Turns Out the Best Car to Replace A Subaru Is A New Subaru

In September of 2023, J. D. Power ranked Subaru as having the highest loyalty among mass-market SUV owners, and this may be a small example of why.  A woman named Amber inquired with the automotive enthusiast site Jalopnik to request advice on her next car purchase.  She currently has a 2002 Subaru Forester, which she wants to replace with something newer.  She wants all-wheel drive and enough room for her 90-pound dog; her budget is $35,000. The site, which reviews vehicles constantly, replied in a video. Subaru of Rochester is happy to pass on that the editor replied that her best choice was a new Forester.

Jalopnik’s reply specifically points out that, with her budget, she could get a “maxed-out Subaru Forester Sport.”  The Sport sits dead center in the Forester lineup, and some of the niceties he lists for this choice would include 19-inch wheels and a power liftgate. He also mentions the 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK multi-media screen (which he describes as “nearly a foot of vertical screen”)  along with plenty of space for her pooch. He also didn’t mention that the infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which would be a large leap from a model from a time when there was no smartphone compatibility of any kind.

He points out that the current Forester is “wonderful off-road.” That is partly due to its standard all-wheel drive, the 8.7-inch ground clearance that is better than most competitors,  and the dual-function X-MODE combined with Hill Descent Control. He adds that the current Forester is “leaps and bounds” above her current ride when it comes to luxury and refinement.

Jalopnik overlooked Subaru’s unrivaled selection of pet accessories, including a pet-friendly cargo liner, seat protectors, a pet harness for large dogs, and even a ramp for when her dog gets older but is still game for a trip. Also worth pointing out is because of the Subaru Loves Pets portion of the Subaru Love Promise, her purchase can offer some love to dogs she doesn’t know with a contribution of her choice to the ASPCA or BARK, both of which help support adoptions of dogs from participating rescues and shelters.

Like all Foresters, the Sport is powered by a 2.5-liter BOXER 4-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower @5800 and 178 lb-ft @3,700 of peak torque. Sure, there are faster options, but nobody wants to drive too aggressively with a 90-pound dog in the cabin.  Amber might have expected something more unexpected from the experts she contacted, but as many owners have found, often the best replacement for a Subaru is another Subaru.  If you are ready to replace your Subaru or are interested in joining the club for the first time, visit Subaru of Rochester to see the Forster or any of the other desirable models in the Subaru lineup.