The Complete Guide to Subaru SUVs: Every Model Compared by Size, Seating and Price
Subaru makes four gas and hybrid SUVs, and the easiest way to pick one is by size. From smallest to largest, they are the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback and Ascent. Every one comes with standard all-wheel drive and Subaru EyeSight driver assist, so the real choice comes down to how many people you carry, how much gear you haul and what you want to spend.
At Flow Subaru of Charlottesville, we help drivers from Charlottesville, Staunton, Waynesboro, Harrisonburg and Culpeper make this choice every day. This guide compares every Subaru SUV side by side, explains who each one fits best, and shows which models offer the trail-ready Wilderness trim.
Subaru SUVs at a Glance
The table below lays out all four models in one view. Prices are manufacturer starting MSRPs before the destination fee. Some 2026 models are still on our lot while 2027 models arrive this fall, so check current inventory for exact pricing.
| Model | Size | Seats | Starting MSRP | Wilderness Trim? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Crosstrek | Subcompact | 5 | $26,995 | Yes | First car, city driving, weekend trails |
| 2027 Forester | Compact | 5 | $29,995 | Yes (gas and hybrid) | Small families, commuters |
| 2026 Outback | Midsize | 5 | $34,995 | Yes | Gear haulers, road trips |
| 2027 Ascent | Midsize, three-row | 7 or 8 | $40,795 | No | Larger families, carpools |
Subaru Crosstrek: The Smallest Subaru SUV
The Crosstrek is Subaru's smallest SUV and its most affordable, starting at $26,995 for 2027. It is easy to park downtown, light on fuel, and still tough enough for a gravel road up to a Blue Ridge trailhead.
Who it fits: first-time buyers, students, couples and anyone who wants SUV capability without SUV size. It seats five, but the back seat works best for kids or short trips.
What to know:
- Gas trims use a 180-horsepower engine. A Crosstrek Hybrid is also available for better fuel economy.
- Trims for 2027 are Base, Premium, Sport Hybrid, Limited, Limited Hybrid and Wilderness.
- Fold the rear seats and you get about 54.7 cubic feet of cargo room, plenty for bikes, camping gear or a dorm move.
Available in a Wilderness trim: Yes. The Crosstrek Wilderness adds extra ground clearance, all-terrain tires and tougher trim for real off-road use.
Subaru Forester: The All-Rounder for Small Families
The Forester is Subaru's best-selling SUV in America, and it is the one we recommend most often. The 2027 Forester starts at $29,995 and the Forester Hybrid starts at $34,730.
Who it fits: small families, daily commuters and dog owners. Tall windows give you a clear view of the road, and the boxy shape means real headroom and a cargo area that swallows strollers, groceries and sports bags.
What to know:
- Gas trims for 2027 are Base, Premium, Wilderness and Limited.
- Hybrid trims are Premium Hybrid, Sport Hybrid, Wilderness Hybrid, Limited Hybrid and Touring Hybrid, topping out at $41,545.
- Every 2027 Forester has at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance, so snowy mornings on Route 29 are no problem.
Available in a Wilderness trim: Yes, and now in two flavors. The gas Forester Wilderness starts at $39,495. New for 2027, the Forester Wilderness Hybrid starts at $40,495. It is the first Subaru Wilderness model with a hybrid engine, delivering 194 horsepower and 9.3 inches of ground clearance.
Looking for a Subaru Forester near Charlottesville? We keep a wide selection of new Forester and Forester Hybrid models in stock, plus certified pre-owned options. With no-haggle pricing and Flow Express online checkout, you can see your real price up front.
Subaru Outback: Built for Gear and Road Trips
The Outback is the bigger, more comfortable step up from the Forester. The 2026 model is all-new, trading its old wagon look for a taller, boxier SUV shape. Pricing runs from $34,995 to $47,995.
Who it fits: active couples and families who carry a lot of gear, such as kayaks, bikes, ski equipment or a dog crate. It is also a great long-distance cruiser for trips to the beach or the mountains.
What to know:
- It seats five, with more rear legroom and a longer cargo floor than the Forester.
- Trims are Premium, Limited, Touring and Wilderness, plus Limited XT and Touring XT with a stronger turbocharged engine.
- The turbo is the one to pick if you tow a small camper or frequently drive a loaded vehicle over Afton Mountain on I-64.
Available in a Wilderness trim: Yes. The Outback Wilderness starts at $44,995 and comes standard with the turbo engine, all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance.
Subaru Ascent: The Only Subaru SUV With a Third Row
If you need more than five seats, the Ascent is your Subaru. It is the brand's largest SUV and the only one with three rows. The 2027 Ascent starts at $40,795 and seats seven or eight, depending on whether you choose second-row captain's chairs or a bench.
Who it fits: families with three or more kids, carpool drivers and anyone who regularly brings extra passengers along. Captain's chairs make it easy for kids to climb into the back row on their own.
What to know:
- Every Ascent has a turbocharged engine and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
- Trims for 2027 are Premium, Limited, Limited Bronze Edition, Touring and Onyx Edition Touring, topping out at $51,995.
Available in a Wilderness trim: No. The Ascent does not offer a Wilderness trim for 2027. If you want a rugged look, the Onyx Edition adds black exterior styling.
Subaru Electric SUVs: Solterra, Trailseeker and Uncharted
Subaru now sells three all-electric SUVs. The Uncharted is the smallest and starts at $34,995 with more than 300 miles of range. The Solterra is a compact EV starting at $38,495. The Trailseeker is the larger, wagon-style EV with 375 horsepower, starting at $39,995.
EVs come with their own questions about charging, range and home chargers, so we cover them in a separate guide. Read our complete guide to [Subaru electric SUVs] (https://www.flowsubarucharlottesville.com/subaru-electric-vehicles) or browse new electric and hybrid inventory on our website.
Find Your Subaru SUV at Flow Subaru of Charlottesville
The best way to choose is to sit in each one. At Flow Subaru of Charlottesville, you can test-drive the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback and Ascent back to back in one visit. Our no-haggle pricing means the price you see is the price you pay, and Flow Express lets you finish your purchase online in as little as 10 minutes. Visit us at 960 Hilton Heights Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901, or call 434-220-2689. You can also schedule a test drive, value your trade or browse all new inventory online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Subaru SUV is the smallest?
The Crosstrek is the smallest Subaru SUV. It starts at $26,995 for 2027 and is the easiest Subaru to park in tight spaces. Among Subaru's electric models, the Uncharted is the smallest.
Which Subaru SUV has a third row?
Only the Ascent. It seats seven with second-row captain's chairs or eight with a bench. The Crosstrek, Forester and Outback all seat five.
Which Subaru SUV is best for a family of four?
For most families of four, the Forester is the sweet spot. It fits two car seats, offers a generous cargo area and starts under $30,000. Choose the Outback if you carry lots of sports or camping gear, or the Ascent if you often bring friends or grandparents along.
Which Subaru SUVs come with a Wilderness trim?
Three do: the Crosstrek Wilderness, the Outback Wilderness and the Forester Wilderness. For 2027, Subaru also adds a Forester Wilderness Hybrid, the first Wilderness model with a hybrid engine. The Ascent and Subaru's electric SUVs do not offer a Wilderness trim.
