How many miles will my Subaru last?
Most Subarus that are regularly maintained can reach about 200,000 to 300,000 miles, and many owners report 300,000 miles or more with diligent care.
The exact number depends on the model, engine type, drivetrain, climate, and, most importantly, how well the vehicle is maintained. This article explains what tends to influence longevity, what typical mileages look like for common configurations, and practical steps to help you maximize your Subaru’s lifespan.
What determines how long a Subaru lasts
Longevity hinges on several interrelated factors. The following list outlines the main drivers of a Subaru’s total mileage and reliability over time.
- Maintenance history and adherence to service intervals (oil changes, filter replacements, fluids, timing components)
- Engine design and configuration (non-turbo vs turbocharged, 2.5L vs 2.4L/2.0L variants, newer FA/FB engines)
- Cooling system reliability (radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses) and proper overheating prevention
- Transmission health and care (CVT reliability, fluid changes, clutch life in manuals)
- All-wheel-drive components and differentials, which can wear with heavy use or poor maintenance
- Climate and driving patterns (short trips, frequent cold starts, towing, aggressive driving)
- Rust protection and underbody maintenance in regions with salted roads or high humidity
In practice, staying on top of maintenance, addressing issues early, and using quality fluids and parts can push a Subaru toward the higher end of expected lifespans—often into the 200,000–300,000 mile range and beyond for many owners.
Typical mileages you can expect by configuration
Here is a rough guide based on common Subaru configurations and owner reports. Real-world results vary with care, climate, and usage.
- Non-turbo 2.5-liter engines (found in many legacy and contemporary models) — commonly reach 200,000–300,000 miles; 250,000 miles is a solid target, and 300,000+ is achievable with consistent maintenance.
- Turbocharged engines (WRX, STI, and other turbo variants) — tend to endure high-stress use differently; 150,000–250,000 miles is common, with 300,000+ possible for well-maintained examples under careful usage.
- CVT-equipped models — require attentive maintenance; many owners see 150,000–250,000 miles, while some push beyond 300,000 miles with strict fluid changes and care.
- Newer FA/FB direct-injected designs — designed for durability, with proper maintenance many owners still reach well into the 200,000s and beyond.
Overall, the wide range reflects differences in engine type, transmission, and how faithfully the maintenance schedule is followed. With diligent upkeep, Subarus across configurations can reach high mileages; neglect is the more frequent risk to longevity.
How to maximize miles on your Subaru
To push your Subaru toward its maximum lifespan, follow a disciplined maintenance routine and adopt smart driving habits. The following list highlights practical steps that have a real impact on longevity.
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, and perform oil changes with quality oil (synthetic where recommended) at or before the advised intervals.
- For CVT models, adhere to the CVT fluid change intervals and use the specified transmission fluid to minimize wear.
- Keep the cooling system in good shape: replace coolant at recommended intervals, inspect hoses and the water pump, and fix leaks promptly to prevent overheating.
- Monitor and address head gasket concerns early if you notice coolant loss, white exhaust, or milky oil; timely fixes can prevent major engine damage.
- Use high-quality parts and fluids; maintain a thorough service history for future resale value and continued reliability.
- Maintain tires, brakes, alignment, and suspension; worn components can cause uneven wear and additional strain on drivetrain parts.
- Protect against rust in harsh climates and rinse undercarriage in winter to reduce corrosion risk.
- Avoid frequent short trips; when possible, let the engine reach operating temperature and minimize harsh driving, towing, or heavy loads.
With proactive maintenance and sensible ownership, many Subarus can reach or exceed 200,000 miles, and a substantial number surpass 300,000 miles under favorable conditions.
Summary
In short, a Subaru’s lifespan is driven by maintenance discipline, model and engine choice, and driving environment. Regular servicing, timely repairs, and mindful driving can yield typical lifespans of 200,000–300,000 miles, with many owners reporting 300,000 miles or more. Turbocharged and CVT-equipped models may require more attentive maintenance to maximize longevity, but with solid care it’s entirely feasible to achieve high-mileage reliability.
