2011 Subaru Impreza Wrx Sedan 4-door 2.5l on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2019 Subaru Forester vs compact SUV rivals: How they compare on paper

We've seen what the 2019 Subaru Forester looks like (pretty much the same). We've found out how much it's going to cost (just a bit more). And also how much bigger and more powerful it'll be (appreciably on both counts). Now it's time to see how all of that compares to its top compact SUV rivals. While you can see the same engine and dimension specs for every compact SUV here, for this comparison featuring the latest 2019 Forester info, we've decided to define "top rivals" as those that the 2018 model was most frequently cross-shopped with. That means the 2018 Honda CR-V, 2018 Toyota RAV4, 2018 Mazda CX-5 and 2018 Nissan Rogue. At the time of this writing, none of their respective manufacturers had released data for 2019 models. We also included info for the 2018 Forester as well. So, without further blather, cue the Spreadsheet-o-Matic 3000. How big are they? The 2019 Forester may look nearly identical to the compact crossover it replaces, but it's nevertheless bigger and heavier. In particular, its wheelbase has increased from being the smallest in the segment to one that's pretty much average. It's a good bet that this gain is the reason rear seat legroom has also increased. Width is also up, but the Forester actually remains the narrowest compact SUV. As for other noteworthy dimensions, the new Forester now has the most maximum cargo capacity of any compact SUV with 76.1 cubic feet. Now, it should be noted, that's without the panoramic sunroof that comes on all but the base model. With it, max capacity shrinks to 70.9 cu-ft. Two points about that. First, Subaru is the only company that calls out this difference, and all the others almost certainly are not measuring with a sunroof. Second, this gives you an idea about how much of "maximum cargo capacity" includes space up high where you're probably not storing much cargo. As such, we included the Forester's biggest number and think it fairly indicates Subaru should carry the "biggest in segment" crown. How do their engines and fuel economy compare? Here's the most important takeaway here: The new Forester is tied for the best fuel economy in the segment, but that's with standard all-wheel drive. Everything else listed above is with front-wheel drive. The 2019 model also gets a welcome injection of power, resulting in the fourth-most base horsepower in the segment (or fifth, if you consider the CR-V technically holds spots 1 and 3).

The Subaru BRZ tS is back for 2020 — most of it, anyway

We had a feeling the Subaru BRZ tS was coming back not too long ago, and now it’s officially available again for the 2020 model year. This time Subaru is limiting production to 300 units, instead of the 500 we saw built for the 2018 model year. The price is also $1,960 cheaper than the 2018 car, listed for $32,395. That makes it only $650 more than a BRZ in Limited trim. So really, itÂ’s looking a fair bit more attractive than it ever has.  Subaru did take one thing away, though. The 2020 tS eliminated the massive dry carbon adjustable rear wing, replacing it with a shorty spoiler of sorts. WeÂ’re guessing the carbon fiber wing was a rather expensive piece. Everything else carries over, so that means you get the STI-tuned Sachs dampers and springs, STI engine V-brace, draw stiffeners in the chassis and subframe, plus larger Brembo brakes (four-piston in front, two-piston in rear). Michelin Pilot Sport tires wrap 18-inch bronze wheels, and itÂ’s only available in a new Ceramic White paint — the previous tS offered three colors. We also received word of small changes coming to the 2020 WRX and STI. The performance package for the WRX has been massaged a bit, and it adds a big Brembo brake package (as opposed to just high-performance pads) to the list of equipment included. The Recaro buckets, power-driver seat and moonroof delete are still included, but the package costs $2,850 now, versus the $2,050 price for 2019. If an STI is more your flavor, know that it gains keyless entry and push-button start for 2020. Subaru also redesigned the engine bay cooling ducts for better cooling, and added a new dark gray wheel option. The cheapest WRX comes to $28,395 now and the cheapest STI will run you $37,895. Those prices constitute modest bumps of $300 and $400 respectively when compared to the 2019 model year cars.

2015 Subaru Outback

"We like producing cars that are different." That's the company line trumpeted by several Subaru executives during the launch of the 2015 Outback - one of Fuji Heavy's most successful vehicles to date. Managing Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski accurately noted that while Subaru has never really found salvation with its mainstream sedans, it's the higher-riding, butcher offerings like the Outback and the Impreza-based XV Crosstrek that have been sales stars for the Japanese company. In 2013, for example, Subaru sold nearly three Outbacks for every Legacy it moved. And in 2014, the XV is on pace to outsell the Impreza upon which its based.
But Subarus have always been different, catering to unique customers that desire something a bit more special than your run-of-the-mill sedan or crossover. It's clearly worked, with Subaru having posted 30 months of year-over-year sales increases as of this writing. And even as the automaker's portfolio goes more mainstream, smoothing out its serially awkward styling and gunning for a larger market share here in the United States, that intrinsic Subaru differentiation is still baked in to each and every product.
It's that new Outback we're here to talk about today, a vehicle that's been comprehensively redesigned for the 2015 model year while not shaking up the formula that's made it successful since its inception in the mid-1990s, back when it (arguably) launched what we now know as the crossover utility vehicle segment. It's still plenty different - and plenty good, too.