Which SUVs, cars, and minivans are the easiest to get into and out of? The new list from Consumer Reports explains why the Subaru Forester is the best compact SUV for easy access. I'll describe two additional areas in which Forester excels.
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It's a pain to get out of.
I'm behind the wheel of a 2024 Audi A5 rental car, and I can't help but notice the struggle it poses when getting in and out. Despite its sleek appearance, the Audi A5, due to its low-slung ride, is one of the most challenging vehicles in terms of accessibility. It's a top-notch driver's car but falls short with an 'F' in ease of access.
What are the easiest to get into and out of new vehicles? The Subaru Forester is ranked the best compact SUV. I'll explain more, but first, here is what Consumer Reports says.
Consumer Reports (by subscription) did the work, and I've listed their new list of the best below.
CR says, "Getting into and out of some cars can be much more difficult than others, especially for drivers and passengers with strength limitations or conditions that make it more difficult to crouch, turn, or stand."
Based on CR's scoring system, which takes into account factors such as road-test performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety, I've listed the easiest cars, SUVs, and minivans to get into and out of. The models are ranked by their combined front and rear access scores within their category and are CR Recommended.
The Best Compact SUV
- Subaru Forester
- Nissan Rogue
- Honda CR-V
What does CR say about the #1 scoring Forester?
- Price Range: $27,095 - $37,395
- CR MPG: Overall 28 / City 20 / Hwy 38 mpg
- #2 overall of 33 Compact SUVs
"The 2019-2014 Forester benefits from easy access for the driver and front passenger and has a roomy rear seat, excellent visibility, and simple controls that are within easy reach of the driver. The steering wheel allows plenty of tilt and telescope adjustments, and the front doors open wide, revealing seats at a typical hip height for adults and offering easy entry."
"Its fairly boxy shape gives it upright A-pillars and a tall roof, minimizing the need to duck while getting in. Our testers also liked the comfortable driver's seat's commanding view of the road ahead, even though the front passenger seat has minimal adjustability."
It's important to note that all Subaru Forester trim levels come with 8.7 inches of ground clearance. This vehicle height also makes getting into and out of the vehicle easier.
What about the next-generation 2025 Forester?
CR says, "We're currently testing the 2025 Forester, but we know that any 2024 models left on dealer lots score high on accessibility."
I've reported before that the Forester is also the best compact SUV for fitting short and tall drivers. In addition, Forester also has the best outward visibility from the driver's seat.
The 2024 Subaru Forester is a rare compact SUV that fits shorter and taller drivers. CR says the Forester is the top model in the compact SUV category. Forester has 8.7 inches of ground clearance and is rated the best compact SUV for outward visibility. You can read my report here.
The Best Compact SUV in visibility
The Subaru Forester also scored the best compact SUV again in outward visibility, and the 2023 Outback is the best in outward visibility in the midsize SUV category.
An often missed Forester benefit is that the compact SUV's Boxer engine sits lower in the chassis, making it easy to see over the hood. Find out more in my report here.
The Best Two-Row SUVs
- Nissan Murano
- Ford Edge
- Honda Passport
The Best Three-Row SUVs
- Honda Pilot
- Hyundai Palisade
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
The Best Minivans
- Honda Odyssey
- Chrysler Pacifica
- Kia Carnival
- Toyota Sienna
The Best Cars
- Toyota Crown
- Subaru Legacy
- Kia Soul
What does CR say about the 2025 Subaru Legacy?
- Price Range: $24,895 - $38,195
- CR MPG: Overall 28 / City 19 / Hwy 39 mpg
- #4 of 12 overall Midsized cars
"Among traditional sedans, we found the Subaru Legacy the easiest to get into and out of. Because it's lower to the ground than an SUV, pulling yourself out of it may require some effort, but it should be easier to sit down in than a taller vehicle. Front and rear doors all open wide, but the sloping rear roofline makes rear-seat access a little more difficult, especially for taller passengers."
It's important to note that the 2025 model year is the last year for the Legacy.
As Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at CR's Auto Test Center, wisely advises, when shopping for a car, it's crucial to consider the ease of access for you and your family.
"Factors such as the height and shape of the roofline, the doorsill height and width, and toe room, along with the more obvious seat height and door opening width, should all be taken into account. Ultimately, a visit to the dealership to test the fit is essential," she says.
In the compact SUV category, you can be assured the Subaru Forester has the easiest into and out of access and visibility and fits drivers of any other size and size of any other small SUV.
Are you considering a compact SUV?
How likely are you to take a test drive in a next-generation 2025 Subaru Forester? We want to hear about your experience getting into and out of a compact SUV or other vehicle. Click the red 'Add New Comment' link below and share your thoughts or questions.
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: Adventure Subaru
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