Consumer Reports 10 Most Popular Cars And Why You Want These 3 Subaru SUVs

Why are more SUV shoppers considering the Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback vehicles rather than other new models? Consumer Reports says the Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback are at the top of their most popular new models list for many reasons.

They "sit at the top" of their vehicle rating charts because of their high Overall Score, meaning they've scored well in our road tests, have good reliability, come with critical active safety features, and performed well in crash tests.

CR listed the top 10 vehicles in order of popularity, with the most researched model first. The most popular model is the Honda CR-V, the Subaru Forester is number two, and Toyota RAV4 is number three. They are followed by the Subaru Outback, Mazda CX-5, Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Subaru Crosstrek, Honda Pilot, and Nissan Rogue.

What does CR say about the Subaru Forester?

"This popular compact SUV offers a roomy interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, a comfortable ride, and responsive handling. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder combined with the continuously variable automatic transmission yields a 28 mpg city/highway, among the best in class."

"The controls are easy to use, including an infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While the standard active safety features include AEB with pedestrian detection and highway-speed AEB, BSW and RCTW aren't available on the base trim and are optional on the Premium trim; they are standard on the others."

"But acceleration isn't exhilarating, and the engine's noise isn't the most pleasant. On the other hand, the cabin is roomy, with a particularly generous rear seat and effortless access."

What does CR say about the Subaru Outback?

"Subaru's Outback is a smart alternative to an SUV. Although lower than a typical SUV, it can easily haul long items. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder does the job but can feel strained when quicker speed is needed. The optional 260 horsepower, 2.4-liter turbo engine transforms the wagon with effortless acceleration."

"The ride is very comfortable, and handling is responsive and secure. However, some tasks through the large infotainment screen require more than one step, and the system should respond faster to inputs. Thoughtful details, such as built-in crossbars and a dual-position cargo cover, are nice touches."

"The Wilderness model has higher ground clearance. All versions get the EyeSight safety suite with standard AEB with pedestrian detection and highway-speed AEB, but both BSW and RCTW are optional."

What does CR say about the Subaru Crosstrek?

"The Crosstrek is an appealing option for buyers who want a small, versatile SUV. The plug-in hybrid version gets an excellent 33 mpg overall fuel economy, but its high purchase price hurts its value. The regular Crosstrek's Overall Score is just one point below the Crosstrek Hybrid and an excellent compact SUV. It delivers good fuel economy, 29 mpg overall, from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission."

"The Crosstrek isn't very quick, though, and when drivers mash the throttle to accelerate, the engine gets loud. A more powerful 2.5-liter is a newly available option. All Crosstreks deliver impressive ride comfort and competent and enjoyable handling on curvy roads. The infotainment system is also easy to use."

"AEB with pedestrian detection, highway-speed AEB, BSW, and RCTW are standard on the hybrid. Unfortunately, AEB isn't offered with the manual transmission, and BSW and RCTW aren't available on the base trim of the regular Crosstrek. Instead, they're optional or standard on other trims."

Why are the Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek more popular than other automaker's SUVs?

In addition to their fun-to-drive character, all three Subaru models come standard with the automaker's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, get the top safety crash scores for the IIHS, have X-Mode for additional all-weather capability, and extra all-terrain and off-road performance.

What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV

The 2023 Forester comes in six trim levels; The Base Forester starts at $27,620, Premium ($30,620), Sport ($32,190), Limited ($34,300), Wilderness ($35,245), and Touring ($37,720). Pricing includes dealer fees ($1,225).

What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Outback midsize SUV

The 2023 Outback now comes in nine trim levels for U.S. customers; the base trim is priced from $29,620, Premium ($31,920), new Onyx Edition with a 2.5-liter engine ($34,720), Limited ($36,520), Touring ($41,070), Outback Wilderness ($39,670), Onyx Edition XT ($39,820), Limited XT ($40,920), and Touring XT ($43,520). Pricing includes $1,225 destination and delivery fees.

What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV

The 2023 Crosstrek now comes in six trim levels for U.S. customers. The base trim is priced from $24,870, Premium ($26,020), all-new Special Edition ($27,970), Sport ($29,220), Limited ($30,720), and Crosstrek Hybrid ($38,070). In addition, prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,225).

CR says, "Buyers should note that a redesigned 2024 Crosstrek will go on sale this spring, so inventories of leftover 2023 models may be low."

The Base and Premium 2024 Crosstrek will arrive this spring, and the Sport and Limited 2024 Crosstrek will be available this summer.

We recommend customers wait for the completely remodeled 2024 Crosstrek. Check out its new upgrades here.

What is the price of the 2024 Crosstrek?

For 2024, the Crosstrek will be available in Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trim levels and has a starting price of $26,290 (the same MSRP as the 2023 Base model equipped with the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission).

The 2024 Crosstrek Premium has a starting price of $27,440, Sport ($30,290), and Limited ($32,190). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225). The Premium trim price increased by +$70, the Sport +$1,070, and Limited +$1,470.

The 2024 Subaru Outback arrives this fall with new upgrades. Check out its further improvements here.

What is the price of the 2024 Outback?

For the 2024 model year, the Outback will be available in nine trim levels. The Base is priced at $30,190, Premium ($32,490), Onyx Edition ($37,400), Limited ($37,090), Touring ($41,640), Onyx Edition XT ($40,655), Wilderness ($41,255), Limited XT ($41,490), and Touring XT ($44,090). In addition, destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,295).

How much did the 2024 Outback increase in price?

All Outback trim level's prices increased by $570 except for the Onyx Edition, which had a $2,680 jump. The Wilderness increased by $1,585, and the Onyx Edition XT price raised $835. Dealer fees increased by $70 per vehicle.

The 2024 Forester will get a complete remodel, which has yet to be announced by Subaru of America. Stay tuned.

The Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek are among Consumer Reports' ten most popular new models on its website. This is because they are the most researched by SUV shoppers looking for information on the best new models with CR's highest overall scores.

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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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