Is lifting a Subaru worth it?
Generally not for daily drivers, but it can be worthwhile for off-road enthusiasts who plan serious trail use and snow driving, provided the lift is chosen and installed carefully with attention to warranty, handling, and reliability.
What lifting a Subaru means
Lifting a Subaru typically means increasing ground clearance through suspension or leveling modifications, often to fit larger tires and improve off-road capability. Leveling kits raise the front of the vehicle a small amount to even out ride height, while full suspension lifts raise the body higher and change the geometry of the drivetrain and steering. Body lifts exist in some markets but are less common on Subarus due to handling and stability considerations. Each approach has different impacts on ride quality, steering response, and potential wear on driveline components.
Pros and benefits
The main advantages of lifting your Subaru fall into terrain capability, weather performance, and versatility. The following points summarize the most common benefits:
- Increased ground clearance for rocky trails, uneven surfaces, and deeper snow.
- Better approach and departure angles, reducing the chance of underbody strikes on rough terrain.
- Ability to run larger tires, which can improve traction in mud, snow, and sand (with caveats about gearing and rubbing).
- Improved off-road stance and a more confident driving position for enthusiasts who regularly pursue trail weekends.
- Potential for carrying off-road accessories (skid plates, roof racks, winches) more comfortably.
For many Subaru owners, these benefits translate into a meaningful boost in capability and confidence when venturing off paved roads or navigating deep snow. However, the gains depend heavily on the exact lift, tire size, and overall setup, and may come with trade-offs elsewhere.
Cons and risks
There are several potential downsides and trade-offs to consider before lifting a Subaru. These can affect daily driving, reliability, and long-term costs:
- Changed handling and steering feel, with a higher center of gravity potentially increasing body roll in corners.
- Altered suspension geometry and driveline angles, which can accelerate wear on CV joints, U-joints, and driveshaft components if not properly selected and installed.
- Increased risk of rubbing or modification needs on fenders, wheel arches, and suspension components, especially with larger tires.
- Higher costs for parts, installation, and alignment, plus ongoing maintenance and potential need for extra components (steering stabilizers, brake lines, skid plates).
- Warranty implications: aftermarket lifts can affect coverage for related components; check with your dealer and review your warranty terms.
- Possible impacts on fuel economy, braking balance, and overall vehicle dynamics due to changes in weight, tire size, and gearing.
These risks mean that lifting isn’t a free upgrade; it requires careful planning, high-quality parts, and professional installation to minimize long-term downsides.
Cost and maintenance considerations
Understanding the financial and upkeep aspects helps set expectations for a lift project. Costs vary by model, kit quality, and labor, but typical ranges are as follows:
- Lift kit and parts: Leveling kits are generally the most affordable option, while full suspension lifts can range from a couple thousand dollars to several thousand, depending on the height and components.
- Labor and alignment: Professional installation and a proper alignment are essential and can add significantly to the total bill.
- Tires and wheels: Larger tires may require new wheels, and tires themselves can be a major ongoing expense, plus increased road noise and potential ride compromises.
- Ongoing maintenance: Expect more frequent inspections of suspension components, CV joints, and steering linkage; some wear items may need earlier replacement.
Before committing, obtain quotes from reputable shops, verify that the kit is designed for your specific Subaru model, and confirm what warranty coverage remains on the vehicle and aftermarket parts.
Model-specific considerations
Different Subaru models respond differently to a lift. The Crosstrek (XV) and Forester are popular targets for modest lifts due to their higher starting ground clearance and active all-wheel-drive systems, while the Outback sits between a rugged SUV and a wagon in terms of platform stability. WRX and STI variants, with lower ground clearance and performance suspension tuning, require particularly careful planning if lifted, to avoid destabilizing handling or triggering AWD/traction control conflicts.
Crosstrek and compact SUVs
Because the Crosstrek starts with a relatively low ride height for an SUV, many owners pursue 2-inch or less lifts to accommodate slightly larger tires while maintaining decent on-road quality. The challenge is balancing off-road capability with the Crosstrek’s smaller drivetrain components and limited space in the wheel wells.
Larger Subarus (Forester, Outback)
These models have more ground clearance to begin with and stronger frames, but lifts can still affect steering geometry and components like CV joints and brakes. A well-executed lift on these models often emphasizes moderate heights (around 2 inches) and compatible tire sizes to preserve ride quality and warranty considerations.
Practical steps if you decide to lift
If you determine that a lift aligns with your goals, follow these best practices to maximize safety and reliability:
- Choose a purpose-built kit designed for your exact model and year, and prefer reputable brands with proven fitment.
- Consult a professional installer who has specific Subaru experience and can account for alignment, driveline angles, and brake performance.
- Inspect and upgrade related systems as needed (alignment, CV joints, steering components, brakes, and potential skid plates for protection).
- Check warranty terms with Subaru and the aftermarket supplier to understand what remains covered and what isn’t.
- Plan for the inevitable trade-offs in ride comfort, fuel economy, and insurance considerations, and set realistic expectations for daily driving vs. off-road use.
With careful planning and execution, you can improve off-road capability while maintaining reasonable daily usability. Without that careful approach, a lift can lead to more compromises than benefits.
Summary
For most Subaru owners, a lift is not worth it unless you regularly tackle rough terrain, deep snow, or demanding trails and you’re prepared for the associated cost and trade-offs. A well-planned, modest lift on a model like the Crosstrek or Forester can enhance capability without destroying daily drivability, but it requires quality parts, professional installation, and a clear understanding of warranty and maintenance implications. If your primary use is on-road commuting, the added complexity and potential downsides often outweigh the gains.
