The 9 Most Fuel-Efficient Used SUVs - CR Says Subaru Has 2 Top Picks

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Are the Subaru Crosstrek and Forester the best used compact SUVs for consumers? A new report from Consumer Reports says the two Subaru models are among the nine best fuel-efficient and reliable 5-year-old compact SUVs you can buy now.

You aren't alone if you can't find a new 2024 Subaru Forester or all-new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. With the new model scarcity, a used Forester or Crosstrek is a good option for compact SUV shoppers. With higher 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 2018 Forester and 2018 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 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 Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Rogue Sport, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Lexus NX, and BMW X1.

2018 Subaru Crosstrek

How fuel-efficient is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?

CR says the owner reported fuel mileage is 29 mpg. The EPA estimates for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek are 27/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg with the CVT automatic transmission.

Is the Subaru Crosstrek a reliable vehicle?

The Subaru Crosstrek scored a 5/5 in predicted reliability, a 4/5 in owner satisfaction, and a 4/5 in fuel economy.

What is the price of the Crosstrek?

CR says a used 2018 Crosstrek price range is $16,800 - $20,300. With new 2024 Crosstrek models scarce, prices may be higher as retailers raise the price of low-mileage Crosstrek SUVs.

Crosstrek safety scores

The 2018 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, "The Crosstrek is basically an Impreza hatchback with a higher ride height, added body cladding, and large wheels that are intended to give it a more rugged look. In our tests we got 26 mpg overall from the 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, making it among the most fuel-efficient subcompact SUVs of the time. But this compact vehicle doesn’t provide as much cargo room as most small SUVs. And it’s loud inside, especially when you accelerate and the continuously variable transmission gears down and revs up the coarse engine. The interior and controls are basic, functional, and easy to use. Look for a version that has the optional BSW."

2018 Subaru Forester

How fuel-efficient is the 2018 Subaru Forester?

CR says the owner's predicted fuel mileage is 28 mpg. The EPA estimates for the 2018 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 4/5 in predicted reliability, a 4/5 in owner satisfaction, and a 4/5 in fuel economy. CR says a used 2018 Forester price range is $16,925 - $21,775. With new 2024 Forester models scarce, prices may be higher as retailers raise the price of a low-mileage Forester SUV.

Forester safety scores

The 2018 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, "The logical Forester’s boxy styling, big windows, and thin roof pillars supply excellent visibility, while large doors deliver easy access. Rear-seat room is spacious, and there’s plenty of cargo space. We got an excellent 26 mpg overall from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and continuously variable transmission. Handling is nimble enough and secure, but ride comfort is on the firm side. Interior furnishings are fairly basic, and the cabin can be noisy. We recommend looking for a Forester with the optional EyeSight safety system, which included FCW and AEB."

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.

What makes the Crosstrek and Forester a good choice for used SUV shoppers this fall and winter?

The Crosstrek and Forester come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, 8.7 inches of snow-clearing ground clearance, and X-Mode for additional all-weather and all-terrain winter driving performance.

With the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and 2024 Subaru Forester model prices, Consumer Reports says a five-year-old Crosstrek and Forester are among the nine best compact SUVs. They are affordable, fuel-efficient, reliable, and safe compact SUVs and should be on your shopping list this fall and winter.

For additional articles related to the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Forester, here are a few for your consideration:

Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Social Media Platform X, and Instagram. 

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