The 13 Best SUV Brands - U.S. News Says Subaru Only Ranks 10th

How do the 2024 Subaru Outback, 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, and 2023 Subaru Forester rank with other car brands' SUVs? A new report from U.S. News ranks the thirteen best SUV car brands you can buy today. Subaru was once regarded as one of the top all-wheel-drive brands in America, but U.S. News says not so anymore.

Subaru still holds the top spot with outdoor enthusiasts, but SUVs are now the vehicle of choice for families. It's a competitive segment. Which manufacturers are the best with SUVs? 

U.S. News ranked the top SUV brands according to the average score of each marque's SUV roster. It's all part of our annual Best Car Brands awards, highlighting the manufacturers that make the highest-quality vehicles across the various segments.

They say, "We determine quality using the same factors that drive our rankings, including safety scores and features, predicted reliability ratings, fuel economy ratings, and driving impressions of professional automotive journalists."

The twelve best SUV brands, according to U.S. News

GMC: Overall Average Score 7.70/10

Jeep: Overall Average Score 7.70/10

Chevrolet: Overall Average Score 7.71/10

Subaru: Overall Average Score 7.74/10

Buick: Overall Average Score 7.77/10

Mini: Overall Average Score 7.80/10

Volkswagen: Overall Average Score 7.93/10

Dodge: Overall Average Score 8.0/10

Ford: Overall Average Score 8.0/10

Kia: Overall Average Score 8.26/10

Honda: Overall Average Score 8.30/10

Runner Up: Mazda: Overall Average Score 8.43/10

Winner: Hyundai: Overall Average Score 8.44/10

U.S. News has Subaru ranked tenth among the thirteen best SUV brands you can buy today. Subaru does score above Chevrolet, Jeep, and GMC.

What does U.S. News say about Subaru?

"Subaru's top-rated crossover SUV is the compact Subaru Forester (8.2/10). Like all Subaru SUVs, it comes standard with all-wheel drive and a so-called "boxer" engine in which the cylinders are horizontally configured. Here it's a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower. This model's Wilderness trim can handle modest off-roading with 9.2 inches of clearance, all-terrain tires, and a skid plate."

"The SUV line 2023 also includes the midsize three-row Subaru Ascent (7.9/10) and the subcompact Subaru Crosstrek (7.7/10). Lastly, there's the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid (7.7/10) and the all-electric Subaru Solterra (6.9)."

Is U.S. News out of touch with the brand?

Subaru's top-rated crossover SUV is not the 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV; it is now the 2023 Subaru Outback midsize SUV. The Outback is the top-selling all-wheel-drive SUV for Subaru of America. It's now the most popular model with customers and new car shoppers. 

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The Subaru Outback Wilderness is the hottest model in the all-wheel drive lineup. The rugged Outback Wilderness is a top pick for outdoor enthusiasts and those who live in rural areas. 

What does Consumer Reports say about the Subaru brand?

Who makes the best SUVs you can buy today? A recent ranking from Consumer Reports now has Subaru as the best mainstream (non-luxury) lineup of vehicles for 2023. 

Related Story: Who Makes the Best Cars? Subaru Is Now The Top Mainstream Brand Winner

In the Consumer Reports annual report card, Subaru is number one of thirty-two car brands to claim the best mainstream brand title in 2023. Subaru scores ahead of its main rivals Toyota, Honda, Kia, Hyundais, and even luxury brand Lexus.

U.S. News has Subaru ranked tenth among the thirteen best SUV brands you can buy today. Subaru scores above three other car brands; Chevrolet, Jeep, and GMC. 

You Might Also Like: Consumer Reports Gives 2 Reasons Why Subaru Solterra Is Not The Best EV

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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