Which Subaru is automatic?

Subaru offers several models with automatic transmission options, providing drivers with the convenience of hands-off driving. The specific Subaru models available with automatic transmissions include the Ascent, Outback, Impreza, Legacy, and Crosstrek.

Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent, the brand's largest SUV, comes standard with a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic transmission. This transmission provides smooth, seamless acceleration and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional automatic transmissions.

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback, a popular crossover wagon, also features a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission as standard equipment. This transmission helps the Outback deliver a comfortable and efficient driving experience.

Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza, a compact car available as a sedan or hatchback, is offered with an optional Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission. This transmission complements the Impreza's standard all-wheel-drive system.

Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy, a midsize sedan, comes equipped with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission as standard. This transmission helps the Legacy deliver a smooth and responsive driving performance.

Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek, a compact crossover SUV, is available with an optional Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission. This transmission option provides drivers with the convenience of an automatic while maintaining the Crosstrek's off-road capabilities.

In summary, Subaru offers automatic transmission options across its lineup, including the Ascent, Outback, Impreza, Legacy, and Crosstrek models. These Lineartronic CVT automatic transmissions are designed to provide a smooth, efficient, and responsive driving experience.

Is the Subaru Forester manual or automatic?

Both diesel models come with a six-speed manual transmission only. All other models came with either a single-range, five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

What Subaru is automatic?

Most modern Subaru models, including the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, and Ascent, are available with an automatic transmission, specifically a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The sporty WRX also comes with an automatic option, called the Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT), on certain trims, and the BRZ is the main Subaru model that comes with either a manual or a traditional automatic, rather than a CVT. 
Automatic Subaru models 

• Crosstrek: Available with a CVT automatic. 
• Forester: Standard automatic (CVT) on most trims. 
• Outback: Standard Lineartronic CVT automatic on all trims. 
• Ascent: Available with a CVT automatic. 
• WRX: The GT trim comes with the Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) automatic, and some other trims offer an automatic option. 
• BRZ: This model offers a traditional automatic transmission as an option alongside a manual transmission. 

What to know about Subaru's automatic transmissions

• CVT: Most of Subaru's automatic vehicles use a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which offers smooth acceleration without traditional gear shifts and can improve fuel efficiency. 
• SPT: The WRX's automatic transmission is a performance-oriented version of the CVT, featuring paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience. 
• Traditional Automatic: The BRZ is an exception, as it uses a conventional automatic transmission, not a CVT. 

Which subarus still come in manual?

Subaru offers manual transmissions in its current models, the BRZ and WRX. While past models like the Crosstrek, Impreza, Forester, and Outback also had manual options, they are not available on recent versions of those vehicles.
 

• Subaru BRZ: A sports car that is still available with a manual transmission. 
• Subaru WRX: A performance model that comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission on most trims. 
• Past models: Manual transmissions were previously available on other models such as the Impreza, Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback, but these are no longer produced with manual options. 

Which is better, CVT or automatic?

Neither CVT nor traditional automatic is inherently "better"; the best choice depends on your priorities. A CVT excels at maximizing fuel efficiency and providing a smooth, shift-free driving experience, making it ideal for city driving. A traditional automatic is a better choice if you prefer a more engaging and responsive feel, need to tow heavy loads, or want a transmission that can handle more power, notes this YouTube video and AutoCenters Nissan. 
You can watch this video to learn about the differences in driving feel between CVT and automatic transmissions: 58sAuto CuriousYouTube · Jun 13, 2025
CVT

• Pros:
  • Fuel Efficiency: Designed to keep the engine in its most efficient RPM range, leading to better gas mileage. 
  • Smoothness: Delivers seamless, linear acceleration without the distinct shifts of an automatic. 
  • Lightweight: Often smaller and lighter than traditional automatics. 
• Cons:
  • Driving Feel: Can feel less engaging or "dull" to some drivers due to the lack of gear shifts. 
  • Torque Limitations: Generally not as robust for heavy loads, towing, or high-performance applications. 
  • Repair Costs: Can have higher repair or replacement costs if an issue arises. 
  • Maintenance: Requires strict adherence to a maintenance schedule, particularly for fluid changes. 

Traditional Automatic

• Pros:
  • Performance: Often better for performance and heavy-duty applications, with a more direct and responsive feel. 
  • Driving Feel: Provides a more traditional and connected driving experience with noticeable gear shifts, which some enthusiasts prefer. 
  • Durability: Generally considered more durable and easier to maintain for a longer lifespan, particularly if towing frequently. 
• Cons:
  • Fuel Efficiency: Can be less fuel-efficient than a CVT. 
  • Shift Shock: The gear shifts can be more noticeable, which some drivers dislike. 

This video explains the pros and cons of CVTs and automatic transmissions: 1mAuto KinetiqYouTube · Jul 28, 2025
Which to choose

• Choose a CVT if: Your top priority is fuel economy and a smooth, quiet ride, and you primarily do city or highway driving.
• Choose a traditional automatic if: You prefer a more engaging driving feel, frequently tow heavy loads, or plan to keep the vehicle long past the warranty period, notes AutoCenters Nissan and this YouTube video.