Subaru has some long-lasting vehicles in its lineup, but how does the brand fare when it comes to reliability and what are the most reliable Subaru models for 2022? Consumer Reports (CR) analyzed the results from its most recent survey sent out to owners of various vehicles and found that the automaker ranked in the top ten on the publication’s list. The reason is that the Crosstrek SUV and its Forester vehicles scored high in reliability, while other cars in the lineup fared poorly.
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru
How well does Subaru rank?
Consumer Reports analyzes data from the survey the publication sends to owners every year to get their input on the vehicles they own. When it comes to reliability, CR looks for any problems the owner may have had in a specific area within the previous 12 months.
Some of those trouble spots include major engine issues, fuel system problems, and any issues they may have had with the power equipment. Of course, there are several more places they keep tabs on to determine how reliable the vehicle model is.
This year, Subaru fell one spot on the most reliable brands list to the 7th position. Only two of the models the publication gathered data on had decent reliability scores. The Forester and the Crosstrek were rated fairly high for having reported relatively low problems, making them two of the most reliable Subaru models on CR’s list.
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is always a reliable choice
2022 Subaru Crosstrek Review | A simple, versatile SUV that's not an SUV: https://t.co/MwjYZHzTyE pic.twitter.com/CuPT13SB2g
— Autoblog (@therealautoblog) December 15, 2021
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is a good choice for some off-roading travels, but it is a bit underpowered. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, generating 152 hp on the base and the Premium trims.
According to U.S. News, you get a 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 hp for the sport and Limited versions. Fuel economy ratings range from 22-28 mpg in the city and 29-34 on the highway.
As for the transmission, the 2.0-liter is paired with either the 6-speed manual or the continuously variable automatic. The 2.5 four-cylinder combines with just the CVT. Also, since it is a Subaru, you can expect the brand’s AWD system. Towing capacity on this model is rated at 1,500 lbs.
When it comes to features, you get Hill Descent Control, Traction Control, Vehicle Dynamics Control, and Active Torque Vectoring. There’s also the X-Mode Terrain Management System and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which means it’s built for some rougher terrain than your typical road surface.
It doesn’t get more reliable than the 2022 Subaru Forester
— Subaru (@subaru_usa) September 2, 2021
The Subaru Forester is an excellent off-roading vehicle, but it has a leg up on the Crosstrek. You get 9.2 inches of ground clearance with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, producing 182 hp, for all trim levels. Paired with the CVT, you can expect a range of 25-26 mpg on city roads and 28-33 mpg when traveling on the highway.
When it comes to towing, the Forester is the same as the Crosstrek, which means it can handle up to 1,500 lbs. However, if you opt for the Wilderness trim, you can haul up to 3,000 lbs of weight.
As for features, you can expect a 6.5-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, lane-centering assist, and forward collision warning, along with Subaru’s Eyesight suite of safety features for the base. The top trim, Touring, offers a power-adjustable passenger seat, driver drowsiness monitoring, heated steering wheel, heated seats, and reverse automatic emergency braking.
For the Wilderness trim, you get all-terrain tires, a forward-facing off-roading camera, an 8-inch touchscreen, water-resistant upholstery, adaptive cruise control, and dual-zone automatic climate control. For approximately $1,800, you can add a navigation system, power liftgate, and the 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Subaru lands in the 7th spot on CR’s most reliable brands list this year. The two models that have the best reliability scores are the Crosstrek and the Forester. If you’re looking to purchase a reliable Subaru model, these two offer the best value for your money as far as reliability is concerned.