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Which ten SUVs are the best value for shoppers this summer? Is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek or the 2023 Subaru Forester the top pick for small SUV shoppers?
KBB says the best SUVs aren't always the lowest priced. "Considering things like depreciation, maintenance, and fuel costs over an entire 5-year ownership cycle, sometimes a pricier SUV can be more affordable in the long run. Here are the ten cheapest SUVs of 2023, ranked by Kelley Blue Book's 5-Year Cost to Own data for each base model.
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
2023 Hyundai Venue
2023 Subaru Crosstrek
2023 Nissan Kicks
2023 Hyundai Kona
2023 Honda HR-V
2023 Kia Seltos
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross
2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer
2023 Subaru Forester
Number three on the cheapest and best list is the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. But the 2023 models are sold out, and the 2024 models are now at U.S. retailers. Why is the next-generation 2024 Crosstrek the better value?
The Crosstrek is Subaru of America's best-selling vehicle, and the popular small SUV has been completely redesigned for 2024.
KBB says, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Once considered a sidekick to the Outback, Crosstrek now leads the lineup in sales. While the successful Subaru Crosstrek enters a new generation in 2024, the changes are evolutionary. That's okay in our book because we were already fans of this spunky adventure wagon. Wait, is it a wagon? Not technically; however, calling it an SUV is a stretch, too. It's somewhere in between."
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Base and Premium trim levels arrive now and are a better value than the 2023 model. The 2024 Crosstrek is all new and comes with extensive upgrades.
The Crosstrek gets a new 11.6-inch tablet-style multimedia screen, a wireless smartphone charger, and USB-A and USB-C ports in the front and rear. The game-changing improvement could be the Crosstrek's new front seat design. Subaru Corporation completely redesigned the seats for maximum riding comfort and used a medical approach.
All 2024 Crosstrek trim levels come with the next-generation EyeSight safety technology with a new wide-angle mono camera. The safety technology provides a broader field of view with improved pedestrian and cyclist protection while driving on busy city streets.
The ultimate off-road trim level is the new outdoor-themed 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness. It gets new Wilderness upgrades for getting further off the grid.
The most rugged and trail-capable Crosstrek has an upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires, more prominent wheel arch cladding, a metal front skid plate, unique hex-design LED fog lights, and an anti-glare hood decal in a matte-black finish. It has everything you want in an off-road-ready small SUV.
What is the price of the 2024 Crosstrek?
The 2024 Crosstrek Base has a starting price of $26,290 (the same MSRP as the 2023 Base model equipped with the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission). The 2024 Crosstrek Premium has a starting price of $27,440, Sport ($30,290), and Limited ($32,190). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225).
The all-new Crosstrek Wilderness costs $33,290, including dealer destination and delivery fees. How much did the 2024 Crosstrek increase in price? The Premium trim price increased by +$70, the Sport +$1,070, and Limited +$1,470.
Why is the 2023 Subaru Forester a top-ten pick by KBB?
Number ten on the cheapest and best list is the 2023 Subaru Forester. KBB says, "The impressive 2023 Subaru Forester is the only compact SUV on this list."
"The 2023 Subaru Forester is the sensible-shoes choice among compact SUVs. Yet it can also do adventure and luxury. Fresh from a revamp last year, the 2023 Forester continues doing what it does best, providing safe, sure, solid transportation and strong value. That's a winning formula. We count Forester among the best SUVs. It's also been a multi-year recipient of the KBB 5-Year Cost to Own Award for its class," says KBB.
KBB predicted the 2023 Forester to have a 5-year cost-to-own of $37,367 (including the purchase price), $3,635 less than the compact SUV segment average.
What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Forester?
The 2023 Forester comes in six trim levels; The Base Forester starts at $27,620, Premium ($30,620), Sport ($32,190), Limited ($34,300), Wilderness ($35,245), and Touring ($37,720). Pricing includes dealer fees ($1,225).
Kelley Blue Book picks the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Forester as the top-ten most affordable and also the best SUV picks this summer. The next-generation 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is the best value pick among all the models because it gets new upgrades and features for city driving and off-road excursions.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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