Subaru models

Subaru models compared

The Subaru Outback has the best EPA rating of the group, up to 29 mpg combined for a gasoline version.

Subaru models at a glance

• Subaru Outback, 2008–2024: up to 29 mpg combined; 7,925 NHTSA complaints, most about the electrical system; 55 recall campaigns. Most complaints per year on sale: 2019; fewest: 2009.

Subaru recalls by year

Across these models, NHTSA recall campaigns peak with the 2010 model year (23 campaigns), counting each campaign once per year. Data as of October 2026.

What Subaru owners report most

Across the Subaru models we cover, the components owners name most often in NHTSA complaints are electrical system (2,138 mentions), visibility/wiper (1,744 mentions) and power train (772 mentions), counting the three most-reported components of each model. A complaint can name several components, and owners' reports are not verified, so use the table as a pointer to what to ask about, not as a verdict on a model.

Subaru fuel cost per year

Fuel cost is the quickest way to compare these models on running costs. At the September 2026 national average price, the Subaru Outback is the cheapest to fuel of the group, at about $2,330 a year for 15,000 miles in its 2024 model year. Each figure uses the most efficient priced version of the latest model year we cover, so versions with larger engines cost more.

Decode a Subaru VIN

A Subaru VIN tells you the model year, plant and engine. Decode a Subaru VIN with NHTSA data →