CR’s Easiest SUVs To Get In And Out Of - Subaru Forester Is Best, Ascent Is Next

Subaru SUVs are known for having excellent outward visibility from the driver's seat, but what about ease of access? Are they easy to get in and out of? A new study from Consumer Reports (by subscription) says the 2023 Subaru Forester is the best compact SUV for ease of access, and the 2023 Subaru Ascent is near the best in the 3-Row SUV category. 

Consumer Reports (CR) found the most accessible SUVs to get in and out of based on their scoring. The models are ranked by their combined front and rear access scores within their category and are all CR Recommended, factoring in road-test performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety.

According to CR's scoring, these SUVs are the easiest to get in and out of.

The top of CR's list for ease of access in the Compact SUV category is the Subaru Forester, ranked number one, followed by the Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V. 

The top of CR's list for ease of access in the Midsize SUV category is the Hyundai Santa Fe and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. 

The top of CR's list for ease of access in the 3-Row SUV category is the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse, and Kia Telluride. 

"When shopping for a car, pay attention to access for you and your family," says Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at CR's Auto Test Center. "Look for things like the height and shape of the roofline, the doorsill height and width, and toe room, combined with the more obvious seat height and door opening width. Ultimately, it's important to visit the dealership and see how well a car fits your body." 

Check Out This Related Story: CR’s 10 Reliable, Fuel-Stingy Compact SUVs - Why Subaru Forester Ranks The Best

What does CR say about the Subaru Forester?

"The Forester benefits from easy access for the driver and front passenger and has a roomy rear seat, excellent visibility, and simple controls that are within easy reach of the driver. The steering wheel allows plenty of tilt and telescope adjustments, and the front doors open wide, revealing seats at a typical hip height for adults and offering easy entry. Its fairly boxy shape gives it upright A-pillars and a tall roof, minimizing the need to duck while getting in. Our testers also liked the comfortable driver's seat's commanding view of the road ahead, even though the front passenger seat has minimal adjustability."

What does CR say about the Subaru Ascent?

"The front door openings are large, and the seats are a straightforward step over the narrow sill. The front seats look basic, but our test drivers liked how comfortable the optional power front seats are. However, the two lower trims don't offer enough lower-back support and have no lumbar adjustment. The second row is easier to access than the front, thanks to an even larger opening. The captain's chairs are very comfortable and supportive and can slide fore-aft and recline. Access to the third row is a little tight, as expected from an SUV in this class. The second row slides up out of the way with the flip of a lever, but it only leaves a marginal path. The third row is snug but usable for a short hop."

What sets the Subaru Forester and Ascent apart from the other SUVs?

The two Subaru SUVs have 8.7 inches of ground clearance for added ease of access, excellent driver visibility, standard all-wheel-drive for all-weather performance, X-Mode for off-pavement, severe weather capability, and stability on snow, ice, mud, and sand.  

The Forester and Ascent also get the Top Safety Pick+ scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 

Which new SUVs are the easiest to get in and out of? The Subaru Forester is ranked number one and is at the top of the Consumer Reports list for ease of access in the Compact SUV category. The Subaru Ascent is among the best new models in the 3-Row SUV category. 

Check Out This Hot Topic: Head to Head - Subaru Forester Vs. Toyota RAV4 - Check Out CR's Top Pick Now

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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