Should You Lift Your Subaru? Here are the Advantages and Disadvantages.
Subaru. Lift Kits. Off-roading.
It seems like lifted Subaru Outbacks, Foresters, and Crosstreks are hanging out in the shadowy recesses of every off-roading forum and social media algorithm.
Picking up serious momentum in 2015, a small community of Subaru owners began modifying their Subarus for off-roading and it hasn't stopped today. We're talking lift kits, mud-terrain tyres, winches, automatic lockers, and even steel bar work. And even Subaru has leaned into it by introducing the offroad Wilderness badge. Plenty of Subarus are now out there conquering the dirt when the tarmac ends.
Like many others, you might be dipping your toes into the off-roading or overlanding world. Maybe you own a Subaru already, or you don't need a full-sized four-wheel drive. There are probably a few questions swirling around your mind... Should you lift a Subaru? How capable are lifted Subaru Outbacks, Foresters, and Crosstreks? Will lifting a Subaru ruin it? And how does it feel to drive a lifted Subaru day in and day out?
Before we dive into the advantages and disadvantages of lifting a Subaru, let's hear from the experts - Subaru owners who have already lifted their vehicles. By gaining insight from those who have been there, you can better understand what to expect and make an informed decision about whether lifting a Subaru is right for you. So, let's hear from the pros before we get into the nitty-gritty details!
Honest Experiences from Lifted Subaru’s Owners:
Lifted Subaru Crosstrek - @octurbojoe
Joe owns a lifted Subaru Crosstrek Sport on Oahu Island, Hawaii.
“Being from Hawaii, 4-wheeling was a common thing that the locals did with proper lifted vehicles. We would go to the beach, hit the sand, fish, camp, hike, or hang out. But the islands are too small to be doing what overlanders do so I ultimately figured out what I was going to do with the Crosstrek: wheel”.
Two years later, Joe has created one of the world's most capable Subaru Crosstreks, with a 4-inch lift kit, 30-inch mud-terrain tyres, an automatic rear locker, and enhanced rear and front suspension components. When asked about his experience offroading his lifted Subaru, Joe says “I am confident to say that my 2021 Crosstrek Sport is surprisingly capable for a late model Subaru with a CVT automatic. Although it does have its caveats”. “I have taken my Crosstrek alone to difficult trails that only Toyotas and Jeeps dared go through”. Joe is very aware of his Crosstrek’s capabilities and limits. Before he heads into the trail, he always walks it to determine whether the Crosstrek can handle the obstacles in front of it. “I know when to turn around if it is too difficult, when something might break and when to keep going if it's realistically feasible.”
Discover more about Joe’s lifted Subaru Crosstrek, his modifications, and off-road capabilities in our full-length feature article here.
Lifted Subaru Outback - @jacked_outback
Isaac’s 2005 Subaru Outback has a 2.5-inch spacer lift kit with 29-inch mud terrain tyres (235/75/15R). Nicknamed the Jacked Outback, Isaac has taken his vehicle on its fair share of dirt, mud, and snow.
Isaac admits his Outback is polarising, especially in Australia where few Subarus with off-road modifications exist. The overwhelming attitude to off-roading in Australia is that you need a dual-range four-wheel drive ute or wagon. Purchasing a reliable dual-range four-wheel drive, however, can be a prohibitive cost for many, especially when compared to the price of a Subaru. Isaac says off-roading in his Subaru has been “a lot more satisfying to complete a track knowing it is a bit of a challenge instead of just turning on the air-lockers and crawling up something with ease in a 4x4. Where’s the fun in that?”. When we asked Isaac whether lifting a Subaru is worth the effort, he told us to "just go for it! It is such a great starting place to learn and get confident driving in the bush. Plus it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to build your car to a point where it’s more than capable enough to see some amazing places!”.
Read more about Isaac’s experiences and adventures rolling around the Australian bush in his lifted Subaru Outback in our feature-length article here.
Lifted Subaru Forester - @ignition_offroad
Mitre bought his Subaru Forester to get to and from mountain bike races and trails.
Initially, he lowered it to take on mountain road twisties. But, after almost getting the vehicle stuck on mountain bike access roads and fire tracks, he decided to lift it. One thing led to another, Mitre fell in love with off-roading, and soon enough, his Forester had a 4-inch lift, 28-inch mud terrain tyres and a custom dual-range transmission. Now, his Forester ventures deep into four-wheel drive territory and has even conquered the Simpson Desert. Mitre is “pretty confident taking my Forester most places. I’m lucky enough to have proper 4WD training and drive a 4WD every day for work so I have plenty of experience.” His Subaru Forester can explore quite a bit of Australia as he states “the reality is that 90% of tracks are gravel roads so it’s just that 10% that pose a challenge. That means you can get to a lot of places that are remote with a fairly standard car”. The Subaru Forester is an excellent option to start off-roading, especially on a budget. “Don’t get sucked into thinking you need an $80K+ 4WD to explore off the beaten track”, “for a few thousand dollars you can pick up a second hand Subaru, some larger all-terrains, lift and a skid plate and you're ready to explore what this country has to offer. It really is an affordable way to start off considering you would struggle to find a reliable 4wd for that price”.
Find out more about Mitre’s adventures in his modified Subaru Forester in our feature article here.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Lifting a Subaru?
There are advantages and disadvantages when it comes to lifting any vehicle. If you aren’t aware of them, you could be caught out by local road authorities, insurance providers, or just day-to-day practicality. Let's start with the advantages of lifting a Subaru.
Advantages of Lifting a Subaru:
Affordability.
A Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek, is reasonably affordable, especially when compared to a new or used dual-range ladder frame four-wheel drive. There are plenty of used Foresters on the market, maintenance costs are reasonable, and lift kits won't set you back too much.
All-Wheel-Drive & Clearance.
Sports utility clearance height and Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system offer a solid base for outdoor recreational activities. As such, Subarus are responsive to off-road modifications like gripper tyres and ride height alterations. Later models also have X-Mode which has proved to enhance off-road performance.
Aftermarket Support and Parts.
Lift kits, off-road wheels and tyres, suspension parts, automatic lockers, and lights are all available from tons of aftermarket suppliers. Subaru parts are also widely available should the vehicle be damaged on the trail.
Practicality.
Foresters, Outbacks, and Crosstreks are practical. Commuting is easy, there’s plenty of space, and they are great for everyday family duties.
Larger Tyres
Most Subaru models are designed with enough clearance to install slightly larger tyres. Larger tyres make it easier to roll over obstacles and deeper treads increase traction. A lift kit will facilitate the installation of even larger and wider tyres without rubbing inside the wheel well.
Disadvantages of Lifting and Offroading a Subaru:
Poorer On Road Handling and Braking.
Lifting a Subaru raises its centre of gravity. The higher the centre of gravity, the greater the chance of a rollover. Lift kits 2-inches or lower shouldn’t have much of an effect, but once the vehicle is lifted more than 4 or 6+ inches it can start to become a concern. Emergency braking distances also become longer when heavy and large tyres are installed without an upgrade to the factory brakes.
Crash Incompatibility & Safety.
High lift kits can have a negative effect on crash safety in the event of an accident, particularly when colliding with smaller vehicles. Most SUVs are designed with a frame rail or secondary energy absorbing structure that is low enough to overlap with a smaller vehicle. However, raising the height of the vehicle also raises the frame rail or secondary energy absorbing structure, potentially becoming incompatible and dangerous in the event of a collision.
Increased Wear & Tear.
Off-roading is hard on a vehicle's suspension. There's dirt, vibration, and articulation; none of it is easy on parts. Adding to that is the risk of damage to the undercarriage from unseen obstacles like boulders and roots. Subarus were not designed as a dedicated off-road vehicle and parts like CV's engine sumps, and trailing and control arms are susceptible to damage on the trail. Lifting your vehicle with an inadequate lift kit and installing heavier tyres can also increase wear and tear on suspension and drivetrain components.
Fuel Economy.
Modifications like heavier tyres, storage accessories, steel bar work, and skid plates add weight and aerodynamic drag. Increases to fuel economy by slightly larger tyres and lift kits are negligible, but roof racks, bullbars, and significantly larger tyres will have a noticeable effect on MPG (or l/100km).
Resale Value.
The advice given to the general public about buying used cars is to avoid anything with off-road modifications. The perception is that vehicles with off-road modifications are abused offroad and expensive maintenance issues are more likely in the future. Most used car buyers think a standard vehicle without modifications is a safer bet. Making matters worse, off-road upgrades won't increase the vehicle's worth when it comes time to sell it.
Local Vehicle Laws & Insurance.
Local vehicle laws vary from country to country and even state to state.
For instance, it is legal to lift your Subaru up to 3-inches in combined suspension and tyre clearance in Victoria, Australia, but illegal in Queensland, Australia. Similarly, insurance providers require insured vehicles to be compliant with local regulations in their terms and conditions. Worst comes to worst, insurance providers can reserve the right to reject a claim on a vehicle with illegal modifications. Make sure lifting your Subaru is compliant with local laws.
New or Used Car Warranty.
Modifying a Subaru that has been purchased new or used can void the dealer warranty. Even financed vehicles may restrict what modifications are acceptable in the financer's terms and conditions. Ask your dealership or finance company whether modifying your vehicle is against your warranty or financing terms.
It’s Not a Four-Wheel Drive.
Subaru’s are not four-wheel drive vehicles with low crawl ratios, dual-range transmissions, steep approach and departure angles, high break-over angles, front and rear lockers, solid axles, etc. Yes, lifting them can improve off-road capability but there is a limit to off-road capability and durability.
Different Types of Subaru Lift Kits and How they Work.
Swapping in longer springs, installing strut top spacers, or machining a pair of lower lift brackets are all options to lift a Subaru. There are even plenty of examples where owners have combined multiple lift types together. With so many options on the market, it’s important to consider the type of lift kit that will suit your budget and intended use and to consider the drawbacks.
Strut Top Lifts
Strut top lift kits are the most popular option for off-road Subaru owners as they balance affordability, performance, and ease of installation.
A strut top spacer raises the ride height of your car by attaching a block to the top of your springs. Strut top spacers increase the clearance of your vehicle but the ride quality remains the same with no added benefit to suspension travel or articulation. Strut top lift kits are ideal for anyone looking to start off-roading on a budget or want the look of a lifted Subaru. Strut top lift kits come in all sorts of sizes from one-inch kits, all the way up to 4 or even 6-inch kits. Anything between 1-inch and 2-inches of lift is plenty for most off-roaders and is a safer option for anyone worrying about on-road compliance. Strut top lifts are also a good option for Subaru owners who simply want to correct the infamous rear sag in early Subaru and Forester models.
Watch out for cheap strut top lift kits as they do not include camber, caster, and sway bar spacers to retain the vehicle’s factory suspension and steering geometry, leading to premature wear and tear on tyres, CV joints, and bushings. Furthermore, ensure the supplier hasn’t cut costs by supplying bolts and nuts that aren’t high-tensile rated.
Mitre’s lifted Forester is an example of a vehicle with a strut top lift kit.
Raised Springs & Strut Swaps
Increasing the length of the springs is a simple way of raising the ride height of a Subaru.
Raised springs generally offer a stiffer ride and raise the vehicle’s clearance by one or two inches. However, raised springs rarely adjust the vehicle's camber or caster angles which can negatively affect alignment and lead to premature wear and tear on tyres, CVs, and bushings. Without an aftermarket strut piston and shock absorber, raised springs can also reduce dampening in the suspension over bumps. As such, many raised spring owners complain about the stiffness of the springs, which is good for heavy cargo loads, but rather uncomfortable unladen as the suspension can regularly top out and bash into the strut top. Furthermore, raised springs can also increase body roll and the feeling of bouncing up and down while driving.
Raised springs were once the most common way of lifting Subaru’s before the popularity of strut top lift kits took over. Although they are less popular today, they are frequently used in conjunction with strut top spacers or preferred by owners who require stiffer suspension for towing a small trailer, caravan, or motorbike.
Similarly, another method of lifting a vehicle is to swap the entire strut and spring assembly with those from a vehicle with another vehicle. For instance, it is common for WRX or Impreza owners to swap in struts and springs from a Forester. This approach bypasses issues with spring stiffness or bounce. Finding compatible struts and springs can be difficult, particularly outside of Subaru’s global platform, but it has been proved possible in vehicles such as Roman’s Peugeot 505 with struts and springs installed from a Mercedes G643 and UAZ Patriot.
Isaac’s lifted Subaru Outback is an example of a Subaru utilising both raised springs and spacers to achieve a 2.5” lift.
Suspension Lift Kits
Suspension lift kits are the most expensive and comprehensive option on the market.
A quality long-travel suspension kit is engineered with extended struts and springs that provide a 2-inch lift without compromising wheel travel or handling. Furthermore, a quality long-travel suspension should come with subframe spacers, sway bar spacers, and extended exhaust hanger brackets to correct steering and suspension geometry and include high-tensile strength nuts and bolts. Long travel suspension kits are becoming more popular for dedicated offroad Subaru builds as they don’t sacrifice quality and performance at a greater price point.
Joe’s lifted Subaru Crosstrek features a long travel suspension kit in conjunction with a one-inch strut top spacer to fit 30-inch tyres.
Lower Lift Brackets
Lower lift brackets raise the vehicle by securing an extension bracket in between the hub and strut.
The benefit of a lower lift bracket is that you can install larger tyres when compared to a similar-sized lift with strut top brackets. However, this comes at the expense of limited caster adjustment as strut top brackets have a set camber offset. Wheel spacers can help to adjust camber angle, but are illegal in many places. Trailing arm spacers are recommended for anyone who chooses lower lift brackets to keep the tires in the correct position to prevent excessive wear.
Few owners have chosen to install lower lift brackets.
How Much Lift Do You Need?
Determining how much lift you need in your Subaru depends on what you are planning to do. All the various lift kit types we listed above will increase the clearance of your vehicle, whether it is a combination of multiple lift types, or even just installing larger tyres.
We recommend speaking to your local mechanic or offroad specialist if you are unsure which type of lift kit and height suits your vehicle and driving style.
Lastly, double-check with your local road governing body to ensure your vehicle will still be compliant with safety and compliance laws. Road laws, whether you agree with them or not, exist to keep you safe, but also other road users like pedestrians, cyclists, and family vehicles.
1-1.5 Inch Lift Kit:
Installing a one-inch lift kit in your vehicle is a subtle method of slightly increasing your ride height without sacrificing road handling.
It is difficult to distinguish a vehicle with a one-inch lift kit from a stock vehicle which makes it a good option if you are worried about resale value or unwanted attention from road authorities. Achieving a one-inch lift can also be done by simply installing larger tyres.
A one-inch kit is perfect for those who need just a little extra clearance to make a fire access road a little more accessible.
2-2.5 Inch Lift Kit:
Most Subaru owners will gain the most from a 2-inch lift kit.
A 2-inch lift kit will unlock enough clearance to tackle four-wheel drive tracks and wilderness areas. A lift kit of this size will also unlock the ability to install larger all-terrain or mud terrain tyres to increase traction in slippery, steep, snowy, or sandy conditions. Larger tyres can add another inch in clearance to increase the total vehicle clearance up to 3 inches higher than stock.
With a standard 2-inch lift kit you might start to see the vehicle sag at the back when the vehicle is loaded with camping and off-road recovery gear. Many 2-inch kits include a 2.5-inch rear lift to accommodate cargo to combat rear sag.
3-3.5 Inch Lift Kit:
A 3-3.5 inch lift kit is suitable for drivers who want to access challenging four-wheel drive tracks without significantly raising their vehicle's clearance height.
There are fewer lift kits available in 3-3.5 inch configurations, however, they usually come in a spacer format or a more comprehensive kit including springs, adjustable control arms, toe arms, end links and subframe spacers. A 3-3.5 inch lift kit is right on the cusp of requiring supportive modifications such as brake line extensions.
Due to the rarity of 3-3.5 inch lift kits, many Subaru owners combine two lift types to achieve that lift. For instance, a 2-inch long travel suspension kit combined with a 1 inch spacer kit.
4-6+ Inch Lift Kit:
Lift kits 4 inches or higher are favoured by owners who specifically use their Subarus as dedicated off-road vehicles.
Be aware that vehicles with this much lift are often illegal by governing road authorities standards. It is uncommon for road governing bodies to provide special exceptions for large lift kits because Subarus feature a monocoque chassis rather than a ladder frame.
However, anything greater than 4 inches will generally require supporting modifications like extended brake lines, trailing arm modifications, and unrecommended CV joint angles for longevity.
So, Should You Lift Your Subaru?
Lifting your Subaru is a fantastic way to enter the world of off-roading by simply increasing the capability of the vehicle you already own. However, consider a few factors before deciding how much lift to install in your car.
How often do you plan to off-road? What degree of difficulty are the tracks that you want to drive? And what type of obstacles do you expect to encounter? Lastly, what are your local vehicle and insurance laws?
These questions will help to guide you towards the best lift kit solution for your vehicle. As a general rule of thumb, a 2-2.5 inch lift kit provides more than enough clearance to drive on light to intermediate tracks, while anything higher is necessary for advanced tracks.
Lifting your Subaru is an easy way to increase the off-road capability of your vehicle, but remember that lift kits and off-road tyres do not magically transform your Subaru into a dual-range four-wheel drive. Many off-road tracks and off-road destinations require a four-wheel drive with higher clearance, greater articulation, and a dual-range transmission for low-speed crawling and descending. Driving your Subaru on these tracks is simply dangerous, and it may be difficult for other four-wheel drivers to help you out. We recommend researching track conditions and difficulty before driving down a new track. There is nothing wrong with parking on the side of the track and walking it to access the track conditions.
Always drive to the limits of your vehicle and experience. Happy off-roading!
