP: $48,695
• Average savings off MSRP: $2,854
• Average transaction price: $45,841

What does CR say about the Subaru Solterra?

• Price Range:  $44,995 - $51,995
• CR MPGE:  Overall 102 / City 111 / Hwy 93 MPGe
• #5 of 16  Electric SUVs

2024 Subaru Solterra Limited AWD

• MSRP: $48,495
• Average savings off MSRP: $6,174
• Average transaction price: $42,321

As you can see, the most significant savings are on the Subaru Solterra midsize SUV EV (13%), Subaru Ascent 3-Row SUV (6%), and Outback midsize 2-Row SUV (7%) with savings of $6,174, $2,854, and $2,634 respectively less than MSRP. 

Consumer Reports says, "Of course, you may be able to negotiate an even lower price, but bear in mind that there's a limit to how low prices can go, especially as demand sometimes outstrips supply these days. And as we've found in buying cars for testing, a decent deal can vanish quickly, so you may need to act fast."

Why are the Forester and Crosstrek less discounted than the Outback, Ascent, and Solterra? 

The Forester and Crosstrek are in higher demand than the Ascent and Solterra. Subaru of America has more Outback models on their lots and wants to move them out quickly as 2025 Outback models arrive.

Now is the best time to buy a new Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, Outback, Ascent, and Solterra all-wheel-drive models. It's an odd time with significant savings for customers now. It's great for new model shoppers, but the party is over for Subaru. 

Don't feel too sorry for Subaru of America. 

Just because the good old days are gone when the Camden, N.J. automaker didn't have to offer rebates and manufacturer's incentives, they are still making money even though it's less now than before. Subaru models are value-priced, but they aren't giving them away. 

Will you be buying a new car this fall?

Which new Subaru model is on your shopping list this fall? Will the below MSRP deals affect your buying decision? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

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 North Orlando