Jan 13, 2023
A grey 2021 Subaru Outback is shown from the side driving in the rain.

Can you name one of the most reliable automotive brands in the world? Subaru is a fan favorite because the automaker has long established its reputation for building reliable, practical, and versatile vehicles that can withstand the demands of the road. Subarus like the Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and WRX have solidified Subaru’s reputation because they offer exceptional value and appeal to a broad spectrum of drivers, making used Subarus for sale a hot commodity among North Carolina drivers.

Subaru’s entire lineup is impressive, with most models equipped with the automaker’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Boxer engine. Shopping for a used Subaru offers even more to budget-savvy buyers looking for ways to maximize their investment without compromise. Moreover, the same affordability that defines every new Subaru is even more impressive on the used lot, making it easy for drivers to stretch their money and get behind the wheel of top-tier trims at a fraction of the price.

What are Subaru’s best models? How can you narrow your search in a lineup filled with notable performers? As your local Subaru dealer, we’re here with those answers as we highlight the best Subaru models to shop for on the used lot.

Calling All Families: Check Out the Subaru Ascent

The Ascent debuted in 2019 and took its place as the largest SUV in the Subaru fleet, with three rows capable of accommodating up to eight passengers. The 2020 model is an outstanding find on the used lot because it adds new technology to the SUV’s already impressive packaging. For example, this three-row SUV comes with 60/40 split flat-folding rear seats, making it easy to take advantage of the 75.6 cu.ft. of cargo space. In addition, top-tier trims like the Limited transform this space by adding second-row captain’s chairs, giving you easier access to the third row.

While the Ascent has a large footprint, it’s engaging and fun to drive because of its 2.4L turbocharged Boxer engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. The combination is exceptional and produces 260 hp, 277 lb-ft of torque, and a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. But even more impressive is that this performance doesn’t compromise the Ascent’s fuel-sipping characteristics, with the 2020 model rated for up to 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.

As a family-friendly SUV, you can also expect a host of safety and driver-assist technology. Every trim in the Ascent’s 2020 lineup features Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and the newly introduced Rear Seat Reminder. The EyeSight suite outfits the SUV with a virtual spotter that actively reduces the potential for collision and enhances your visibility with tools like Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, and Adaptive Cruise Control. These technologies and the Ascent’s exceptional build earned the 2020 model a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Calling All Commuters: Check Out the Subaru Forester

First introduced in the late 1990s, the Forester is one of Subaru’s longest-running nameplates. This model was initially designed as a lifted station wagon but has evolved into a crossover SUV renowned for its versatility and efficiency. The 2019 Forester is an excellent example of this, with Subaru marketing the SUV as the largest and most capable Forester in history.

The 2019 Forester lives up to its promise, making it a great find on the used lot for customers looking for a budget-friendly SUV with plenty of conveniences and innovative technology. The appeal of the 2019 Forester starts under the hood with its updated 2.5L Boxer engine delivering 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque for faster acceleration and exceptional efficiency. The Forester’s Lineartronic transmission and automatic stop/start technology add to its allure, especially for commuters, since the 2019 model is rated for 33 MPG on the highway.

Drivers looking for this capability but a sportier aesthetic will be pleasantly surprised by the Forester Sport, a new addition to the SUV’s lineup for 2019. The Forester Sport distinguishes itself with its black gloss details, black 18-inch wheels, and rear spoiler on the roof. Inside, its sporty aesthetic continues with its orange accent stitching and a tech-centric interior that gives the Forester’s cockpit a contemporary feel. In addition, the technology on the Forester includes smartphone integration and two exceptional safety features––Subaru’s innovative DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology––that earned this SUV a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

Calling All Adventurers: Check Out the Subaru Outback

The Outback joins the Forester as one of Subaru’s best-selling models. First introduced in the mid-1990s, the Outback has consistently improved with age. We see this firsthand in the 2020 Outback and its introduction of the sixth generation of this popular SUV. As expected, the 2020 Outback is one of the safest and most capable in history. It offers segment-exclusive technology and a host of conveniences and practicalities that make it the perfect SUV for adventurers looking for a competent and affordable vehicle to meet all their driving needs.

The 2020 Outback earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS because of its incredible build and award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. Subaru makes the Outback’s packaging even sweetener by adding class-exclusive technology like the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System to improve your focus behind the wheel. This technology is standard across the lineup, leveling the playing field so you can focus on amenities like connectivity features, comforts, and conveniences as you shop for the best used Outback.

Fortunately, you have plenty of options with the 2020 Outback offered in the Base, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT trims. The three XT versions provide a distinct performance advantage and come standard with Subaru’s 2.4L turbocharged Boxer engine that churns out 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Even the standard 2.5L powertrain is plenty capable for an SUV of this size, delivering 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque while modestly sipping fuel to an average of 33 MPG on the highway.

A white used Subaru for sale, a white 2020 Subaru WRX STI, is shown from the front.

Calling All Rally Drivers: Check Out the Subaru WRX

After being the performance version of the Impreza for nearly two decades, the WRX debuted as a standalone model in 2015. Today, it’s renowned for its rally-inspired performance and embodies Subaru’s not-so-surprising fondness for racing. The 2020 WRX is an outstanding example of that passion and appeals to drivers with a penchant for speed and heart-thumping thrills in the driver’s seat.

The WRX STI delivers that need more so than the others as the model’s performance-hungry speed demon. Its 2.5L turbocharged Boxer engine produces 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. This sheer power makes for incredible off-the-line acceleration, especially with its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and advanced features like Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control and Active Torque Vectoring working behind the scenes to improve stability and handling.

Apart from the WRX STI, the WRX’s lineup attracts a broad range of drivers with its distinct trims that are well-equipped and versatile. The base model is anything but basic, laying the foundation for trims like the Premium and Limited. These models offer an array of features, from smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to expansive digital displays and advanced driver-assist features like Reverse Automatic Braking, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist.

A Subaru Utopia

Shopping for a used Subaru is incredibly rewarding because of models like the Forester, Outback, Ascent, and WRX. These models are the most popular in the Subaru lineup because they reflect Subaru’s commitment to building reliable, practical, and affordable vehicles that can meet all the demands of your life and the road. As a result, any visit to our Charlotte used Subaru dealership is like immersing yourself in a shopper’s utopia because every option is guaranteed to keep more money in your wallet and put a smile on your face.