Skip to main content

I Love My Subaru Crosstrek, and It Has This Little Thing That a Lot Of People Don’t Even Know About It, No Other Car Does This

Subaru offers a unique feature for all its vehicles that few owners know about. Addie owns a Subaru Crosstrek and discovered the distinctive feature almost accidentally because Subaru doesn't advertise it. Here is Addie's unique feature and story.

Have you discovered the exclusive world of Subaru's Badge of Ownership?

Addie Beckman (@addie.beckman) has six of them on her Cool-Gray Khaki Subaru Crosstrek. This is the second Subaru she's owned, and she has individualized her car by applying badges to the rear lift gate of her small SUV.

Addie says in her TikTok video, "Subarus are the best cars for a lot of reasons. I love mine so much, but they have this cute little thing that they do and a lot of people don't know about it, so I need to tell you because it's adorable, and I love Subaru."

Before Addie tells her story, imagine the thrill of buying a car and being able to personalize it to reflect your unique journey. This is what Subaru owners have been doing for years. You've probably seen the Subaru Outback or Forester plastered with stickers all over the rear tailgate and window. 

The Subaru owner purchased the stickers at the different locations they visited. Many are from road trips they've taken and the owner wants to show where they've traveled. They say, "This is where I've been and my Subaru took me there." 

Subaru of America, recognizing the strong sense of community among its owners, began designing its own "stickers" for owners to apply to their all-wheel-drive vehicles. This initiative not only allows owners to personalize their cars but also fosters a sense of belonging to the larger Subaru family. More on this later. 

However, it's worth noting that while some people may think they look tacky, others find them a charming way to personalize their Subaru. I want to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. But first, here is Addie's story.

Addies says, "So if you own a Subaru, go to the company website or something. I'm sure if you look it up, you can put it in your car and everything, and then you get to choose this cute little sticker; it's like a decal."

My car (Subaru Crosstrek) is extremely dirty, but it's my second Subaru so I have the "2nd" sticker because I've owned a Subaru before this. Then I got a little camera icon, I like to take pictures, and a little paintbrush icon because I'm crafty.

I got a rainbow because it was cute and because I'm an ally. I did a leaf because I like nature. And then I got the musical notes because I like music. 

They have the cutest little choices that you can make. So, I just love Subaru. This isn't sponsored; I wanted to share with you guys that you can do that, too. 

Addie concludes, "So if you own a Subaru because so many people don't know about it, I just think it's the cutest thing ever, and no other car (brand) does it like Subaru."

Addie sounds like a commercial for Subaru but she is not a company spokesperson, she is a passionate Subaru owner like so many others. She didn't have to tell everyone about the Subaru's Badge of Ownership. However, she couldn't keep it a secret.

Subaru Crosstrek with ownership and lifestyle badges

What is Subaru's Badge of Ownership, and how do you get the badge?

Subaru's website says, "Welcome to Subaru Badge of Ownership."

"To thank you for being part of our family, we're excited to offer you a free gift - the Subaru Badge of Ownership! Whether it's your first Subaru or you're a seasoned owner, we're thrilled you've chosen Subaru! Our community of Subaru enthusiasts thrives on adventure and loves sharing their passions."

You can then click on the blue "Build Your Badge" tab. First, you select your "Loyalty Number," representing the number of Subaru vehicles you've owned. (They have 10+ badges)

After ordering that, you can select from 32 different "Lifestyle" badges ranging from Animals, Camping, Hiking, Military, Road Trip, Outdoor Sports, and even a 200K+ Mile badge showing the number of miles on your Subaru.     

Owners can select up to five Lifestyle Badges that best express their interests or hobbies. Subaru of America doesn't want your car to look too tacky, so they limit owners to five. 

Here are a few comments about Abbie's badges on her Crosstrek. 

Zoe D - Thank you for this! I just went and ordered mine after seeing this!

Sadiepyle - I work at a Subaru dealership and absolutely love seeing these on customers' cars!!

Christian Baumler - Without your video, I wouldn't have known. I just went and got mine for my 2024 Impreza!

Cookiemuncher - Thank you for posting this. I just ordered mine!

Jax - I love them for their safety. I Bought my first in 2019. My next car will definitely be another Subaru

Cai -…. I have a 2007 Subaru Forester, and she runs like a gem at 167,000 miles. Lol, I love my car.

lisamorden26 - I have had my Outback for 14 years with almost zero issues, and my Forester has over 200k miles and is going strong

Kristina - Ugh, the paintbrush one isn't there anymore!!

Jon Sapaden - I'm on my third Subaru and have never gotten the badges until now, so I have many of them. You're only allowed 5 per vehicle

AMills - I love my badges, too! I got 1st Subaru, family, pets, community, nature, and road trip.

Ky - And it's free?! How did I not know about this?! I wish they had more badge options, though 

that_antisocialite - You reminded me I need to get my second badge!

Conclusion.

You might have seen a Subaru Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek owner who is passionate about their car and has these badges on the rear lift gate. Now you know what they represent. 

You may be a Subaru owner unaware of the Ownership and Lifestyle badges. Now, you can get five for your Subaru Crosstrek or another model. 

You may also not be aware that Subaru of America even had a special designation for some who wanted to become ambassadors who spread the word about the brand. The Ambassador Program is a unique opportunity for Subaru enthusiasts to get more involved with the brand. However, they have paused adding more owners to the Ambassador Program. Stay tuned here for more updates. 

It's Your Turn.

Do you own a Subaru Crosstrek or another model? Which model do you own? Did you know about the Ownership and Lifestyle badges? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Subaru Crosstrek story titled; My Son Needed a Car, So Grandma Buys Him a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, Only Problem, Grandma Loves It More Than Her Toyota Camry and Takes It Back

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReportAll Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Addie, Subaru

Comments

Jim brown (not verified)    January 21, 2025 - 6:54AM

Her use of the words cute and adorable make me want to get rid of my OBW, but I won’t. I do love the car!

Matt (not verified)    January 21, 2025 - 11:23AM

For those not interested in putting stickers directly on their car, the Subaru gear website has a license plate frame specifically designed to neatly display these badges of ownership.

T (not verified)    January 21, 2025 - 12:53PM

Let's add badges for the number of FB25 engines the car has gone through. My 2012 Forester is on number three.

Tom G. (not verified)    January 21, 2025 - 10:33PM

I kind of thought this was more widely known. It's good to spread the word. I found this years ago and applied the badges to my 2015 Legacy. Unfortunate that the Legacy is going away, as an aside.

NMK (not verified)    January 22, 2025 - 1:41PM

I am one of those guys who cant leave any car stock. Everything gets altered or modified to varying degrees. However, in this case ....
Never would I ever. This is super lame and tacky. I do own 2 Subarus. I kike their vehicles, but many of the owners are what I call a "special breed".

RudyJ (not verified)    January 22, 2025 - 5:00PM

I work at a Subaru dealer and owners are thrilled at showing off their charm badges. At the risk of sounding sappy, I've never met a happier group of people and it's a joy to fix their cars

Ford Dye (not verified)    January 22, 2025 - 9:05PM

In reply to by RudyJ (not verified)

I am on my 5th Subaru and I just received my new badge of ownership for our 2024 Solterra. These vehicles are fantastic and so much fun to drive! I have owned an Outback, 3 Crosstreks and now a Solterra.

B G Edwards (not verified)    January 22, 2025 - 10:03PM

I did know about the badge program. The salesperson who sold me my first Subaru told me about the program and even guided me there.
With me, my children and now grandchildren we have purchased Eight (8)
Outback, Forester (2), Crosstrek (2), Impreza, Legacy & WRX.

Jim Birch (not verified)    January 23, 2025 - 7:03AM

On my sixth Subaru and have had the badges on the last two vehicles, both Outbacks. Don't like the word cute, but definitely a source of pride.

Gammye (not verified)    January 23, 2025 - 11:03AM

I have a 2023 Crosstrek, replaced a 2016 that was totaled by a Lincoln SUV on 4/2023; all airbags deployed in my Subie except the steering wheel. Though I was not totally unscathed, the Subaru did it's job of protection in the accident. I am grateful and had to have another Subie.