New Zealanders love Subarus. They’re such fantastic cars for our quirky little country, where Kiwis embrace the outdoor lifestyle and have a hunger for off-the-beaten-track adventure.
In fact, we rate Subarus so highly that you’ll find more Subarus in New Zealand per capita than just about any country in the world. Yet despite their popularity, it’s not always obvious which model is best suited to a particular lifestyle.
Yes, they all feature the legendary Boxer engine and All-Wheel Drive, but what are the key differences between models that make them more suited for different needs? Or to be more precise, which is the best Subaru SUV for your lifestyle?
Here we’ll talk through some of the key advantages to each model to help you get more Subaru savvy.
What makes a Subaru a Subaru?
Before we look at the options, let’s get into some common ground that is shared by all Subaru vehicles:
- Boxer engine: This special engine design sits horizontally (flat) in the engine bay. This lower centre of gravity not only increases stability and provides better handling, but it also allows it to slide under the cabin in case of a serious frontal impact crash.
- All-Wheel Drive: There’s no surer way to feel safe and in control on New Zealand’s roads. Subaru’s tried and tested All-Wheel Drive system automatically switches power from the wheels that slip, to the wheels that grip. This engineering prowess gives you twice the grip of a 2WD vehicle, so you can feel confident driving in any weather conditions.
- X-Mode: This feature is for those tricky off-road situations when the rough terrain, mud, snow, or steep inclines can be difficult to navigate. At the flick of a button, you can activate X-Mode to get better traction when you need it most, whether that’s in a boggy paddock, or creeping down that snowy ski field access road!
- EyeSight: Ask anyone who’s got it - Subaru’s award-winning safety technology is a game-changer. With autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, Lane Keep Assist and three driver alerts, we call it our clever crash avoidance and driver assist technology as it really does help prevent you from having accidents. Read more about EyeSight if you want the full low down.
- Driver Monitoring System: The Driver Monitoring System adds further convenience and safety to every drive. Using a driver facing camera and facial recognition technology it knows who is driving and can look out for driver fatigue. Read more about Driver Monitoring System here.
*Driver Monitor System may not be available in all models or variants. Please check the specific vehicle you are looking at for details. - 5 Star ANCAP safety rating: Very reassuring for those in search of the safest SUV, with every Subaru model achieving 5 ANCAP Stars.
- Rear reversing camera: If your car’s got reverse, it needs a reversing camera to go with it, so every Subaru is fitted with one as standard.
- Subaru Vision Assist - Imagine if your wing mirrors could alert you when there’s something in your blind spot. Or if your car could guide you perfectly into a parking spot. We made all this happen – and more – with Subaru Vision Assist technology. Our proactive safety technologies are always at work. *Vision assist packages may not be available in all models or variants. Please check the specific vehicle you are looking at for details.
- Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™: It doesn’t matter if you have Apple or Android, we’ll get it smoothly connected with key apps available on your car’s screen to use safely while on the road.
The perfect SUV for my lifestyle
With three SUVs in the Subaru line up, there's one to suit your lifestyle. Let’s see what makes each Subaru SUV so distinct.
Subaru Outback
The Outback has cemented itself as a firm favourite for many Subaru drivers. But is it a wagon or an SUV? Well, it depends on who you’re asking. The 213mm ground clearance tells you it’s an SUV, but the handling and sleek lines point in the wagon direction. The truth is that it’s really both.
The classic combination of high ground clearance, comfort, safety, road holding, and space are all key to Outback’s popularity. Now in its sixth generation – which is dubbed the Greatest Outback of All Time – the newest version of Outback is the biggest, safest and most technologically advanced Outback ever. It's quite simply the GOOAT!
With a spectacular 11.6" tablet-like HD touch screen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, you have all the technology at your fingertips. The safest Outback off the production line, it features the 4th generation EyeSight® clever crash avoidance technology that now has twice the field of vision, as well as speed sign recognition and a lane centering function. Adding to safety is the Driver Monitoring System, that can detect driver distraction or drowsiness and gives visual and audible alerts.
Also, the most capable Outback ever, it includes everything you'd expect from an Outback, including legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8-speed Lineartronic™ SLT with manual mode transmission, along with X-Mode with deep snow and mud functions to tackle almost any terrain.
You can choose from the Outback, Outback X and the Outback Touring, which all feature four-cylinder 2.5-litre engines and are priced from $53,490.
If you require some extra horsepower and towing capacity, then the turbocharged Outback XT range is right up your alley. The two variant line-up includes the Outback XT and the top-of-the-line Outback XT Touring.
Sharing the same technology as the iconic WRX, the Outback XT is powered by our famous 2.4-litre horizontally opposed turbocharged Boxer engine, which delivers the exhilarating acceleration and performance that’s part of Subaru’s DNA.
The ruggedly stylish Outback XT features dark metallic 18" alloy wheels, black grille, wing mirrors and rear badging. To give it more X-factor, the Outback X also features green accents on the side badges, and once inside includes green stitching on the water repellent synthetic leather seats, centre console, steering wheel and gear shift boot, making it a head-turner. And did we mention it’s significantly more powerful Boxer engine means you can now tow up to 2400kg.
The Outback XT Touring adds an extra dash of luxury with Nappa leather accented seat trim, electric sunroof, heated front and rear seats and steering wheel, Harman Kardon® audio, ventilated front seats and a rear power tail gate with hands-free badge sensor. Explore the Outback XT Touring here.
Subaru Forester
The Forester is our favourite-with-families SUV. It has wider door openings, wider seats (you can even fit three slimline car seats across the back) and a step panel to help kids hop into the back easily. It’s higher ground clearance (220mm) and 2.5 litre engine make it equally comfortable on off-the-beaten-track adventuring missions at the weekend, as it is doing school run duties during the week.
The Forester also features the Driver Monitoring System* (DMS) our class-leading safety technology which uses facial recognition to identify the driver and adjust the cabin to their personal preferences. The DMS also monitors distractions while driving.
No wonder the Forester won the NZ4WD Magazine’s 2021 Medium SUV of the Year – (along with a cabinet full of other awards). You can also tread a little lighter with the e-Boxer Hybrid Forester models available, which are built from Subaru DNA and include a compact battery and electric motor to assist the petrol engine.
The Forester line-up starts from $46,990 and includes Forester, Forester X Sport and Forester Premium, plus the two e-Boxer Hybrid options of Forester e-Boxer Hybrid and an e-Boxer Hybrid Premium model.
*Not all features of Driver Monitor System are available in all variants. Please check the specific vehicle you are looking at for details.
Subaru Crosstrek
The all-new Crosstrek is your ideal choice if you are after a compact SUV.
The next evolution of the Subaru XV, the restyled, rechristened Subaru Crosstrek is built to tackle almost any New Zealand destination, thanks to All-Wheel Drive.
Not everyone needs space to transport a whole team, so Crosstrek’s smaller size makes it perfect for nipping around town and country. It will give you exclusive access to the most remote corners of our stunning backyard, with all the latest driving technology and safety features you’d expect from a Subaru.
There's even two hybrid models, so you can help keep New Zealand beautiful as you Crosstrek across Subaru Country.
The all-new Crosstrek features all-eyes-on-you styling with dramatic angles, rugged cladding and roof rails and is available in a range of unashamedly bold colours. Don’t be fooled by its good looks; with 220mm of ground clearance, All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode, it’s every bit as capable on the road as its bigger SUV companions.
The eye-catching compact Crosstrek is packed with innovative high-tech connectivity including Wireless Phone Charging, 11.6” Infotainment Touch Screen, Driver Monitoring System, Wireless Apple Car Play™ & Android Auto™, plus much more.
The Crosstrek comes in a Premium petrol variant and is also now available as a Crosstrek e-Boxer Hybrid and Premium e-Boxer Hybrid, which enable you to explore New Zealand with slightly, lighter steps.
Whether it’s the spacious Outback, the award-winning, family-friendly Forester or the compact Crosstrek, there’s a Subaru SUV that’s best-suited for your lifestyle.
If you’re still unsure which is right for you, simply visit your local Authorised Subaru Centre for a test drive and discover for yourself exactly why so many Kiwis love Subarus. All you’ll need to do then is plan your next road trip!