BMW vs. Subaru

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of cars from BMW and Subaru contrasts the two brands across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which one is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of vehicle models, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and projected lifetime recalls based on recall history. This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which brand represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both BMW and Subaru cars.

When comparing the BMW brand to the Subaru brand, BMW has the advantage in the areas of horsepower, fuel efficiency, towing capacity, reliability and variety of models offered. Subaru has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, used car pricing, depreciation, overall quality, safety and retained value.

BMW versus Subaru: Pricing and Value: Analyzing BMW versus Subaru pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Subaru in 11 out of 11 vehicle comparisons. Subaru also has a lower used vehicle starting price in 7 out of 8 comparisons. Subaru models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 13 out of 13 comparisons. The lower overall prices for Subaru, plus their lower depreciation rate, gives Subaru the overall advantage over BMW.

BMW versus Subaru: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: BMW vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 12 out of 13 model comparisons, with Subaru offering more horsepower in 1 comparisons. BMW offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 5 out of 10 comparisons. Subaru vehicles have higher MPG in 4 comparisons, and both BMW and Subaru vehicles have the same MPG in 1 comparisons. BMW offers a greater towing capacity in 4 out of 5 comparisons. In 1 comparisons, BMW and Subaru have the same towing capacity.

BMW versus Subaru: Quality, Reliability, Safety, and Value Retention Ratings: A comparison of BMW versus Subaru overall quality ratings shows Subaru with higher quality ratings in 7 out of 11 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, BMW has the advantage in 8 out of 11 comparisons. Subaru has better safety ratings in 3 out of 7 comparisons while BMW has better safety ratings in 2 out of 7 comparisons. BMW and Subaru tie for safety in 2 comparisons. Subaru shows higher ratings for retained value in 13 out of 13 comparisons.

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Most Reliable Car Rankings:

Best Cars for the Money Rankings:

Available Body Styles: BMW offers 14 SUVs, 15 sedans, 6 coupes, and 5 convertibles. In comparison, Subaru offers 6 SUVs, 1 wagon, 3 sedans, and 1 coupe.

Drivetrain Options: BMW offers 23 gasoline vehicles, 5 plug-in hybrids, and 4 electric vehicles. Subaru offers 8 gasoline vehicles, 1 plug-in hybrid, and 1 electric vehicle.

BMW offers 26 all-wheel-drive models, 1 front-wheel-drive model, and 15 rear-wheel-drive models. Subaru offers 8 all-wheel-drive models and 1 rear-wheel-drive model.