Why Subaru's Top 3 SUVs Just Vanished From The 10 Most Popular Models List

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Where do the 2023 Subaru Forester, 2023 Outback, and 2023 Crosstrek land in Edmunds' most researched cars list? They all disappear from the top ten, and only two SUVs barely make the top twenty. Check out the report here, and see what affects new car shoppers.

Are you shopping for a new 2023 Subaru Forester, 2023 Outback, or 2023 Crosstrek? Interest has dropped for all three of Subaru of America's top-selling models, according to Edmunds' research data. Keep reading to see why.

Last month the 2023 Subaru Forester and 2023 Subaru Outback were among the top ten most researched new vehicles, ranked eighth and ninth, and the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek was ranked sixteenth. This month the Forester is nineteenth, Crosstrek is twentieth, and Outback is the twenty-fourth most researched new vehicle.

On Edmund's most researched vehicles list this month, the Forester compact SUV, Outback midsize SUV, and Crosstrek subcompact SUV dropped in new car shopper consideration as many buyers turned their attention to the Super Bowl ads and other new car advertising.

Subaru is not a big spender in advertising when other automakers spend huge dollars as people's eyes are glued to their big-screen TVs. However, it does pay dividends short term. But Subaru takes a different approach.

Where does Subaru spend its money?

You will see Subaru of America involved in charity events. The Camden, N.J. automaker's latest outreach in February was to donate over 500,000 pairs of new socks, 50,000 of which were youth socks and 100,000 warm blankets for adults and children experiencing homelessness.

"As an automaker committed to helping our communities, we want to give a measure of comfort and warmth to individuals and families experiencing homelessness," said Tom Doll, President, and CEO, Subaru of America.

Vehicle research among new car shoppers is one of many indicators of model popularity or availability. The automaker is selling its top three models as fast as it can get them from the factory. And there's good news for Subaru shoppers.

And Subaru's new vehicle inventory is improving, according to the latest reports from Automotive News. Subaru's day's supply of new cars jumped from 8 days in January to 11 days in February.

What's next for Subaru's new models?

Subaru of America will launch the all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza compact hatchback model for its U.S. customers this spring. The all-new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV also received a complete remodel, and the Base and Premium trim will arrive later this spring. The next-generation Crosstrek Sport and Limited trims come this summer.

Interest in Subaru's Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek all-wheel-drive vehicles has never been higher. So in February, when other automakers spend enormous amounts on TV and Super Bowl advertising to attract new car shoppers, Subaru gives away socks to the homeless.

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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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Photo credit: Subaru

Submitted by Luigi (not verified) on February 23, 2023 - 8:31PM

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Seriously the only opinion that matters is IIHS and Consumer Reports. I don't care what Edmunds says or your neighbor whatever their opinion is pretty much irrelevant.

Submitted by Pam (not verified) on February 24, 2023 - 7:04AM

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I own a 2015 Subaru Forester with 58,000 miles. This is my 3rd Subaru and I love the make. I am saddened that my car had to be serviced for an engine leak - engine pulled, drained, and sealent applied. When I asked why this leak happened, I was told that I didn’t drive my car enough. Huh?
Sadly this is my last Subaru…

I have a 2014 subaru forester limited with 243k. Yes I drive my car every where, but honestly I have owned many other brands of cars in my time and to think at one point, I thought vw was the best around! After owning 2 dozen of them. I learned that there is something better out there, which many of my friends had vw's, would also have a subaru of some sort. I took a chance and got a impreza the was a 09 that blow a #4 piston rod, engine swap and the car was never the same!
Til I got my forester 6 yrs ago and has been a dream! I have done the necessary repairs. To think of going to a different brand? Well I will say that subaru builds a great product! Those who own one will tell you their story as well, I'm a true believer that subaru has a great product like no other...

Submitted by Kevin (not verified) on February 24, 2023 - 8:32PM

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I am a Subaru technician and a Subaru owner. I can tell you that a Subaru is just as good as any other Japanese brand out there. I have a Legacy with a ridiculous amount of miles on it. I would trust it to circumnavigate the globe right now if a vehicle could drive across oceans. You just gotta take care of your car if you want it to take care of you.

Agreed- I owned a 2000 Dodge Caravan 21-yrs- 265,889KM, Put $1,000 (annually) into maintenence, If you don't take care of your vehicle or guitars, they'll let you down at the worst inopportune time !

Happy to read about your experience. I own a 2018 Subaru limited legacy and I purchased it new with a 10 year 100k Subaru extended warranty. So far, great experience and I love many things about the car, visibility, fit and finish, performance, excellent features etc. However though I maintain the car like clockwork there was a engine leak that was repaired under the power train warranty and that was disappointing.
But I hope it won't repeat.

I own a limited 2018 Subaru legacy and the car checks so many boxes for me, excellent visibility, mileage, fit and finish both interior and exterior, excellent traction but I was surprised and disappointed about the fact that there was an engine leak at 40k miles even though I maintain the car like clockwork. I did purchase a 10 year 100k mile Subaru extended warranty so the repair was covered anyway but it definitely rattled me. There was another issue but it was wear and tear and Subaru customer service was fantastic since they covered it. Another fact I read recently was the CVT is manufactured by JASCO who also supplies Nissan and we know the issues they face. So I'm mindful about replacing the trans fluid and did so at 50k miles though I don't indulge in hard driving or have a lot of miles on it. So, I will continue doing my due diligence but yeah, all cars need regular maintenance. If one doesn't do that, expect certain failure.

Submitted by Jim (not verified) on February 25, 2023 - 10:55PM

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Subaru hasn’t fixed there oil consumption problem, I have a 2018 Outback with 61,000 miles that’s using 2 plus quarts of oil with only 4,000 miles since last oil change. This is not normal. It my fourth and only Subaru with the problem. Is there a class action against Subaru for oil consumption? This may be my last Subaru!