Does Subaru make the longest-lasting cars? According to a new report from iSeeCars, Subaru has only one model in its all-wheel-drive lineup with the greatest potential to go over 200,000 miles. It's the 2023 Subaru Outback based on its past longevity history.
The iSeeCars lifespan study analyzed over two million cars produced and sold for at least 10 of the past 20 model years, ranking each model by its highest mileage-achieving cars. The models listed below have seen high mileage use, clearing between 200,000 and 300,000 miles over the past 20 years.
iSeeCars 20 SUVs with the greatest potential lifespan
Photo credit: iSeeCars
"What we see is a list of highly-durable vehicles, capable of more than a quarter-million miles of use if properly maintained," said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. "And to be clear, this study isn't reporting the maximum lifespan of these vehicles. This is simply a measure of current odometer readings. Most of these cars are still in use and going strong."
As you can see, the Subaru Outback is the one Subaru SUV model with the greatest potential lifespan and is expected to go over 200,000 models. Outback's likely lifespan is 208,298 miles, according to the iSeeCars study.
How does the Subaru Outback's dependability compare with other Subaru models?
Looking at another dependability study, IHS Markit, now part of S&P Global data, reveals which Subaru models last the longest. The Subaru Outback midsize SUV takes the longest-lasting crown but not by much. The data says that 97 percent of Outback vehicles sold over the last ten years are still on the road today.
The data is based on IHS Markit research on vehicles in operation as of June 30, 2022, for model years 2013 to 2022 versus the total new registrations of those vehicles.
Subaru Forester is the second longest-lasting Subaru model
The Subaru Forester compact SUV is right behind the Outback, with 96 percent of the compact SUVs sold over the last ten years still on the road today.
The Subaru Impreza compact sedan and hatchback models and the Subaru Legacy sedan are the next longest-lasting models. S&P Global says 95 percent of Impreza and Legacy models from 2013 to 2022 are still on the road today.
Where do the Subaru Crosstrek and Ascent rank in longevity?
The S&P Global report does not rank the Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV. We know it's rated one of the most reliable Subaru models by Consumer Reports. The Subaru Ascent 3-Row family hauler was new in 2019, and more data on the midsize SUV needs to be collected.
As in other studies, the Subaru Outback has a history of being the longest-lasting model that will go well over 200,000 miles.
Our take
Brauer pointed out that the above models have the greatest "potential" lifespan if properly maintained. This means getting regular oil changes and doing the recommended 15,000, 30,000, and 60,000-mile services on time.
Customers who buy the Subaru Outback tend to have higher incomes and are more likely to spend money on maintenance than buyers of the other Subaru models. There is very little difference in the drivetrains of the Outback compared with the Forester compact SUV and other Subaru models.
If you take care of the 2023 Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, Ascent, or other Subaru all-wheel-drive models, they will likely go well over 200,000 miles and much longer. It's why the 2023 Subaru Outback has the greatest potential lifespan. Outback owners take care of essential things like regular maintenance.
In the comment section below, let us know how many miles you have on your Subaru and what model you own.
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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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Comments
I have a 2008 Subaru legacy 2
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I have a 2008 Subaru legacy 2.5 I four-door sedan. well over 200,000 miles. manual transmission. the car is great in the snow and anywhere else. the only problem I have is a clutch pedal and a brake pedal and a gas pedals are all too close together it's too easy to hit the clutch and break at the same time. and vice versa breaking gas. otherwise the car is a kick ass and very fun very fun! especially in a snowstorm.
Manual transmission is key
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In reply to I have a 2008 Subaru legacy 2 by RICHARD MISIAK (not verified)
Manual transmission is key phrase here. I worked last 5 years for Subaru and those cvt are awful. Love the old school Subies tho!
The best knowledge is your
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The best knowledge is your own experience, i had own several Subaru for the last 21 years, the first was 1994 Impreza that last 347,000 miles, 1998 Forester that went 269,000 and sold it running perfectly, at the present i have a 2013 impreza that have over 200,000 on the odometer and is running like new and my wife is driving a 2014 Crosstrek that we are especting will go over 200,000 for sure.
2012 - 150,000 miles
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2012 - 150,000 miles
I have a 2010 outback with
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I have a 2010 outback with 224000 miles on it
Don't be fooled into thinking
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Don't be fooled into thinking that this list represents the most reliable vehicles. Notice that the big behemoth vehicles are clustered at the top? It more or less reads like a ranking of SUVs by size, does it not? This list is as much a function of the cost of the vehicle as it is the vehicle's reliability. Replacing a $60k Sequoia (#1 on the list) is much more of a commitment than a $30k RAV4 (didn't make the list). So people are simply going to hang on to the Sequoia longer and do the necessary repairs rather than replacing it bc it was a much bigger investment (cars aren't an investment, but u know what I mean). That's the *only* reason vehicles like the Navigator and the Armada even make it on this list. They're not more reliable than a Crosstrek, they're just much harder to replace. That also explains why you only see 1 Subaru and zero Mazda SUVs on this list. Subaru and Mazda are 2 of the most reliable manufacturers and yet only 1 model makes this list? That's simply because they don't make big, expensive vehicles. The largest SUV for both mfrs is considered midsize (Ascent & CX-9) and both of those models are on the smaller side of the midsize SUV class. Again, it's much easier to replace a $26k CX-5 than a $60k Yukon XL. So don't be fooled into thinking this is a list of the most reliable SUVs. It is not.
My first boobaru (01 legacy
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In reply to Don't be fooled into thinking by Rich (not verified)
My first boobaru (01 legacy wagon, 4EAT) lasted 208k miles before the coolant began mixing. My present '00 outback sport is at 230.5k due to a failed clutch cable and have been waiting weeks for an OEM to pop up
Like you, I take these
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In reply to Don't be fooled into thinking by Rich (not verified)
Like you, I take these articles with a grain of salt. Crunching numbers behind a desk does not compare to real life experience. I have an expensive jacket that I don't wear often and take care of because I don't want to pay to replace it. It will last quite some time. I also have a cheap jacket that is more easily replaceable so I don't care as much about taking care of it. It won't last as long as my expensive jacket, but only because I don't maintain is as well.
A silly statement at the
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A silly statement at the beginning and a lack of common sense
1. The Crostrek wasn’t measured and the Axcent is too new. No wonder they aren’t in the list
2. The Subaru platforms are all based in Tek engines, the same drivetrain and virtually identical frames. If they don’t all perform to similar numbers, it’s because the test was flawed or the data collection is lax.
This calls into question any data related to all tbe other vehicles.
I have a 2014 Subaru Legacy.
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I have a 2014 Subaru Legacy. It just turned 208,000 miles. I have taken care of the car and have properly done the maintenance required. The car is a beast in the snow!! We are looking at buying a new Forester or a new Accent.
I have a 2015 Subaru Outback
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I have a 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R with 90,000 miles on it. I love it, do all the required maintenance on it, and expect to have a continued long and happy relationship, unlike some marriages, lol!
2016 legacy that didn't
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2016 legacy that didn't become a legacy, fully loaded with every bell and whistle. Purchase it because the whole of Dutchess County
NY is full of subarus. Transmission replacement at 50,000 mile. Second replacement at 100,000 plus. On the second replacement contacted subaru but they only offer $200 off a new Transmission excluding labor. Third replacement by my mechanic found that there was insufficient Transmission oil in the Transmission. First and second was replaced by the dealer. I purchase car in 2015 September with 5 miles on the odometer. Sold it in 2019 with 182000 miles. Leather wore put fast due to every day driving. Drove great especially in that snow storm a few years ago. While other cars and truck got stuck made it home from NYC at 1:30 in the morning. Keep in mind I left NYC at 5pm that day. Great car but this New CVT does not hold up to aggressive and hard driving.