Reliability, Dogs And AWD, Too Much Hype Around Subaru, Or Is It Deserved?

What are the best Subaru models under $25,000? The best SUVs under $30,000? What are the most reliable, the best for dogs, and the best AWD off-road adventure Subaru vehicles? Can Subaru be this good?

Each of these best Subaru model picks has a unique story to tell, but let's focus on their versatility. Here's a compilation of the best Subarus now in multiple categories, designed to meet various needs and preferences. 

I'll start with the Best New Cars Under $25,000 of 2024

This list from U.S. News includes two Subaru models: the 2024 Subaru Impreza compact hatchback and the 2024 Subaru Legacy midsize sedan. Check my recent best cars under $25,000 report here. 

• 2024 Subaru Impreza
• $22,995 | Overall Score: 8.0/10

U.S. News says, "The Subaru Impreza is the brand's entry-level compact car. It's been fully redesigned for 2024 and is now available only as a hatchback. On the upside, Subaru's signature all-wheel drive system still comes standard."

"The most affordable versions of the Impreza come with a 152-horsepower engine, which is lackluster in terms of acceleration but yields decent fuel economy ratings for an all-wheel-drive car. Its handling is balanced, the ride is smooth, and it's a great choice for commuting in all kinds of weather. This spacious and comfortable Subaru also features a user-friendly infotainment system."

You may also be interested in my The Impreza Redefined, Subaru's Cheapest Car Should Become A PHEV report here.

• 2024 Subaru Legacy
• $24,895 | Overall Score: 7.9/10

U.S. News says, "The Subaru Legacy is a good car, though not a great one. Its two main drawbacks are an underwhelming engine in the base trim that meets our budget cutoff and a menu-heavy infotainment system that can take some time to master."

"There are a couple of attributes that help it stand out from the rest of the cars you're about to see, though. It's one of the bigger vehicles on this list and one of the most affordable midsize sedans on the market. Most cars at this price point are compact or subcompact, so if you're looking for more space, the Legacy is worth a spot on your list. Second, the Legacy comes standard with all-wheel drive, which adds value right off the bat. Subaru also equips the Legacy with a long list of standard safety features."

Next Is The Best SUVs Under $30,000 from U.S. News. Subaru has three top picks.

• 2024 Subaru Outback
• 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
• 2024 Subaru Forester

2024 Subaru Outback

$28,895 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10

U.S. News Says, "The 2024 Subaru Outback has plenty to offer for a sub-$30,000 vehicle. All Outbacks come with all-wheel drive, a long list of safety technologies, and ample cargo and passenger space. Every model comes standard with driver aids like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection."

"The standard trim is the only model available for under $30,000. It has cloth seats, a pair of 7-inch infotainment screens, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, and an 182-horsepower engine. The engine is suitable for daily driving in the city but struggles on the highway."

2024 Subaru Crosstrek

$25,195 | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10

You can also read my Consumer Reports' 8 Best Small SUVs Under $30K —Subaru Crosstrek Is The Top Pick report here. 

U.S. News Says, "Fully redesigned for 2024, the Subaru Crosstrek has a well-built and comfortable cabin, standard all-wheel drive, and a nice amount of cargo space. The remodel features small but noticeable improvements across the board, and the all-wheel drive allows for light off-roading."

"The interior is well-built with quality materials, if a bit plain, and adults can sit comfortably in the second row. The Standard, Premium, and Sport models are all available for under $30,000. Standard features include cloth upholstery, dual 7-inch touch screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Premium model gains an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Sport trim has a more powerful engine and heated front seats, among other features."

"The standard 2.0-liter flat-four with 152 horsepower is adequate, though not exciting. It sees an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway."

2024 Subaru Forester

$27,095 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10

U.S. News says, "The 2024 Subaru Forester is a family-friendly SUV with light off-roading capabilities. Like most Subarus, it comes standard with all-wheel drive, has a spacious cabin, and is estimated to have good fuel economy."

"Only the base model costs under $30,000. It has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 182 horsepower and is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Standard features include automatic climate control, adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, a rear-seat alert, a rearview camera, a manual liftgate, 17-inch steel wheels, and all-season tires. The cabin is well-built with nice materials, and the rear seats are adult-friendly. The Forester earns a spot near the top of our compact SUVs ranking."

The Most Reliable SUVs in 2024

The 2024 Subaru Forester, with a J.D. Power Reliability Score of 84/100, is a top pick for its reliability and practicality. 

U.S. News says, "The Subaru Forester is a practical SUV that ranks well in its class. The Forester is a great option for shoppers looking to venture off tough roads. It offers a standard all-wheel-drive system, a sturdy interior, and intuitive features. This hauler is capable of transporting plenty of gear, and what's more, it's loaded with a user-friendly infotainment system and driver-assistance features."

"The Forester's only real drawback is its lackluster four-cylinder engine. It returns good fuel economy but can struggle to get the SUV moving quickly. On the bright side, this Subaru provides a comfortable ride."

My report here shows you more about the Subaru Forester's reliability. 

Don't Forget About Your Dog

The Best Cars for Dogs includes two Subaru SUVs

• 2024 Subaru Outback: $28,895 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
• 2024 Subaru Forester: $27,095 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10

2024 Subaru Forester

$27,095 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10

"If you like the Subaru Outback but want a little more interior space along with the other dog-friendly features, the Subaru Forester has you covered. This compact crossover is as rugged as the Outback, which means it's ready and able to stand up to even the most playful pups. Yet it's an excellent value, too. The Forester will remain unchanged for 2024 but will debut a new generation for 2025."

My Related Story: The 10 Best Cars For Dog Lovers - Subaru Forester Beats RAV4 And CR-V

2024 Subaru Outback

$28,895 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10

"There's a lot of overlap between dog people and Subaru people, to the extent that the company plans entire marketing campaigns around this slice of the Venn diagram."

"Subaru even partners with animal shelters at auto shows to help get puppies into loving homes. While almost all Subaru vehicles are dog-friendly (we'd skip the BRZ coupe for this purpose), we'd argue the Outback is one of the best in the brand's lineup overall."

Let's Hit The Road

The best SUVs for off-road adventure include the three Subaru picks: the Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback, all of which are Wilderness models. 

2024 Subaru Wilderness

Kelley Blue Book says, "Subaru's Wilderness treatment has grown in popularity in recent years. It expanded from the Outback to include the Forester and, with the new 2024 model, the Crosstrek."

"As the range-topping model of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek range, the Crosstrek Wilderness is well-equipped with all the tech and convenience features you'd expect. It also has an extra dose of off-road ability thanks to improved approach and departure angles, a front skid plate, 9.3 inches of ground clearance, Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, and an enhanced dual-mode X-Mode traction management system with dirt, snow, and mud settings. The Crosstrek Wilderness can even tow up to 3,500 pounds."

"The 2024 Subaru Forester's larger, boxier form offers more interior space than the Crosstrek. However, the Wilderness treatment is nearly the same, with 9.2 inches of ground clearance, dual-mode X-Mode AWD traction management, a front skid plate, improved approach and departure angles, and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires on 17-inch matte black wheels." 

"Spacious, comfortable, and happily blurring the lines between SUV and wagon, the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness is as adventurous as the rest of the lineup. It has 9.5 inches of ground clearance, dual-mode X-Mode terrain management, Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, and enhanced approach and departure angles."

For more information on Subaru's Wilderness models, read my 2 Subaru Wilderness Models You Should Buy Now, One You Should Wait For report here. 

I've seen that Subaru vehicles are the best picks for their versatility. Subaru excels in multiple categories, and its unique products are designed to meet various needs and preferences. 

How does your Subaru vehicle best fit your needs? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter 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