Think You Know Subaru?

Do you know all about Subaru? The Japanese automaker goes against the grain and succeeds. How do they do it?

Subaru is one of the smallest Japanese automakers, but it is also one of the most successful. When other automakers are introducing an all-electric lineup, Subaru succeeds in a big way with a mostly all-gasoline lineup with no hybrid trim levels. The exception is the all-electric Solterra, which they developed with Toyota. 

I reported recently that Subaru is still the best non-luxury automaker in 2024, according to a new ranking by Consumer Reports (by subscription). Subaru ranks second to only one car brand: BMW, a luxury brand. Subaru again scores ahead of its mainstream rivals Toyota, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, and even luxury brand Lexus.

Automotive News (by subscription) says the majority of Consumer Reports' top model choices for 2024 are electrified. Six entries on the organization's top 10 list have a conventional hybrid or a plug-in hybrid variant. But not Subaru.

Subaru dropped the Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid last year and isn't expected to introduce a new Hybrid until next year when they launch a next-generation Forester Hybrid trim level. 

Automotive News says, "PHEVs gained prominence on the Consumer Reports list this year, aligning with their presence in the market."

Plug-in hybrids are "the most misunderstood powertrain," said Jake Fisher, senior director of automotive testing at Consumer Reports. "But it's really a good choice for a lot of people if they understand what they're getting into."

What is the difference between a hybrid and a Plug-In Hybrid? 

A conventional hybrid has an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that work together to run the vehicle. Plug-in hybrids also have an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, but their chargeable batteries are utilized first. The gasoline-powered engine kicks in once the batteries are depleted.

Brand report card

BMW ranks number one on Consumer Reports' brand report card for the second consecutive year. According to Kelley Blue Book, BMW models had an average price of $68,191 in January. "Consumers are paying for that positive experience with a luxury brand," the report says. 

According to Cox Automotive data, Subaru's average transaction price in February was $35,168. That's $33,023 less than the number one-ranked BMW.  

Subaru goes against the grain.

Subaru, the second-ranked brand, "is almost more of a feat," Fisher said. "They have a smaller product line, but they make some really good gas vehicles, which are very efficient."

The top 10 models scored the highest in Consumer Reports' ratings of road tests, predicted reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction. 

photo credit: NFL Subaru

The ranking, divided by segment, includes the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Prius/Prius Prime, 2024 Subaru Forester, Mazda3, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Maverick/Maverick Hybrid, Tesla Model Y, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, BMW X5/X5 PHEV and Toyota RAV4 Prime.

Three of the top picks have made the ranking for two straight years — the Subaru Forester, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and Ford Maverick/Maverick Hybrid.

photo credit: NFL Subaru

MY TAKE

While other automakers have quickly moved to an all-electric model lineup, Subaru has been slow to join the EV party. As I have covered the Subaru brand for decades, the Japanese automaker has always marched to the beat of a different drummer.

Subaru Corporation developed its first EV, the Solterra, with Toyota's help to test the waters. The Solterra was slow to take off, and Subaru has no control over its manufacturing since it is made in Japan by Toyota Motor. 

Subaru says that by the first half of the 2030s, all Subaru vehicles sold worldwide will have some form of electrification technology. Many of those new vehicles will come with hybrid and Plug-in hybrid technology. 

The next Subaru hybrid vehicle will be the 2025 Forester Hybrid trim level. It should arrive one year from now. Stay tuned.

This is the latest information regarding new Subaru vehicles. I'll keep you updated with any new information.

Until then, visit torquenews.com/subaru regularly and bookmark the page for my latest updates.

Your Turn

What about you? Will you buy a Subaru Forester hybrid? Let us know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the Subaru story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• The Least Satisfying Electric SUVs, The Subaru Solterra And Toyota bZ4X Get The Cold Shoulder From Owners
• The 6 Most Satisfying Compact SUVs And Why Subaru Forester, Crosstrek Beat 3 Trendy Hybrids
• 8 Reasons Why I Drive A Subaru

Watch Don't Take Consumer Reports' Advice for Best Subaru Oil Recommendation

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: main image Tucson Subaru