Subaru Resale Values Reveal Five Models That Hold Their Price Best
Subaru has built a reputation for itself as a manufacturer of rugged but affordable vehicles. Aside from outliers like the front-wheel drive Uncharted EV (also available in AWD) and rear-wheel drive BRZ sports car, most Subaru's are characterized by a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, and the majority are now SUVs designed to offer adventurous families proper off-road capabilities alongside everyday practicality. The warbling Boxer motor may have lost some of its typically offbeat exhaust note over the years, but it is still a defining feature of Subarus to this day.
Sales figures have traditionally trailed the market leaders, and the latest numbers aren't particularly stellar, but Subaru has a core of die-hard followers who wouldn't even consider another brand. A glowing reliability study from Consumer Reports last year underlined the brand's durability credentials, and this should translate into solid retained values in the years to come.
But how do used Subarus perform on the second-hand car market nowadays? We searched for the five Subaru models with the best resale values over a five-year period using historical data from AutoTempest to find out. Our average pricing data reflects actual vehicle sales over the past year, while new price figures and vehicle specs were sourced directly from Subaru.
Subaru WRX
- Fourth Generation (VA): 2015–2021
- Average Used Price (5 Years Old): $23,872
- 2021 New Price (Inc. Dest Charges): $28,420 – $33,020
- Retained Value: 77.7%
The WRX is a cult icon that vaulted Subaru to World Rally Championship stardom way back in the 1990s. But those days are long gone and many of its more extreme models have been slowly diluted over the years to appeal to a wider audience, and Subaru's focus has long since shifted to its SUV offerings. The last remaining reminder of those glory days is the WRX sports sedan. It may not be quite as raw as some of the earlier variants, but the fourth-generation models still have that mechanical driving experience that enthusiasts love, and the combination of all-wheel-drive, powerful turbo engine, and manual transmission (avoid the CVT) make it a rather unique offering.
Gauging by the impressively low depreciation figures, these cars are clearly still in demand. With 2021 being the last year before the more refined fifth-generation models arrived, that link to Subaru's glorious racing heritage has kept the older WRX in the limelight.
Subaru Forester
- Fifth Generation: 2019–2024
- Average Used Price (5 Years Old): $23,451
- 2021 New Price (Inc. Dest Charges): $25,845 – $35,945
- Retained Value: 76.3%
Most modern day Subarus (aside from the WRX) have shifted from rally-bred sports cars to capable family-friendly vehicles, but they have retained that impressive off-road prowess thanks to their standard all-wheel drive systems. The Forester SUV has been a popular offering for years thanks to its fuss-free approach to family motoring.
Equipped with a proven 2.5-liter flat-four engine that's mated to a CVT automatic gearbox, progress is steady rather than electrifying, but the Forester's impressive ground clearance and AWD system allow it to take on anything a wintery school run or weekend camping trip can throw at it. Its retained value is extremely impressive, and while anew model has now been on sale since 2025, the fifth-generation models continue to offer the kind of low cost, low maintenance driving experience that customers desire in this segment.
Subaru Crosstrek
- Second Generation: 2018–2023
- Average Used Price (5 Years Old): $20,800
- 2021 New Price (Inc. Dest Charges): $23,295 – $31,445
- Retained Value: 76.0%
In many ways, the Crosstrek is the epitome of what Subaru is about these days. It regularly outsells its stablemates and offers that trademark boxer engine rumble and all-wheel drive capability in a rugged yet compact package. It's perfect for tight city streets as well as some light off-roading, making it a great one car solution for many.
A more powerful 2.5-liter engine was introduced as an option in 2021, addressing the complaints about the underpowered 2.0-liter motor. A plug-in hybrid model was introduced in 2019, the same year when Subaru's EyeSight safety suite became available on all trims. The Crosstrek's handling and ride are perfectly balanced to take on rough roads with ease, and the high retained values show that buyers are still very keen on these older models.
Subaru Outback
- Sixth Generation: 2020–2025
- Average Used Price (5 Years Old): $23,896
- 2021 New Price (Inc. Dest Charges): $27,845 – $40,995
- Retained Value: 66.5%
The Outback has recently undergone a complete redesign, but the older model will be sorely missed by many. Being a wagon-based crossover, the Outback offered plenty of interior space, without resorting to the ubiquitous SUV body style. This also gave it sharper handling characteristics, and its raised ride-height made it just as capable as an SUV over dirt roads.
Several updates over the years made the Outback more refined and frugal, and while the newest generation has gone the SUV route, this lifestyle wagon is still favored by a lot of buyers who want something a little different, without sacrificing practicality and capability.
Subaru Ascent
- First Generation: 2019–Present
- Average Used Price (5 Years Old): $25,027
- 2021 New Price (Inc. Dest Charges): $33,345 – $46,495
- Retained Value: 62.7%
The Ascent is Subaru's largest vehicle, offering three row seating in its mid-size SUV bodyshell. It comes packed with practical interior touches and lots of kit for its price but is a bit more rough and ready than more on-road biased rivals. That's no bad thing for Subaru fans, though, and the standard all-wheel drive system and proven 2.4-liter turbocharged engine are a great match for weekend camping trips.
Larger SUVs tend to suffer higher depreciation, and the Ascent's impressive performance once again shows that an honest and well-priced model is always popular with buyers. While a 2023 update introduced new interior tech and a new grille design, the Ascent remains a solid choice regardless of the model year.
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This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 10:45 AM.