Subaru Cars with Apple CarPlay (9 Popular Models: Full List)

New infotainment systems feature high-resolution touchscreen displays and have Apple CarPlay functionality, essential for convenience and maximizing the enjoyment of modern cars.

The Subaru cars and SUVs in this post have Apple CarPlay integration, either wireless or wired with a USB cable.

Do All Subarus Have Apple CarPlay & When Did They Get It?

Subaru began equipping its cars and SUVs with Apple CarPlay functionality in 2018 and 2019, while most models had the integration as standard from the first year it became available.

Wireless smartphone charging and voice recognition are integral to the newer infotainment systems.

Check the corresponding table to see when each Subaru model below has Apple CarPlay.

Meanwhile, users on Android smartphones may find the post on Subarus with Android Auto helpful.

Subaru Cars with Apple CarPlay

#1 Subaru Impreza (Sedan & Hatchback)

This compact car is available in sedan or hatchback body style and has provided economic all-wheel drives for several generations.

From 2017 onwards, Subaru Impreza has had Apple CarPlay as standard equipment through an integrated infotainment system.

2016 and older Subaru Impreza models did not have Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Model Years	Apple CarPlay	Trim Levels
2023 Subaru Impreza	Yes	Standard.
2022 Subaru Impreza	Yes	Standard.
2021 Subaru Impreza	Yes	Standard.
2020 Subaru Impreza	Yes	Standard.
2019 Subaru Impreza	Yes	Standard.
2018 Subaru Impreza	Yes	Standard.
2017 Subaru Impreza	Yes	Standard.
2016 & earlier	No.	None.

#2 Subaru Legacy

In a segment with dominant all-stars like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, Subaru’s midsize sedan faces stiff competition to be a front runner.

Subaru Legacy sedans from 2018 onwards have had standard Apple CarPlay connectivity, joining its smaller stable mate, the Impreza, as the Japanese marque’s mainstream sedans with such an integration.

Unfortunately, Subaru Legacy, manufactured in 2017 and earlier, did not have Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Model Years	Apple CarPlay	Trim Levels
2023 Subaru Legacy	Yes	Standard.
2022 Subaru Legacy	Yes	Standard.
2021 Subaru Legacy	Yes	Standard.
2020 Subaru Legacy	Yes	Standard.
2019 Subaru Legacy	Yes	Standard.
2018 Subaru Legacy	Yes	Standard.
2017 & earlier	No.	None.

#3 Subaru WRX & WRX STI

Originally based on the regular Impreza, the WRX has provided Subaru enthusiasts with a higher-performance sedan with speedy acceleration and engaging handling since 2015.

Since 2019, the Subaru WRX and WRX STI have had Apple CarPlay as standard integration.

Subaru WRX models made in 2018 and earlier did not have Apple CarPlay connectivity, though.

Model Years	Apple CarPlay	Trim Levels
2023 Subaru WRX	Yes	Standard.
2022 Subaru WRX	Yes	Standard.
2021 Subaru WRX	Yes	Standard.
2020 Subaru WRX	Yes	Standard.
2019 Subaru WRX	Yes	Standard.
2018 & earlier	No.	None.

#4 Subaru BRZ

For less than $30k brand-new, few entry-level sports coupes can offer as much fun with rear-wheel drive at this price point as the Subaru BRZ.

Subaru BRZ coupes have had Apple CarPlay connectivity as standard equipment since 2020; so is navigation.

Meanwhile, 2019 and older Subaru BRZ models did not have Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Model Years	Apple CarPlay	Trim Levels
2023 Subaru BRZ	Yes	Standard.
2022 Subaru BRZ	Yes	Standard.
2021 Subaru BRZ	Yes	Standard.
2020 Subaru BRZ	Yes	Standard.
2019 Subaru BRZ	Yes	Select trims.
2018 Subaru BRZ	Yes	Select trims.
2017 Subaru BRZ	No.	None.

Subaru SUVs with Apple CarPlay

#5 Subaru Crosstrek & Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid

This extra-small Subaru Crosstrek is one of the better SUVs of its class, with a spacious interior and above-average off-road capability.

2018 and newer Subaru Crosstrek crossovers have Apple CarPlay integration as a standard provision, while older models like the 2016 and 2017 versions did not have such connectivity.

The hybridized version of the Crosstrek that returned in 2019 had similar Apple smartphone compatibility to the regular model.

Model Years	Apple CarPlay	Trim Levels
2023 Subaru Crosstrek	Yes	Standard.
2022 Subaru Crosstrek	Yes	Standard.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek	Yes	Standard.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek	Yes	Standard.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek	Yes	Standard.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek	Yes	Standard.
2017 & earlier	No.	None.

#6 Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a strong pick in an ultra-competitive small SUV class with fellow all-stars like Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V – both rivals have Apple CarPlay.

2019 and newer Subaru Forester SUVs have had Apple CarPlay integration as standard equipment, although the connectivity has yet to go wireless.

Unfortunately, Subaru Forester models released in 2018 or earlier did not have Apple CarPlay.

Model Years	Apple CarPlay	Trim Levels
2023 Subaru Forester	Yes	Standard.
2022 Subaru Forester	Yes	Standard.
2021 Subaru Forester	Yes	Standard.
2020 Subaru Forester	Yes	Standard.
2019 Subaru Forester	Yes	Standard.
2018 & earlier	No.	None.

#7 Subaru Outback

This midsize two-row Subaru SUV has a spacious cabin, good ride comfort, and all-wheel drive for enhanced wet-weather capability, like most stablemates.

Subaru Outback models started having Apple CarPlay integration as optional in 2018 and standard equipment from 2019 onwards.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was the first model year with wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity.

2017 and older Subaru Outbacks did not have Apple CarPlay.

Model Years	Apple CarPlay	Trim Levels
2023 Subaru Outback	Yes	Standard.
2022 Subaru Outback	Yes	Standard.
2021 Subaru Outback	Yes	Standard.
2020 Subaru Outback	Yes	Standard.
2019 Subaru Outback	Yes	Standard.
2018 Subaru Outback	Yes	Select trims.
2017 & earlier	No.	None.

#8 Subaru Ascent

If you need the extra seats that the midsize Outback doesn’t have, the three-row Ascent will fit, with enhanced towing capacity for the occasional heavy chores.

The Subaru Ascent SUV debuted in 2019 and has had standard Apple CarPlay connectivity since.

2023 was the first year the Subaru Ascent had wireless Apple CarPlay and the integration as a standard provision.

Model Years	Apple CarPlay	Trim Levels
2023 Subaru Ascent	Yes	Standard.
2022 Subaru Ascent	Yes	Standard.
2021 Subaru Ascent	Yes	Standard.
2020 Subaru Ascent	Yes	Standard.
2019 Subaru Ascent	Yes	Standard.

Subaru Electric Vehicle with Apple CarPlay

#9 Subaru Solterra

The Solterra marks the beginning of Subaru’s foray into the EV market.

Since its 2023 debut, the Subaru Solterra small electric SUV has had standard Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Model Years	Apple CarPlay	Trim Levels
2023 Subaru Solterra	Yes	Standard.

Rival Makes & Models with Apple CarPlay

The options from mainstream carmakers below are worth exploring:

These premium automotive brands also have cars and SUVs with Apple smartphone integration:

References:

https://www.subaru.com/vehicles/all-vehicles.html

https://www.subaru.com/vehicle-info/subaru-starlink.html

https://www.subaru.com/subaru-starlink/starlink-multimedia.html