11 Roomiest Most Comfortable Compact SUVs, Subaru Forester Is Now 4th Best

For new compact SUV shoppers looking for the roomiest, most comfortable compact SUVs that get good fuel mileage, here's a list of the best. Consumer Reports (by subscription) updated the list, including the 2024 Subaru Forester, which I will give customers complete details on. 

The compact SUVs were measured for how much cargo can fit in the back, how roomy the driver's seat feels, and how easy it is to get into and out of the front and rear seats.

photo credit: NFL Subaru

Below, I've listed the most comfortable and spacious compact SUVs in order of their roominess and CR's scores for comfort and ease of access.

1. Honda CR-V Hybrid
2. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
3. Kia Sportage Hybrid
4. Subaru Forester
5. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
6. Honda CR-V
7. Toyota RAV4 Prime 
8. Hyundai Tucson
9. Kia Sportage
10. Nissan Rogue
11. Mazda CX-50

What does CR say about the 2024 Subaru Forester?

• Price Range:  $27,095 - $37,395
• CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 20 / Hwy 38 mpg
• #2 of 31  Compact SUVs

photo credit: NFL Subaru

"The Subaru Forester has the interior space and cargo room of a midsized SUV with compact SUV fuel economy; there's more than 36 cubic feet of space with the rear seat folded. The comfortable front seats and rear-seat room are particularly generous and easy to get into as well." 

Think You Know Subaru? @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto photo @TucsonSubaruhttps://t.co/Z8jmUEpxpU#subaru #crosstrek #forester pic.twitter.com/QBvmFj0sQO
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) March 5, 2024

"Add in the excellent visibility, simple controls, comfortable ride, and responsive handling, and it's no surprise that the Forester is among our top-rated SUVs." 

"The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with a continuously variable transmission yields 28 mpg overall, which is among the best in the class. But acceleration isn't exhilarating, and the engine's noise isn't pleasant. Blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are optional."

MY TAKE

I think it's important for customers to know three more things about the Forester. 

1. The Forester is reliable. CR says the Forester is ranked with above-average reliability compared with other new vehicles you can buy this year. 

2. Forester gets high road test scores. The Forester gets the best road test scores. CR runs vehicles through a battery of tests and uses vehicles they purchase directly from Subaru. 

3. All Forester trims come standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist safety technology. EyeSight has been proven to reduce crashes, and the compact SUV keeps its occupants safer from injury than other models on the list. 

As I've tested the new Forester, the visibility from the driver's seat is the best of any of the models above. And if customers drive in snow and extreme weather like I do in Colorado, the Forester's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology is excellent. 

I recommend the Forester for active customers who will take the compact SUV off-pavement. All trim levels come with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode for low-traction surface capability, and the Forester Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring models include dual-function X-Mode with a Deep Snow / Mud setting. 

The Subaru Forester Wilderness

For the most active customers, you'll want to check out the 2024 Forester Wilderness, which includes added off-road features, including a Low Speed / Low Ratio Gradient Control and 9.2 inches of ground clearance. 

Head To Head The 3 Hot Subaru Wilderness Models, And A Look Ahead @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaruwilderness #subaru #outbackwilderness #foresterwilderness #crosstrekwildernesshttps://t.co/rVvKnMoLKo
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) January 8, 2024

As I've compared the models, you won't find any of Forester's upgrades on any other compact SUVs listed above. 

The 2024 Subaru Forester is big enough to carry all your cargo and gear when camping, Overlanding, hiking, snowboarding, or kayaking. This spring, it's the best choice for the most active new compact SUV shoppers.  

This is the latest information regarding the 2024 Subaru Forester. I'll keep you updated with any new information.

Until then, visit torquenews.com/subaru regularly and bookmark the page for my latest updates.

Your Turn

What about you? Are you shopping for a new compact SUV? Let us know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the Subaru Forester story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• Startling New Subaru Developments Customers Need To Know About
• Subaru Forester, Crosstrek Take A Punch In The Gut From The New IIHS Criteria
• The Subaru Ascent Family Hauler’s Fall From Favor

Watch Subaru Forester Wilderness Off-Road Mud and Rock Test

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: NFL Subaru