3 Of CR’s 10 Most Popular SUVs Are From Subaru

Do you crowdsource?

Many shoppers research online before stepping on the new car dealer's lot. It's a smart way to arm yourself with good information and be ready to buy the new vehicle you want. If you are looking to buy a new Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, or Outback, you've come to the right place. Find out more what it's the best time to buy in my report here.

You can also research to see what other buyers are looking at and "crowdsource" your new car pick. Consumer Reports is a good resource for this, and I've listed their ten most popular new SUVs so you can see what other shoppers are researching the most. Subaru is one of the car brands that has been researched the most again. 

Subaru has three of the top-five picks. 

Subaru Forester is #1

According to Consumer Reports’ (by subscription) updated list of the ten most popular new SUVs today, the Subaru Forester is the most popular model, the Subaru Crosstrek is number four, and the Subaru Outback is number five overall. These rankings are not just based on popularity but also on the unique features and performance of these models, which I will cover in detail. 

Consumer Reports says, "The ten vehicles highlighted here represent CR.org's top car model pages, meaning they're the vehicles that are the most searched for by people coming to our site."

First, I've listed the top ten most researched models, starting with the most popular model. Then, I will give further details on the Forester compact SUV, Crosstrek subcompact SUV, and Outback midsize SUV and why they have received such high ratings and positive reviews, making them the best picks now. Find out more in my report here.

Consumer Reports' Most Popular New Car and SUVs ranked in order of popularity.

1. Subaru Forester
2. Honda CR-V
3. Toyota RAV4
4. Subaru Crosstrek
5. Subaru Outback
6. Toyota Highlander
7. Ford Escape
8. Toyota Camry
9. Mazda CX-5
10. Hyundai Tucson

It's not surprising that nine of the most popular new models are SUVs, and only one is a sedan. SUVs are the hot picks, and sedans are not. 

CR says, "Many of these models sit at the top of our vehicle rating charts because of their high Overall Score, which means they scored well in our road tests, have good reliability, come with key active safety features, and performed well in crash tests." 

Top value picks. 

I would say this is a testament to the value for money and reliability that the Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback models offer.

What does CR say about the #1 2024 Subaru Forester compact SUV?

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

"This popular compact SUV delivers the combination of a roomy interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, a comfortable ride, and responsive handling. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder combined with the continuously variable automatic transmission yields 28 mpg overall, among the best in class. But acceleration isn't exhilarating, and the engine's noise isn't the most pleasant." 

"The cabin is roomy, with a particularly generous rear seat and easy access. The controls are simple to use, including an infotainment system that's compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning aren't available on the base trim and are optional on the Premium trim; they're standard on the others. A redesigned 2025 Forester arrives later this year."

For shoppers looking at the 2024 Subaru Forester, here is the pricing.

The 2024 Forester has six trim levels: Base ($28,190), Premium ($31,390), Sport ($32,960), Limited ($35,070), Wilderness ($36,015), and Touring ($38,490). Pricing includes destination and dealer fees ($1,295).

What does CR say about the #4 2024 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV?

• Price Range:  $25,195 - $32,195
• CR MPG:  Overall 29 / City 20 / Hwy 41 mpg
• #1 of 11  Subcompact SUVs

"The Crosstrek received a number of important updates for 2024. It's still essentially a raised Impreza hatchback with a very comfortable ride, standard all-wheel drive, and a decent amount of cargo room for the class. Responsive handling, mostly simple controls, and a practical—but not fancy—interior round out the package." 

"Acceleration from the standard 2.0-liter engine is tepid, and the engine can get loud, but it returned 29 mpg overall in our tests. The optional 2.5-liter has more oomph. Blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are available only on higher trims."

For shoppers looking at the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, here is the pricing.

For 2024, the Crosstrek is available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels. The Base trim starts at $26,540. 

The 2024 Crosstrek Premium has a starting price of $28,085, Sport ($30,935), and Limited ($32,440). The all-new Crosstrek Wilderness costs $33,540. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,345).

What does CR say about the #5 2024 Subaru Outback midsize SUV?

• Price Range:  $28,895 - $42,795
• CR MPG:  Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg
• #2 of 16  Midsized SUVs

"Subaru's Outback is a smart alternative to an SUV. Although lower than a typical SUV, it can easily haul long items. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder does the job 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 the handling is responsive and secure. However, some tasks through the large infotainment screen require more than one step, and the system is slow to respond to inputs. Thoughtful details, such as built-in crossbars and a dual-position cargo cover, are nice touches. The Wilderness model has a higher ground clearance. Both blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are optional."

For shoppers looking at the 2024 Subaru Outback, here is the pricing.

For the 2024 model year, the Outback will be available in nine trim levels. The Base is priced at $30,190, Premium ($32,490), Onyx Edition ($37,400), Limited ($37,090), Touring ($41,640), Onyx Edition XT ($40,655), Wilderness ($41,255), Limited XT ($41,490), and Touring XT ($44,090). In addition, destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,295).

Why does Subaru have three of the top five picks? 

Subaru vehicles score high in the Consumer Reports' most researched new models because they are the best value picks every year. That includes pricing, features, and resale value. Find out more about Subaru's resale value in my report here.

There's more. 

All three SUVs come with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology, providing superior all-weather and severe-weather performance. You won't be sitting on the side of the road waiting for a tow when the weather gets scary. 

In addition to getting the highest road test scores, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety, Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback have 8.7 inches of ground clearance, they have X-Mode for additional all-terrain performance, and the 2024 Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek now have the rugged Wilderness trim levels for outdoor enthusiasts. There is something for everyone.

What about you? Are you researching any new Subaru models? Which ones? Let us know in the comments below.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter 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, and Facebook

Photo credit: Competition Subaru