Subaru just won three new 2025 model-year residual value awards from ALG, which shows Subaru's impressive value. See why they are the top value picks for new car shoppers.
Subaru is one of the best at retaining value.
I cover the U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards yearly, and Subaru has three top winners for the 2025 model year. This year, ALG says the Forester, Crosstrek, and WRX are the top models in their segment. In this report, you'll find their impressive results and what they mean for new model customers.
ALG says, "With new and used vehicle prices still elevated, budget-conscious shoppers seek vehicles that will provide long-term value."
With their exceptional long-term value, the Forester, Crosstrek, and WRX from Subaru will reassure customers of their long-term investment.
The Subaru Forester pulls down the top Compact SUV award, the Subaru Crosstrek wins the Best Small SUV award, and the Subaru WRX takes the Sporty Car award.
New model shoppers with active lifestyles should check out the Subaru Forester and Crosstrek. Sports car enthusiasts should look at the 2023 Subaru WRX.
All three models come with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive tech, offering the best all-weather and severe-weather capability—Forester and Crosstrek off the new rugged Wilderness trims for off-road enthusiasts who want to get further off the grid.
What do the ALG Awards mean for new model shoppers?
When you drive your new car off a dealer's lot, it drops in value. This is known as depreciation. However, some automakers' cars will depreciate less than others and keep their value best. This is what we refer to as 'retained value '. If you are a regular reader of my reports, you know that Subaru has a long history of all-wheel-drive cars retaining their value.
ALG's Residual Value Awards recognize 2025 model-year vehicles for their projected retained value through the first three years of ownership. The latest accolades for three Subaru models tell consumers that Subaru's vehicles keep their value better than most top car brands.
ALG's 2025 award process evaluated 311 models by analyzing used-vehicle performance, brand outlook, and product competitiveness.
ALG says, "The top brands consistently employ a balanced strategy with regard to trim levels, powertrains, and pricing, which helps bolster residual performance and long-term value for consumers who are shopping in a highly competitive market."
Lexus receives the most model-level awards with five, followed by Toyota with four. GMC, Honda, and Subaru each receive three model-level awards.
ALG's 2025 model year award recipients:
- Lexus: IS, LS, NX, RX and TX
- Toyota: GR Supra, Camry, Land Cruiser and Tundra
- GMC: Sierra 3500 HD, Hummer EV SUT and Hummer EV SUV
- Honda: Civic, Passport, and Odyssey
- Subaru: Crosstrek, Forester and WRX
- BMW: 5 Series and X1
- Jeep: Wagoneer and Gladiator
- Acura: Integra
- Cadillac: Escalade
- Chevrolet: Corvette
- Dodge: Charger Daytona
- Hyundai: Kona EV
- Kia: Telluride
- Mercedes-Benz: Sprinter
- Nissan: Kicks
- Tesla: Model 3
Subaru Forester
The all-new 2025 Subaru Forester wins the best Compact SUV. Forester received a complete remodel and gets extensive upgrades. The Forester is the brand's flagship SUV, and you can get my complete next-gen Forester report here and find out why it's one of the most anticipated new 2025 models.
Subaru Crosstrek.
The Subaru Crosstrek is also the best in class for retained value. The Crosstrek won the small SUV award in 2021 and 2024 and takes home the award again in the 2025 model year picks.
The new 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Premium trim gets extensive upgrades, which should help it retain its value even more. It's a smart pick, and I have covered the model in detail. You can read more about it in my detailed report here.
The 2025 Subaru WRX is the top pick again in the Sports car segment. What does it mean for sports car buyers? When you drive your new car off a dealer's lot, it drops in value. However, the WRX is expected to retain its value better than all sports cars. The WRX also won best in class last year.
What does high residual value mean for SUV shoppers?
The high residual value of the Forester and Crosstrek means that, as a seller, they are in demand. These models will retain their value better than all other subcompact SUVs, ensuring you get more for your vehicle when you trade it in.
Conclusion:
If you keep the Forester, Crosstrek, and WRX in excellent shape and do the scheduled maintenance on time, you will have a high-value and desirable vehicle at trade-in when you are ready for your next new Subaru model. Or keep it longer, and you'll still get a value when it's time to trade them in.
Are you looking for a pre-owned Subaru?
Vincentric says Subaru has two all-wheel-drive models that are the best in the CPO segment. See which Subaru models are the best certified pre-owned picks, what they mean for SUV and car shoppers, and which popular Subaru SUV is missing. Check out my report here.
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Subaru