Which New Subaru Models Have The Best Deals Now?

Can you get a good deal on a new Subaru now?

This is the question many Subaru buyers have right now. Should I buy now or wait? If you are shopping for a new Outback, Crosstrek, or Forester, here are the latest inventory numbers, new model estimates, and financing deals available right now. 

Subaru has the right models at the right time.

A report from Kelley Blue Book says, “One reason transaction prices are lower in 2024 is that many buyers are choosing smaller, less expensive vehicles,” noted Cox Automotive Senior Economist Charlie Chesbrough. “The subcompact and compact SUV segments are outperforming the market this year, and by no coincidence, they’re also two of the lowest-priced product segments in the market.”

Before I discuss Subaru pricing and the best deals, I'll cover Subaru's new model production and export numbers. It gives us an idea of which new models will have the greatest or least supply.

Last month, I said in my report here that Subaru Corporation made a strategic decision to decrease production in Japan, where they make the next-generation 2025 Forester, and to cut back on its new model production in the U.S. factory where they manufacture the Outback and Crosstrek 2.5-liter models. 

This was a proactive measure to align production with market demand, and now, domestic and overseas production has decreased again. 

Subaru Corp. announced that production in Japan decreased 9.4 percent in September, the second month of decrease. 

However, the export of the new 2025 Forester and other models increased by 5.3 percent in September, the first increase in two months.

Here is what it means for Forester shoppers now.

This fall, customers will find more new next-generation 2025 Forester compact SUVs on U.S. retailers’ lots for sale. You should see a good variety of trim levels.  

In the U.S. plant, the production of the 2025 Outback midsize SUV, Crosstrek Sport, Wilderness, and Limited subcompact SUV trim levels, and Ascent 3-Row SUV and Legacy midsize sedan decreased 1.6 percent in September. It's Subaru of Indiana Automotive's (SIA) third consecutive monthly decrease. 

Despite the slowdown, SIA has increased its production by 8.2 percent this year. 

Here is what it means for Outback and Crosstrek shoppers now.

There are many new 2025 Outback and still many 2024 Subaru Crosstrek models on retailers' lots. You can get the best deals on these two models. 

Subaru Outback

Subaru of America offers 2.9% APR financing on 2025 Outback models for 72 months through October 31, 2024. They will likely extend this offer into November. 

Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru of America offers 3.9% APR financing on 2024 Crosstrek models for 72 months through October 31, 2024. They will likely extend this offer into November. Subaru wants to move all remaining 2024 model year Crosstrek trims before the new 2025 model arrives.

Subaru Forester

Subaru of America offers 4.9% APR financing on 2025 Forester models for 72 months through October 31, 2024. They will likely extend this offer into November. 

Subaru has too many new models on its U.S. retailers’ lots.

As of September, Subaru had a 61-day supply of new models on the ground for sale. This is a significant number because Subaru traditionally likes to keep its new model inventory at lower levels. A 61-day supply is a high number for Subaru, and it's why they cut back on production. 

It's a balancing act. If retailers have too few vehicles on their lots, they risk not having a model and trim level that appeals to you and is within easy reach. They must spend money to keep unsold cars on the lot if there are too many. 

If they have too many, Subaru retailers also have to give more customer incentives (discounts) to sell those vehicles. 

Many buyers are waiting.

The report from Kelley Blue Book says, "Dealers will be happy to see you this month. A recent survey finds dealers pessimistic, believing many Americans will wait on major financial decisions until they know the outcome of a tense Presidential election. If you're sure you do want to shop for a new car right now, you might benefit from being one of the few willing to shop."

Subaru wants your car. 

Subaru retailers want clean, low-mileage Crosstrek, Outback, and Forester models. If you have a car to sell, it's a great time because Subaru is low on used model inventory. 

The bottom line:

Armed with this information, you can confidently step into the Subaru dealer. It's a buyer's market, and you have the power to purchase a new 2025 Outback, 2024 Crosstrek, or 2025 Forester at a discounted or below MSRP price. 

It's Your Turn

We want to hear from you. Are you shopping for a new Subaru this fall? Have you been holding off on your new car purchase? Click the red 'Add New Comment' link below and share your thoughts.

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: Denis Flierl via Subaru North Orlando