Is Subaru a comfortable ride?

Subaru generally offers a comfortable, composed ride, especially in the Forester, Outback, and Legacy. The experience can vary by model and trim, with sportier or rugged versions tending to feel firmer.

Across recent generations, Subaru has aimed for a balance of ride quality, practicality, and all‑weather capability. The brand’s vehicles commonly emphasize a smooth highway experience, supportive seating, and solid noise insulation, aided by the Subaru Global Platform in many newer models. That said, the exact level of comfort can shift with tire choices, wheel sizes, and whether a trim uses a more performance‑oriented setup.

What makes a Subaru ride comfortable

Here are the main design and engineering factors that influence comfort in Subaru models.

• Suspension tuning that prioritizes compliance over sharpness, especially on mainstream SUVs and sedans.


• Ergonomically supportive seating with adequate cushion and lumbar support for long drives.


• Cabin noise management and insulation to reduce wind and road sounds at highway speeds.


• Standard all‑wheel drive that adds weight and stability without compromising ride smoothness in most trims.

In practice, these elements combine to deliver a calm, stable ride for most daily driving and longer trips, with variations depending on the model, trim, and tire setup.

Ride comfort by model

Different Subaru models emphasize comfort in distinct ways. The following snapshot reflects typical tendencies across popular trims and body styles.

• Forester: A reputation for a soft, forgiving ride that soothes irregular pavement and provides a roomy, cushioned interior for longer journeys.


• Outback: Known for comfortable highway cruising and a roomy wagon‑style feel, with a quiet cabin and ample rear seating in most trims.


• Legacy: A sedan that tends to deliver a refined, low‑noise ride with smooth transitions and comfortable highway stability.


• Crosstrek: A compact crossover with a higher ride height and decent ride quality, though interior space is smaller and road noise can be more noticeable on rough roads.


• Sportier trims (like WRX or certain Wilderness variants): More focused on handling and off‑road capability, which can translate to a firmer, less forgiving ride on imperfect pavement.

Overall, mainstream Subarus generally lean toward comfort, while the more performance‑oriented or adventure‑focused versions trade some softness for agility or rugged capability.

Common comfort trade‑offs to consider

Understanding the potential downsides helps buyers set expectations for comfort across the lineup.

• Road and wind noise: Some models, particularly with certain tires or on rough pavement, may transmit more road texture or wind at speed than luxury‑stranded rivals.


• Transmission feel: Many Subarus use a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which some drivers find less refined or less responsive than traditional automatics.


• Suspension on rugged trims: Models designed for off‑road use can have stiffer suspensions that feel less plush on rough streets.


• Interior materials: Base trims may prioritize practicality over premium feel; higher trims typically upgrade cushion, soft plastics, and noise reduction.

That said, ownership surveys and professional reviews often highlight Subaru’s ride quality as one of the brand’s strong suits, particularly for families and commuters who value a calm, confident feel on varied roads.

What to consider when shopping for comfort

To find a Subaru that matches your comfort preferences, use these practical checks during research and test drives.

• Test seat comfort: Sit in multiple trim levels and adjust seating positions to ensure long‑haul comfort.


• Tire choices: Factory tires influence ride quietness and cushioning; inquire about tire options that come on different trims.


• Wheel size impact: Larger wheels can make the ride feel stiffer; consider models with smaller wheels or higher‑profile tires if comfort is a priority.


• Powertrain feel: Experience how the transmission behaves in everyday driving, especially in the CVT variants, to gauge refinement.

Taking a few real‑world drives on roads similar to your daily routes can reveal how comfortable a specific Subaru trim will feel over time.

Summary

Subaru generally delivers a comfortable, practical ride across its mainstream lineup, with soft to moderate suspension tuning, supportive seating, and solid highway manners. The level of comfort can vary by model and trim, and sportier or rugged variants may feel firmer. Prospective buyers should test-drive multiple models and trims, paying attention to seating, tire choices, and noise levels to ensure the ride matches their comfort preferences.

Bottom line: If you prioritize a calm, capable daily driver with standard all‑wheel drive and a reputation for reliability, Subaru offers several strong, comfortable options in its lineup, particularly the Forester, Outback, and Legacy.

What Subaru has the most comfortable ride?

The most comfortable Subaru models are generally considered to be the Outback and the Legacy, often cited for their comfortable seats, smooth ride, and spacious interiors. The Outback excels with plush seats (especially in the Touring trim) and a suspension that absorbs bumps well, while the Legacy offers a refined and quiet ride with a longer wheelbase. The Forester is also a good option for comfort, particularly with well-cushioned seats, but may have more hard-wearing interior materials compared to the Outback. 
Subaru Outback

• Ride comfort: Features a suspension tuned for a smooth ride that absorbs road imperfections. 
• Seat comfort: Praised by Consumer Reports for comfortable front seats and offers options like Napa leather and ventilated seats in higher trims. 
• Interior: Has a spacious cabin with plush interior materials, especially in higher trims. 

Subaru Legacy

• Ride comfort: Often cited as having the smoothest ride due to its longer wheelbase, which helps it handle bumps and road noise effectively. 
• Seat comfort: Recognized by Consumer Reports for having some of the most comfortable front seats in the midsize sedan category. 
• Interior: Offers a quiet cabin that is especially beneficial for long drives. 

Subaru Forester 

• Ride comfort: Provides a quiet cabin and well-cushioned seats. 
• Seat comfort: Seats are comfortable, though the top Touring trim is the only one that offers ventilated seats. 
• Interior: Features an ergonomic and user-friendly design, with a focus on durability over the premium feel of the Outback. 

Other options

• Ascent: While the Outback and Legacy are often favored for ride refinement, the Ascent offers spacious three-row seating and is a comfortable choice for larger families. 

What are the downsides of owning a Subaru?

Common cons for Subaru include issues with transmission (especially CVTs), excessive oil consumption, and problems with head gaskets on older models. Other drawbacks can include lower fuel efficiency compared to some competitors, a reputation for weak interior quality and materials, potential electrical issues, and some complaints about infotainment systems. 
This video discusses several potential issues with Subaru vehicles, including transmission problems: 56sMrSubaru1387YouTube · Feb 2, 2025
Engine and transmission 

• Oil Consumption: Many Subaru engines, particularly turbocharged ones, can have issues with excessive oil consumption. 
• Head Gasket Failure: While mostly an issue with older models (pre-2012), head gasket failure remains a known potential problem that can lead to oil or coolant leaks. 
• CVT Transmission Issues: Subaru's continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) have a history of problems, with some models experiencing costly failures, overheating, or other issues. 
• Engine Stalling/Overheating: Some models have been associated with stalling or overheating problems. 

Interior and technology

• Interior Quality: Some owners report that the interior materials feel cheap, with hard plastics and flimsy trim, and that road noise can be a significant issue.
• Infotainment System: The Subaru Starlink infotainment system has been criticized for being difficult to use. 

Other issues

• Cracked Windshields: Some owners report a tendency for their Subaru windshields to crack prematurely. 
• Fuel Efficiency: Subaru vehicles are not always the most fuel-efficient, especially when compared to some competitors. 
• Electrical Problems: There are various reports of electrical problems, such as issues with the fuel pump or light switches. 

Are subarus good for long road trips?

Subaru Imprezas excel for long road trips because they blend reliable AWD traction, comfortable ergonomics, practical cargo space, efficient drivetrains, and safety features--delivering a low-stress, versatile platform for varied routes and conditions.

What is the number one issue with Subarus?

Now. So the head gasket. Issue we've heard it over and over again i've made many many videos here on YouTube about it. And lots of repair videos on fixing Subaru head gasket. Issues.