Subaru’s New Model Year-End Pricing And Why You Won’t Get Stung With Huge Markups

Can you still find deals on a 2022 Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek this year-end? Check out this report, and you might be surprised.

Has Subaru raised its pricing on 2022 Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek models during the new vehicle shortage? Some automakers have raised prices on new cars more than others in the last year, but what can customers expect from Subaru at the year-end?

Kelly Blue Book gives actual data on how much each car brand has increased its new vehicle prices in the last 12 months. KBB says, "With tight supply and continued demand, new-vehicle prices remain elevated overall." Where can you find the best deals on a 2022 Subaru Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek at year-end?

photo credit: Competition Subaru

How does Subaru pricing compare with other automakers across the U.S.?

The report reveals Subaru retailers have increased prices almost the least of any automaker. Subaru's percentage of change from October 2020 to October 2021 is 9.2 percent. The industry average is +12.9 percent, and for some automakers like GM, pricing has gone up 21.4 percent. Mitsubishi (+19.6%), Kia, Hyundai (+16.9%), Stallantis (+16.3%), Honda (+15.6%), Mazda (+15.3%), and Toyota (+14.7%) are among the highest.

"Whether they are desperate or impatient, consumers continue to pay hundreds of dollars above the suggested price for new vehicles," said Kayla Reynolds, an analyst for Cox Automotive. "While the average transaction price jumped to a new record high, the average incentive package fell to a 20-year low. To score a new vehicle, buyers are accepting no-haggle pricing, with significant market adjustments in some instances. It is absolutely a seller's market right now."

Are there any good deals on a 2022 Subaru Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek?

Cars.com says, "While there are Subaru incentives for both buying and leasing, the company's lease deals and financing promotions generally aren't the best even under normal circumstances. For example, the Forester has no rebates whereas an SUV like the Jeep Grand Cherokee now offers 0% APR financing for up to 72 months."

Where can you find the best deals on a Subaru?

Subaru Report reached out to an AutoNation Subaru retailer near Denver, Colorado, and found they cannot charge customers more than MSRP or sticker price. Our source told us they are charging MSRP plus $599 dealer handling and taxes on all models.

photo credit: Competition Subaru

Not all Subaru retailers give customers the best deal, and it's best to cross-shop different Subaru retailers in your area or even out of state. You may be able to get a better deal from one who has more inventory to move or a larger retailer in another state. Many will even ship the car to you for a small fee. It could be worthwhile to drive there and pick it up yourself.

Don't be afraid to ask the salesperson for extra incentives. You won't get them if you don't ask. You might be able to get additional accessories on a 2022 Subaru Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek too.

Does Subaru offer 0% financing?

Subaru still offers 0% financing on 2021 Legacy, 2021 Outback, and 2021 Impreza through November 30, 2021.

Why doesn't Subaru offer 72 months or 84 month financing?

In a recent interview, President and CEO of Subaru of America Tom Doll explains why they don't offer the same 72 months or even 84 months as other automakers. Doll says they look out for the customer now because they will see them in 4 or 5 years when they return to trade the all-wheel-drive vehicle in.

Doll says if they offer longer deals like some automakers, going beyond 63 months, it's not the best for the customer. "When they return, we want to make sure they have equity in their trade. We don't want them to owe more than the car is worth, or their payments will be too high."

What should customers do because of low inventory?

A source close to Subaru told us 99 percent of their allocation of new 2022 Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek models are already pre-sold through February 2022. This is the case with many Subaru retailers across North America.

Cars.com says, "In some cases, it could make sense to put down a deposit with a dealer to secure a reservation on an incoming car. Doing research and choosing a good dealer near you could be a way to get the best deal possible."

Overall, Subaru's new vehicle prices have gone up considerably less than most automakers. If you check with multiple retailers and research the best value possible, you can find your best deal on a 2022 Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek at year-end.

You Might Also Like: Check out 2022 Subaru Forester pricing here, 2022 Subaru Outback pricing here, 2022 Subaru Crosstrek pricing here.

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 USA unless otherwise noted