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Consumer Reports 10 Most Reliable New Cars Under $30K - No Subaru Makes The List

Are the new 2024 Subaru Forester, 2024 Outback, and 2024 Crosstrek among the ten most reliable new vehicles? Check out the updated list from Consumer Reports. See why no Subaru models make the recent list.

What are the most reliable new cars and SUVs that won't sink your budget? In an updated ranking by Consumer Reports (by subscription) of the most reliable and affordable new cars and SUVs, the list does not include any Subaru models.  

CR says they ranked the most reliable new cars and SUVs you can buy for less than $30,000. "These models won't bleed you dry at the mechanic.”

2023 Subaru Forester is not on the CR's most reliable list

photo credit: Tucson Subaru

The ten most reliable new cars and SUVs, according to Consumer Reports, that won't sink your budget are ranked in order of their predicted reliability score, and all are recommended by CR.

Which cars and SUVs are the most reliable under $30,000? Toyota has three models, and Honda has two top models. Nissan, Kia, Mini, Chevrolet, and Ford have one model. As we said, Subaru has none. 

2023 Subaru Outback is not on CR's most reliable under $30,000

photo credit: Tucson Subaru

Consumer Reports says each model's score is based on four key factors: they scored well in road tests and reliability, and, as mentioned above, all are CR recommended.

Related Story: 2023 Subaru Reliability From Best To Worst - One Model Is Not Recommended By Consumer Reports

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is number one, followed by the Nissan Altima 2023, Kia K5, Mini Cooper, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda HR-V, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, and the Ford Maverick Hybrid.

Consumer Reports says to make its list, all models above come standard with automatic emergency braking (AEB). AEB that works at highway speeds, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning either come standard or as options that don't push the price above $30,000. 

Related Story: Subaru’s Safety Tech Hits A Major Milestone And Reduces Crashes

Why are there no new Subaru cars and SUVs on CR's list?

CR says, All the safety features listed above, like blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, do not come standard on the lower trims under $30,000. "That is why some models, such as the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Subaru Forester, don't make this list., says CR."

The 2023 Forester Sport with standard blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert starts at $32,490, including dealer fees. The Base and Premium trims priced under $30,000 are not standard with the safety features.

Don't Miss This Related Story: Who Makes the Best Cars? Subaru Is Now The Top Mainstream Brand Winner

Even though Subaru has no models on the Most Reliable New Cars and SUVs That Won't Sink Your Budget list, in Consumer Reports annual report earlier this year, Subaru is ranked the best mainstream (non-luxury) lineup of vehicles for 2023. 

Subaru's top picks recommended by Consumer Reports are the 2023 Subaru Forester, 2023 Outback, 2023 Crosstrek, 2023 Impreza, and 2023 Legacy. The Forester is a Consumer Reports top-10 car of 2023 and the best in class.

CR ranked thirty-two car brands, with Subaru claiming the best mainstream brand title. But Subaru has yet to get new models on the most reliable SUVs under the $30,000 list. It's not because of reliability; CR says some safety features must be standard on the lower trim levels to qualify.  

Check Out This Hot Topic: 10 Reasons Why You Don’t Want To Buy The 2024 Subaru Forester

Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

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Photo credit: main image Tucson Subaru