Few automakers have carved out a place in Canadian life quite like Subaru. For decades, Subaru has built cars that thrive in the country’s unique mix of long winters, rough roads, and wide-open landscapes. While other brands focused on luxury or size, Subaru leaned on all-wheel drive, durability, and a sense of adventure. That strategy resonated deeply with Canadian buyers who needed cars that could handle slushy commutes, weekend ski trips, and summer road trips without fuss. Over the years, these ten Subaru models became favorites across the nation, each earning a special place in the hearts of Canadian drivers.
Subaru Outback
The Outback is perhaps the quintessential Canadian Subaru. Introduced in the 90s, it offered station wagon practicality with SUV-like toughness, making it an instant hit. With raised suspension, rugged cladding, and symmetrical all-wheel drive, it was built for snowy highways and gravel cottage roads. Families loved its cavernous cargo space for hockey bags and camping gear, while commuters appreciated its car-like ride. In Canada, the Outback became more than just a vehicle — it became a trusted partner for cross-country road trips and adventures in all four seasons. Today, it remains one of Subaru’s most iconic and best-loved models.
Subaru Forester
The Forester carved out its own loyal following by offering SUV capability in a size that was manageable for city driving. Canadians loved the tall driving position, the huge windows that gave excellent visibility in busy traffic, and the dependable all-wheel drive that shrugged off icy roads. Families embraced the Forester for its spacious interior, while outdoor enthusiasts trusted it to reach trailheads and campsites others couldn’t. Over the years, the Forester has evolved into a well-rounded compact SUV, but at its core, it’s still the same winter-beating, adventure-ready vehicle Canadians first fell in love with.
Subaru Impreza
The Impreza earned Canadian respect by being one of the only compact cars to offer standard all-wheel drive. For students driving to class through Ontario snowstorms or young professionals commuting in Quebec winters, the Impreza felt like an affordable safety net. Its hatchback version, in particular, appealed to Canadians who wanted practicality in a smaller package. Reliable, easy to maintain, and fuel-efficient, the Impreza has always punched above its weight in a country where harsh conditions quickly expose weaker cars. For many Canadians, the Impreza was their introduction to the Subaru brand.
Subaru WRX
The WRX turned Subaru into a performance legend in Canada. Born from rally racing, it brought turbocharged thrills and serious all-wheel-drive grip to everyday roads. Canadians adored it because it wasn’t just fast — it was fast in the snow, on wet roads, and on gravel. Unlike many performance cars, the WRX was usable year-round, making it a practical choice in a country where winter stretches for months. For enthusiasts, the WRX represented affordable performance without compromise, and its cult status in Canada remains unshakable.
Subaru Legacy
Before crossovers dominated sales, the Legacy was Subaru’s flagship in Canada. It was the car that introduced many families to Subaru’s blend of safety and confidence. With standard all-wheel drive, it stood out in a sedan market filled with front-wheel-drive competitors. Canadians valued its balance of refinement and ruggedness, making it ideal for long commutes through snowy conditions or weekend drives to the cottage. While the Legacy isn’t as celebrated today, it was a key model that helped Subaru earn its reputation as a brand that catered perfectly to Canadian needs.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek may be one of Subaru’s newer models, but it quickly became a Canadian favorite. Compact, stylish, and versatile, it’s essentially an Impreza hatchback with more ground clearance and rugged appeal. Canadians living in urban centers love its maneuverability, while those heading to ski resorts or lakefront cabins rely on its capability. Its fuel efficiency and affordability compared to larger SUVs make it a smart choice for younger buyers. In a market dominated by crossovers, the Crosstrek stands out as a small SUV perfectly tailored to Canadian lifestyles.
Subaru BRZ
The BRZ is a departure from Subaru’s all-wheel-drive lineup, but Canadians embraced it as one of the most affordable sports cars available. Rear-wheel drive, lightweight construction, and sharp handling made it a pure driver’s car. Canadians admired it for delivering fun without requiring a supercar budget. While not built for snow-covered backroads, the BRZ gave Subaru enthusiasts a reason to smile in summer. For drivers who wanted something sporty and unique but still accessible, the BRZ added a welcome dose of excitement to Subaru’s lineup.
Subaru Baja
The Subaru Baja was short-lived, but it earned a cult following in Canada. Its quirky car-meets-truck design looked odd to some but appealed to Canadians who valued versatility. With its small pickup bed, the Baja was perfect for hauling hockey gear, bikes, or firewood, while still offering Subaru’s legendary all-wheel drive. Rural Canadians and outdoor enthusiasts loved it for its practicality. Though it never sold in large numbers, the Baja remains fondly remembered as one of Subaru’s most adventurous experiments.
Subaru SVX
The SVX was Subaru’s boldest move of the 90s, and while it wasn’t a big seller, it’s still remembered fondly in Canada. With futuristic styling, a flat-six engine, and unique window-within-a-window design, the SVX was unlike anything else on the road. Canadians admired its grand touring character and winter-ready all-wheel drive. While it didn’t have the reliability of Subaru’s more mainstream models, it showed that the brand could think outside the box. Today, the SVX enjoys cult classic status among Canadian Subaru fans who appreciate its daring approach.
Subaru Ascent
The Ascent is Subaru’s modern answer to large families, and Canadians embraced it quickly. With three rows of seating, strong towing capacity, and a spacious interior, it gave growing families a Subaru option they didn’t have before. Canadians love that it offers the same all-weather confidence as smaller Subarus but in a size that can handle hockey teams, camping trips, or road trips across provinces. The Ascent proves that Subaru can scale up without losing its identity, and it has quickly become a top choice among Canadian families.
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Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
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