Subaru has built a reputation around reliability, safety, and all-wheel-drive performance. Models like the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and WRX consistently rank among the most practical vehicles for drivers who want durability and year-round capability.
But here’s the reality most buyers ignore: the purchase price is only a fraction of what you’ll spend over the life of a Subaru.
If you’re planning to buy or already own one, you need to understand the full financial picture — including maintenance, repairs, insurance, depreciation, and long-term ownership costs.
This guide breaks down the real cost of owning a Subaru in 2026 and how to estimate what you’ll actually spend each year.
Average Annual Cost of Owning a Subaru
On average, Subaru ownership costs fall into a predictable range compared to other brands.
Estimated yearly ownership costs:
| Expense Category | Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Insurance | $1,400–$2,200 |
| Maintenance | $600–$1,200 |
| Repairs (out of warranty) | $300–$1,000 |
| Tires & wear items | $400–$900 |
| Registration & misc. | $200–$500 |
Estimated total yearly cost:
➡️ $4,500 to $8,000 per year (not including car payments)
Luxury vehicles can easily exceed $10K per year, which is why Subaru remains popular among cost-conscious drivers.
But even within Subaru’s lineup, ownership costs vary widely depending on the model and how you drive.
Fuel Costs: What You’ll Spend on Gas
Subaru’s standard all-wheel drive is great for traction but slightly worse for fuel economy than front-wheel-drive competitors.
Average real-world MPG by model:
| Model | Combined MPG | Annual Fuel Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Crosstrek | 29–32 MPG | $1,400–$1,900 |
| Forester | 28–31 MPG | $1,500–$2,000 |
| Outback | 26–30 MPG | $1,700–$2,300 |
| WRX | 22–26 MPG | $2,200–$3,000 |
*Based on 12K–15K miles/year and $3.50–$4.00/gal fuel.
Turbo models like the WRX or Outback XT cost significantly more to fuel.
If you drive heavily or commute long distances, fuel becomes one of the biggest ownership expenses.
Subaru Maintenance Costs (What You’ll Actually Pay)
Subaru maintenance costs are moderate — cheaper than German brands but slightly higher than Toyota or Honda.
Typical yearly maintenance costs:
- Oil changes: $80–$150 each
- Brake pads/rotors: $400–$900
- Spark plugs (every 60K): $300–$600
- Differential & transmission service: $250–$700
- Battery replacement: $200–$350
Average maintenance cost per year:
➡️ $600–$1,200
Subaru’s boxer engine design makes some services slightly more expensive due to accessibility, especially spark plugs and head gasket work.
Major Repairs to Expect After 80K–120K Miles
Most Subaru owners keep their vehicles long term, which means eventually dealing with larger repairs.
Common higher-mileage Subaru repairs:
| Repair | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Wheel bearings | $400–$900 |
| Control arms & suspension | $700–$1,800 |
| CVT transmission issues | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Head gasket (older models) | $2,000–$3,500 |
| AC compressor | $800–$1,500 |
Newer Subarus (2018+) are far more reliable than older models, but CVT transmission maintenance is critical if you want long lifespan.
Skipping fluid changes is where most owners get burned financially.
Insurance Costs for Subaru Owners
Subaru insurance is generally affordable because of strong safety ratings.
Average yearly insurance:
- Crosstrek: $1,400–$1,800
- Forester: $1,500–$2,000
- Outback: $1,600–$2,200
- WRX: $2,200–$3,500
WRX models cost significantly more to insure due to performance classification and accident rates.
If you’re under 30 or have tickets, expect higher premiums.
Tire Costs: A Hidden Subaru Expense
Because every Subaru uses symmetrical AWD, you must replace all four tires together.
This catches many owners off guard.
Typical tire replacement costs:
- Standard all-season tires: $700–$1,100
- Performance tires (WRX): $900–$1,600
- Winter tire sets: $800–$1,200
Most Subaru owners replace tires every 30K–50K miles.
Ignoring tread matching can damage the AWD system — leading to costly drivetrain repairs.
Depreciation: What Your Subaru Will Be Worth
Subaru vehicles hold value extremely well compared to most brands.
5-year depreciation averages:
| Model | Value Retained After 5 Years |
|---|---|
| Crosstrek | 65–70% |
| Forester | 60–65% |
| Outback | 58–63% |
| WRX | 55–60% |
This strong resale value offsets ownership costs significantly.
A well-maintained Subaru with service records can sell for thousands more than competitors.
How Subaru Ownership Compares to Other Brands
| Brand | Avg Annual Ownership Cost |
|---|---|
| Toyota | $4,000–$6,500 |
| Honda | $4,200–$6,800 |
| Subaru | $4,500–$8,000 |
| BMW | $8,000–$12,000 |
| Audi | $9,000–$13,000 |
Subaru sits in the sweet spot:
- More expensive than Toyota/Honda
- Far cheaper than luxury brands
- Excellent long-term value
The Real Cost Most Owners Ignore: Total Household Expenses
Car ownership doesn’t exist in isolation.
Many Subaru buyers focus only on monthly payments and insurance while ignoring how vehicle costs fit into overall living expenses.
A smarter approach is calculating total home and transportation cost together, since both come from the same household budget.
If you want to understand how vehicle expenses fit into your full financial picture — including housing, utilities, and maintenance — you can use tools like this total ownership cost breakdown:
👉 https://costofhouse.com/
Looking at transportation and housing together gives you a much clearer view of what you can actually afford long term.
How to Reduce Subaru Ownership Costs
If you want to keep your Subaru cheap to own, follow these rules:
1. Change fluids early
CVT and differential fluid changes every 40K–60K miles prevent major repairs.
2. Rotate tires regularly
Every 5K–7K miles to avoid premature wear and AWD strain.
3. Use independent mechanics
Dealer service costs are often 30–50% higher.
4. Avoid unnecessary upgrades
Performance mods increase insurance and reduce resale value.
5. Keep maintenance records
Documented service history boosts resale price significantly.
Is Subaru Expensive to Own?
Short answer: No — but it’s not the cheapest either.
Subaru ownership is best for drivers who:
- Keep vehicles long term
- Drive in all weather conditions
- Value safety and practicality
- Maintain their cars properly
It’s not ideal for:
- People who ignore maintenance
- Short-term owners
- Performance mod enthusiasts
Owned correctly, a Subaru can easily reach 200K+ miles with manageable costs.
Final Verdict
Subaru remains one of the best value brands in 2026 when you look at total ownership cost.
You’ll likely spend:
➡️ $5K–$8K per year to own and operate
➡️ Less than luxury brands
➡️ Slightly more than Toyota or Honda
➡️ With excellent resale value
