What Makes Subaru Different from Other Cars? A Comprehensive Guide from Sunset Hills Subaru

What Makes Subaru Different from Other Cars? A Comprehensive Guide from Sunset Hills Subaru

When searching for a vehicle that blends safety, durability, and versatility, Subaru stands out as a trusted choice for drivers around Sunset Hills, MO, and neighboring communities like Webster Groves, Richmond Heights, and Concord. At (314) 476-9638, Sunset Hills Subaru is proud to serve families and outdoor enthusiasts with vehicles designed to tackle Missouri’s diverse weather and terrain. This in-depth article explores what truly sets Subaru apart from other automakers, covering everything from the brand’s unique engineering to its lasting reputation for reliability and safety.

Table of Contents

• Subaru’s Brand Identity and What It’s Known For
  Explore Subaru’s heritage, its core values, and why it appeals to a loyal customer base seeking rugged, practical vehicles.

  
  

• The Uniqueness of Subaru’s Boxer Engine
  Understand the technical advantages of Subaru’s horizontally opposed boxer engine and how it impacts driving dynamics.

  
  

• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Subaru’s Signature System
  Learn how Subaru’s standard AWD system enhances traction, safety, and driving confidence in Missouri’s variable conditions.

  
  

• Why Subaru Vehicles Are Among the Safest on the Road
  Discover Subaru’s commitment to safety through advanced technologies like EyeSight® Driver Assist and structural design.

  
  

• How Subaru Compares to Toyota and Why It Matters
  A detailed comparison of Subaru and Toyota vehicles focusing on safety, performance, durability, and ownership experience.

  
  

• The Origins of Subaru and Its Evolution
  A look into Subaru’s beginnings as Fuji Heavy Industries and how its history shapes the modern brand.

  
  

• Subaru’s Catchphrase and Brand Philosophy
  Explore the emotional connection Subaru builds with drivers through its “Love. It’s what makes Subaru, Subaru” philosophy.

  
  

• Maintaining Your Subaru at Sunset Hills Subaru
  How to keep your Subaru performing at its best with expert service, parts, and trade-in options at our local dealership.

  
  

---

Subaru’s Brand Identity and What It’s Known For

Subaru has carved a distinctive niche in the automotive world by appealing to drivers who value safety, all-weather capability, and practical versatility. Unlike many automakers pursuing luxury or flashy features, Subaru focuses on delivering reliable vehicles that meet the needs of active families, outdoor adventurers, and commuters in places like Creve Coeur, Fenton, and Chesterfield.

The brand’s hallmark is its commitment to standard all-wheel drive (AWD) across most models like the Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek. This commitment reflects Subaru’s roots in rugged, go-anywhere vehicles built to handle rough roads, snow, and rain. Subaru’s marketing resonates with buyers looking for durable, functional cars without sacrificing comfort or safety.

Subaru’s loyal following is drawn by the blend of practicality, safety, and community values. For example, many Subaru owners in Maplewood and Glendale appreciate the spacious interiors, thoughtful cargo solutions, and advanced driver-assist technologies that make daily drives and weekend excursions equally comfortable.

If you’re curious about the latest Subaru models, browse our New Subaru Inventory or explore quality pre-owned options via our Used Vehicle Inventory. Families in Valley Park and Ladue can also take advantage of our Current New Car Specials for added value.

---

The Uniqueness of Subaru’s Boxer Engine

One of Subaru’s most defining technical features is its boxer engine, also known as a horizontally opposed engine. Unlike traditional inline or V-type engines, the boxer engine has cylinders arranged flat and opposing each other, moving in opposite directions. This configuration helps create a lower center of gravity, leading to enhanced vehicle balance and handling stability.

Subaru first introduced the boxer engine in the 1960s and has continuously refined it to improve reliability, smoothness, and power delivery. The short, robust crankshaft design reduces vibrations and contributes to a more comfortable driving experience. For example, the Subaru Impreza’s boxer engine provides responsive acceleration while maintaining fuel efficiency, achieving up to 36 mpg on highways—outperforming many competitors in its class.

This engine design also complements the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system by allowing a more compact layout, contributing to the vehicle’s overall stability. Drivers in Creve Coeur and Oakland appreciate this for its pivotal role in delivering confident handling on Missouri’s winding country roads and urban streets alike.

For maintenance or replacement parts related to the boxer engine, visit our Find Subaru Parts department, where genuine components ensure your vehicle’s longevity and performance.

---

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Subaru’s Signature System

Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) is a cornerstone of the brand’s reputation for safety and off-road capability. Unlike many competitors that offer AWD only on select models or trims, Subaru includes this system as standard on nearly all vehicles, including the Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek.

SAWD features a balanced weight distribution and a direct, efficient power flow to all four wheels. This results in superior traction and control, especially in conditions common around Sappington, Twin Oaks, and Crestwood, such as rain-soaked roads, snow-covered streets, and gravel trails. The system works proactively with Subaru’s X-MODE feature, which optimizes engine output and transmission settings for slippery or uneven terrain.

This combination ensures that drivers feel secure and in control, whether navigating daily commutes in Maryland Heights or weekend adventures in the Ozarks. The standard AWD also enhances braking stability and cornering precision, which is why Subaru vehicles consistently receive high marks in safety tests.

Explore our lineup with New Subaru Outback Inventory or New Subaru Forester Inventory to experience the benefits of SAWD firsthand.

---

Why Subaru Vehicles Are Among the Safest on the Road

Safety is a fundamental pillar of Subaru’s engineering philosophy. The brand’s vehicles regularly earn recognition from leading safety organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). For 2024, several Subaru models achieved the prestigious IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, meeting stringent crashworthiness and collision avoidance standards.

At the heart of Subaru’s safety suite is the EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, a sophisticated system that uses stereo cameras to monitor traffic movement, optimize cruise control, and warn or intervene in potential collisions. Studies show EyeSight® can reduce rear-end crashes by up to 85%, a critical benefit for families in busy areas like St. Louis, MO, and surrounding suburbs.

Structurally, Subaru vehicles feature a ring-shaped reinforcement frame to absorb impact and protect occupants. The boxer engine’s low placement also helps deflect frontal collision forces beneath the cabin, enhancing passenger safety.

For drivers in Glendale and Richmond Heights concerned about ongoing maintenance, we recommend scheduling your next Service and Diagnostics appointment at Sunset Hills Subaru to ensure all safety components remain in peak condition.

---

How Subaru Compares to Toyota and Why It Matters

When choosing between Subaru and Toyota, many buyers weigh factors like safety, performance, design, and cost of ownership. Both brands maintain strong reputations, but Subaru offers unique advantages that align especially well with Missouri’s active, family-oriented drivers.

Subaru models provide standard AWD, a feature Toyota reserves for select trims. This gives Subaru owners superior traction and control during Missouri winters and on rural backroads. Additionally, Subaru’s boxer engines contribute to a lower center of gravity, improving handling compared to many Toyota vehicles.

In terms of safety, both brands equip cars with advanced driver assistance, but Subaru’s EyeSight® system and reinforced chassis often earn higher consumer satisfaction scores. Subaru also ranks highly for long-term reliability and customer loyalty, with many owners exceeding 200,000 miles with consistent service.

Price-wise, Subaru offers competitive models like the Impreza, Forester, and Outback with a practical mix of features and durability, often at pricing similar to Toyota’s Corolla, RAV4, and Highlander.

To explore specific models, check out our New Subaru Impreza Inventory, New Subaru Crosstrek Inventory, and New Subaru WRX Inventory. For trade-in values, use our Get Your Value Trade tool to see how your current vehicle compares.

---

The Origins of Subaru and Its Evolution

Subaru’s story begins not on the roads but in the skies. Founded in 1915 as part of Fuji Heavy Industries, the company was initially a major aircraft manufacturer in Japan. Post-World War II, Fuji Heavy Industries shifted focus to automobile manufacturing, coalescing various smaller firms into what would become Subaru.

The name “Subaru” is the Japanese term for the Pleiades star cluster, symbolizing the unity of the five companies that merged to form Fuji Heavy Industries. Early models like the Subaru 360 and Subaru 1000 set the foundation for Subaru’s engineering philosophy, emphasizing compactness, reliability, and innovation.

As Subaru expanded into international markets in the 1990s, models like the Legacy and Outback gained traction among American drivers for their unmatched combination of safety, AWD capability, and rugged versatility. This heritage continues to influence Subaru’s modern lineup and community-focused brand values.

Learn more about Subaru’s rich history when you visit us at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127.

---

Subaru’s Catchphrase and Brand Philosophy

Subaru’s marketing centers on the heartfelt slogan “Love. It’s what makes Subaru, Subaru.” This phrase captures the brand’s commitment to creating vehicles that inspire emotional connections through safety, reliability, and community.

The slogan has resonated deeply with generations of drivers, particularly families in communities like St Charles, Fenton, and Maplewood, who appreciate Subaru’s practical yet thoughtful engineering. It represents more than just a car; it’s a lifestyle choice anchored in trust, care, and lasting value.

---

Maintaining Your Subaru at Sunset Hills Subaru

To keep your Subaru performing like new through years of Missouri’s seasonal changes, regular maintenance is essential. At Sunset Hills Subaru, conveniently located at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127, our expert service technicians specialize in Subaru vehicles, providing trusted care using genuine parts and the latest diagnostic tools.

Schedule your next maintenance or repair appointment online with our Schedule Service and Diagnostics portal and enjoy transparent pricing and timely service. Whether you need routine oil changes, brake inspections, or more extensive repairs, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re considering an upgrade, find out the value of your current vehicle by using our easy-to-use Get Your Value Trade tool. Plus, explore our latest offers in the Current New Car Specials and Current Service and Parts Specials.

Discover the perfect Subaru for your lifestyle by browsing our model-specific inventories, including the BRZ, Legacy, WRX, Solterra, Impreza, Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and Ascent inventories.

---

Experience the Subaru Difference Today

Subaru’s blend of innovative engineering, unwavering safety commitment, and versatility creates vehicles designed to keep your family safe and confident on every journey. Whether you navigate the urban roads of Twin Oaks or explore the outdoor trails around Valley Park, Subaru’s unique features like the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and boxer engine provide unmatched reliability and performance.

Visit Sunset Hills Subaru at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 or call us at (314) 476-9638 to explore our extensive inventory and schedule a test drive. Discover why so many drivers from Chesterfield, Ladue, and St Louis trust Subaru for their family’s adventures.

Your next Subaru is waiting – browse our New Subaru Inventory or Used Vehicle Inventory today.

Tags: All-Weather Capability, Subaru, Subaru Boxer Engine, Subaru Dealer Missouri, Subaru Reliability, Subaru Safety, Subaru Service, Subaru vs Toyota, Sunset Hills SUbaru, SUV, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »