A Subaru vs. Toyota Reliability Guide

Geoff Cudd

Subarus is one of the most reliable cars on the market. With accurate steering, balance, and stability, superb ergonomics and designs, an excellent brake system, and their unique AWD system and Boxer engines, Subarus have many reasons to earn users’ trust on reliability standards.

But is Subaru more reliable than Toyota? Toyota has maintained an impressive level of reliability that makes it look like they are the premium standard for all car brands. Sadly, no matter how much we love Subarus, the truth is that Toyota is more reliable than Subaru.

This doesn’t mean that Subaru cars are substandard. Subaru has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, which is slightly below Toyota’s 4.0’s reliability rating. One of the major differences between Subaru’s and Toyota's reliability is Subaru’s high cost of repair and maintenance.

Here's all you need to know about Subaru and Toyota's reliability and why Toyota is doing better than them.

Subaru vs. Toyota Reliability: Detailed Comparison

Subaru vs. Toyota Reliability: Which is better?

Of course, Toyota is more reliable than Subaru. Toyota edges above Subaru in producing cars that are great for long-term use.

Toyota has a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking 8^th out of 32 car brands, with an average annual repair and maintenance cost of $441.

This impressive score is better than Subaru’s 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking 14^th out of 32 car brands, with an average annual repair and maintenance cost of $617.

Although both car brands have a 0.3 average chance of visiting the mechanic shop, Subaru has a 13% probability of severe damage, which is higher than Toyota’s 12% severe damage.

The reliability metrics for Toyota and Subaru differ across the different features that they share. Toyota offers a more reliable engine than Subaru, durable frames, impressive longevity, better gas mileage, and safety ratings. However, there are areas that Subaru tends to do better.

Subaru offers a great AWD design, but Toyota employs a hybrid system to try out systems that work. Subaru’s AWD system makes it a great choice for off-road driving, best on ice and snow.

Subaru is so good at off-roading driving and snow because the AWD system delivers power to all wheels, sustaining maximum traction, stability, and acceleration, making it easier for the cars to handle tough terrains and slippery grounds.

The comparisons of Toyota vs. Subaru Reliability and which is better depends on your driving needs and conditions.

Choose Subaru if you need a solid car that can handle snow and winter rides. But if you need a car that handles all seasons and has low maintenance and longevity, go for Toyota.

Subaru vs. Toyota Reliability: Design

The designs of Subaru and Toyota vary according to the models they present. However, Toyota offers a more reliable design because of its versatile option.

All Subaru cars except the Subaru BRZ model use the standard AWD system. The impressive traction provision of the AWD system looks like a win for Subaru, but limiting all its cars to a uniform drive system is a setback.

Subaru offers the benefits of stability, efficiency, and quicker response in slipper situations, eliminating the possibility of hydroplaning.

But Toyota looks at the bigger picture by providing models in AWD, 4WD, FWD, and 2WD systems. Allowing drivers to choose models that match their needs.

Winner: Toyota

Subaru vs. Toyota Reliability: Technology

Subaru and Toyota have impressive technology packages, but Toyota comes loaded with more features. The Subaru technology package features an impressive safety and security system. This includes vehicle diagnostic alerts and stolen vehicle recovery.

Subaru is doing a great job with its eyesight driver assist technology. The technology has earned Subaru the highest safety ratings on IIHS for front crash prevention.

The integration of dual-color cameras and intelligent systems that offer extra awareness, safety, and peace of mind gives Subaru an edge in the technology race against Toyota.

However, Toyota is not left behind in these updates. The Toyota technology package (Toyota Safety Sense) covers Subaru’s safety and technology features.

This includes:

• Pre-collision system
• Pedestrian detection system
• Dynamic radar cruise control
• Blind spot monitor
• Lane departure alert
• Emergency brake assist
• Automatic high beams
• Lane tracing assistant
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Both car models employ similar technology strategies for accident mitigation and enhanced security.

Winner: Both

Subaru vs. Toyota Reliability: Safety

Toyota and Subaru have great safety features and high safety ratings, but Toyota has higher safety ratings than Subaru. There are 12 Toyota cars earning the IIHS safety ratings, with eight on the top safety pick rating. This is higher than Subaru, the top safety pick rating.

Due to Toyota’s interest in versatility, they have cars with high safety ratings in all categories. Unfortunately, Subaru has none in the minivan and large cars category.

Winner: Toyota

Subaru vs. Toyota Reliability: Gas Mileage

The gas Mileage Comparison of Subaru and Toyota varies according to their models. However, comparing the base fuel economy ratings of Toyota and Subaru cars, we noticed that Toyota does better. The Toyota Corolla achieves improved gas mileage than Subaru Impreza.

This is also seen in Toyota Rav4 and Subaru Forester. However, few Subaru cars offer great fuel economies, like the Subaru Legacy, Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, and Legacy.

Winner: Toyota

Subaru vs. Toyota Reliability: Durability

Toyotas last longer than Subaru. Although, Subaru does better than Toyota in snow. However, on an overall scale, Toyota cars and their engines last longer than Subaru does.

Subaru cars last up to 200,000 miles with an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years of extensive use. This largely depends on your maintenance habits, as many Subaru cars do not last this long.

Toyota cars last up to 150,000 to 200,000 miles, stretching to 300,000 miles with fewer major repairs with an average lifespan of 13 to 17 years of extensive use.

A Toyota car can easily last up to 250,000 miles. This is because you will spend less maintaining a Toyota car in the long term than you will do with a Subaru.

Winner: Toyota

Subaru vs. Toyota Reliability: Repair and Maintenance Cost

It is costlier to maintain a Subaru than a Toyota. Subaru has an average annual repair cost of $617, while Toyota has an average repair cost of $441. You will spend more owning and maintaining a Subaru than you will do with a Toyota.

Winner: Toyota

Subaru vs. Toyota Reliability: Engine

Subaru is the only car brand that maintains the use of Boxer engines for all its cars. It is worth mentioning that Subaru’s use of Boxer engines gives its cars amazing balance and stability. This translates to superb control, all thanks to the lower center of gravity.

However, this engine has a few lapses: high maintenance cost and size. In the end, Toyota engines last longer than Subaru.

Winner: Toyota

Verdict

We’ve helped you understand that Toyota cars are more reliable than Subaru. This doesn’t mean that Subaru cars are unreliable. Your decision should cut through your needs and budget.

Toyota and Subaru have amazing resale value, safety, and technology systems. You will find varying costs for the different models of these car brands. You can choose between an AWD car with amazing traction or a versatile car with fuel efficiency and longevity benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which lasts longer, Subaru or Toyota?

Toyota lasts longer than Subaru. The average lifespan of a Toyota is between 13 and 17 years, while some even last as long as 25 years and 150,000 to 200,000 on mileage. Subaru cars last up to 200,000 miles and 10 to 13 years if maintained properly.

Are Subarus more expensive to repair than Toyota?

Yes. Subarus are more expensive to repair than Toyotas. The cost of repairing a Subaru is $617, while that of a Toyota is $441. This is costlier than what it takes to repair a Toyota.