What is the best thing about Subaru?
The best thing about Subaru is its standard all-wheel-drive system across most of its lineup, which provides reliable traction in rain, snow, and uneven roads. Paired with a strong focus on safety and practicality, this combination has become the brand’s defining edge.
Standard All-Wheel Drive: A Brand Hallmark
Subaru has built its identity around all-wheel drive. The system is a core selling point in regions with harsh weather and variable terrain, helping drivers feel more secure in everyday conditions and off the beaten path.
- Standard symmetrical AWD on most models, delivering power to all four wheels for enhanced grip
- Improved traction and stability on wet, icy, or unpaved surfaces
- Consistent handling that many owners describe as confident and predictable
- Broad availability across trims, including Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Legacy, and WRX
In practice, the AWD advantage translates into better winter performance, steadier acceleration in rain, and a sense of security for families and outdoors enthusiasts alike. Some trade-offs include higher weight and potentially modest fuel economy compared with front-wheel-drive rivals.
Boxer Engines and Handling
Subaru’s long-running use of boxer engines—horizontally opposed layouts—works hand-in-hand with its AWD setup to deliver a distinctive driving feel that many drivers appreciate for stability and smoothness.
- The flat-four/flat-six engine design reduces vibration and lowers the overall center of gravity
- Lower center of gravity contributes to steadier cornering and improved balance
- Balanced weight distribution supports predictable, confident acceleration and steering
- Engine and drivetrain packaging complement AWD to maintain a cohesive, controllable ride
Together, the boxer engine and symmetrical AWD create a drive experience that feels anchored and composed, especially on winding roads or slick surfaces. Critics note that some variants can be less refined at higher speeds compared with premium rivals, but many owners prize the practical, easy-to-drive character.
EyeSight Safety Suite and Driver Assistance
EyeSight, Subaru’s suite of driver-assistance features, has been a cornerstone of the brand’s safety messaging and has contributed to strong IIHS safety ratings across multiple generations.
What EyeSight Includes
- Pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control for steady, assisted speed management
- Lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning to guide steering and vigilance
- Automatic high beams and other visibility-enhancing features in recent updates
EyeSight aims to augment driver awareness and reduce the likelihood of collisions, rather than replace attentive driving. Its ongoing improvements and calibrations have helped Subaru maintain a reputation for prioritizing safety in everyday use.
Practicality, Ownership and Community
Beyond drivetrain and safety tech, Subaru’s practical design and loyal ownership culture contribute to what many readers consider the brand’s best attribute: a package that works well for daily life and outdoor adventures alike.
- Model lineup that emphasizes versatility—Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Legacy, WRX, and Ascent among others
- Spacious interiors with thoughtful storage and cargo versatility, appealing to families and active lifestyles
- Strong owner loyalty and positive anecdotes about long-term reliability and maintenance costs
- Resale value and a large enthusiast community that shares tips and experiences
Subaru’s practical design and a sense of community help many buyers stay with the brand for years. As with any brand, individual experiences vary, and proper maintenance is key to maximizing longevity.
Summary
In short, Subaru’s standout feature is its standard all-wheel-drive system, reinforced by a boxer engine and a comprehensive safety package. This combination creates a go-anywhere, family-friendly, and safety-conscious vehicle lineup that resonates with drivers in diverse climates and lifestyles, helping Subaru carve out a distinctive niche in the auto market.
What are the 7 stars of Subaru?
"Subaru of the Seven Stars" most commonly refers to the anime and light novel series Seven Senses of the Re'Union (七星のスバル, Shichisei no Subaru), which is about a group of friends who were legendary players in a popular MMORPG called "Union". They reunite in the new game, "Re'Union," after encountering the ghost of a friend who had died in the original game. It can also refer to the Pleiades star cluster, which is called "Subaru" in Japan and is sometimes called the "Seven Sisters".
You can watch this video to learn more about the Pleiades star cluster, also known as Subaru: 51sEnglish Rakugo NZ- Kanariya EishiYouTube · Jun 26, 2024
Seven Senses of the Re'Union (Anime and Light Novel)
- Story: The series follows a group of childhood friends who were top players in the MMORPG "Union," but they disbanded after one of the members died both in-game and in real life.
- Reunion: Six years later, the group's former leader, Haruto, starts playing the new game, "Re'Union," and is shocked to encounter the friend who had died.
- Plot: The main plot involves the group reuniting to discover the mystery behind their friend's reappearance.
- Adaptation: The light novel series by Noritake Tao was adapted into a television anime series by Lerche that aired in 2018.
Subaru star cluster
- Japanese name: In Japan, the Pleiades star cluster is known as "Subaru".
- Seven Sisters: The cluster is also known as the "Seven Sisters" in various cultures, including Greek mythology.
- Logo connection: The Subaru car company logo features six stars to represent the Pleiades cluster.
- Mythology: According to one version of the Greek myth, the seventh star is too faint to be seen with the naked eye.
Which is better Subaru or Toyota?
Neither brand is universally "better"; the choice between Subaru and Toyota depends on priorities like safety, capability, or long-term reliability and repair costs. Subaru excels in standard all-wheel drive, advanced safety features, and practicality, while Toyota is generally favored for its reputation for long-term reliability and lower average repair costs, thanks to its simpler, proven engine and transmission designs.
Subaru strengths
- Safety: Subaru consistently earns top safety awards and includes its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard on most models. Its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) also contributes to year-round stability and control.
- Capability: Standard AWD provides better performance in adverse weather and varied terrain compared to the optional AWD on most Toyota models.
- Safety features: Subaru includes a steel beam in the second-row door for enhanced structural integrity in side-impact collisions, a feature not always seen in competitor vehicles, including Toyota's.
- Reliability: Recent rankings from Consumer Reports place Subaru at the top for brand reliability in 2025.
Toyota strengths
- Long-term reliability: Toyota has a long-standing reputation for durability, with vehicles often lasting well beyond 200,000-300,000 miles.
- Lower repair costs: Toyota cars are known for lower average repair frequency, cheaper parts, and simpler maintenance due to their proven engine and transmission designs.
- Proven engines: Toyota's engines and transmission setups are often considered simple, durable, and less prone to expensive failures than the complex systems in some competitors.
- Reliability rankings: Toyota vehicles have consistently topped reliability charts for many years, though Subaru has recently overtaken them in some studies.
How to choose
- Choose Subaru if: You prioritize standard all-wheel drive, advanced safety technology, and are willing to potentially pay slightly more for maintenance to gain enhanced capability and safety features.
- Choose Toyota if: You prioritize the lowest possible ownership costs over the long term, a proven track record of extreme durability, and simpler mechanics for easier maintenance and repair.
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