Is Subaru a smooth ride?

Yes, Subaru generally offers a smooth and comfortable ride, especially on highways and in its larger crossovers, though ride feel varies by model and wheel/tire setup. This article examines what drives that smoothness and how it plays out across the lineup.

Across its lineup, Subaru’s ride quality is shaped by engineering choices such as symmetrical all-wheel drive, suspension tuning, tire and wheel selections, and cabin NVH (noise, vibration and harshness management). We take a closer look at how these factors manifest in everyday driving and what you can expect from different models.

What contributes to Subaru's ride quality

Key factors that determine how smoothly Subarus ride on real roads include:

• Symmetrical all-wheel drive and chassis tuning, which emphasize stability and a composed feel in varied conditions.


• Suspension design and travel, aimed at absorbing bumps without transmitting harshness into the cabin.


• Tire and wheel choices—softer, higher-profile tires tend to improve damping, while larger wheels and performance tires can make bumps more noticeable.


• NVH control through insulation and engine/subframe mounts to keep road and engine noise out of the cabin.


• Transmission behavior, notably the CVT used in most models, which smooths power delivery and helps maintain steady progress on a highway cruise.


• Overall vehicle stance and weight distribution, which contribute to a reassuring, stable feel at speed and during cornering.

In practice, these elements combine to yield a ride that many buyers find civilized and comfortable for daily driving and long trips, with some caveats depending on model targeting and trim choices.

Ride quality by model

Subaru covers sedans and SUVs with different priorities, so highway serenity, city ride comfort, and off-road capability each have their own balance. The following snapshots reflect common impressions from reviewers and owners across popular models:

• Legacy: A smooth, quiet highway cruiser with refined damping that handles irregular pavement without much fuss.


• Outback: Similar to the Legacy in comfort, but with a higher ride height and SUV stance; ride remains composed on most roads, with a touch more‑firmness on rough surfaces.


• Forester: Spacious and comfortable with a practical, everyday ride; some trims can feel busier on rough pavement compared to the more carlike sedans.


• Crosstrek: Versatile and comfortable for its size, yet can feel firmer on rough roads due to its crossover design and chassis tuning geared toward light off-road use.


• Impreza: Competitive ride for a compact—quiet and comfortable at highway speeds, with good damping for its class.


• WRX/BRZ: Performance-focused variants that prioritize handling and speed; these models tend to ride firmer and feel more connected to the road, sacrificing some plushness for sportier dynamics.

In summary, Subaru’s lineup generally leans toward a comfortable, stable ride, with noticeable differences between the mainstream models and the sportier or off-road‑tuned versions. If a plush, boulevard-friendly ride is a top priority, the Legacy, Outback, and Forester are strong bets, while Crosstrek offers a balanced compromise and WRX/BRZ cater to enthusiast preferences rather than cushion.

Summary

Subaru typically delivers a smooth, stable ride across its core lineup, driven by AWD stability, well-damped suspension, and thoughtful NVH efforts. Model choice matters: sedans and larger crossovers tend to be the softest and most refine‑friendly, while sportier or off-road‑oriented variants trade some comfort for sharper handling or higher clearance. Prospective buyers should test-drive the specific model and trim they’re considering to confirm that the ride matches their expectations and road conditions.

Does Subaru have good suspension?

With their carefully designed 4-wheel independent suspension system, Subaru vehicles are guaranteed to handle smoothly no matter where your adventures take you. It's what gives so many Subaru owners peace of mind every time they get behind the wheel.

What are the downsides of 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 comfortable to drive?

Subaru models are renowned for their reliability, comfort, and rugged capabilities, making them ideal for long journeys across diverse terrains.

Which Subaru model has the smoothest ride?

The Subaru with the smoothest ride is generally considered to be the Legacy sedan, followed closely by the Outback and Ascent, which offer smooth rides but with a focus on different driving experiences. The Legacy excels on paved roads due to its longer wheelbase and lower center of gravity, while the Outback and Ascent are smooth over rougher terrain, with the Ascent often cited as the most refined ride of all Subaru models. 
Subaru models ranked by ride smoothness 

• Legacy: This midsize sedan is widely acknowledged for its refined and smooth ride, especially on paved roads. Its longer wheelbase helps it absorb bumps and minimize road noise, making it ideal for highway driving and city cruising. 
• Ascent: Often cited as the quietest and smoothest model available, the Ascent's larger size and longer wheelbase contribute to its comfortable ride. It also handles bumps very well and provides a quiet cabin. 
• Outback: The Outback provides a smooth and comfortable ride, particularly over rough roads or light trails, due to its suspension tuning. It is often compared favorably to the Legacy in terms of comfort, though the Legacy's sedan design may provide a slightly more refined experience on pavement. 
• Forester: The Forester offers a competent and comfortable ride, but its shorter wheelbase can lead to a slightly less smooth experience over bumps compared to the Legacy, Outback, or Ascent. 
• Crosstrek: While it provides good ride quality for its segment, the Crosstrek is generally considered to be less smooth than the other larger models on this list. 
• Impreza and BRZ: These models are not typically prioritized for their smooth ride. The Impreza is a more compact and less refined ride than the Legacy, while the rear-wheel-drive BRZ is a sports car with a firm suspension. 

Ultimately, the best Subaru for you depends on your priorities. If you prioritize on-road refinement and a quiet cabin, the Legacy is the top choice. If you need more ground clearance and versatility for light off-roading, the Outback and Ascent offer very smooth rides. 
For a more detailed comparison of specific models and trims, it's recommended to test drive them to see which one best fits your personal preferences.