When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more here.

Subaru vs. Toyota: Which Is More Reliable?

Both Subaru and Toyota are popular car brands within the US and for good reason.

They are trusted and have loyal followings. 

But how do the two brands do when compared to one another?

We’ve stacked the two against each other in our Subaru vs. Toyota reliability race.

So, let’s see who ends up on top. 

How To Measure If A Car Is Reliable

mechanic working on car

Dependability

Dependability is an essential aspect of any car.

You want to know that when you start your vehicle, it is going to be able to take you from point A to point B without any hassle.

If you get in your car and are anxious about whether it can perform, this is a significant problem, meaning your car is not dependable.

Quality materials

First and foremost, a car needs to be safe.

This means the parts must be made of quality materials to ensure longevity and prevent unwanted maintenance issues.

If you have to panic every time it rains for fear of your car rusting, it is clear that the materials are subpar and will not allow you to rely on your vehicle.

Maintenance

Every car needs maintenance; it’s part and parcel of being a car owner.

However, if your vehicle needs constant major repairs that are entirely out of your control, this is a big problem. 

Not only is maintenance expensive, but your car is also not in your possession, making getting from point A to point B in your vehicle impossible.

Finding a car with maintenance you can keep up with is crucial. 

Longevity 

What makes a car a true contender in the reliability test is whether or not a car manufacturer’s vehicles are known to last for years to come. 

Nobody buys a car with the intention of it lasting two years.

It’s a significant investment that needs to maintain longevity. 

It shouldn’t matter if the person has had the car for one year or 20; the vehicle should be able to handle as many miles on the odometer while still providing peak performance.

Is Subaru Reliable?

2022 Subaru Forester
2022 Subaru Forester

Subaru is a trusted brand with a high-reliability rating.

The brand has been around for many years and is a trusted vehicle for families across the globe.

Two popular Subaru cars are the Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback; they are both dependable and have excellent safety ratings. 

Subaru cars are also known for their safety features, unique design and high-quality extras to keep cars running smoothly and looking good. 

Regarding maintenance, Subaru cars are quite a bit more expensive to repair than other vehicles in the same class.

Particularly when looking at Subaru engines.

But, regarding longevity, Subaru is right up there with some leading brands. 

Is Toyota Reliable?

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross

Toyota is one of the most reliable car brands on the market.

To give you an example, most cars in the United States have a rating of double-A.

Toyota has such high reliability that it was the first car manufacturer to receive a triple-A rating.

Toyota is so confident in its products that it offers a lifetime powertrain warranty on its new cars. 

Brand-new Toyota cars will only lose 19% of their value in the first year, while the average car loses around 35%; this shows that the vehicles are made so well and with such high-quality materials that they do not decrease in value like other cars. 

While all Toyota cars are dependable, a few stick out.

The RAV4 is a tried-and-trusted car that has made a profound mark on the SUV market.

Similarly, the Toyota Corolla is one of the most reliable cars that has been around for decades, improving its design, performance, and dependability with each new model. 

Maintenance-wise, Toyota cars can be expensive to fix.

However, the time between maintenance is a lot longer because of the durable materials of the Toyota engines. 

Overall, Toyota is one of the most dependable car manufacturers in the world.

Plus, it has excellent fuel economy amongst its various models.

Subaru vs. Toyota Reliability

2022 Subaru Impreza

There is no question that Toyota’s reliability comes out on top when comparing it to Subaru.

While there isn’t any inherently wrong with Subaru, it falls under what Toyota offers.

Since Toyota is such a popular make, it has allowed the brand to expand and create cars that are dependable and trustworthy to another level.

You will be hard-pressed to find a more reliable car than a Toyota.

It has everything a car owner looks for in reliability, including extremely high-quality materials, easy maintenance, and longevity. 

If you are or know of anyone in the trade industry, then you know the gold standard is a Toyota.

These cars are built to last, whether drivers drive around town or are in highly physical jobs. 

That’s what makes the brand so dependable.

It understands its place in the market and makes its cars specifically for its audience. 

More Toyota And Subaru Reliability Facts

2022 toyota prius

Is Toyota the most reliable car manufacturer? 

Along with Lexus, Toyota is the most trusted and reliable car brand in the United States.

These cars are made with seriously high-quality materials that are made to last. 

Is Subaru a reliable car manufacturer? 

Yes, Subaru is a trusted car brand that is extremely popular in the US.

The cars are made with comfort and convenience in mind, which drivers find appealing.

They are made with high-quality materials and last for many years. 

Are Toyota vehicles more reliable than Subaru? 

Yes, in our opinion, Toyota nudges Subaru out of the top spot in this race.

Toyota has been around for a long time and offers some of the world’s most popular and reliable vehicles.

They are built to last and are reliable beyond most other car brands. 

Wrap-Up On Subaru vs. Toyota Reliability

Toyota and Subaru are both trusted car brands that have been popular for decades.

Both brands’ cars are dependable and made to last. 

However, when we break it down, Toyota has quite a bit more to offer regarding reliability.

It is the only manufacturer with a Triple-A rating and has found a sweet spot when making cars for its specific audience.Â