Confidence in Motion.
Choosing the right Subaru isn’t about picking the most popular model — it’s about finding the one that fits how you actually live, drive, and explore.
At Subaru Santa Monica, we help drivers across Santa Monica and West LA choose the Subaru that matches their lifestyle — whether that means commuting along the coast, navigating LA traffic, heading into the mountains, or hauling family and gear.
If you’re asking “Which Subaru should I buy? ”, this guide will help you decide with confidence.
How to Choose the Right Subaru for Your Life
Before jumping into models, consider a few key questions:
- Do you mostly drive in the city or take frequent weekend trips?
- Is safety your top priority?
- Do you need space for family, pets, or outdoor gear?
- How important is fuel efficiency?
- Do you value all-wheel drive for versatility?
Subaru designs vehicles around real-world use, not just specs. Once your priorities are clear, the right Subaru becomes obvious.
Best Subaru for City Driving and Daily Commuting
If your driving is mostly Santa Monica streets, freeways, and LA traffic, comfort, visibility, and efficiency matter.
Best Daily Commute:
New Subaru Impreza
Compact, efficient, easy to maneuver.
New Subaru Crosstrek
Small SUV feels with city practicality.
New Subaru Legacy
Comfortable sedan with standard AWD.
Why these work well in LA:
They offer excellent visibility, smooth rides in traffic, and Subaru’s standard all-wheel drive for confidence in changing road conditions.
Best Subaru for Safety and Families
Safety is one of Subaru’s strongest advantages — especially for families.
Top family-friendly Subarus:
New Subaru Forester
Spacious, excellent visibility.
New Subaru Outback
Roomy, safe, versatile.
New Subaru Ascent
Three-row seating for growing families.
Why families choose Subaru:
Subaru vehicles consistently earn top safety ratings and include advanced driver-assist features designed to protect passengers in real-world driving.
Best Subaru for Outdoor and Active Lifestyles
If your weekends include beaches, trails, mountains, or road trips, Subaru shines.
Best adventure-ready models:
New Subaru Forester
Practical with excellent ground clearance.
New Subaru Outback
Ideal balance of space and ruggedness.
New Subaru Crosstrek
Compact and capable.
Why are these suitable for outdoors:
Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive and durable design make these vehicles perfect for drivers who want one car that does everything.
Best Subaru for Fuel Efficiency
If efficiency matters, Subaru offers smart options that balance MPG with capability.
Most fuel-efficient Subarus:
New Subaru Impreza
New Subaru Legacy
New Subaru Crosstrek
Why are these good for fuel efficiency:
These models deliver strong fuel economy without sacrificing safety or traction—important for daily commuting and longer drives.
Best Subaru for Value and Long-Term Ownership
Subaru vehicles are known for longevity and resale value.
Best value picks:
New Subaru Impreza
New Subaru Forester
New Subaru Outback
Why customers choose Subaru:
With regular maintenance, many Subaru vehicles exceed 200,000 miles, making them a smart long-term investment.
Why Subaru Is a Smart Choice in Santa Monica
Subaru vehicles are especially well-suited for Santa Monica and Southern California drivers because they offer:
- Standard all-wheel drive for versatility
- Top-tier safety ratings
- Practical fuel efficiency
- Strong resale value
- A reputation for long-term reliability
That balance makes Subaru ideal for drivers who want one vehicle that adapts to city life and weekend adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Subaru is best for city driving?
The Subaru Impreza, Crosstrek, and Legacy are excellent for city driving thanks to their size, efficiency, and visibility.
• Ideal for Santa Monica city driving – Compact and midsize Subaru models are easy to navigate on busy streets, tight parking, and coastal traffic.
• Fuel-efficient Subaru vehicles – Designed to maximize MPG for stop-and-go city commutes and daily errands.
• Excellent visibility for urban roads – Smart vehicle design helps drivers stay aware in crowded city environments.
• Comfortable daily commuter cars – Smooth handling and responsive performance for city and freeway driving.
• Versatile vehicles for Southern California lifestyles – Perfect for commuting, shopping, and weekend trips around Santa Monica and Los Angeles.
Do I really need all-wheel drive in Southern California?
While not required, Subaru’s all-wheel drive adds confidence for mountain trips, rain, and varied road conditions without sacrificing everyday comfort.
• Not required for daily Santa Monica driving – Ideal for city streets, freeways, and beachside routes.
• Added traction in rain – Helpful during sudden Southern California rainstorms and slick roads.
• Perfect for weekend getaways – Great for trips from Santa Monica to Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, or Mammoth.
• Confidence in varied road conditions – Extra stability on coastal highways and changing terrain.
• Comfortable year-round performance – Subaru AWD delivers smooth handling for everyday Los Angeles driving.
Which Subaru lasts the longest?
The Forester, Outback, and Impreza are known for exceptional longevity, often reaching 200,000 miles or more with proper care.
• Proven long-term reliability – These Subaru models consistently rank high for durability.
• Built for everyday and long-term use – Ideal for commuting, family driving, and weekend trips around Santa Monica and Los Angeles.
• Regular maintenance matters – Routine service helps maximize vehicle lifespan.
• Subaru engineering advantage – Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and durable boxer engines support long-term performance.
• Trusted by local drivers – Many customers at Subaru Santa Monica choose these models for their dependability and resale value.
Is Subaru a good brand for families?
Yes. Subaru is consistently ranked among the safest vehicle brands and is especially popular with families for that reason.
• Top safety ratings – Many Subaru models earn high scores from IIHS and NHTSA.
• Standard safety features – Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology comes standard on most models.
• Family-friendly designs – Spacious interiors, easy-to-use car seat anchors, and flexible cargo space.
• Confidence in all conditions – Available Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive adds stability for daily driving and weekend trips.
Ready to Find Your Subaru?
Once you know which Subaru fits your lifestyle, the next step is easy — explore available models and see them in person.