How to Meet Your Dream Subaru: Which Subaru SUV Is Best for You?

Regardless of their personal brand allegiance, most drivers can agree that Subaru has a pretty impressive lineup of vehicles. If standard all-wheel drive, a long track record of dependability, and rugged style are your thing, you’re probably aware of what Subaru’s SUVs have to offer. You probably also already know that a swing by Williams Subaru, your Certified Pre-Owned Subaru dealership, is a great way to get a fantastic deal on a recent, low-mileage used Subaru, as well.

Subaru’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program offers special factory-backed deals on used vehicles that are up to five years old and have fewer than 80,000 miles on them. Each CPO Subaru has undergone a manufacturer-required 152-point inspection by our certified technicians and comes with a CARFAX vehicle history report to ensure the product being sold to you is in tip-top condition. Other bonuses include a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty with a $0 deductible, 27/7 roadside assistance, and a 1-year subscription to Subaru’s STARLINK Safety Plus Package with Automatic Collision Notification.

But how do you determine which Certified Pre-Owned Subaru SUV is the best fit for your lifestyle and driving style? Let’s take a look at some of the best current SUV models in Subaru’s lineup to determine which one fits your needs.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek: Small but Mighty

The smallest of Subaru’s SUVs is the Crosstrek. This economical subcompact model has earned multiple awards for its capability and performance. The 2020 model was named #2 in the Best Subcompact SUVs of 2020 category by Kelley Blue Book, thanks to its spacious interior, ideal level of power, and abundant standard features.

The Crosstrek stands 8.7 inches above the ground and includes 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. With the rear seats folded, this extends to 55.3 cubic feet, which is a substantial amount of room for stashing a variety of stuff, such as adventure gear, furniture, or groceries. Features such as automatic climate control and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration are normal across the lineup, with heated front seats, premium sound systems, and leather upholstery are available on higher trims.

Under the hood is a 2.0L flat-4 engine, one of Subaru’s standard and well-liked engines. This provides plenty of power, whether you’re cruising through the city streets or somewhere deep in nature. Manual and automatic transmissions are offered, though the Continuously Variable automatic transmission offers slightly better fuel economy.

The Subaru Crosstrek is a good fit for drivers who spend equal time on the streets and the trails, as well as those who travel solo or in pairs. If you have a need for lots of cargo room and lots of passengers at the same time, fear not: the Subaru SUVs only get bigger from here!

2018 Subaru Outback: The SUV That Can Wear Many Hats

For many years, the Outback has been the multi-purpose tool of the Subaru lineup. This crossover SUV is bigger than the Crosstrek but doesn’t quite fit into the full-size SUV class. The Outback received a thorough update in 2018, which makes this year highly coveted among drivers shopping for Certifed Pre-Owned models. With standard all-wheel drive, a towing capacity of up to 3,000 pounds, and a total of 73.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the Outback is clearly a versatile vehicle that many drivers can appreciate.

Subaru Outbacks offer a few features that can benefit drivers who are always on the road. The standard STARLINK infotainment system includes smartphone compatibility as well as an array of Subaru-specific apps, which can help you find adventure no matter where you are. The X-Mode drive select system has been designed for off-roading but includes a variety of modes that can help the Outback handle whatever terrain you encounter, from the pavement to mud.

Most Outbacks come with the standard 2.5L boxer-4 engine, though a larger 3.6L flat-6 is offered as well. Each provides an impressive fuel economy, whether in the city or on the highway. An automatic transmission is standard on the Subaru Outback for easy driving.

The Outback may seem very adventurous, but don’t dismiss this SUV, even if you never plan to leave Charlotte. The Outback is big enough for luggage, instruments, tools, antiques, or even a couple strollers and car seats. If having a safe, capable vehicle for your stuff and your family is important to you, the Outback is highly prepared and durable.

2019 Subaru Forester: Family-Friendly and Cargo-Ready

Given the blurred lines that divide members of the SUV family, perhaps the best way to describe the Forester is “slightly smaller than the Outback.” The 2019 model year was the start of the most recent generation of the Forester, and Subaru made the conscientious decision to increase the interior space to accommodate more passengers and more cargo. The cargo opening measures 51.3 inches wide and is paired with an available power tailgate to make loading and unloading more manageable. Integrated cargo net hooks, cargo area lighting, and 60/40-split folding rear seats help drivers get the most out of their Forester’s capabilities.

The 2019 Forester also includes standard EyeSight driver assistance technology. This suite of features offers adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking, along with trailer stability assist. The rearview camera has its own designated washing system, too, so your family and belongings are at an advantage no matter which direction you’re traveling.

With safety and space as its primary guiding principles, the Forester has been a top choice among families since it hit the streets in 1997. Whether you need the room for car seats or sports gear and science projects, the standard all-wheel drive, standard safety features, and roomy interior of the Subaru Forester make it an ideal choice for those who value a certain amount of peace of mind.

2019 Subaru Ascent: Three Rows and Ready to Go

Adventure comes in many sizes, as do families. For those who need plenty of room for the whole crew, the Subaru Ascent offers three rows of seating for up to eight passengers, depending on the configuration chosen. Not only does the Ascent offer seating for that many passengers––it’s designed to accommodate them comfortably, with standard tri-zone automatic climate control, USB ports in every row, and a total of 19 cup holders. The doors and handles are designed to help passengers climb in and out, and with the rear seats folded, there’s room for up to 86 cubic feet of gear.

The Ascent made its debut in the 2019 model year, so this is a very recent addition to Subaru’s lineup. Equipped with a 2.4L turbocharged flat-4 engine and standard all-wheel drive, the Ascent hits all the right marks when it comes to comfort and performance. The EyeSight safety system is onboard, along with smartphone integration. The Ascent SUV will be an easy pick for those who frequently drive the carpool or move a lot of cargo. And, for those who think larger size means “harder to drive,” the Ascent is equipped with plenty of pep for responsive handling.

Time to Choose Your CPO Subaru SUV

There’s more to the decision-making process than knowing which Subaru makes sense for you. You’ll want to formulate a budget and test drive a few before you make your final selection. You’ll also want to consider different trims and features available. Though there are still plenty of choices to make, purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned Subaru SUV should be simple.

The friendly team here at Williams Subaru will be able to assist with any questions you might have, as well as help you get behind the wheel of a few options to see which one fits just right. There’s a Subaru SUV for every lifestyle and every sense of adventure, from small to big, so if you dream of all-wheel drive, or crave a balance of exhilaration and responsibility, take a look at what Subaru has to offer. From subcompact to three-row, it’s time to discover which CPO Subaru is the right fit for you.

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