Dec 9, 2022

The Subaru lineup has a lot to offer––potentially too much if you’re someone who has difficulty narrowing down your options and making a decision. We’ve all been there, so we’re not judging anyone, but choosing the right vehicle is important and potentially stressful for some people. If you’re shopping for a used model, that can become even more of a challenge since you have so many different things to consider. When you’re looking at used Subarus for sale in Charlotte, it’s worth taking some time to weigh all of your options. Things can be a lot easier if you focus on just a few models to see what they have to offer. So let’s do just that and have a look at four great used Subaru SUVs and discover what each of them brings to the road.

The Subaru Ascent

The Ascent is the largest SUV in the Subaru lineup at the moment, making this a great place to start if you’re looking for something to fit a large family. It’s a three-row model with seating for up to eight people, so it can fit all but the biggest families or groups of friends. All that room inside is perfect even if you don’t have a lot of passengers since it gives you plenty of space to load up with everything you need to bring with you. This SUV can also haul up to 5,000 lbs behind it while towing, so it really does work well for a wide range of uses.

This is also one of the newest models from Subaru––it was first introduced as an all-new SUV starting with the 2019 model year. That means any used model you find will have great features from just the last few years in it. Every Ascent model comes with all-wheel drive, so you don’t have to pay more or put a lot of energy into finding one that can take you anywhere you want to go. It’s great for some light off-roading or to get you to your favorite campsite, with more room inside than a lot of SUVs that deliver similar performance.

A white 2019 Subaru Outback is shown from the front at an angle.

The Subaru Outback

While the Ascent might be one of the latest SUVs in Subaru’s lineup, the Outback is one of its oldest and started its life as a station wagon variant of the Subaru Legacy. That being said, the modern Outback is definitely its own thing and delivers rugged style, excellent performance on and off the road, and a great ride wherever you want to go. Its overall design still has some station wagon influences, which makes for a comfortable and practical interior, but its high ride height and adventurous spirit certainly feel like an SUV. This is a two-row model with plenty of seating for up to five people and a rear cargo area that offers lots of room for luggage, bags from a day of shopping, or anything else you need to load up with.

The current generation for the Outback launched with the 2020 model year, so that’s a great place to start as you’re looking at used options. Outbacks from 2019 or older are fine and can save you some money, but if you want all of the latest features, then it’s a good idea to focus on models from just the last few years. With its 2020 redesign, the Outback was fitted with a standard 182-hp engine, while a 260-hp turbocharged option is available. As you’re looking at different used models, finding one with this available engine will give you more power and up to 3,500 lbs of towing capacity, though every model comes with Subaru’s all-wheel drive, so you get a great ride no matter which one you find.

The Subaru Forester

If you’re interested in a compact crossover SUV that has rugged dependability and impressive off-road capability, then the Subaru Forester is a great choice. Much like the other models we looked at, the Forester comes with Subaru’s impressive all-wheel drive system standard, so you don’t have to go out of your way to find it. As a compact model, you’ll find two rows of seating in the Forester, though its interior is designed to be comfortable and spacious, making this a great choice for many families. Recent model years have featured a 2.5L engine that delivers 182 hp and up to 1,500 lbs of towing capacity (up to 3,000 lbs in 2022 models), giving you plenty of options for loading up for the weekend.

The current generation for the Forester was released with the 2019 model year, so keep that in mind as you’re looking at different used models. These models have an impressive combination of good fuel economy, an adventurous design that can take you just about anywhere, and a stylish interior that’s also quite comfortable. You get comfortable seating inside with plenty of space to take advantage of. The 2019 model was released with a standard 6.5-inch infotainment display and had an 8-inch screen available. Best of all, even going back to 2019, you’ll find advanced safety features like Automated Emergency Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control standard on every Forester.

A blue 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is shown from the front at an angle after the owner searched for used Subarus for sale in Charlotte.

The Subaru Crosstrek

Originally introduced and released as the Subaru XV Crosstrek, Subaru dropped the “XV” starting with the 2016 model year, and it’s simply been the Crosstrek ever since. First released for the 2013 model year, the Crosstrek is a subcompact option, making it one of the smallest crossovers in the Subaru lineup. It’s the successor to the Outback Sport, and it’s based on the Subaru Impreza hatchback. Like most other Subaru models, the Crosstrek comes with all-wheel drive standard, so you’ll find it on any used model out there, and in recent years it has had a 2.0L engine that makes it fun to drive while giving you great fuel economy. This is a two-row model, as you’d expect, with seating for up to five people, but it has surprising interior space, so it works well for a wide range of drivers.

The current generation of the Crosstrek started with the 2018 model year, giving you plenty of great options when looking at used models. It was released with a standard 6.5-inch infotainment display with an 8-inch screen available, options for advanced safety features, and an available premium speaker package. The 2019 model year introduced an available 148-hp hybrid engine and made safety features more accessible by adding options for the starting trim and packing more into what’s provided at higher trims.

For the 2021 model year, the Crosstrek got an update and refresh that included a new bumper and grille, plus numerous upgrades that includes the addition of an available 2.5L engine that delivers 182 hp and makes the Crosstrek even more enjoyable to drive. This is a great option to look for as you’re checking out used models from 2021. Updates since then have been pretty minimal, so you’re not missing out on much by looking for a 2021 model while getting access to fantastic performance. An all-new generation for the Crosstrek is launching with the 2024 model next year, so keep that in mind if you want a used Crosstrek in a few years.

Here to Help You Find a Reliable Used Subaru

No matter what you’re looking for in a used Subaru, here at Williams Subaru, we are ready to help you find it. You can see how much every decision you make impacts the kind of driving experience you’ll get––from the model and model year to the engine options and interior features. That’s why it’s so important and helpful to have someone by your side to help you decide which things will best meet your needs. Come visit us at Williams Subaru, and we’ll help you find that perfect used model with everything you want.