Which midsize SUVs have the quietest cabins for new car shoppers? Check out twelve models that are best at keeping the noise out. The 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Ascent are still ranked third-best in class.
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Do you value quiet in a new SUV?
Here is an updated report from Consumer Reports (by subscription) on the quietest new midsize SUVs. They include the best two- and three-row SUVs with the most serene cabins.
Consumer Reports says the 2024 Subaru Outback and 2024 Ascent remain the third-highest in class. I will give you the updated 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Ascent information as these two models have arrived at Subaru retailers. In addition, I'll include what's next for the 2026 model year Outback and Ascent models in this report.
CR says, "The boxy shape of a midsized SUV may be perfect for hauling people or cargo, but it isn't always quiet inside the cabin. Even with aerodynamic sculpting, the SUV's basic shape can create plenty of wind noise, and the raised height lets road noise bounce off the underside. Some SUVs also use small four-cylinder engines that have to work hard, especially on the highway."
Consumer Reports' car experts conduct more than 50 objective and subjective tests, including evaluating interior noise. They listen to the wind, road, engine, and tire noises that often penetrate the interior, ensuring a comprehensive assessment.
I've listed CR's twelve best two-and-three Row midsize SUVs you can buy today. They are ranked in order of their results in CR's interior noise tests.
- Ford Edge
- Honda Passport
- Subaru Outback
- Toyota Venza
What does CR say about the Subaru Outback?
- Price Range: $28,895 - $42,795
- CR MPG: Overall 24 / City 16 / Highway 32 mpg
- CR ranges the Outback #1 of 18 midsized SUVs overall
Why the Subaru Outback makes the top three quietest 2-Row models.
Consumer Reports says, "Subaru's Outback is a smart alternative to an SUV. Although its roofline is lower than a typical SUV, it can easily haul long items. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder works fine during regular driving around town but can feel strained when quicker speed is needed. The optional 260-hp, 2.4-liter turbo engine transforms the wagon with effortless acceleration."
"The ride is very comfortable, and handling is responsive and secure. However, some tasks through the large infotainment touchscreen require more than one step, and the system is slow to respond to inputs. Thoughtful details, such as built-in roof crossbars and a dual-position cargo cover, are nice touches. The Wilderness model has higher ground clearance. Blind spot warning and rear-cross traffic warning are optional."
Here is the new updated 2025 model year Outback pricing for customers looking for the Outback.
The Base is priced at $30,315, Premium ($32,615), Onyx Edition ($37,525), Limited ($39,275), Touring ($41,765), Onyx Edition XT ($40,780), Wilderness ($41,380), Limited XT ($41,615), and Touring XT ($44,215). In addition, destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,420).
What is the Outback's fuel mileage?
The EPA fuel mileage rating of the 2024 Outback XT 2.4-liter turbo is 22/29 city/highway mpg and 25 combined mpg. The estimated fuel economy of the standard 2.5-liter engine is 26/32 mpg city/highway and 28 combined mpg.
The EPA says the new 2024 Outback Wilderness gets an estimated 21/26 city/highway mpg and 23 combined mpg.
What's next for the 2026 Subaru Outback?
For the 2026 model year change, the Outback will be remodeled with new upgrades. While Subaru of America has yet to announce the 2026 model change upgrades, one thing is certain- the automaker is committed to preserving the Outback's success. Read my report here for more next-generation Outback details and why Subaru won't mess with success.
Here are the quietest 2024 model year 3-Row Midsize SUVS ranked in order of their results in CR's interior noise tests.
- Kia Telluride
- Hyundai Palisade
- Subaru Ascent
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
- Mazda CX-90
- Honda Pilot
- Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Grand Highlander
What does CR say about the 2024 Ascent?
- Price Range: $34,395 - $48,695
- CR MPG: Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 32 mpg
- #12 of 20 Midsized SUVs 3-row
"The Ascent uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers ample power in daily driving and gets 22 mpg overall. It does have a jumpy initial takeoff, which takes some getting used to. We like the SUV's steady and controlled ride and found that the suspension does an excellent job of mopping up bumps."
"The cabin is quiet, and the second-row captain's seats are roomy and comfortable. Even the third row is usable for shorter trips. Controls are very straightforward. Blind spot and rear-cross traffic warnings aren't available on the base trim; they're standard on all the other trim levels."
Here is the new updated 2025 model year Ascent pricing for customers looking for the Ascent.
It's important to note that for the 2025 model change, Subaru Ascent gets two new trim levels: Bronze and Onyx Edition Touring. For the 2025 model guide, read my report here.
The Ascent Premium starts at $40,215, Onyx Edition ($43,615), Limited ($47,415), Bronze Edition ($48,415), Touring ($50,415), and Onyx Edition Touring ($51,415). Pricing includes destination and delivery ($1,420).
What is the Ascent fuel mileage?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent base and Premium trim levels get an EPA-estimated 20/26 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg. Because they are slightly heavier, the Ascent Limited, Touring, and Onyx trim levels get an EPA-estimated 19/25 city/highway mpg and 21 combined mpg.
What's next for the 2026 Ascent?
Subaru has not released any details, but the 2026 Subaru Ascent could get significant updates. I reported in an earlier story that Subaru is now considering two scenarios for the Ascent 3-Row SUV, each potentially shaping the 3-Row SUV's future.
There could be an all-new Ascent EV.
Subaru may bid farewell to the current Ascent family hauler, but the future holds promise. A new electric 3-Row SUV is on the horizon for North American customers, expected to debut in late 2026. Read my updated report here.
Subaru will either drop the Ascent 2.4-liter turbocharged gas Boxer engine and become an all-new electric vehicle, or if it redesigns the current model, it will get a new fuel-efficient hybrid trim level sometime after the 2026 model year.
Whether it's the all-new Ascent EV or the more fuel-efficient Ascent Hybrid, Subaru is paving the way for a more exciting and sustainable 3-Row SUV lineup. The question is not if but when these new models will launch. Stay tuned.
For now, Consumer Reports ranks the 2025 Outback and 2025 Ascent among the twelve best midsize SUVs with the quietest cabins. They are the third best in class, recommended, and among the best at keeping the noise out.
What about you?
Are you looking for the quietest cabin, and what's the most important thing when buying a new car? Will you wait for the new next-generation models? Let us know in the comments below.
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Tucson Subaru
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