Are the Subaru Crosstrek and Forester the best used compact SUVs for consumers? A new report says both Subaru models are among the nine best fuel-efficient and reliable 5-year-old models you can buy now.
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You aren't alone if you can't find a new 2022 Subaru Forester or 2022 Subaru Crosstrek. With the new model scarcity, a used Forester or Crosstrek is a good option for compact SUV shoppers. With the high gas prices, fuel efficiency is essential, and reliability ranks high on car buyers' lists.
Which previously owned 5-year-old compact SUVs are the most reliable and fuel-efficient? An updated Consumer Reports study (by subscription) says the 2017 Forester and 2017 Crosstrek are among the top-ranked models for fuel efficiency and reliability. They also come with standard safety features with the highest crash scores.
Consumer Reports compiled the list of used compact SUVs that also scored well in their road tests, and each returned 25 mpg or better in their tests. Consumer Reports says the best nine models listed below are ranked in order of their fuel economy results from CR's tests when they were new.
The 9 Most Fuel-Efficient Used Compact SUVs
The top nine Consumer Reports' most reliable and fuel-efficient five-year-old compact SUVs are the Toyota RAV4, Honda HR-V, Lexus NX, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Rogue Sport, Subaru Crosstrek, Subaru Forester, and Mazda CX-5.
2017 Subaru Crosstrek
How fuel-efficient is the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?
CR says the owner reported fuel mileage is 28 mpg. The EPA estimates for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek are 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg with the CVT automatic transmission.
Is the Subaru Crosstrek a reliable vehicle?
The Subaru Crosstrek scored a 2/5 in predicted reliability, a 3/5 in owner satisfaction, and a 4/5 in fuel economy.
What is the price of the Crosstrek?
CR says a used 2017 Crosstrek price range is $19,800 - $21,800. With new 2022 Crosstrek models scarce, prices may be higher as retailers raise the price of low-mileage Crosstrek SUVs.
Crosstrek safety scores
The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek earned Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and has a five-star rating with the NHTSA.
What did Consumer Reports say about the Crosstrek?
CR says, "In our tests, we got 26 mpg overall from the 148 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, making it among the most fuel-efficient subcompact SUVs. But this compact vehicle doesn't provide as much cargo room as most small SUVs."
2017 Subaru Forester
How fuel-efficient is the 2017 Subaru Forester?
CR says the owner's predicted fuel mileage is 27 mpg. The EPA estimates for the 2017 Subaru Forester are 26/32 city/highway mpg and 28 combined mpg with the 2.5-liter engine and CVT automatic transmission.
Is the Subaru Forester a reliable vehicle?
The Subaru Forester scored a 2/5 in predicted reliability, a 3/5 in owner satisfaction, and a 4/5 in fuel economy. CR says a used 2017 Forester price range is $18,200 - $23,550. With new 2022 Forester models scarce, prices may be higher as retailers raise the prices of low-mileage Forester SUVs.
Forester safety scores
The 2017 Forester gets the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Forester earned an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA.
What did Consumer Reports say about the Forester?
Consumer Reports says, "We got an excellent 26 mpg overall from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and continuously variable transmission. The logical Forester's boxy styling, big windows, and thin roof pillars supply excellent visibility, while large doors deliver easy access. The rear-seat room is spacious and has plenty of cargo space."
What type of gasoline do the Subaru Crosstrek and Forester require?
The Subaru Crosstrek and Forester engines are designed to run on 87 octane or regular unleaded gasoline. You don't need to pay for the more expensive mid-grade or premium fuel.
With high gas prices this summer and the 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Subaru Crosstrek model shortages, Consumer Reports says a five-year-old Forester and Crosstrek are among the nine best compacts SUVs. They are fuel-efficient, reliable, and safe compact SUVs and should be on your shopping list.
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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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