The 6 Best Highway MPG Small SUVs - Subaru Crosstrek, Forester Rank High

Compact SUV shoppers looking for a vehicle with the best highway fuel mileage have some excellent choices, according to Consumer Reports (by subscription). The new report says the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek and 2022 Subaru Forester are among the six best models tested. Because gas prices are up significantly (AAA average price is $4.60 per gallon regular unleaded), they ranked the most fuel-efficient non-electric small SUVs you can buy this summer.

To get the highest rankings, Consumer Reports only includes compact SUVs with the best reliability, road performance, and safety scores. They tested the small SUVs on the highway at a steady 65 mph.

The six best highway MPG compact SUVs

The Lexus UX ranks best for small SUVs at 42 mph highway mpg. It’s followed by the Hyundai Tucson (40 mpg highway), Toyota RAV4 Prime (39 mpg highway), Subaru Crosstrek (39 mpg highway), Subaru Forester (38 mpg highway), and Honda CR-V (37 mpg highway).

2022 Subaru Crosstrek

Consumer Reports says, “The Crosstrek is essentially a raised hatchback. Although an available hybrid version is more fuel-efficient around town, the traditional gas model gets better highway fuel economy, at 39 mpg.”

What sets the Crosstrek apart?

The Subaru Crosstrek comes with standard Symmetrical all-wheel-drive and 8.7-inches of ground clearance which no competitor exceeds. The Crosstrek Base and Premium trim levels come with the standard X-Mode for more severe winter driving and off-road excursions.

One of the significant changes for the 2020-2022 models includes giving the Crosstrek Sport and Limited a dual-function X-Mode for added off-pavement performance. It consists of a Deep Snow/Deep Mud setting.

What is the price of the 2022 Crosstrek?

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek comes in five trim levels for customers. The base trim is priced from $24,320, Premium ($25,470), Sport ($28,670), Limited ($30,170) and Crosstrek Hybrid ($37,520). Prices include destination and delivery fees that increase ($1,175).

2022 Subaru Forester

Consumer Reports says, “The Forester is a roomy SUV with great outward visibility, plenty of cargo space, and comfortable seating. Along with all-wheel-drive and standard active safety features, it offers 38-mpg highway fuel efficiency.”

What sets the Forester apart?

Will you use your vehicle for off-pavement adventures? The 2022 Subaru Forester comes with 8.7-inches of ground clearance, standard all-wheel-drive, and dual-function X-Mode that sets it apart from the competition.

The Forester Sport and Forester Wilderness trim levels feature a new dual-function X-Mode with a deep mud and snow mode setting for improved off-road performance.

What is the price of the 2022 Forester?

The 2022 Forester comes in six trim levels; The Base Forester starts at $27,070, Premium ($30,070), Sport ($31,640), Limited ($33,750), new Wilderness ($34,695), and Touring ($37,170). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,175).

If you are taking a road trip this summer, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek and 2022 Subaru Forester rank among the six best small SUVs for highway fuel mileage. They also feature standard Symmetrical all-wheel-drive and X-Mode for off-highway adventures when you get to your destination.

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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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