If you plan on driving your Subaru Outback over 100-120k miles, the shocks and struts will likely need replacing. When this happens be sure to get the best strut for the Subaru Outback/legacy/Forester/Impreza/crosstrek/WRX STI.
What’s the best strut for the Subaru outback? A good set of struts for Subaru will support weight and absorb surface impacts so you can enjoy a smooth ride.
The struts in your car can make a huge difference to how it handles and performs on roads or off-road. The best strut for the Subaru Outback is superior safety with eyesight technology that gives you extra performance while saving money by servicing long periods.
Do you want a better ride? We’ve got the perfect struts for your Subaru. Our experts will help guide me in my decision and ensure that they’re just right with all of their features to meet any need or preference possible – from handling improvement on rough roads up.
Summarize the Best Struts for the Subaru Outback
1. Best Overall Strut: SENSEN Front or Rear Complete Strut Assembly
The Sensen strut is a high-quality and durable option that will make your vehicle more responsive to steering input. They offer complete strut assemblies that will help your ride feel more stable on the road with improved handling.
2. Best Strut for Ride Handling: CompleteStruts Front & Rear Quick Assemblies with Coil Springs
When you need a strut that can handle whatever life throws your way, there is no better choice than CompleteStruts. These front and rear struts are designed with all of the features people look for in an assembly so they’ll never regret their decision when things go wrong on hillside or mountain roadways alike.
3. Best Single Strut: Monroe Quick Complete Strut Assembly
Monroe is the leading manufacturer of aftermarket automotive parts, and this includes high-quality struts for your vehicle. The Quick Complete strut assembly can be installed quickly without any special tools or training.
4. Best Rear Strut: SENSEN Rear Complete Strut Assembly
What are the best rear strut assemblies? Well, if you’re looking to keep your car stable and avoid costly repairs then this is a question that should be answered. There’s Sensen with their complete struts for an improved ride quality as well as increased safety.
5. Best Durable Strut: KYB Excel-G Front and Rear Suspension Struts Kit
KYB’s Excel-G suspension struts are designed to perform well in the most rigorous of conditions. They offer corrosion protection, excellent durability, and performance characteristics that will keep your ride rising above all others.
6. Best Loaded Strut: TRQ Loaded Complete Strut Spring Assembly
The TRQ Loaded Complete Strut Spring Assembly is a high-quality, best-in-class product that will get your car back on track if you’re struggling with suspension issues. Made from top materials and designed by experts who know what they need to ensure durability this part has everything auto enthusiasts could hope for.
7. Best for Quick Installation: CompleteStruts Front & Rear Strut Assembly
This is the best option if you want a quick installation. The front and rear strut assemblies come pre-assembled and made out of high-quality materials like aluminum or steel which makes sure every unit lasts longer than usual standards without any problems ever arising along its path through life – even during extreme conditions.
8. Best High-Performance Strut: MOSTPLUS Rear Pair Complete Shock Strut Coil Spring Assembly
The MOSTPLUS rear pair complete shock strut coil spring assembly is the best for high-performance cars. It has extra tough metal coils that absorb energy during a crash and then release it to cushion your ride so you don’t feel any hard hits.
9. Best for Improving Ride: ZYauto Adj. Damper Coilovers Shock
ZYauto’s Damper Coilovers will improve your ride with a dramatic lowering of the vehicle. The higher damping levels reduce vibrations, increase comfort and stability while delivering an impressive visual appearance that sets them apart from other aftermarket components on offer today.
10. Best Strut for Smooth Drive: KYB Excel-G Shocks Struts
With a reputation for quality and performance that spans generations, the KYB Excel-G Shocks is an ideal choice when it comes to upgrading your vehicle’s suspension. This strut features double valving which allows you more precise control over each bump in turn or uneven road while also being able to provide smoother acceleration with less tendency towards.
10 Best Struts for Subaru Outback Review
To get more information about the product, all of these strut discussions are beneficial.
1. Best Overall Strut: SENSEN Front or Rear Complete Strut Assembly
Highlighted features
- Compatible with 2005-2009 Subaru Outback
- Certified by ISO 9001:2000
- 25 x 30 x 8.5 inches product dimensions
- Oem quality valve discs
The SENSEN front or rear complete strut assembly is an excellent option. This strut is designed to provide superior ride quality and performance. Plus, it’s easy to install – making it a great choice for anyone. So if you need a new strut, be sure to check out the SENSEN complete strut assembly.
Easy to set up
There’s no need to worry about setting up your new matting because it comes with everything. The bushings and rubbers will make sure that you can do so without any effort on behalf of yourself.
Using steel tubes
With the use of seamless steel tubes, Sensen shocks are always more concentric and longer-lasting. They also have higher-level maintenance which makes them ideal for you.
Uses OEM quality valve disc
Sensen only works with OE suppliers who have proven their ability and care in creating a variety of disc types for all different kinds of road conditions- even those exceeding temperatures.
Comply with SAE grade 8 standards
With Sensen shocks, you get all the quality and performance that’s been proven time after again. Their components are certified by SAE Grade 8 standards so they can stand up against some competitors who lack these high qualities in their hardware.
The installation process for sensen struts can be difficult and confusing if you’re a beginner.
Pros
- The Sensen strut attaches a lifetime warranty to all of its parts, ensuring that you will never have any problems with your vehicle.
- These are quality products that will last you for years.
- Deals with a great deal of stress and has an amazing ability to remain calm in the face of adversity.
- They are the perfect material for preventing rust and corrosion.
Cons
- With the lifetime of a shock being less than 100,000 miles – many customers have reported that Sensen shocks do not last as long.
- When a product has been purchased, the after-sale services are often poor.
2. Best Strut for Ride Handling: CompleteStruts Front & Rear Quick Assemblies with Coil Springs
Highlighted features
- Compatible with 2005-2009 Subaru Outback
- 1-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
- 2x Front Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs
- 2x Rear Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs
CompleteStruts front and rear strut assemblies feature coil springs and all necessary hardware. Their assemblies are designed for quick installation, and premium quality components provide superior performance and durability. So whether you’re a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, we’ve got you covered.
Ride height adjustment
This model includes a ride height adjustment and electronic suspension control, so it’s perfect for those who want the most comfortable experience possible.
Come with all mounts and bolts
CompleteStrut assembly that comes pre-assembled. The unit features replacement bearing plates, top mounts, and spring isolators for maximum comfort during road trips in one simple installation.
Unique design
This design not only saves installation time but also eliminates safety hazards by eliminating the need for decompressing coil springs. Every strut assembly features application-engineered valves that optimize each vehicle’s unique ride and handling characteristics, making them great in any situation.
This is a budget-friendly strut that offers all the features included. It has lower costs than other struts, but the durability isn’t as good so you should remember that before purchase.
Pros
- This kit is ready to install and comes with all the necessary parts.
- It’s easy to install with no special tools required.
- With state-of-the-art technology and 24/7 support, you can reduce vehicle downtime.
- With these parts, you’ll have a smoother ride.
- Amazing deal with budget-friendly struts
Cons
- It was quite stiff at first, but after a few minutes of warming up, it got more comfortable.
- Not so durable
3. Best Single Strut: Monroe Quick Complete Strut Assembly
Highlighted features
- OE-style bearings
- Upper Spring Seat
- Manufactured from high-quality U. S. steel
- 24.4 x 5.8 x 6.8 inches product dimensions
Monroe’s Quick Complete Strut Assembly is a revolutionary design that delivers OE-style ride and handling. Each assembly includes premium Monroe strut technology, vehicle-specific coil spring technology, and other quality components. Installation time is saved by eliminating the need to disassemble the factory strut.
Come with all excellent components
These parts are the real deal. They’re made with high-quality materials and construction methods that will ensure long life, not to mention they come in a sleek package pre-assembled so installation takes minutes.
Improved smoothness
The new bearing plate helps ensure consistent, precise steering return by eliminating “memory steer.” This means that the wheel will not remember how you’ve adjusted it in previous sessions and bounce back when trying again. It also improves overall smoothness.
Properly adjust with weight
The upper spring seat is designed to be a reliable source of performance for your vehicle. It absorbs noise and vibration from the strut tower, which can otherwise cause problems with handling or stability in some cases. The quality engineering ensures that this part will last longer than typical seats while still providing excellent support during driving trips.
The coil spring is a critical component that helps to maintain the proper ride height of your vehicle. Made from high-quality U S steel, each one has been calibrated for weight distribution and will never break or wear out over time because they’re tough. Powder-coated paint protects against rust which means you won’t have any problems with corrosion anywhere on these coils either.
Monroe Struts are expensive struts though they come with all the necessary components to make your car ride the extra mile. However, this isn’t always true for every vehicle so make sure that it fits before purchasing.
Pros
- The durable strut boot helps to protect your car’s suspension from dirt and debris.
- The bumpers are designed to protect against damage from heavy impacts, which can lead you on the road back up again.
- With a longer lifespan, your investment will grow by leaps and bounds.
- This strut is so easy to install, that you’ll feel like an expert.
Cons
- Expensive strut
4. Best Rear Strut: SENSEN Rear Complete Strut Assembly
Highlighted features
- Compatible with 2005 to 2009 Subaru Outback
- 23 x 13 x 6.5 inches product dimensions
- Restoring the factory height of your vehicle is easy with this direct-fit kit.
- With a limited lifetime warranty, these products are sure to last.
When it comes to safety and durability, Sensen is the brand you can trust. Their premium shocks are engineered with precision in mind for superior performance all around. They’ve got your back when handling bumps or turns! Every single one of these products also gets fully visually inspected before being sent out so that every customer knows exactly what they’re getting themselves into.
Using top-quality oil seals
When it comes to the safety of your car, Sensen shocks are all about quality. The company uses NOK double lip oil seals in their products which have been known as a reliable Japanese brand for years now and they refuse to put customers at risk due to substandard materials or workmanship with shortened life cycle failure rates because these types can lead to misting issues too.
Ensures top-quality assembly
With the use of Japanese grinding machines and an automated hard chrome plating line, Sensen can ensure that its pistons will meet or exceed OE standards. This not only helps with life span but also improves performance because these parts are made from high-grade materials.
Limited lifetime warranty
When you buy a Sensen shock or strut, we guarantee it for life as long as the car on which they were installed is still owned by its original purchaser at the time of purchase.
This is only the rear strut and it fits specific types of vehicles so when you buy one, make sure to follow its fit type.
Pros
- The materials are of the highest quality and have a luxurious powder finish.
- With good quality, these products can resist rust and corrosion to some extent.
- Designed to be 100% compliant with the original specifications.
- The shock is affordable, which makes it a great option for those on tight budgets.
Cons
- Installation can be a daunting task for those who are just starting.
- These are supposed to last for 100,000 miles but some users have reported that they only lasted about 50-60 thousand.
5. Best Durable Strut: KYB Excel-G Front and Rear Suspension Struts Kit
Highlighted features
- Compatible with 1998-2002 Subaru Forester
- OE performance and normal driving conditions
- Manufactured with quality that exceeds OE
- Ordered to pay compensation for the worn-out suspension
Complete your suspension upgrade with a KYB Excel-G Strut Kit. The kit includes two front strut assemblies and two rear shocks, all designed to improve your driving experience while also providing a comfortable ride. Featuring monotube construction, the Excel-G kit provides better control and stability when cornering while the gas-charged design helps reduce shock fade. Plus, installation is easy with no modification required, making it the perfect choice for any Forester driver.
Extremely good in tough condition
With its patented check valve, KYB’s Excel-G gas shocks and struts maintain control under tough conditions. The Velocity-sensitive valving responds smoothly to changing road surfaces for a comfortable ride that won’t shake or bounce around too much in your vehicle.
Convenience strut
KYB Strut specializes in restoring OE performance and normal driving conditions so we can go on living our lives without worries or concerns about how much time is wasted at installation.
Longer lifespan
Kyb strut’s durability is unparalleled. It has been built with excellent components and steel, which means it will last much longer than other parts or even your vehicle itself.
We found that after installing this strut, it may become less stiff than our survey told us and the stiffness will go out eventually. Don’t worry about being too tight.
Pros
- Drive with confidence and comfort
- The best thing about these boots is how durable they are.
- Value of the money
- With just one person to install it
Cons
- The stiffness at the beginning will go away after some time.
6. Best Loaded Strut: TRQ Loaded Complete Strut Spring Assembly
Highlighted features
- Compatible with 2009-2013 Subaru Forester
- Offer a limited lifetime warranty
- Good in quality
Subaru Forester owners know that when it comes time to replace their shocks and struts, there are few choices when it comes to quality. That’s why so many of them choose TRQ suspension products. These assemblies are designed to provide a quick and easy installation while delivering improved ride quality and better handling. Plus, they’re backed by a limited lifetime warranty from TRQ.
Improved tire sustainability
With this set, you can be sure that your tires will not wear out quickly. They provide the necessary support and dipped material to sustain any impact on their surface which makes them very durable.
Quick setup
The installation will not take long and the process is simple. You can have your new struts installed in no time.
Excellent damping control
The damping control with these struts is pretty good. The system ensures a firm grip over the tires for better handling and stability in turns, while also providing an excellent fit that’s similar to OE parts.
Struts can be expensive, but if you have a tight budget don’t worry because some struts offer the same features and perform just as well.
Pros
- With the spring design, you’ll enjoy a smoother ride.
- Struts are long-lasting, thanks to the material and design strength.
- Getting ride better
- With these struts, the controlled consistency gets improved.
Cons
- The cost is higher
7. Best for Quick Installation: CompleteStruts Front & Rear Strut Assembly
Highlighted features
- Compatible with 2005-2009 Subaru Legacy
- Come with coil spring
- 1-year warranty
- 72 pounds
When it comes time to replace your Subaru Legacy’s struts, you want to be sure that you’re getting the highest quality parts for the job. That’s why we offer complete strut assemblies for the front and rear of your vehicle. The strut assemblies are designed to meet or exceed OEM standards, so you can be sure that your car is driving at its best. Plus, our easy-to-install design makes replacing your struts a breeze.
Easy to set up
With a simple motion, you can have the struts installed and adjusted for your vehicle in no time at all. What’s more, is that they come with every necessary element needed to make this process go smoothly from start to finish.
Smooth ride
Complete Struts Assembly will make your ride smooth whether you are on a rough road or a bumpy one. It ensures that the struts have strong and reliable functionality to keep things running smoothly for years.
While it is possible to install it yourself, one thing to keep in mind is that it is not sustainable as the customer has recently said about it.
Pros
- Offer a complete set of struts
- Budget-friendly strut
- Easy to install
- Fit well
Cons
- Not so durable
8. Best High-Performance Strut: MOSTPLUS Rear Pair Complete Shock Strut Coil Spring Assembly
Highlighted features
- Compatible with 2005-2009 Subaru Legacy
- Come equipped with 2 struts in the box
- With a 3-year warranty, the product comes with an assurance of quality and durability.
This assembly is made up of high-quality parts that are designed to provide a smooth ride and excellent performance. Plus, it’s backed by a three-year warranty, ensuring that you’re getting a quality product. So if you need some new shocks and springs for your Legacy, be sure to check out the MOSTPLUS Rear Pair Complete Shock Strut Coil Spring Assembly.
Excellent features
The high silicon content of the alloy provides resistance against metal fatigue, and this is enhanced by an electrophoretic coating that prevents corrosion.
Easy installation
With the strut assembly in one piece, just replace it with this direct replacement part to have your vehicle back up and running quickly.
Excellent performance
This high-performance machine with Chrome Piston Rods and Seamless sleeves avoids the issue of gliding. The steel spring ensures your seat stays comfortable, while also preventing any squeaking noise from occurring during use.
This product does not fit all vehicles so make sure that it completely fits your required vehicle.
Pros
- Affordable strut
- Easy to install
- Decency warranty
- Improve performance
Cons
- little stiffness at the beginning
9. Best for Improving Ride: ZYauto Adj. Damper Coilovers Shock
Highlighted features
- Compatible with 2002-2007 Subaru Impreza
- Higher spring rate
- 27.95 x 20.08 x 8.27 inches package dimensions
There’s no doubt that a good set of coilovers can completely transform the handling and look of your car. If you’re looking to upgrade your Impreza, ZYauto’s Adj. Damper Coilovers should be at the top of your list. These high-quality Coilovers offer adjustable damping to dial in the ride exactly how you want it, and they come with a lifetime warranty for added peace of mind. So if you’re ready to take your Impreza to the next level.
Adjustable strut
The rebound force levels range from 0-8, with Level 6 being recommended for race tracks and 9 through 16 suggesting mountain areas. You can adjust it at any time to suit your needs.
Original ride height
The height is adjustable for 1-3 inches, allowing you to have a more aggressive stance and improve steering response. This design helps eliminate turning noise while also keeping your car’s original ride height.
Twin-tube design
The twin-tube design of the femur has a longer stroke and higher height adjustability that will give you a more comfortable riding experience by reducing pressure on joints and minimizing friction. This also ensures sufficient travel with less effort.
Installing a strut is not easy. It takes lots of knowledge and skill to install the perfect one for your car, but it can be done with some patience.
Pros
- Improve smoothness
- Improve ride handling
- Durable
- Advanced features
Cons
- Not easy to install
10. Best Strut for Smooth Drive: KYB Excel-G Shocks Struts
Highlighted features
- Compatible with 2014 to 2O15 Subaru Crosstrek
- Meet or exceed OEM specifications
- Exact fit
- 25.4 x 20 x 16.3 inches product dimensions
KYB Excel-G shock absorbers and struts are a great option for improving the handling and ride quality of your Subaru Crosstrek. Designed specifically for front-wheel drive vehicles, these shocks and struts offer enhanced performance and stability while reducing body roll.
Made with OE specification
This Shock and Strut Set is manufactured to the strictest OE standards for unmatched performance. Built with trouble-free ownership in mind, it’s guaranteed 100%.
Exact fit
You can be sure that these parts are guaranteed to fit your vehicle exactly. They’re made of high-quality materials and will meet or exceed the original specifications in every way possible.
Extremely durable
Engineered with the latest technology to give you superior durability, our warranty is backed by a one-year unlimited mileage commitment.
This strut is not fit for all vehicles. Make sure it’s compatible with your car before purchasing.
Pros
- Easy install process
- Exact fit type
- Durable strut
- Ensure quality
Cons
- Expensive
FAQ
How do you know if struts are going bad?
Worn shocks and struts can cause your vehicle to feel wobbly. Other warning signs include a lean during turns, hard braking that makes the front end dive more than expected, and even slight movements making it difficult for you to drive safely on bumpy roads.
Do you need an alignment after replacing the rear struts?
Yes, if the vehicle manufacturer recommends an alignment after replacement. Alignments ensure that your car is running smoothly and safely on all four wheels with no vibrations or knocking noises coming from it for optimal performance.
Can you do an alignment with bad struts?
When performing an alignment on a car with bad struts, the mechanic must take extra care so their work does not be compromised. They will have more difficulty when aligning and might need to make adjustments later because of this issue which could lead to tire wear from one or both rear tires losing contact with roadways over time due solely to too much stress being put onto those parts while driving at higher speeds than normal circumstances would dictate.
Will new struts improve the ride?
Whether it’s a smooth or rough ride, new shocks, and struts can make all the difference. Newer versions are designed to be more efficient than their predecessors which means that you’ll get better gas mileage while cornering on an even gravity-driven surface with no potholes.
How much should it cost to replace rear struts?
You can expect to pay between $400 and 1000 for a pair of struts, depending on how much you want them replaced. An individual strut assembly will cost about 150-350 dollars while labor rates vary based on the kind that needs fixing too.
Can bad struts cause shaking?
Vibrating shocks or struts can be caused by several things. Loose shock mounts, damaged springs, and leaking gas tanks are just some examples that will cause vibration in your steering wheel. You should check each one to make sure it’s not the problem before going any further with repairs.
Recent comment
After replacing the strut, why is my strut still stiff?
The stiffness you feel after replacing your strut is normal. It often occurs with new struts and it takes time for them to adjust to make sure everything works well together as one piece.
Why are struts so expensive?
The materials and labor required for their design are the main reasons. Strut assemblies also have a high cost associated with them, which can make it difficult to maintain an efficient vehicle.
Is there any way to save money to buy new struts?
You might be able to save money by doing some market research and comparing all the features with competitors. You should also check different store prices online or in person if possible.
Should I hire a professional to replace my strut?
Most of the time, you can install a strut yourself. However, if it is complicated or needs special tools then hiring an expert might be necessary.
What’s the difference between an expensive strut and a cheap strut?
Struts can be a deciding factor in how well your car handles. The difference between an expensive strut and a cheap one is that the former has all the features, that ensure proper load adjustment while driving at high speeds or taking corners quickly, however, they are more costly than their counterparts with fewer capabilities and they are made for a less-weight car.
Installation Guide
Final Words
After discussing 10 different best shocks and struts for your Subaru Outback, we can say that you will understand why each product is the best option, why they are the perfect fit, and what makes them stand out from others in this crowded market space.
We found that sensen shock and struts are the best products for a variety of features. They also have been proven to last longer than other options, which makes them ideal for long-term use.
With this shock, you can choose whatever is best for your needs because we’ve surveyed and checked out each customer’s perception of their product to give an idea as to what they think would work.
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