The most and least expensive Subaru models to maintain

What is the cost of servicing Subaru vehicles?

How much does it cost to service a new Forester, Crosstrek and Outback? Which model is the most expensive to maintain? A new CarEdge report ranks all new models and shows ten- and five-year maintenance costs.

In this report, I’ll list Subaru maintenance costs for each model, how much it will cost to maintain them over five and ten years, and where they rank in the industry average. Then I’ll show you where Subaru ranks among the top ten automakers.

Which Subaru is the most expensive to maintain?

1. The Subaru Ascent is the automaker’s most expensive all-wheel drive vehicle to maintain. The Ascent will cost approximately $8,472 to maintain and repair for its first ten years.

That’s $222 more than the industry average for popular SUV models. There is also a 23.97% chance that the Ascent will require a major overhaul during this time. This is 0.50% worse than similar cars in this segment. The chart below shows how these costs and the likelihood of repairs will increase over time.

2. Next up is the Subaru Outback, which will cost about $8,386 for maintenance and repairs over its first ten years.

That beats the industry average for popular SUV models by $136. There is also a 23.97% chance that the Outback will require a major overhaul during this time. This is 0.50% worse than similar cars in this segment. The chart below shows how these costs and the likelihood of repairs will increase as you accumulate miles.

3. The Subaru Forester comes in third on the list and will cost about $8,337 to maintain and repair over its first ten years of service.

That’s $87 more than the industry average for popular SUV models. There is also a 23.97% chance that the Forester will require a major overhaul during this time. This is 0.50% worse than similar cars in this segment. The chart below shows how these costs and the likelihood of repairs will increase over time.

4. The Subaru Crosstrek comes in fourth and will cost about $8,210 to maintain and repair over its first ten years of service.

That beats the industry average for popular SUV models by $40. There is also a 23.97% chance that the Crosstrek will require a major overhaul during this time. This is 0.50% worse than similar cars in this segment. The chart below shows how these costs and the likelihood of repairs will increase over time.

5. Servicing and repairs for a Subaru BRZ over the first ten years of service will cost approximately $6,616.

That beats the industry average for popular coupe models by $791. There is also an 18.74% chance that the BRZ will require major repairs during this time. This is 0.23% better than similar vehicles in this segment. The chart below shows how these costs and the likelihood of repairs will increase over time.

6. A midsize Subaru Legacy sedan will cost approximately $6,264 for maintenance and repairs over the first ten years of ownership.

That’s $301 more than the industry average for popular sedan models. There is also a 17.73% chance that the Legacy will require a major overhaul at this time. This is 0.92% worse than similar cars in this segment.

7. Maintenance and repair of a Subaru Impreza during the first ten years of operation will cost approximately $6,129.

That beats the industry average for popular sedan models by $168. There is also a 17.73% chance that the Impreza will require a major overhaul during this time. This is 0.92% worse than similar cars in this segment. The chart below shows how these costs and the likelihood of repairs will increase over time.

Here are the prices of 10-year-old Subaru models, ranked from highest to lowest.

1. Climb – $8,472
2. Outback – $8386.
3. Forester – $8,337
4. Crosstrek – $8,210
5. BRZ – 6616 US dollars.
6. Subaru WRX – $6,577.
7. Subaru Legacy – $6,264.
8. Impreza – $6,129.

How much does each Subaru model cost to service after 5 years, in order from least to most?

1. Subaru Impreza – $1,913.
2. Subaru Legacy 1981 US Dollar
3. Subaru BRZ $2091
4. Subaru WRX $2,137.00.
5. Subaru Crosstrek – $2,548.
6. Subaru Forester $2612
7. Subaru Outback – $2,636.
8. Subaru Ascension $2,679

As you can see, maintenance costs in the first five years are much less than in years six to ten. As a vehicle accumulates more miles, more maintenance will need to be performed.

Like other car brands, Subaru has manufacturer-recommended maintenance intervals of every 15,000, 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 miles.

Service services such as inspections, fluid checks, oil changes, tire rotations and filter, belt and brake pad replacements don’t necessarily cost more for Subaru. However, because Subaru uses a wider Boxer engine that sits flat in the engine bay, some services may cost more.

The wider dimensions of the Subaru Boxer engine may make accessing some components more difficult. Additional time spent (for example, replacing spark plugs) results in increased maintenance costs.

Additionally, Subaru’s higher costs may be due to its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system—an additional set of drive wheels costs more to maintain. However, this system provides unparalleled security and control, making it a valuable investment.

One Subaru service that is a little more involved is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid change. To change the fluid, the car must be on a lift. You will also need OEM Subaru CVT fluid when performing this service.

It’s important to note that tires make up a significant portion of your Subaru’s additional maintenance costs. An all-wheel drive vehicle’s tires wear out faster, and unlike front-wheel drive vehicles, all four tires must be replaced at the same time. Read my report on Subaru tires here.

How does Subaru compare to the top 10 car brands in terms of 10-year maintenance costs?

1. Toyota US$5,445
2. FIAT $6,443
3. Volkswagen $6,496
4. Mitsubishi US$6593
5. Honda US$6684
6. Mazda – $6,836
7. Hyundai – $7,167
8. Kia $7254
9. MINI $7,262
10. Subaru $7,374

Maintenance and repair costs for Subaru models during the first ten years of service average about $7,374. However, it beats the industry average for popular brands by $925 and is 2.44% better than other automakers in the segment that CarEdge examined.

Conclusion:

Customers buy Subaru for its superior all-weather performance, off-road capability, fuel efficiency and excellent safety record. However, it is important to note that another significant benefit of owning a Subaru is its high resale value.

Well-maintained Subaru Foresters, Crosstrek, Outbacks and other models hold their value better than most cars, helping the owner’s bank account when selling or trading in the 4×4. Check out my resale value report here.

Spending money now to maintain your Subaru isn’t just an expense, it’s an investment in its longevity and performance. Regular maintenance will come back to you when it’s time to sell or trade in your vehicle.

I’m Denis Flierl, senior news columnist at Torque since 2012. I have been investing in the automotive industry as a consultant for over 13 years, working with all the major automotive brands. I am a longtime employee of Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru