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Subaru’s Two Least Satisfying New Models You Can Buy Today

What are the least satisfying Subaru models you can buy? An updated study from Consumer Reports reveals there are two models that owners are the least satisfied with.
2024 Subaru Legacy and Solterra

Across the board, Subaru owners are happy with the car purchase. I wrote a story recently covering the most and least satisfying car brands. Subaru dropped a few spots but still ranked the best among mainstream (non-luxury) car brands. 

An updated study from Consumer Reports (by subscription) says Subaru has two models that rank low in customer satisfaction: The 2024 Subaru Legacy midsize sedan and the 2023 Subaru Solterra all-electric compact SUV. 

2024 Subaru Legacy front view

Consumer Reports says, “We asked owners to rate how well their vehicles satisfy them when considering seat and cabin comfort, driving enjoyment, cabin storage, ease of use of the infotainment system, and ownership cost.” 

The Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy scored low in “Usability.” CR says owners say the Legacy’s controls were why they rated their vehicle low. 

The least satisfying models for usability

  • Luxury Compact SUVs - Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid

  • Luxury Midsize SUVs - Lexus RX

  • Electric SUVs - Volkswagen ID.4

  • Midsize/Large Cars - Subaru Legacy 

MY TAKE

The 2024 Subaru Legacy midsize sedan has had issues with its infotainment system. The touchscreen is new, and Subaru needs to make it easier to use. Because an older demographic typically purchases the Legacy, the controls must be more straightforward.

2024 Subaru Solterra in the desert

Subaru Solterra

The battery-electric Subaru Solterra Compact SUV scored low in “Cabin Storage.” CR says owners say the Solterra’s cabin storage is limited, so they rated their vehicle low. 

The least satisfying models for cabin storage

  • Midsize 2-Row SUVs - Jeep Wrangler

  • Electric SUVs - Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X

  • Electric Cars - Nissan Leaf

  • Luxury Midsize 3-Row SUVs - Audi Q7

MY TAKE

The Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X scored low, and the cabin needs a redesign. The 2024 Solterra arrives this spring, but no changes were made to the interior. Subaru gave the 2024 Solterra upgrades in charging performance and its EyeSight safety technology. Next, they need to address the cabin.

How does Consumer Reports rate satisfaction?

CR says, “Results are from the 2023 Annual Auto Surveys, involving more than 330,000 vehicles. Data from the 2021 to 2023 model years (plus a few 2024 models) were averaged, provided a vehicle wasn’t significantly changed. Some ratings might be based on a single model year.” 

“The owner satisfaction score is based on the percentage of owners who responded “definitely yes” to the question of whether they would buy the same vehicle if they had to do it all over again (considering price, performance, reliability, comfort, enjoyment, etc.). Ratings and scores for the factors were determined based on the percentage of owners who said they were very satisfied.” 

MY TAKE

Subaru has more than a handful of models that satisfy owners the most. The Japanese automakers consistently rank among the top 10 car brands because they consistently please their customers across most of their lineup. But two models rank low—the Subaru Legacy midsize sedan with its complicated controls and the Subaru Solterra for in-cabin storage. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Legacy and Solterra satisfaction story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

Watch 2023 Subaru Solterra First Look | Subaru's First All-Electric Vehicle | Price, Range, Interior



I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Subaru USA

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Comments

Brian Peters (not verified)    February 5, 2024 - 4:51PM

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I'm 66 years old. I own a 2024 Legacy Touring XT. I really like this car. Good bang for the buck and 260Hp/277tq is the main reason I considered it in the first place. With a lower (numerically) final drive than the Outback it clocks 1800 RPM AT 75 MPH. It's a quiet, comfortable car with great visibility. As far as the big screen controls, you just need to adapt.