Subaru Earns Top Rankings in 2026 ACSI Customer Satisfaction Study

2026 Outback Wilderness

When you’re shopping for a new vehicle, it’s easy to focus on horsepower, fuel economy, technology and price. But there’s another question that matters just as much: What is it actually like to own a Subaru?

According to the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Automobile Study, Subaru continues to stand out in several areas that directly affect the ownership experience.

In the 2025–2026 ACSI Automobile Study, Subaru was rated:

• #1 Brand for Vehicle Safety for the seventh consecutive year

• #1 Brand for Overall Quality

• #1 Brand for Service Quality

• #1 Brand for Resale Value

What Is the ACSI?

The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) is a national measure of customer satisfaction that has been tracking consumer experiences for more than 30 years.

Unlike an award based solely on vehicle specifications or expert opinions, the ACSI Automobile Study is based on customers’ own experiences with their vehicles. The 2026 automobile study included 6,699 completed surveys, with customers selected at random and contacted by email between July 2025 and June 2026.

The ACSI measures customer satisfaction across numerous industries and uses a standardized methodology to help benchmark the customer experience.

That makes these results particularly relevant for anyone asking a simple question before buying: How satisfied are actual customers with the brand?

Subaru Is #1 for Vehicle Safety for Seven Years Running

Safety has long been a major part of the Subaru brand, and the latest ACSI results continue that trend.

Subaru was rated #1 in Vehicle Safety for the seventh consecutive year in the ACSI Automobile Study.

It’s important to understand what that recognition means. The ACSI safety ranking reflects customer-reported satisfaction with their vehicles’ safety, rather than being a replacement for independent crash-test ratings.

Subaru’s broader commitment to safety is also reflected in its vehicle technology. For 2026, Subaru says every U.S.-market vehicle is equipped with advanced driver-assist technology, and the lineup includes features such as EyeSight Driver Assist Technology on numerous models.

For families, commuters, and drivers who simply want additional confidence behind the wheel, safety can be one of the most important factors when choosing a new vehicle.

#1 in Overall Quality: What Does That Mean for Drivers?

Subaru also received the #1 ranking for Overall Quality in the latest ACSI study.

For the average customer, quality isn’t necessarily about having the most complicated technology or the longest list of features. It can mean having a vehicle that feels well-built, works as expected and remains enjoyable throughout years of ownership.

Subaru emphasizes engineering, durability and long-term ownership throughout its lineup. The brand also reports that 96% of Subaru vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road, based on Experian data cited by Subaru.

That long-term perspective can be especially important when you’re comparing vehicles that you expect to keep for many years.

#1 in Service Quality

Buying a vehicle is only the beginning of the ownership experience.

Subaru was also rated #1 for Service Quality in the ACSI Automobile Study. For customers, that category can hit particularly close to home because maintenance and service are part of owning any vehicle.

Whether it’s routine maintenance, seasonal service, or addressing an unexpected issue, having access to a dealership team you can trust can make ownership easier.

That’s why Diehl Subaru is more than a place to purchase a vehicle. Our team is here to help throughout the ownership journey, from answering questions about your next Subaru to helping you understand your vehicle’s maintenance needs.

Have a question about Subaru service or ownership? Reach out to our team today.

#1 in Resale Value

Subaru also earned the #1 ranking for Resale Value in the ACSI study.

Resale value matters because your vehicle is more than a monthly payment. What it’s worth later can affect your options when you’re ready to trade, sell, or purchase your next vehicle.

Strong customer satisfaction and a reputation for long-term ownership can be a big confidence booster when comparing new cars.

Which Subaru Is Right for You?

The latest ACSI recognition applies to the Subaru brand, but the best Subaru for you depends on how you drive and what you need from your next vehicle.

Here are a few models worth exploring.

2026 Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV designed for shoppers who want a practical combination of space, capability and everyday comfort.

For 2026, the Forester comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and offers available features including a 360-degree Surround-View Monitor. Subaru also notes that the Forester earned a 2026 Consumer Reports Top Pick designation.

A good fit for: Families, commuters and SUV shoppers looking for versatility in a manageable size.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek offers a smaller SUV footprint while maintaining Subaru’s standard all-wheel-drive capability.

It can be a particularly interesting option for drivers who want something that’s easy to maneuver around town but ready for weekend trips and changing road conditions. The Crosstrek also received recognition in the 2026 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study as the Most Dependable Small SUV in America.

A good fit for: Active drivers, commuters and shoppers who want SUV versatility without moving into a larger vehicle.

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback remains one of the brand’s signature vehicles, combining SUV-inspired capability with a comfortable, practical design.

The redesigned 2026 Outback adds new technology and safety features, while Subaru describes it as the most advanced Outback generation yet.

A good fit for: Families, road-trippers and drivers who want extra cargo flexibility and all-weather capability.

2026 Subaru Ascent

Need more room?

The Subaru Ascent is the brand’s three-row SUV, giving families additional passenger and cargo space while retaining Subaru’s focus on standard all-wheel drive and safety technology.

The 2026 Ascent is also among the Subaru models that earned a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award under the organization’s updated, more stringent testing criteria.

A good fit for: Growing families and drivers who need three-row SUV capability.

What Does the ACSI Recognition Mean for You?

Awards are helpful, but the real question is what they mean when you’re sitting behind the wheel.

For a prospective Subaru buyer, the latest ACSI results point to several aspects of ownership worth considering:

• Safety: Subaru has been rated #1 for vehicle safety by ACSI for seven consecutive years.
• Quality: Subaru received the top ACSI rating for overall quality, reinforcing the importance of the ownership experience beyond a vehicle’s initial purchase.
• Service: Subaru’s #1 service-quality ranking highlights the importance of what happens after you drive your new vehicle home.
• Resale Value: Subaru’s #1 ranking in resale value gives shoppers another factor to consider when thinking about the vehicle’s longer-term financial picture.

Together, these categories paint a picture of what ownership might look like for you.

Ready to Find Your Subaru?

If you’re shopping for a new Subaru, the best way to determine which model fits your lifestyle is to see one for yourself.

Browse our current Subaru inventory to see available Forester, Crosstrek, Outback, Ascent and other Subaru models. You can compare trims, colors and available features to find options that fit what you’re looking for.

Have questions about a specific model? Contact our Subaru team and we’ll help you compare your options, answer your questions and arrange a test drive.

Whether you’re looking for a dependable daily driver, a family SUV or a vehicle ready for your next adventure, we’re here to help you find the Subaru that’s right for you.

Ready to get started? Explore our inventory today or contact our team to schedule your visit.