Subaru SUV Models in Canada

• Subaru Crosstrek
• Subaru Outback
• Subaru Forester
• Subaru Ascent
• Subaru Solterra

Subaru Crosstrek: subcompact crossover SUV

2022 Subaru Crosstrek | Photo: Subaru 

Crosstrek specs:

• Available engine: 2.0L (standard) or 2.5L (Sport)
• Performance: Up to 182 horsepower and 176 lb.-ft. of torque 
• Cargo space: Up to 1,565 litres/55 cu. ft. (with rear seats folded)
• Number of passengers: 5

The Crosstrek is the most compact model in Subaru’s SUV portfolio. It features rugged body cladding, generous ground clearance, and class-leading AWD to give it outdoorsy appeal for those weekend warriors. It is one of the most popular subcompact SUV crossovers on the market because it successfully balances city-driver handling with rural readiness, including its X-MODE off-road driving function which enables improved capabilities on steep and loose surfaces. 

Critics have pointed to its base offering engine, a 152 horsepower 2.0-litre, as underwhelming, but you can trim up to a Sport with a 183 horsepower 2.5-litre engine for more power. Its safety features are above standard, with the Eyesight suite providing leading-edge driver assist technology.

Subaru Outback: mid-size SUV

2023 Subaru Outback Onyx | Photo: Subaru 

Outback specs:

• Available engine: 2.5L (standard) and 2.4L (turbocharged)
• Performance: Up to 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque 
• Cargo space: Up to 2,144 litres/76 cu. ft. (with rear seats folded)
• Number of passengers: 5

Possibly the poster child for the crossover SUV, the Subaru Outback is a genre-defining vehicle that perfectly straddles the line between SUV style and station wagon practicality. Outback enthusiasts love the roof rails, cargo space, AWD, ample ground clearance, and the rugged exterior cladding - particularly with the first-ever Outback Wilderness we reviewed here.

The Subaru Outback gets a refresh for 2023, with a new grille, front and rear bumpers, LED headlights and fog lamps, and new cladding. All trims get an updated infotainment system and the latest generation of EyeSight, a suite of driver-assist safety technologies that uses a windshield-mounted stereo camera and includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and emergency front braking. 

On the top Premier XT trim, EyeSight now gains a third wide-angle camera for better detection of cyclists and vehicles across a wider range, along with a camera rearview mirror.

Read our full 2023 Subaru Outback first drive here.

Subaru Forester: compact SUV

2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness | Photo: Subaru 

Forester specs:

• Available engine: 2.5L
• Performance: Up to 182 horsepower and 176 lb.-ft. of torque 
• Cargo space: Up to 2,101 litres/74.2 cu. ft. (with rear seats folded)
• Number of passengers: 5

Another addition to Subaru’s vaunted line of outdoorsy compact SUVs, the Forester offers a roomier interior to its Outback and Crosstrek cousins. In fact, the 2022 model, the fifth generation of Foresters, claims to be longer, wider, and more spacious than its predecessors – plus, the rugged Forester Wilderness joins the lineup as well. That should appeal to drivers looking for more comfort en route to the ski hill or toting kids seats in the back while navigating city streets. 

Parents especially will appreciate the safety-first EyeSight suite of camera-based driver assist features. As for power, the Forester’s 2.5-litre flat-four-cylinder engine, which produces 182 horsepower (across all models), isn’t its top selling feature, but speed and power have never been the reason drivers typically flock to this popular crossover.

Read our full 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness review here.

Subaru Ascent: 3-row, mid-size SUV

2023 Subaru Ascent | Photo: Subaru 

Key specs:

• Available engine: 2.4L Turbocharged
• Performance: Up to 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque 
• Cargo space: Up to 2,449 litres/87 cu. ft. (with rear seats folded)
• Number of passengers: Up to 8

The mid-size Ascent is Subaru’s roomiest SUV offering, featuring three rows of seating for a max passenger capacity of 8. The latest model enhances the tech and adds convenience features.

For 2023 styling, the Ascent’s revised front fascia has a bolder grille, redesigned LED headlights, and a more aggressive front bumper cover. The lower-edge air ducts are said to improve aerodynamic flow under the vehicle. On the rear, the C-shaped taillights are updated and – welcome addition – a rear camera washer is standard.

The interior in most trim levels is, well, comfortable and serviceable, if a bit understated. There are 19 – we counted ’em – cup holders. The front seats have excellent adjustable lumbar support and just the right amount of firmness for day-long drives. 

Read our full 2023 Subaru Ascent first drive review here.

Subaru Solterra: battery electric compact crossover

2023 Subaru Solterra | Photo: Subaru 

Key specs:

• Expected range: Up to 350 kilometres
• Performance: Up to 215 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque 
• Cargo space: 30 cu. ft. (behind rear seats) 
• Number of passengers: 5

Considering Subaru’s outdoorsy, environmental aura (the auto manufacturer practices “zero-landfill” at assembly plants), the all-electric Solterra feels a little overdue. The EV SUV crossover is expected to come online in 2023 and it will feature many of the off-road traits – symmetrical full-time AWD, high-ground clearance, X-MODE driving control in steep and loose terrain – that make Subaru a go-to vehicle for adventurers. 

The Solterra will have an all-electric StarDrive powertrain that generates a combined 215 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque, and a battery system that can be recharged to up 80% in less than 30 minutes (using a level 3 DC charging station). The infotainment screen promises to be eye-catching at 12.3 inches with high resolution, while the cargo capacity features up to 30 cubic feet of storage. The Solterra promises to be a popular choice for those looking to go green on their next car purchase.

The Solterra's identical twin is the 2023 Toyota bZ4X we reviewed here.