Subaru Forester and Crosstrek Named to Consumer Reports’ 2025 Annual 10 Top Picks

When you’re navigating unpredictable Long Island roads – whether it’s a rainy summer morning in Smithtown or a snowy commute through Suffolk County – having confidence behind the wheel is a must. That’s why Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is one of the standout features drivers in our area love most. At Competition Subaru, your trusted Subaru dealer on Long Island, we’re breaking down exactly what makes Subaru’s AWD system so unique – and why it’s perfect for drivers across Long Island, NY. What Is Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive? Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD isn’t an afterthought – it’s built into the heart of every Subaru vehicle (standard on most models). Unlike traditional AWD systems that are added onto a vehicle’s drivetrain, Subaru’s system is fully integrated from the ground up. “Symmetrical” refers to the balanced layout of the drivetrain. The engine, driveshaft, and transmission are all perfectly aligned, giving your Subaru exceptional balance, control, and traction. Why Drivers on Long Island Choose Subaru AWD Here’s why it matters – especially for drivers in Smithtown, Kings Park, Stony Brook, and throughout Suffolk County: 1. Full-Time Confidence Subaru’s AWD is always on. That means your vehicle constantly sends power to all four wheels for better traction in rain, snow, or gravel – no waiting, no lag. 2. Better Balance, Better Control The symmetrical layout gives your vehicle a lower center of gravity, which means better cornering and smoother handling – great for winding Long Island backroads or busy Route 25A traffic. 3. Quick Power Distribution If one wheel slips, the system instantly sends power to the wheels with grip. 4. Built to Last Subaru’s AWD system is known for its durability and efficiency, making it ideal for daily commuters, weekend adventurers, and families alike. Which Subaru Models Feature Symmetrical AWD? If you’re shopping for a Subaru on Long Island, here are some of the top models with standard Symmetrical AWD: Subaru Outback – Perfect for weekend getaways to Montauk or the Catskills Subaru Forester – Great visibility and safety for local families Subaru Crosstrek – Compact, capable, and city-friendly Subaru Legacy & Impreza – All-weather sedans for daily commutes Subaru Ascent – 3-row SUV comfort + AWD for growing families 📍 Ready for a Test Drive? Come experience the difference for yourself at Competition Subaru of Smithtown, your go-to Subaru dealership on Long Island. Whether you’re from Hauppauge, Setauket, or just down the road in Lake Grove, our team is here to help you find the Subaru that fits your lifestyle. 🔧 Bonus: Our on-site service center also specializes in Subaru wheel alignments, AWD system maintenance, and seasonal tire prep – keeping you ready for whatever Long Island throws your way. Visit us at Competition Subaru in Smithtown, NY 📍 601 Middle Country Rd, Smithtown, NY 📞 Call: (631) 361-4500 🌐 www.competitionsubaru.com

When comparing the Subaru Outback and the Subaru Forester, the approximately $6,000 price difference is often one of the first distinctions buyers notice. However, this gap is not simply the result of added features. It reflects a meaningful difference in vehicle class, capability, performance, and intended use. Outback: Bigger, Stronger, More Capable The Outback sits closer to a midsize crossover/wagon than a compact SUV. What the higher price gets you: More interior and cargo space, including a longer load floor for gear and road trips Stronger performance, including an available ~260 hp turbo engine Higher towing capacity (up to ~3,500 lbs vs. ~1,500 lbs in the Forester) More advanced technology and a more refined driving experience Better comfort for long-distance travel Bottom line: The Outback is built for capability, power, and comfort on longer journeys. Forester: Simple, Practical, Efficient The Forester stays focused on everyday usability. Key strengths: Lower starting price by roughly $5,000–$6,000 Excellent visibility and easy maneuverability Slightly better fuel economy Straightforward, functional interior design Strong everyday cargo space for its class Bottom line: The Forester is about value, efficiency, and practicality. Why the $6,000 Gap Actually Matters The price difference reflects a difference in vehicle class and capability, not just features. If you do not need towing, extra power, or additional space, the Outback may be more than necessary If you do need those capabilities, the Forester can feel limiting This creates a natural split: Forester buyers tend to prioritize affordability and daily commuting Outback buyers tend to value travel comfort, outdoor capability, and versatility Simple Way to Think About It Forester = compact SUV, similar in purpose to a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V Outback = crossover-wagon hybrid with more power, space, and long-distance capability FAQs Is the Outback just a bigger Forester? No. It is built on a different platform with more power, capability, and towing strength. Why does the Outback cost more? It offers more space, stronger engines, higher towing capacity, and a more refined driving experience. Which is better for daily driving? The Forester is simpler and more efficient for everyday use. The Outback is better suited for longer trips and heavier demands. Final Takeaway The $6,000 difference is not about optional features—it is about capability. The Forester is a practical, efficient compact SUV. The Outback is a larger, more capable vehicle designed for comfort, power, and versatility. At Competition Subaru, the decision comes down to how you plan to use the vehicle, not just the price tag.

Flat-Six Innovation: How Subaru Redefined Performance at the Olympus Rally Subaru has long been synonymous with rally performance, but at the recent Olympus Rally, the brand demonstrated that innovation remains at the core of its identity. In a field dominated by turbocharged competition vehicles, a uniquely engineered Subaru WRX STI equipped with a naturally aspirated flat-six engine delivered a standout performance—challenging conventional expectations and reinforcing Subaru’s engineering versatility. A Strategic Departure from Convention The vehicle, a 2011 WRX STI prepared by Steven Redd Racing and driven by Mark Piatkowski with co-driver Sara Nonack, replaced the traditional turbocharged flat-four with Subaru’s EZ30 flat-six engine. Producing approximately 245 horsepower, the powertrain prioritized balance and responsiveness over outright output. Despite this unconventional approach, the results were compelling: First place in class Seventh overall finish Competitive stage times against factory-supported entries These outcomes underscore that effective performance in rally racing is not solely determined by horsepower but by the integration of engineering, control, and reliability. Engineering Advantages of the Flat-Six Configuration The decision to utilize a naturally aspirated flat-six introduced several key advantages: Linear Power Delivery Unlike turbocharged engines, the flat-six provides immediate throttle response, enabling greater precision in technical sections where traction and timing are critical. Enhanced Vehicle Balance Subaru’s horizontally opposed engine architecture contributes to a lower center of gravity, improving stability across uneven terrain. Reliability Under Demanding Conditions With fewer forced-induction components, the setup reduces mechanical complexity—an asset in endurance-focused rally stages. Acoustic Distinction and Brand Identity Beyond performance metrics, the vehicle captured attention for its distinctive exhaust note—frequently compared to high-performance sports cars such as the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. This auditory differentiation not only elevated spectator engagement but also highlighted the adaptability of Subaru’s engineering platform. Reinforcing Subaru’s Rally Heritage Subaru’s success in rally competition is well established. Vehicles like the WRX STI have played a central role in the brand’s achievements within global and domestic rally series. Core technologies—particularly the boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive system—continue to define Subaru’s competitive edge, offering: Consistent traction across variable surfaces Predictable handling characteristics Durability in extreme environments This latest performance at the Olympus Rally demonstrates that Subaru’s foundational principles remain highly relevant in modern motorsport. Implications for Today’s Subaru Drivers While this achievement occurred in a competitive racing environment, its significance extends to everyday driving. Subaru’s commitment to engineering balance, control, and durability directly informs its production vehicles. Drivers benefit from: Proven all-weather capability Responsive power delivery Long-term reliability These attributes reflect the same design philosophy that enables success on the rally stage. Key Takeaways A flat-six-powered WRX STI delivered a top-tier performance at the Olympus Rally The vehicle secured first in class and seventh overall against strong competition Engineering balance and control proved more impactful than raw horsepower Subaru’s core technologies continue to demonstrate real-world and competitive value Innovation remains a defining characteristic of the Subaru brand