Sedan, Crossover, or SUV: Which Subaru Is Right for You?

The auto industry has come a long way since the early days when there were only a few models to choose from, and they all looked the same. Today, you have plenty of different options, ranging from sleek sedans to spacious SUVs. Overall, that’s a good thing since it means you have the freedom to select a vehicle that’s just right for your lifestyle, but we understand that it can feel overwhelming sometimes too.

As your Subaru dealer near Cohoes, NY, we don’t just want to provide you with a wide selection of quality vehicles; we also want to take the time to help you understand what each one brings to the table. No two drivers are alike, and a professional who just needs a small car to commute to Albany each workday will want a very different model from a parent looking for a way to transport their growing family or an adventurous couple looking to explore off the beaten path.

Whatever your driving habits are, we know that there’s a Subaru that’s perfect for you. So let’s take a look at the different body styles the brand has to offer: sedans, crossovers, and SUVs. We’ll help you understand what each one is and what it’s best at while also delving into the specific models in the Subaru lineup.

What Is a Sedan?

A sedan is the body style that probably comes to mind when you think of the word “car.” Sedans have four doors and a low center of gravity. They can range in size from compact to midsize to full-size, but generally, they’re smaller than SUVs. They have sealed trunks, so they’re not ideal for transporting large, bulky cargo, but they do offer a measure of privacy and security for the cargo you can store in them.

What Is a Coupe?

A coupe is like a sedan, but instead of four doors, it has two. This body style is less common in cars that are mainly meant to serve practical purposes like commuting and running errands. You’re more likely to see it on sports cars that only seat two people because they’re geared toward optimal driving performance rather than holding plenty of passengers and cargo.

What Is a Hatchback?

A hatchback is also very similar to a sedan: it has a low center of gravity and is typically smaller and more fuel-efficient than an SUV. But instead of having a traditional trunk in the back, the cargo area is an open space behind the seats. Often, some of the seats can be folded flat in order to increase the size of the cargo area. This provides a good compromise for people who want the handling and fuel efficiency of a passenger car but some of the cargo storage capacity that draws drivers to SUVs.

What Cars Does Subaru Offer?

Subaru has a number of capable cars in its lineup. The compact Impreza is available as either a sedan or a hatchback, so you can choose which one works best for the type of cargo you need to bring along for the ride. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, so you’ll have the traction you need to tackle snowy New York winters with confidence. Newer models are loaded with the latest safety features, including driver-assistance tech, but the Impreza has been around for a while, and older used models are also safe and reliable.

If you need a little more passenger space, the midsize Legacy sedan is a great option. It also has standard all-wheel drive and a comprehensive suite of safety tech. The roomy interior is comfortable, even for taller folks, and the 2023 model has an estimated 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway, so you won’t have to worry about pain at the pump.

If you want a more exciting ride, you can opt for one of Subaru’s performance cars. The BRZ is a small and light yet strong coupe with a responsive engine that, as of the 2023 model year, provides 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The compact WRX sedan packs even more power, with 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque as of the 2023 model year. The BRZ has a smooth, sleek look, while the WRX wears its athletic prowess on its sleeve with bold body styling that asserts confidence. The WRX also comes with standard all-wheel drive, while the BRZ has rear-wheel drive.

What Are Crossovers & SUVs?

While the lines between car categories like sedan, coupe, and hatchback are fairly easy to define, the difference between a crossover and an SUV is murkier. But don’t worry, you can just use SUV as a blanket term and focus on the different size categories, ranging from subcompact to full-size. In general, SUVs are taller than sedans and have a boxy shape with a high roof rather than a sleek body outline. The height gives the driver a more elevated seating position and provides more ground clearance, which can come in handy on uneven roads or off-roading trails. Like a hatchback, the cargo area isn’t distinct from the passenger seating and is accessed through a flip-up rear liftgate.

What SUVs Does Subaru Offer?

All of Subaru’s SUVs are equipped with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The subcompact Crosstrek is rugged and built to last. So much so that Experian found that, as of December 2021, 97% of Crosstreks sold in the past decade were still on the road. With that kind of reliability, you can be sure that either a new or a used model is sure to serve you well for some time.

The legendary Subaru Outback is great for adventurous folks who want some off-road capability but not at the expense of a comfortable ride on the highway. This versatile offering has everything from advanced safety features to a fuel-efficient powertrain. Moving up a size, the Forester offers plenty of space for passengers and luggage, available in a variety of trim levels that range from basic and affordable to downright luxurious. Larger still, the midsize Ascent offers three rows of seating, so you can take everyone along for the ride.

If fuel efficiency is high on your list of priorities, you can still opt for an SUV body style with the Subaru Solterra. New for the 2023 model year, this compact SUV is Subaru’s first all-electric model. It has an estimated range of 228 miles and is capable of DC fast charging, which can bring the battery up to as high as 80% in less than an hour. On top of its all-electric drivetrain, you’ll still be getting the features you know and love from other Subaru models, like high ground clearance, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and plenty of advanced technology and safety features.

So, Which Is Right for Me?

Driving can feel like a universal experience, but it also varies a lot from person to person. There are all kinds of folks in Cohoes, and no two of them have exactly the same automotive needs. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Now that you have a basic understanding of the different options available, you can come visit us here at Subaru of Troy to work out the details.

We’re happy to answer any questions you may have, and our experienced sales staff can make personalized recommendations based on your individual needs. We know that all of our customers are also our neighbors in the Albany area, and we want to do our best to help the people of our community however we can. So stop by or give us a call today and let us help you get behind the wheel of a vehicle you’ll truly love.