This guide is continuously updated for relevancy, accuracy, and the most recent info.
Subaru’s been in the SUV game for ages, going strong with the Outback and Forester for decades. The small Crosstrek introduced in 2013 now outsells them all, the mid-size Ascent finally gains a 3rd-row, and the Japanese brand welcomes its first all-electric SUV with the Solterra (with standard all-wheel drive, no less). We explore them all:
Subaru Crosstrek (Subcompact Crossover SUV)
- US Crosstrek trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited
- Canada Crosstrek trims: Convenience, Touring, Onyx, Wilderness, Limited
Key features:
2024 redesign includes more rugged look & higher ground clearance
New rugged Crosstrek Wilderness trim
Revised AWD, stiffer chassis & improved performance
First launched in 2012, Subaru’s smallest SUV now gets a complete redesign. It enters its third generation for 2024 with redesigned exterior looks, a reworked interior that now gains EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard across the board, coupled with an available 11.6-inch touch screen, and increased performance, including a stiffer chassis. Powering the two entry-level models is the same 2.0L engine, making 152 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque, sitting on 17-inch alloy wheels. The top two models get the more powerful 2.5L mil, serving 182 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque, rolling on larger 18-inch alloy wheels. The new 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness doubles towing capacity to 3,500 lbs., gets a retuned CVT, higher ground clearance, upgraded suspension, and more—the most rugged version.
At first glance, the 2024 Crosstrek sits much higher with 8.7-inch ground clearance without compromising a low step-in height for all occupants. The front gains a frameless hexagonal grille flanked by more compact headlights. Inside and upfront, the updated seat design increases overall comfort while minimizing fatigue for those longer drives. And the dual-zone heating/cooling control, enhanced with the redesign, now comes standard across the Crosstrek model lineup.
Related:
- 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness First Drive Review
- 2024 Subaru Crosstrek First Drive Review
- Subaru Crosstrek Vs. Forester: Differences Explained
- Subaru Crosstrek Reviews and News
Subaru Solterra (Electric Compact SUV)
- US Solterra trims: Premium, Limited, Touring
- Canada Solterra trims: Solterra AWD, Solterra AWD Luxury Package, Solterra AWD Technology Package
Key features:
8.3-inch ground clearance with Subaru X-MODE & AWD
2024 model gains improved charging performance
New multimedia system with available 12.3-inch touchscreen
A near copy of the Toyota bZ4X, the Solterra is Subaru’s first-ever all-electric vehicle. Best part? It comes with Subaru’s renowned all-wheel drive as standard with its 8.3-inch ground clearance, 220 miles of electric range, a new multimedia system with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen, and an available 360-degree Surround-View Camera. All the models in the lineup come equipped with two electric motors, creating 215 horsepower (160 kilowatts) and 248 pound-feet (336 Newton-meters) of torque. For the 2024, the Subura improved the EV’s charging time: the high-capacity lithium-ion battery charges from 10% to 80% as quickly as 35 minutes.
Unlike its Toyota counterpart, the bZ4X, it is available only in an all-wheel-drive layout, offering Dual-Function X-MODE with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes for enhanced grip on low-friction and muddy roads. Comparing the Subaru Solterra range with its competitors, an equally equipped Ioniq 5 AWD Extended Range delivers 256, the ID.4 Pro AWD goes to cover 241 miles, and the Mustang Mach-E Select eAWD Standard Range travels 224 miles on a single charge.
Related:
Subaru Forester (Compact SUV)
Key features:
Highest ground clearance in compact SUV class
Redesigned front fascia
Interior gains more updated tech & multimedia
The Forester enters its sixth generation in 2025, showcasing a fresh front design, an impressive 8.7-inch ground clearance, and an upgraded tech-centric interior. Notably absent are announcements for a hybrid variant or a 2025 Forester Wilderness. All trims boast a 2.5L engine with 180 horsepower and a CVT transmission, with standard features including Active Torque Vectoring, SI-Drive, and a power steering rack inspired by the WRX. The cabin has an updated multimedia system, a new dash layout, and textured trim. The refined interior conceals scuffs with a dark headliner, and tinted rear windows come standard. Safety measures encompass Rear Seat Reminder on all trims and EyeSight throughout the lineup, with DriverFocus included in the Touring trim.
Related:
Subaru Outback (Mid-size SUV)
- US Outback trims: Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Wilderness, Limited, Touring
- Canada Outback trims: Convenience, Touring, Limited, Premier, Wilderness, Limited XT, Premier XT
Key features:
2023 Onyx Edition now offers two engine options
2022 Wilderness off-road version an Outback first
2023 model gains mild refresh & exterior updates
For 2023, the Outback gains some refreshed elements, including an updated look with redesigned front fascia and exterior cladding. The Onyx Edition offers two engine options, while Subaru’s safety system, EyeSight, now comes with a Wide-Angle Mono Camera. Expect Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to both get updates as well. As with the Forester, the Outback gained the rugged Wilderness treatment in 2022, carried over and splitting from the regular Outback packs with standard LED foglights with a hexagon design, contrasting copper stitching, PVC rear seatbacks, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, etc.
What’s unchanged in the latest Outback version is its airy and upmarket interior, comfortable seating for five, a huge cargo area (32.5/75.7 cubic feet depending on seat configuration), above-average fuel efficiency, and an energetic turbocharged 260-hp 2.4L mill choice.
Related:
Subaru Ascent (Mid-size SUV)
- US Ascent trims: Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring
- Canada Ascent trims: Convenience, Touring, Onyx, Limited, Premier
Key features:
2023 Ascent gains a bolder look with redesigned front and rear elements
2023 Onyx Edition adds more standard features
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto now standard in 2023/2024
For 2023, then in 2024, Subaru’s largest SUV continues to add more standard features. The notable features of the 2024 Ascent include EyeSight Driver Assist Technology featuring a Wide-Angle Mono Camera, standard Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto functionality, and the option of a Surround View Camera offering a 360-degree aerial perspective. The vehicle also has the standard SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system. The Ascent Onyx first arriving in 2022, boasts a sleek black-accented design on the exterior, while the interior offers a range of features, including a heated steering wheel, keyless entry with push-button start, and gloss black interior trim. This edition is exclusively available in a seven-passenger configuration with second-row captain’s chairs.
In short, the three-row family hauler has everything you would require in a mid-size SUV. A capable 260-hp 2.4L turbo flat-four, impressive ride quality, comfortable seating, and plenty of standard features within an affordable base price add to its merits.
Related:
- 2023 Subaru Ascent First Drive Review
- 7 Changes to the Refreshed 2023 Subaru Ascent 3-Row SUV
- Subaru Ascent Towing Capacity: A Closer Look
- Subaru Ascent Reviews and News
There you have it, the entire Subaru SUV and crossover lineup. If you’re shopping for a Subie, you can explore our Subaru reviews here.
