What are the best SUVs for commuting? A new report says the 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Outback are still among the top models. Find out five reasons why.
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With fuel prices rising every time you fill up, what are the best cars for commuting? There are four essential factors for new car shoppers when considering a new car or SUV. They are reliability, driving comfort, safety, and fuel efficiency. A new report from iSeeCars found the top SUVs for commuting by testing them in Metro Boston traffic.
iSeeCars says two Subaru vehicles are among the best SUVs for commuting; the 2022 Subaru Forester compact SUV and 2022 Outback midsize SUV are considered top models. We will break each Subaru model down, and you can determine if they should be on your shopping list.
The Best Crossovers and SUVs For Commuting
The five best crossovers and SUVs, according to iSeeCars tests, are Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4.
2022 Subaru Outback
The 2022 Subaru Outback has an iSeeCars reliability score of 8.4, a safety score of 10.0, gets 26.2 combined mpg, has 42.9 inches of legroom, has an average new car price of $35,447, and a three-year-old average price of $34,333.
photo credit: Schumacher Subaru
What is the price of all 2022 Outback trim levels?
The 2022 Outback comes in eight trim levels for U.S. customers; the base trim is priced from $27,845, Premium ($30,270), Limited ($34,720), Touring ($38,620), Onyx Edition XT ($36,270), new for 2022, Outback Wilderness ($38,120), Limited XT ($39,120), and Touring XT ($41,070). Pricing includes $1,125 destination and delivery fees.
What is the 2022 Outback fuel mileage?
The EPA fuel mileage rating of the 2022 Outback XT 2.4-liter turbo is 23/30 city/highway mpg and 26 combined mpg. The estimated fuel economy of the standard 2.5-liter engine is 26/33 mpg city/highway and 29 combined mpg.
The EPA says the new 2022 Outback Wilderness gets an estimated 22/26 city/highway mpg and 24 combined mpg. The 2021 Outback XT with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine gets an EPA estimated 23/30 city/highway mpg and 26 combined mpg.
What is the 2022 Outback safety score?
The 2022 Outback midsize SUV earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Outback comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist safety technology earning a "Superior" rating in front crash prevention from the IIHS.
Outback Reliability
According to the latest Consumer Reports' (by subscription) ratings and reliability report, the 2022 Subaru Outback is the best midsize 2-Row SUV in its category. Outback is ranked the most reliable model you can buy, scoring 85, the highest of all midsize SUVs, and the third-best model ranking in the Subaru lineup.
Outback Comfort
Consumer Reports ranked the 2022 Subaru Outback the best in the non-luxury 2-Row Midsize SUV category. In its scoring, CR measured interior space and calculated cargo room by checking how many suitcases and duffel bags could fit in the back. They also had their testers of various shapes and sizes repeatedly get into and out of the front and rear seats.
2022 Subaru Forester
The 2022 Subaru Forester has an iSeeCars reliability score of 8.1, a safety score of 10.0, gets 26.4 combined mpg, has 43.0 inches of legroom, has an average new car price of $31,507, and a three-year-old average price of $31,394.
What is the price of all 2022 Forester trim levels?
For the 2022 model change Forester comes in six trim levels; The base Forester starts at $26,320, Premium ($29,320), Sport ($30,890), Limited ($33,000), new Wilderness ($33,945), and Touring ($36,420). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,125).
What is the 2022 Forester fuel mileage?
The 2021 Subaru Forester compact SUV comes with standard all-wheel drive and gets an EPA estimated 29 combined mpg and 26/33 city/highway mpg. The Forester comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine.
What is the 2022 Forester safety score?
The 2022 Forester compact SUV has not been tested yet, but 2021 models earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 2022 Forester comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist safety technology earning a "Superior" rating in front crash prevention from the IIHS.
Forester Reliability
Consumer Reports ranked the 2022 Subaru Forester number one overall in the competitive compact SUV class. The refreshed Forester gets a score of 90, the highest of all compact SUVs and best model ranking for any Subaru vehicle. CR says the Forester is now ranked the most reliable model you can buy.
Forester Comfort
A new study from Consumer Reports (by subscription) ranks the 2021 Subaru Forester as one of the five comfort superstars. Forester picks up high marks for excellent visibility, ease of access, and interior roominess. CR says, "We found the Forester to be one of the most comfortable SUVs toward the lower end of the price scale, with its great elbow room, endless headspace, and, on most models, a driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support. Drivers also have great visibility, among the best to be found anywhere."
A fifth important feature for commuter vehicles
iSeeCars did not include all-weather capability as criteria for the best commuter vehicles, but it should be on the list. The 2022 Outback and 2022 Forester come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. All trim levels also come with X-Mode for all-weather and off-pavement capability. The upper trim levels feature a dual-function X-Mode for severe weather and all-terrain ability.
What are the best SUVs for commuting? iSeeCars says the 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Outback are among the top five SUVs for reliability, driving comfort, safety, and fuel efficiency. We would include their all-weather performance.
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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 all of 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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