Subaru’s Most and Least Expensive Models To Maintain

What are the maintenance costs for Subaru vehicles?

How much does maintaining a new Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback cost? Which model is the most expensive to maintain? A new report from CarEdge ranks all new models and gives the ten-year and five-year maintenance costs. 

In this report, I'll list Subaru's maintenance costs on each model, how much they cost to maintain over five and ten years, and where they rank with the industry average. Then, I'll show you where Subaru ranks among the top ten automakers. 

Which Subaru vehicle is the most expensive to maintain? 

1. The Subaru Ascent is the automaker's most expensive all-wheel-drive vehicle to maintain. The Ascent will cost about $8,472 for maintenance and repairs during its first ten years of service.

This is more than the industry average for popular SUV models by $222. There is also a 23.97% chance that an Ascent will require a major repair during that time. This is 0.50% worse than similar vehicles in this segment. The chart below illustrates how these costs and repair probabilities will increase over time.

2. A Subaru Outback is next and will cost about $8,386 for maintenance and repairs during its first ten years of service.

This exceeds the industry average for popular SUV models by $136. There is also a 23.97% chance that an Outback will require a major repair during that time. This is 0.50% worse than similar vehicles in this segment. The chart below illustrates how these costs and repair probabilities will increase as the miles pile up.

3. A Subaru Forester is third on the list and will cost about $8,337 for maintenance and repairs during its first ten years of service.

This is more than the industry average for popular SUV models by $87. There is also a 23.97% chance that a Forester will require a major repair during that time. This is 0.50% worse than similar vehicles in this segment. The chart below illustrates how these costs and repair probabilities will increase over time.

4. A Subaru Crosstrek is fourth and will cost about $8,210 for maintenance and repairs during its first ten years of service.

This beats the industry average for popular SUV models by $40. There is also a 23.97% chance that a Crosstrek will require a major repair during that time. This is 0.50% worse than similar vehicles in this segment. The chart below illustrates how these costs and repair probabilities will increase over time.

5. A Subaru BRZ will cost about $6,616 for maintenance and repairs during its first ten years of service.

This beats the industry average for popular coupe models by $791. There is also an 18.74% chance that a BRZ will require a major repair during that time. This is 0.23% better than similar vehicles in this segment. The chart below illustrates how these costs and repair probabilities will increase over time.

6. A Subaru Legacy midsize sedan will cost about $6,264 for maintenance and repairs during its first ten years of service.

This is more than the industry average for popular sedan models by $301. There is also a 17.73% chance that a Legacy will require a major repair during that time. This is 0.92% worse than similar vehicles in this segment.

7. A Subaru Impreza will cost about $6,129 for maintenance and repairs during its first ten years of service.

This exceeds the industry average for popular sedan models by $168. There is also a 17.73% chance that an Impreza will require a major repair during that time. This is 0.92% worse than similar vehicles in this segment. The chart below illustrates how these costs and repair probabilities will increase over time.

Here are the 10-year Subaru model costs ranked from most to least.

1. Ascent - $8,472
2. Outback - $8,386
3. Forester - $8,337
4. Crosstrek - $8,210
5. BRZ - $6,616
6. Subaru WRX - $6,577
7. Subaru Legacy - $6,264
8. Impreza - $6,129

How much does it cost to maintain each Subaru model after 5 years ranked from least to most?

1. Subaru Impreza $1,913
2. Subaru Legacy $1,981
3. Subaru BRZ $2,091
4. Subaru WRX $2,137
5. Subaru Crosstrek $2,548
6. Subaru Forester $2,612
7. Subaru Outback $2,636
8. Subaru Ascent $2,679

As you can see, the first five years of maintenance costs are much less than years six through ten. As the vehicle accumulates more miles, more maintenance has to be done. 

Like other car brands, Subarus has manufacturer-recommended maintenance intervals every 15,000, 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles. 

Service activities like inspections, fluid checks, oil changes, tire rotations, and replacements for filters, belts, and brake pads don't necessarily cost more for a Subaru. However, because Subaru uses a wider Boxer engine that sits flat in the engine bay, some service items can cost more.  

The broader dimensions of the Subaru Boxer engine can make access to some components more difficult. The extra time involved (like replacing the spark plugs) leads to higher maintenance costs.

Further, a Subaru's higher expenses can be tied to its Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system — an extra set of drive wheels costs more to maintain. However, this system provides unparalleled security and control, making it a valuable investment. 

One Subaru service that's a bit more complex is the continuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid change. The vehicle must be running while on the lift to change the fluid. You'll also need OEM Subaru CVT fluid when you do this service. 

It's important to note that tires are a significant part of Subaru's extra maintenance cost. Tires wear out sooner with an all-wheel-drive vehicle, and unlike front-wheel-drive cars, all four tires must be replaced at the same time. Read my Subaru tire report here. 

How does Subaru compare with the top-ten car brands regarding 10-year maintenance costs?

1. Toyota $5,445
2. FIAT $6,443
3. Volkswagen $6,496
4. Mitsubishi $6,593
5. Honda $6,684
6. Mazda $6,836
7. Hyundai $7,167
8. Kia $7,254
9. MINI $7,262
10. Subaru $7,374

Subaru models average around $7,374 for maintenance and repair costs during their first ten years of service. However, this beats the industry average for popular brands by $925 and is 2.44% better compared to the other auto manufacturers in this segment that CarEdge has studied.

Conclusion:

Customers buy a Subaru vehicle for its superior all-weather performance, off-road capability, fuel efficiency, and excellent safety scores. However, it's important to note that another significant advantage of owning a Subaru is its strong resale value. 

A well-maintained Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, Outback, and other models hold on to their value better than most vehicles, helping an owner's bank account when selling or trading in the all-wheel-drive vehicle. Check out my resale value report here.

Spending the money now to maintain your Subaru is not just an expense, but an investment in its longevity and performance. Regular maintenance will come back to you when it's time to sell or trade in your vehicle.

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